The American Humane Association celebrates every day as Tag Day to encourage all pet owners to tag or microchip their companion animals.

Pet care is more than providing food, water and shelter. Pet care also includes tagging your pet.

According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, about 1 million dogs and 584,000 cats are taken into U.S. animal shelters as strays each year. Sadly, only 15 percent of those dogs and 2 percent of those cats are reunited with their owners.

The reason is shockingly simple -- too many owners fail to put identification on their animals, especially cats, to ensure their safe return home. Yet, even the most responsible pet owners can face unexpected circumstances that cause their animals to accidentally stray. This is especially true during summer when windows and doors tend to be open.

Every Day Is Tag Day unites thousands of individuals, plus professionals in local shelters, veterinary clinics, animal care and control agencies, and other humane agencies in the common goal of educating pet owners about the benefits of tagging their companion animals.

Identification is your pet's ticket home!

Tag your pets

What to do if your pet gets lost