The heartbreak of a missing dog is a worry pet owners share. It's best to think the unthinkable and do everything we can to provide proper identification for our dogs in the event they are lost.

A good dog collar with an ID tag is the first line of defense. However, a collar can break or be pulled off. In addition to a collar, our dogs should have permanent identification.

For many years tattooing has provided this identification. Vibrator tattoos used with dogs are similar to those used to tattoo humans. Tattoo inks or pastes contain insoluble pigments that will not react with blood or tissues. Black ink is commonly used on light-skinned animals. Green ink is visible on both light and dark skin.

The ear is generally the most satisfactory place for a tattoo, but dogs who will later have their ears cropped or adult dogs who object to the noise of the vibrator should probably be tattooed on the flank.

A tattoo must be registered with a tattoo registry. Each registry has its own coding system and its own fee schedule. Your veterinarian, local breed clubs, humane societies and animal shelters can give you information about these registries.