When the weather heats up and folks start opening their windows and doors more, many pets venture outside and many go missing. You can’t always prevent your cat or dog running out the door or sneaking out the window, but it’s easier to find them if they are microchipped and tagged.

If you want to microchip your pet, PAWS clinic might be a good option, especially for folks on tighter budgets. PAWS does microchipping for $20, which is about a third of what vets usually charge. PAWS is located at 2900 Grays Ferry Avenue. No appointments needed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. For more information, visit their website or call 215-298-9680.

It is also important to have an ID tag on your pet. The style of tags and the amount of information on them may vary, but they should include your pet’s name and your phone number. Baltimore Pet Shoppe (4532 Baltimore Ave) has a new engraving machine and can now make pet ID tags instantly. Visit the shop’s website for more information and for tips on finding lost pets.

(Thank you Linda Lee for contributing to this story. See more in Comments).