We have seen them countless times — those heartbreaking posters tacked to the sides of telephone poles: "Lost Dog" or "Missing Kitty." You might feel a moment of angst, but you're confident this would never be your pet. It could never happen to you.

There are countless, unexpected ways a pet can become separated from its family. Unidentified animals received by the Hawaiian Humane Society sometimes wait unclaimed for days.

The good news is, for almost every opportunity a pet may have to become separated from its owner there is a preventive measure that will help ensure its safe return. Several methods of pet identification are available, and the more forms of identification you use, the greater your chances of safeguarding your pet against separation.

Collars with license and identification provide the first line of defense. Most pet stores and many online providers offer personalized pet tags for a nominal fee. Hawai'i law requires all dogs to be licensed (a two-year license fee is $10 for neutered dogs, $28.50 for all others). There is no licensing fee for cats, but they are required to have a collar with identification or a microchip. With proper tag identification, a friend or neighbor may be able to return your pet before you even know he is missing.

Sometimes collars with tags can become lost or broken, particularly with cats and kittens, with their tendency to rub and scratch against trees or brush. Microchip identification is a foolproof, permanent form of ID. The tiny chip, about the size of a grain of rice, is encoded with a number that is connected to a pet registry. Inserting the chip is a simple, painless procedure lasting just a few seconds, but it offers your pet a lifetime of security.

All forms of pet identification need some maintenance. Make sure tags are legible, and replace them when lettering begins to fade. Check collars for proper fitting — you should be able to fit about two fingers between animal and collar. When moving or traveling with your pet, update your microchip and registration information with your veterinarian and local animal rescue center.

On O'ahu, the Hawaiian Humane Society maintains the most current, comprehensive database of pet owners. Lost pets that arrive at the shelter are scanned for a microchip. Staff matches the chip ID number in the database, which shows the owner's contact information.

The system is simple, but it's really the owners and the finders that determine the system's success. Owners have to keep their contact information up to date with the society. And those who find animals should bring animals to the society's 24-hour shelter as soon as possible.

Your best bet is to arm your dog with multiple forms of ID — a current license tag, a personal tag with his name, your name and telephone number and a microchip.

Whether you are a longtime pet owner or about to introduce a new one into your family, make sure pet identification is included on your to-do list. The process is simple and inexpensive, but it could make the difference between lost or at home safe with you.

ADOPTABLES

Sassy
Tag No. 112538 Sassy is a little on the shy side but warms up quickly once on your lap. She is a gorgeous tortoiseshell who loves to have her head scratched. She is a little thin, but just needs the "oppor-tuna-ty" to fill out properly.

Pearl
Tag No. 111550 Pearl is a mostly white pit-bull mix with a sweet disposition and a yearning for a home of her own. She has been diagnosed with heartworm, a treatable disease, but is so friendly and playful — someone is sure to snap her up before long.

These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For directions, special events and to see more pets available for adoption, visit www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost or found animals, ext. 4.

PETS ON THE NET: AN ONLINE COMMUNITY

Our new Web feature, Pet Project, is for people who love their dogs, cats and other animals so much they want to show them off to everyone. At Pet Project, you can submit a photo of your pet. Go online to http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/section/petproject.