Your dog should wear an identification tag with your name, address and phone number at all times. This will increase the chances of your dog being returned to you if he is lost or runs away.


Microchips are a method of permanently identifying your dog, and can be invaluable in recovering your dog should he become lost. You may wish to enroll your dog in AKC's affiliate, the AKC Reunite service, which is the nation's largest database of microchipped pets.


Of course, you will want a picture of your dog to grace your desk or to send as a Christmas card. More importantly, a current photo will be invaluable in the event that your dog is lost.