This is according to data provided by High Country Humane (HCH).

This Flagstaff-based shelter takes in about 3,000 animals each year, many of whom may be missing their owners.

HCH Executive Director Liz Olson said: Arizona Daily Sun A simple ID tag stamped into the collar can be one of the most effective ways to reunite pets and their owners.

“I think 95% of the animals that come in don’t have collars or tags, especially no tags,” she said. “Tagging is one of her best practices for returning animals to their owners. In many cases, animals are even prevented from entering shelters.”

ID tags are relatively low-cost and low-tech, unlike other animal identification methods. For example, microchips are a great way to find pets with missing collars or tags by scanning implanted devices with the help of a veterinarian.

“Microchips are great, but they’re implanted under the skin, so you have to go to the vet to get them,” Olson said. “It’s not always a good way for the neighbor who finds your dog to know whose dog it is.”

Implantation and registration will cost approximately $15 for microchip owners through HCH. Olson said most parents who adopt new pets, even at that rate, opt out of the process.

As long as the animal wears a collar, the tag makes it easy to identify at a glance.

For three years, Olson wanted to purchase an ID tag printer for HCH to expand access to tags. The shelter is now raising funds to purchase a $1,700 engraving device that can instantly print an animal’s name, owner’s address and phone number onto a tag.

“We want to offer free tags to owners who pick up lost pets, and allow the general public to purchase tags at a very low price. ‘, said Olson.

The shelter said it will use the funds from the purchased tags to buy new tags, loops and other refill hardware for future use.

First you need to get a machine.

“I’d probably be over $800 or so over my budget if I bought one, but I’m going to do it. I’ve only got half the money, so I’m going to have to buy a tag,” Olson said.

She said the shelter decided to get the machine no matter what.

“All animals should have tags and collars, especially if they are outdoors or outdoors,” Olson said.

HCH has been at or near capacity for over a year. He relies heavily on foster homes to keep dogs and cats out of HCH facility kennels, but he’s still busy. Olson hopes that more animals will have tags and collars so they don’t have to be strayed into shelters.

Purchasing a new tag machine is the latest addition to HCH’s suite of free and low-cost services.

Tags alone don’t do much without collars, and Olson said HCH has a retail area where current or new pet owners can pick up low-cost harnesses, leads, and collars.

The shelter also expanded its offerings after hiring a new veterinarian earlier this year.

“I started seeing low-cost clinics two days a week and now I am only spaying/neutering on the third day. It started in June. High Country Humane opened a clinic because there weren’t any low-cost clinics,” Olson said.

Of the 3,000 animals seen at the shelter each year, half are puppies and kittens, Olson said.

She said this shows the need for spay and neuter services in the community.

However, so far no dates have been filled.

“We know Coconino County has a demographic problem,” Olson said.

Olson said Coconino County and Navajo and Hopi residents can call the HCH to make reservations.

More information on pricing and eligibility can be found at: HCH website.