My shelties are microchipped even the non ckc one. I've never lost the dogs but if they were ever stolen I could easily prove they were mine and no one elses. The collie is tattooed but will be getting a chip as most not all animal shelters have chip readers and all vets around here check to make sure on suspuect dogs. It's easy for a tattoo to be unreadable but a chip all the info is there way easier for you to be reunited and prove ownership...Jill