I dropped off my dog for what I thought was a routine boarding stay. When I picked her up, she had a tattoo. No warning, no explanation—just a faint blue mark near her surgical scar.
At first, I wondered if it was a mistake. But a quick search revealed that some clinics tattoo pets during procedures to avoid repeat surgeries. The problem? My dog’s spay was years ago, and the daycare isn’t a vet clinic.
When I asked, they said it was “for her safety.” But safety shouldn’t come at the cost of transparency. Other pet owners shared similar experiences, some even finding tattoos after routine grooming visits.
This isn’t just about ink—it’s about trust. Before leaving your pet anywhere, ask: Do they tattoo animals? Under what circumstances? Because no one should have to question what happened to their furry friend while they were away.
