Every pet parent’s worst fear is having a furry friend go missing. Whether it’s a curious pup squeezing through a fence or a startled cat slipping out the door, accidents happen—and they happen fast. That’s why proper pet identification is absolutely essential.

At J-B Pet Supplies, we believe in doing everything we can to help you keep your pets safe and get them home quickly if they ever wander off. Here’s how to make sure your pet is always properly identified—and what tools you should be using today.

1️⃣ ID Tags: The First Line of Defense

Simple, affordable, and effective—ID tags are still one of the best ways to help a lost pet get home fast. A tag with your pet’s name and your current contact info can be a lifesaver if someone finds your animal and wants to return them.

🐶 Pro Tip: Keep it simple and legible! Include your cell number and a backup contact if possible.

📍 Need a new tag? We’ve got you covered! J-B Pet Supplies carries a great selection of engraved ID tags in-store, available in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes to suit every pet’s personality.

2️⃣ Microchips: A Permanent Backup Plan

Even the best collar can come off, which is why microchipping is a smart second layer of identification. A microchip is a tiny device (about the size of a grain of rice) implanted under your pet’s skin by your vet. It stores a unique ID number that can be scanned by shelters or animal hospitals to access your contact info.

✅ Important: Make sure your microchip is registered and up to date with your current phone number and address!

Microchipping is quick, safe, and painless—and it could make all the difference if your pet ends up in a shelter.

3️⃣ GPS Trackers & AirTags: High-Tech Help for Adventurous Pets

If your dog’s a door-dasher or your cat’s an escape artist, consider adding GPS tracking to your toolkit.

📱 AirTags – These Apple-powered tags are small, affordable, and work great when paired with a collar and your iPhone. Perfect for urban or suburban areas where Bluetooth devices are everywhere.

🛰️ GPS Trackers – Devices like Fi, Whistle, or Tractive offer real-time GPS tracking and can alert you when your pet leaves a safe zone.

While they’re not replacements for ID tags or microchips, GPS tools add a layer of peace of mind—especially for pets who spend time off-leash or in big outdoor spaces.

4️⃣ Updated Photos: Don’t Overlook This!

In an emergency, having recent, clear photos of your pet can make a huge difference in getting them back quickly. Keep a few on your phone that clearly show:

📸 Your pet’s face

📸 Their full body and unique markings

📸 A side-by-side of them with you or their collar/tag

If you ever need to create flyers or post to social media or local pet finder groups, these photos can be a major help.

Peace of Mind Starts with Preparation

Accidents happen. Pets wander. But with the right ID measures in place, you’ll increase the odds of a happy reunion—fast.

🏪 Visit J-B Pet Supplies in Oakland or Hawthorne for a great selection of pet ID tags and collars, or shop online at www.jbpet.com. Our knowledgeable staff can help you pick the right tag, collar, or harness to keep your furry friend safe and stylish.

📍 And remember: A properly identified pet is a protected pet. 💕