If there were a way to get it done with out them feeling any pain, I would prefer a tattoo over microchips or ID tags. I suppose if you could get a vet that tattoos, it could be done when they are spayed/neutered but I wouldn't ever have them anesthetized just for tattooing.
At one time there was study suggesting problems with microchips. But then another study proved the problem findings were unfounded.
I would say go ahead and chip as it is probably currently the best way to identify a lost dog. Hopefully whomever would find your dog, would have them scanned.
__________________  ~Ruby, Reno, Razz, & Jack~ |