Tattoo
 

You might be familiar with the practice of ear-tipping community cats to identify them as having been spayed or neutered. However, would it surprise you to know that since 2010, the Association of Shelter Veterinarians has also recommended “the use of a simple green linear tattoo to identify all neutered pet animals”?

Have you ever picked up your pet from the vet after a spay or neuter surgery and noticed a small, colorful line on their belly? If so, you might have wondered if your four-legged friend secretly joined some kind of biker gang! Don’t worry – your pet hasn’t gone rebel on you. That little mark is a veterinary tattoo, and it serves an important purpose. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about how vets tattoo cats and dogs and why this practice is more important than you might think.

Why Do Vets Tattoo Cats & Dogs?

The main reason vets tattoo cats/dogs  is to indicate that they’ve been spayed or neutered. This permanent marking helps prevent unnecessary surgeries and provides valuable information about a pet’s medical history. Here’s why these tattoos are so useful:

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• Prevents unnecessary surgeries – Without a clear indication that a pet has been fixed, vets might have to anesthetize and surgically open a pet just to check if they’ve been spayed or neutered

• Helps with lost pets – If a pet gets lost and ends up at a shelter, the tattoo immediately shows their sterilization status

• Rules out certain medical conditions – Knowing a pet is fixed helps vets rule out reproductive-related issues like pregnancy, uterine infections, or testicular cancer

• Saves time in emergency situations – In urgent cases, vets can quickly determine if reproductive organs might be involved in the problem

The Tattooing Process: How Do Vets Actually Do It?

You might be wondering exactly how vets apply these tattoos. Don’t worry – it’s much simpler and less painful than human tattoos!

When the Tattoo is Applied

Typically, veterinarians apply the tattoo while the pet is still under anesthesia during their spay or neuter surgery. This means your furry friend won’t feel a thing during the process.

Tattoo Methods

Vets use several different techniques to tattoo dogs and cats, however here at Grace Veterinary Center, we use a Tattoo Marker.

Tattoo Location and Appearance

The most common placement for these tattoos is near or in the incision site for both male and female pets. The tattoo is usually:

• A small, straight line (about an inch long)

• Blue or green ink (the most common colors – we use green ink at GVC)

• Located on the pet’s abdomen near the surgical site

The mark is intentionally simple and standardized so other vets can easily recognize it. If you’re curious about this service, just ask! Grace Veterinary Center will begin tattooing our spay and neuter pets effective June 1, 2026.