question regarding tatoo - Page 2

I had a male tattooed at well over a year, too, traditional clamp, no anethesia. I muzzled him because the tattooer was nervous, but I put him in a sit and held him still.  He whined for a moment and was fine.

is any tatooer can do this.....

if anyone in the bayarea  i'd be more than happy to go and do with him/her.

I prefer to do the ear tattoo at about seven (7) weeks of age. I know the puppies scream when it happens, but within less than a minute they seem fine and have no recall of the event. I have tattooed a few older dogs, but did this when they were sedated for radiographs. I never tried to do this with an animal that was not sedated, but it can certainly be done.

Personally I think that one should use a tattoo and a microchip to identify every dog. I do see the day coming when the microchip will be acceptable to every club, including the S.V. but of course I cannot say when that will occur. The ear tattoo furnishes a quick reference that the dog has an identity and the microchip proves the dog is the one represented by his registration documents. 

Beyond club trials and shows, the combination of the tattoo and microchip offer a way to identify the dog if he is lost or stolen. I realize that tattoos can fade over time, and can be difficult to verify if the dog has dark pigment. Also, unless one has an official tattooer or veterinarian who can apply the tattoo, then one either does it himself (like I do) or makes arrangements to obtain these services.

There are official rules within the S.V. and the U.S.c.A. as to how the tattoo's numbers are generated and who is qualified to apply them. Due to the sheer size of the U.S.A. very few of us have access to a breed warden and official tattooer, so many of us apply them ourselves. In the end the outcome is virtually the same and it is affirmed if the cross reference between the registration, tattoo, and microchip are verified in writing by a veterinarian.

Best Regards,

Bob-O