Dog ID Tags – A Quick Guide to the Why, the What, the Which
Written by Jessica Lin
Yes, every dog should wear an ID tag. A tag with at least your phone number is the fastest way for a stranger to get a lost dog back to you, and in many places it’s also a legal requirement. Below we cover what to engrave, the best tag types (engraved, slide-on, QR code and GPS), what they cost, how to attach them and how to stop the jingle.
What you put on that tag can be the difference between a long, worrying search and a quick and happy reunion.
Why Do Dogs Need ID Tags?
Dogs need dog tags for numerous reasons. Yes, they are a primary form of identification for your fur baby, but they also provide many other benefits.
Here’s what a good tag does for your dog:
- Identification - Dogs can’t communicate their names, not to us at least. So having a dog tag with your dog’s name on it can be used for quick identification.
- Behavioral info - Dog tags can also be used to convey behavioral notes, which can be helpful for people who locate a lost dog or need to know how to interact with your pooch in the dog park.
- Medical notes - Similar to the point above, dog ID tags can house vital medical information that could save your dog’s life in emergency situations.
What you may have thought was just a simple piece of metal or silicone could actually be seen as a lifesaving accessory!
Do Dogs Have to Wear ID Tags?
We would have included this point in the section above, but whether or not your pet needs to don an ID tag depends on the specific laws and regulations of where you reside.
In many cities and countries, dogs must wear some form of identification in public. Some places even specify what owners must include, such as your name, your address, or your phone number. Many U.S. cities and counties also require dogs to wear a license tag and/or a rabies vaccination tag alongside their ID tag.
You can’t go wrong with including a dog tag.
If you’re not too sure about your local requirements, we’d suggest getting one anyway. It’s easy to do, effective, and can save you from fines for not having one.
What Information to Put on Your Dog Tag?
What if your area doesn’t have laws about what to put on a dog tag?
If this is the case, then you have a lot of autonomy over what to include. This can be good or bad news. With traditional dog tags that are just round pieces of metal, your space is limited. So, you have to pick and choose carefully what information to put down.
This problem can be easily solved by choosing a different type of dog tag, which we will get into in the next section. No spoilers yet!
Info you can pick and choose to include are:
- Your phone number – Add one that you’re most likely to answer, because trust us, you’re not gonna wanna miss this call
- Your email – Hey, if it’s easier to reach you by email, then leave that instead of your number. We don’t know about where you are, but there are spam calls abound in some places
- Your address and city – You can leave your address if it’s not too invasive, or just include the city, or both – whichever you feel more comfortable with. But we’re not going to lie, having your entire address increases the chances of a reunion
- Medical info or needs – If you feel more comfortable, you can leave your vet’s info instead. A quick message about your dog’s special needs can also be helpful, such as, “suffers from epilepsy”, just so the good samaritan who found your dog can know how to better care for him in the meantime.
- Microchip – There’s no harm in letting the person know that your dog is microchipped so they can get your pooch to the nearest vet
- Extra message – If there’s room, you can add anything extra to incentivize your dog’s return or even offer a reward.
We mentioned putting your contact information such as your phone number and your address. Did you know that including your dog’s name can sometimes be a bad idea? You may not be able to help it if your dog’s name is required in your area, but if there are no such rules, it may be something you want to reconsider.
What’s wrong with including your dog’s name? In short, it could be used to lure your dog away. Your phone number does the real work, so if space is tight, prioritize that over the name.
What Are the Best Dog Identification Tags?
We gave away that there are various types of dog tags on the market, and we’ve done some deep dives into each kind. But to save you some time, we’ve grabbed our top picks from each and created a TLDR list for you here!
At a glance
4 picks, each best at something different
1Providence Engraving Pet ID Tags
From the category of best personalized dog tags we have the Providence Engraving Pet ID tag.
This is not only a great option for simplicity, but also design. These pet tags come in various vibrant colors, cute shapes, and are crafted from anodized aircraft-grade aluminum – meaning they’re tough enough for the “ruff” stuff.
The text is laser-engraved for legibility and wear and tear. It doesn’t look like there is a lot of space, but you’d be surprised how much you can fit on these little tags!
2Providence Engraving Slide-On Dog Tags
Providence Engraving’s appearance on our best list twice is no coincidence. They know their stuff! Slide-on dog tags are a pawrent’s best solution for loud jingly tags. Providence Engraving Slide-On Dog Tags are our recommendation because of their durability and customizability.
For starters, each metal plate is crafted from stainless steel that’s essentially indestructible during dog play. The plate is housed within a silicone holder that comes in many colors with a ring on each end to thread your dog’s collar through. Easy, simple, and durable, there are also various sizes to choose from.
3Tracki GPS tracker
Maybe you’re not looking for a dog tag but something to keep tabs on your dog’s whereabouts. In this case, then you need a GPS tracker for dogs. Devices like the Tracki GPS tracker are excellent spy machines. First of all, there’s no short range limit like with Bluetooth trackers – as long as there’s cellular coverage, you can see where your dog is (keep in mind that GPS trackers like this need a data subscription).
The device is small, lightweight, durable, and comes with a lifetime warranty, something every consumer wants to hear for buyers’ protection. To top it all off, the devices have a long battery life that increases your chances of finding your pooch.
4Pet Dwelling Premium QR Code Pet ID Tags
We’ve saved the best for last. This is what we were talking about when we mentioned the secret to including all of your dog’s necessary info in one place – QR code dog tags! All people need to do is scan the code to open your pet’s profile on their phone to see all the data.
As you can imagine, doing so gives you much more room to include even more vital facts about your dog such as added profiles, pictures, and there’s even room to write a small bio. Pet Dwelling Premium QR Code Pet ID Tags are your best option for dog tags that can give you the most with the smallest footprint.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
We are coming to the end of this post, but before that – let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions related to dog id tags.
What dog tags won’t fall off?
The attachment used to secure a dog tag onto the dog collar is crucial to its security. Split rings are a good and common choice, and we also recommend going for a clip or small carabiner.
What’s the purpose of dog tags?
Dog tags are usually there to identify your dog and display the contact information necessary to get in touch with you in case your dog gets lost. There are also options that have enough room for other vital facts such as medical info.
Is a microchip enough without a tag?
No. A microchip is permanent backup ID, but it can only be read with a scanner at a vet clinic or shelter. A tag lets any neighbor call you right away. Use both, and keep your microchip registration details up to date whenever you move or change phone numbers.
What should you not put on a dog tag?
Some would suggest not putting your dog’s name on the dog tag because it could be used to lure your dog away. You should not include any information you are not comfortable putting out into the public sphere.
Conclusion – Never Lose Your Dog Again
Our pooches may not be able to verbally communicate with us just yet, so the dog tag has to do a lot of the talking for them.
Make sure your dog is armed with all the necessary lifesaving info possible in case the unthinkable happens. It’s not just about getting the most stylish option, it’s about peace of mind too. Who knew that a little tag could be so important in your dog’s life?
