I am really excited.....I think!!!!! :)

[NellaBean]

All of my dogs and cat and horse are microchipped. My youngest dog is also tattoed. His tattoo is on his belly and was done by the shelter...I think it is his old ID number and some symbol which I assume indicates something about the neuter. It is good only if he ends up back at that same shelter, otherwise ?? who knows what it means!

Keep in mind, when I worked at a shelter, we missed tattoos quite a bit. We almost always caught the microchips. Especially if you are tattooing lower belly....especially on a furry dog. You just don't see it. Most people who find a dog do not search for a tattoo, but will take to vet to get scanned for a chip. Unless a dog flops over on its back for a belly rub, it is really hard to see or read belly tattoos on a dog you DONT know.

Horses are generally not tattooed (other than inside lip for race horses). They are more often branded or freeze branded (the white one). If I wanted to go beyond the microchip (on a horse), I would go with a freeze brand. Reading lip tattoos is....not always easy.

Tattoos ARE good as far as "proving" ownership. If you have pics or documentation of the tattoo, that is pretty undeniable. But for an identification that is easily accessible to the general public...not so much.

I don't even know if there are tattoo registries to call if you find a pet with a tattoo.....but used to know AVID and Home Again Phone numbers by heart

So just info to keep in mind. I'm not sure whether you are looking for a tattoo as an ID should your pet get lost or something else. But most people don't know what to do with a tattoo (most shelters don't either).

Either way, good luck

 

[seismic wonder2]

Quote:
Thanks for posting this. I had an Idea for this after I lost my cat for almost a month. When we found him we found out the microchip didn't work anymore!!!!
The VET didn't know anything about Tattoos for pets so I sort of forgot about it. ...until now THANKS!

 

[luvmychicknkids]

Yes, the tattoo would be on their belly or inner thigh. The lady that was talking to me about it said they recommend cats get done in their ear, however, so that it will be seen. It is a LOT harder to check a cat's tummy than a dog's. LOL It would be a number. Yes, they have national registries.

Here is the #1 reason I am going for a tattoo. If a dog is lost/stolen and ends up in the hands of someone who sells animals to testing facilities, they CAN'T sell one with a tattoo. Medical research facilities are not allowed to use tattooed animals and can be heavily fined and/or shut down if caught with animals that are. I shudder every time I think of the number of animals that wander off and end up spending their last days providing medical research.

And yup, you are right, seismic wonder, the microchips don't work much of the time. A lot of smaller shelters don't even have scanners and it has to be compatible with the chip your animal has if they do have one. I know nothing is perfect, but this is a very permanent form of identification that you don't need special equipment to see. I like that.

 

[gritsar]

That would be awesome. I'll be thinking good thoughts that it works out well for you.

 

[gocrow77]

We used to tatoo our rabbits to keep track of lines and whatnot for breeding purposes - worked great! It's pretty easy to to; Once you have done it a time or two it becomes routine and old hat. You will get the hang of it in no time. Congrats! You will meet and make contact with alot of people as well.

 

[kitkatbahr]

How do you restrain the animal while you are putting on the tattoo? Seems like you would have to have someone with you to hold the animal down while it is done. I don't know "how" it is done, but is it painful to the animal? Does the tattoo equipment make any noise, like buzzing or anything? I know my 100 pound German Shepherd would freak out if you came at him with anything like that. And, just to hold him down it takes two people!!!And even then you are going for a heck of a ride!!!

Just curious how all that works. Sounds like a great idea, but I just can't picture it...

Thanks for the info.

 

[luvmychicknkids]

Thanks, guys.

Well.....the "holding them down" part is something I have put a lot of thought into. LOL First, anything I have read anywhere about getting it done says "the tattoist will ask you to hold your animal and show you how" so looks like it is pretty much understod you have to help restrain your own animal. I will be making that VERY clear before I even schedule anyone. They say that, since it doesn't go in as deep, it doesn't hurt like a "human" tattoo. Of course I will be practicing first on a grapefruit and then doing my own animals before I do other people's.

 

[gaited horse]

Quote:
I know.

I thought that part was pretty cool.

However, I will be moving to San Antonio in about a year and I am sure there are lots doing it there. But, even so, I am very people oriented and can probably still find enough to add a little income.

I just moved from san antonio a couple years ago if you want to now were the best puffy tacos are pm me I loved texas

 

[warmfuzzies]

I believe rabbits have to be tatooed to be shown. So that would be another source of customers.

 

[gaited horse]

Quote:
they do have to be tattoed but they are alot easier here is a pic