www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday January 3, 2009 - 7 Maximum ID means faster return for your pet T he more identification on your pet the faster your pet can be reunited with you. Town of Oakville bylaws require dogs and cats to be identified. Dogs are required to wear a current annual licence tag. You can purchase a tag at the Oakville and District Humane Society shelter or the Town's Municipal Offices or simply complete the licensing form from our website at www.oakvillehumane.ca and e-mail it back to the shelter. Every cat must be able to be identified by either a collar, name tag, Humane Society tag or microchip. Your cat can be registered at the Humane Society and be issued a tag by calling 905-8451551 or dropping by the shelter. Fines can be issued for failure to abide by these by-laws. Beyond abiding by the law, Humane Societies, SPCAs and Animal Control Centres have found that the more identification that your pet wears, the quicker than it can be returned home if it becomes lost. It is imperative that the all information related to the identification is current. Here are some of forms of identification to consider: Microchips Microchips are a small chip implanted under the skin of your pet, providing a permanent way of identification. They do not fade and cannot be removed. Veterinarians and shelters have scanners to read them. The unique number they display can be traced 24 hours a day. For more information on getting a microchip for your pet, consult your veterinarian or call the shelter and ask about the next microchip clinic. Collars Dogs should wear a flat collar with identification at all times. All dogs are required by Town of Oakville law to wear their annual dog licence tag, a collar is an essential dog accessory. Other forms of external identification can be worn on the collar. Collars with the pet's name and telephone number embroidered on it are visible tracking able to locate you to return your pet if they are found by an Animal Protection Officer. Also remember that external identification can be lost. If your pet goes missing contact the Oakville & District Humane Society at 905-845-1551 as soon as possible and make sure you check in on a regular basis. -- Submitted by the Oakville and District Humane Society PET OF THE WEEK: Almond is a wonderful cat whose charms seem to go unnoticed. Many of the other animals looking for homes can be viewed at www.oakvillehumane.ca. tools. Cats, even when indoors, should always wear a collar with identification. It only takes a split second for a cat to bolt outside. Indoor cats are especially vulnerable when they escape because they are not familiar with outdoor dangers and are in greater need of rescue. People are more likely to seek help for a fearful cat wearing a collar and tag. When purchasing a collar for a cat, for safety, please ensure that it has a quick release. Nametags Dog licence and cat registration tags provide a great identification tool, but as an extra precaution you may want to purchase an engraved or printed name/telephone tag for your pet to also wear. If found lost in your neighbourhood, this will provide the finder with the option to contact you directly before calling the Humane Society for help. Rabies tags Rabies tags are issued at the veterinarian's office after annual vaccinations. Rabies tags do not replace dog licence tags, but do provide valuable medical information to animal protection officers if found on a lost dog or cat. Tattoos Tattoos are a number and letter combination that identifies a breeder or clinic and a year. Each breeder and veterinary clinic has a unique code. When an animal is a purebred, the tattoo number is normal- ly registered with a registering body. Mix breeds usually receive the tattoo from their veterinarian and the information is maintained there. Young animals are commonly tattooed in their ears or flanks. One of the disadvantages of tattoos is that they can fade or be covered by hair as animals grow. They are becoming obsolete as new technology is replacing them. The more identifica- tion that your pet is wearing the better it is. If the collar and tags are lost and there is a microchip, then there is still a way to reunite you with your the pet. It is also important to keep your information up to date with the registering organizations. For example, if you move, you should be notifying your vet, the microchip company, and the dog licensing department, otherwise the shelter will not be Are you ready to get in shape for the new triathlon/ duathlon season? We are the Burlington/South Oakville chapter of The Fighting Koalas Triathlon/Duathlon Team and we would love to have you join our club. We are having an information and registration session on Saturday, January 10th at 11 a.m. We will discuss our philosophy, our program, our coaches and our fees. Come and get your questions answered and register if you wish. Let us help you achieve your triathlon/duathlon goals, whatever they may be. Registration/Information Session Location: Peak Centre for Human Performance 919 Fraser Drive, Unit 12 Burlington, ON L7R 4X8 (905) 333-8558 F I ND BAL ANCE AND I MPROVE IT AT THE SA ME TIME . Learn the art of moving meditation. You'll reduce stress while increasing core strength, flexibility, stamina and balance. Learn the oving meditation. You'll reduce stress while increasing core strength, flexibility, exibility, stamina and art of moving meditation. You'll reduce stress while increasing core strength, fl stamina and Open House on Monday, January 5th from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. balance. Beginnerin Taoist in Taoist start every month at locations across the GTA the GTA. Comerelax classes classes Tai Chi ® Tai Chi ® start every month at locations across Come by and by and relax. Beginner classes in Taoist Tai C ® start in January 2009 at our new Bronte, Oakville location. Chi 2464 Lakeshore Road West Unit 1 West, Call 416 656 2110 Email classes@taoist.org www.taoist.org Call 905-825-0514 Email Oakville@taoist.org (1st block west of Bronte Road) ( )