Take a look at the following statistics:

According to estimates from the Humane Society of the US, 8 to 12 million pets are taken annually. Depending on geographic location, 30-60% are euthanized.

According to the American Humane Society, only 25-30% of animals entering shelters are adopted by new owners.

Microchips are accepted by the following: AKC, Canadian Kennel Club, UKC, and the USDA.

Many Humane Societies routinely scan pets that are brought to their facilities.

Collar tags can identify dogs and reunite them with their owners, but they can fall off or be removed.

Tattoos are a good identification method, but can distort as the animal grows. Over time tattoos may fade or be removed.

Microchipping provides a permanent, non-alterable way of identifying pets without disturbing the animal's coat in any way.