When it comes to keeping your pet safe, identification is everything. But not all forms of ID are created equal. Many pet owners rely solely on a collar and tag, but what happens if that collar is lost or removed? Club Hill Animal Clinic recommends a two-tiered approach to pet identification, combining visible tags with microchipping for maximum protection.

What’s the Difference Between Collars and Microchips?

Collar and Tag: A visible ID that lists your contact info, often the first thing someone will check if they find a lost pet.
Pet Microchip: A tiny electronic chip implanted under your pet’s skin that stores an ID number linked to your contact information in a national database.

Both serve an important purpose, but their strengths and limitations vary.

The Case for Pets Wearing Collars and Tags

Collars are immediately recognizable and offer quick access to your phone number or name. If your pet wanders nearby and is found by a neighbor, this method makes returning them fast and easy. However:

• Tags can become worn or unreadable.
• Collars can fall off or break during a chase or rough play.
• Pets can slip out of your home without their collars even on.

Why Microchipping Is the Backup Your Pet Needs

Microchips aren’t visible, but they are permanent. They can’t fall off, be removed, or get damaged. When your pet is found and taken to an animal shelter or veterinary clinic, staff can scan the chip and contact you through the registry. The benefits of pet microchipping are:

• Lifelong identification that stays with your pet
• Tamper-proof and unique to your pet
• Used nationwide, with shelters routinely scanning for chips
• No moving parts, just a one-time procedure

How to Make the Most of Both a Collar and Microchip

Using both a microchip and a collar with a tag gives your pet the best of both worlds. If they’re lost in the neighborhood, the tag helps get them home quickly. If they’re picked up by animal control or taken to a veterinary clinic, the microchip makes sure they can still be identified, even without a collar. This layered approach protects your pet in both everyday and emergency scenarios. In fact, pets with a microchip are twice as likely to be returned to their owners! To make the most of a collar and microchip:

• Ensure your contact info is accurate on your pet’s tag
• Keep collars snug (but not tight) and regularly check for wear
• Microchip your pet and register the ID online
• Update your chip registration any time your contact details change
• Have your vet scan the chip annually to confirm it’s still working

Ask Club Hill Animal Clinic About Microchipping in Garland, TX

No single method is perfect, but together, microchips and ID tags form a safety net your pet can’t outgrow or lose. At Club Hill Animal Clinic, we encourage every pet owner in Garland, Mesquite, Rowlett, and surrounding communities to embrace both solutions. It’s a small effort that makes a big impact when it matters most. Schedule an appointment to have your pet microchipped in Garland for an added layer of protection against getting lost forever.