Each day, we meet people who are desperately looking for their pets, which for whatever reason have been lost from their control. The standard question asked of these individuals is, "Was your dog/cat wearing a collar and tag?" and the answer given far too often is, "No, I had just given the dog/cat a bath, and had not put the collar back on." All that comes to mind is how clean our stray population must be. History has shown that a much larger scale of these events can be found each time a hurricane strikes and devastates an area.

Thousands of pets have been rescued over recent years, with only small percentages of them being returned to their owners. Sometimes animals can escape from a home after the windows or doors have been breached, which is why we suggest that you always crate your pets during the worst part of a storm. Other situations are the result of the owner choosing to make decisions that could easily place their pet in harm's way, such as leaving the animal in the home, even though the owner does not feel safe in staying there. We can never stress enough the roulette that you play when you do this. If your home is not safe for you, it's not safe for your pets. Pre-planning is the key to preventing this situation from occurring. Knowing where you and your pet will reside during a storm should be decided in advance, instead of spending months after the storm searching for your pet.

The license tag that you receive each year after your pet has received its rabies vaccination is one of the simplest methods of identification, and serves as an immediate way that someone can return your lost pet to you. Broward County Animal Ordinance 4-11 requires your pet to wear this license tag, as it doesn't help the animal if it is stored in that all-too-famous "junk drawer" that most of us seem to have.

Other methods of identification are adding an additional tag which displays your address and telephone number on one side, and the name and telephone number of an out-of-area friend or relative, who could help with information on how to locate you. These pet ID tags can be made in person at the HSBC, or ordered online.

The most permanent method that has been proven to be effective is the implanting of a microchip. With several different companies distributing microchips, you should contact your veterinarian to determine which is best suited for your pet. Most microchip companies require an annual fee to keep your information current in their system. Most also provide a tag that states the pet has a microchip implanted.

If you have lost a pet, Broward County Animal Care and Adoption suggests that you call their Lost and Found Line at 954.359.1313, ext. 9273 to file a report. Leave a message with the following information:

• Your name
• Your phone number
• Detailed description of the pet, including: type (cat or dog), breed, sex, and color(s)
• Rabies Registration Tag number, tag color, and license year
• Tattoo number located on the inner right thigh (if tattooed)

Part of the responsibility of having a pet is keeping it safe. Identification is the first step to doing this. If you have found a pet wearing a license tag, it can be traced at 954.359.1313 ext. 9273 or at www.broward.org/animal