Tattoos on animals are most commonly used for identification which is a more humane process than branding. The tattoos are also placed on animals to protect them from developing skin cancer and sunburn (on the nose, for example). Pink noses can be sprayed with sunscreen before an outing, but it’s better in the long run to tattoo unpigmented noses. Show animals, thoroughbred horses and livestock are sometimes tattooed to camouflage imperfections. Show animals must conform to AKC standards that may require the tattoo procedure to avoid disqualification. Horses’ eye rims may be tattooed for showing and also to protect the animal’s eyes from overexposure to sunlight.

For domesticated animals there is no way to guarantee or prevent them from being lost or stolen. Dogs and cats are receiving tattooed numbers to identify those that are lost or stolen. The procedure takes only a few minutes, the animal is able to return to its normal activities immediately after the tattoo is complete. The treatment only takes about thirty minutes.

Tattoos on pets are unlike tattoos on humans since there distinct dimensional differences between the structure of human and animal skin. For humans the epidermis which is the top layer of skin is much thicker and the layers of skin underneath are uneven. For an animal the epidermis is much thinner and the layers of skin are even. As a result the tattoo for the animal does not need to penetrate as deeply into the skin. It is highly unlikely that your pet will experience serious discomfort. The only sensation your pet will feel is the vibration. For dogs, the owner will just stand with them and hold their paws while they lie on their side. The horses will be sedated by a veterinarian before the procedure.

The national Dog Registry will register any number and or letter sequence that will be tattooed on the pet. The tattooing is Board of Health approved.