Either a tattoo or microchip will have pluses and minuses. If you get a tattoo it could fade over time or the dog's hair could grow over it making it harder to read. And, if you have it done in the ear as they were years ago, a thief could easily just cut off the ear (this is why they're generally done on the stomach area or inside the thigh). On the other hand, if you get a microchip it could migrate, some shelters/vet's offices might not have the scanner to detect the chip, and there is some evidence that they could possibly cause cancer in some dogs (I have not experienced this myself). I've had both tattoo and microchips on different dogs but, luckily never had to depend on the ID to get a lost pet returned. The most important thing is to register the chip or tattoo in order to give yourself the best chance of getting the dog returned if it ever should get lost.
To compare various insurance plans and decide which, if any, is best for you go to
http://www.petinsurancereview.com/ . Here's one that, depending on the coverage you choose, will cover spay/neuter.
http://www.embracepetinsurance.com/c...ness-Plan.aspx but whether or not it would be worth whatever it costs is up to you. This companay, Embrace, looks pretty good as does Petplan USA
http://www.gopetplan.com/ . But look at them all and see which is best for you.
Back to the ID, if you can afford tattoo now, go for that. You can always have the microchip done later if you want.
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