Can Nose Prints Be Used to Identify a Dog?

Nose prints are an ideal way to identify a dog because each nose is unique -- just like human finger prints. Prints from the paws of a dog's foot aren't as reliable as a nose print. For the nose print to be an effective identification tool, you need to have a copy before your dog gets lost.

  1. History

    • According to PetPlace.com, the Canadian Kennel Club has allowed dog nose prints as proof of identification since 1938.

    Significance

    • Nose prints can be a safer, easier way than micro-chipping to identify your pet. Microchips are invasive and can malfunction or become dislodged.

    Expert insight

    • The process to obtain a nose print is painless and easy to perform, according to Louis Meadows, owner of ID Systems Integrators, which produces a nose print ID kit.

    Function

    • The nose print ID kit uses an inkless implement to record the impression of your dog's nose. You send a copy of the impression, along with identifying photos, to the company, which adds your dog's information to a national database that is searched if you notify the company that your dog is lost.

    Considerations

    • If someone steals your dog, they can remove a microchip or identification tags. But there is no way for anyone to alter the composition of your dog's nose print.