The next option is microchipping your dog. This is very popular abroad and has helped restore several lost dogs to their owners. However, microchipping is still impractical in India because of the lack of scanners and a database. In due course of time, microchips will take off. Hopefully, in the future, all animal organisations will have scanners. Finding a lost dog (which is microchipped) will be effective only when many people and organisations have scanners.
Surprisingly, many dog owners are unaware that the Chennai Corporation issues licences for dogs. Licenses are available at (hold your breath!) the Basin Bridge Lethal Chamber or Corporation dispensaries, and all you need is a certificate from your veterinary doctor that the dog has been given his anti-rabies shot. The license, which is a metal tag, is ridiculously affordable and has to be renewed every year. Once the dog is issued a license, the owner’s name and address details and the dog’s name and details are entered into a database. The Corporation regularly catches dogs; this includes stray dogs for the ABC programme and often lost pet dogs too. There have been instances where owners have found their lost dogs at a Corporation centre.
Ultimately, it is up to you, the owner, to take care of your dog and ensure that she doesn’t get lost. A little care and, of course, a name tag, license or microchip will be a double insurance.
