Losing a pet is heartbreaking: dog tags can save your furry friend

By Lori-Anne Little

BELLEVILLE – The Quinte Humane Society returned over 300 pets to their families last year thanks to dog tags and microchipping.

The Feb. 28 deadline for getting a dog tag is fast approaching, but why bother? Although licensing a dog costs money – $20-$25 depending on whether or not the dog has been fixed – it is the law and it will help keep your pup protected. The price will increase to $32 after the deadline.

According to the city of Belleville website, if a tagged dog gets lost and is found by animal control it will be returned free of charge. If animal control returns an untagged dog, it will cost the owner a $50 impound fee plus boarding fees which start at $20 for the first day and $10 for each subsequent day.

Frank Rockett, the Quinte Humane Society executive director, says that families are very grateful after being reunited with their lost pets.

“It’s a great deal of relief, you know, when the dog is missing they are worried that it could be hit by a car, or picked up by someone else or thats it’s alone and afraid and scared and hungry,” Rocket said.

The Ontario SPCA, and the QHS does however warn pet owners that tags are important but they can get lost or taken off your pet. Microchipping in addition to using a tag will make sure a lost dog finds its way home.

“We certainly encourage anybody who has a dog to both have a dog tag and to get it microchipped. The tag unfortunately if the collar breaks or if somebody removes the collar – it can come off. The microchip is directly imbedded into the animal and any veterinarian or shelter can identify the animal through the microchip – so both are important ways to protect your animal – especially if they get lost,” said Rockett.

Dog tags can picked up at city hall, Belleville Water, The Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre and the Quinte Humane Society.