Even today, in the age of micro-chipping, dog ID tags retain their relevance. An ID tag is a simple but effective way to help your pooch find their way home if they stray a little far. These small, metal chips can be engraved with a telephone number where you can be reached if your fluffy friend has an unexpected adventure! In fact, dog ID tags are so useful that in some countries they’re a legal requirement for all dogs in public. Acquiring a tag for Rover or Fido could save you some serious stress and worry.
Dog ID tags can be stylish, colorful – even humorous – but with so many options at your fingertips, choosing the right one for your canine companion can be something of a challenge. That’s why we’ve scoured the internet in search of the best dog ID tags available right now. Below we list our top ten and answer some common questions about dog tags.
The Best Dog ID Tag
GoTags offer owners a wide range of pet ID tags, in a huge variety of shapes – from simple circles to fun and quirky stars, flowers, and hearts. Each tag is made from durable stainless steel, which is strong enough to stay put as your pet runs and plays, and won’t rust when they jump into the river or have fun in the rain.
GoTags will also engrave up to eight lines of text over two sides of each tag, ensuring that if your pet is found, the person who finds them will know who to call. Laser engraving is known for its longevity and clarity, so these tags really are designed to last. At less than $10 per tag, this product represents excellent value for money which is sure to help your pet stay safe – and look cool in the process!
Available in a variety of shapes and sizes
Constructed from durable and rust-proof stainless steel
Each tag laser engraved, producing a clear and attractive result
Up to eight lines of text can be engraved on each tag
Excellent value for money
- Brand: GoTags
These fun and colorful dog name tags are a great option for any pooch who likes to stand out. Each cute tag is available in a wide variety of eye-catching colors. Your canine companion may be color-blind, but these bright shades are sure to catch the attention of fellow dog-lovers if your friend happens to be lost. The tags are made from aircraft grade aluminum, so they’re sure to stand up to whatever shenanigans your pet gets up to! Each can be personally engraved with up to four lines of text on each side, allowing plenty of room for your furry friend’s name and address, as well as a phone number where you can be reached.
These tags can be had in a variety of shapes too – from the classic bone to paw-prints and stars, making them a versatile option, not just suitable for dogs.
Constructed from sturdy, aircraft grade aluminum
Available in a wide variety of eye-catching colors
Available in a variety of shapes, making them suitable for any pet
Tags can be personalized with up to four lines of text on each side
Rust-proof coating means these tags are built to last
- Brand: Providence Engraving
- Model: Other case
- Weight: 0.2 ounces
Vet Recommended provide quality tags for a fraction of the price that you’d pay at the pet store. Each of their eye-catching tags is laser-engraved, to make sure the text is easily legible and will last for years to come. Made in the USA from high-quality aluminum, the tags will also hold fast against wear and tear as well as rust.
These personalized dog tags are available in seven colors and eight shapes, letting you customise to your heart’s content. Up to four lines of text can be engraved onto the tags, too, giving you plenty of room for the most important information about your pet. Vets at Vet Recommended advise that tags like these are used in conjunction with microchips to give your pet the best possible chance of coming home should they wander off.
Quality tags for a fraction of the pet-store price
Made from durable, aluminum with an anti-rust coating
Laser-engraved for maximum clarity
Available in seven colors and eight different shapes
Each tag can be engraved with up to four lines of text
A perfect addition to micro-chipping your pet
- Brand: Vet Recommended ID Tags
GoTags have earned the second spot on our list with their colourful anodized aluminum tags. Each tag comes with its own glow-in-the-dark protector, which not only makes them more visible in the darkness but also muffles that annoying jingling which tags can produce.
Both sides of the tag can be engraved with up to eight lines of text – laser etched to ensure it stays readable for many years. GoTags also allows you to choose from four different shapes, and eight different colors, from conservative black to bright and bold pink. Customers report that GoTags product is sturdy and durable, and love the glow-in-the-dark protector.
Made from durable anodized aluminum
Each tag is surrounded by a bright glow-in-the-dark protector
Protector also muffles irritating jingling sound which some tags produce
Laser-engraved for lasting legibility
Up to four lines of text can be engraved on each side
Available in a wide variety of colors and shapes
- Brand: GoTags
For owners seeking a more militarised ‘dog tag’, GoTag have you covered. Each set of two tags have their own chain, making easy to attach to your furry friend’s collar, as well as a rubber silencer to prevent that annoying jingling.
Unlike other tags on this list, they’re embossed rather than engraved, adding to their military feel as well as ensuring your text won’t fade away for many years. These military dog tags are available in a variety of colors and patterns, as well as plain but attractive stainless steel. This steel is highly durable and stands up against rusting, so your dog can play outside worry-free in all weathers. Each tag can be embossed with up to five lines of texts.
These versatile tags are a great option for you as well as your pet. They’re an easy and effective way to get across vital information in emergency situations, such as allergies, blood type, and emergency contacts.
Perfect for pets and owners alike
Each pack of two tags come with their own chains and silencers
Made from rust resistant and durable stainless steel
Each tag is clearly embossed for great clarity
Available in a variety of colors
Up to five lines of text can be embossed on each tag
- Brand: GoTags
Each of these stylish pet tags features an embossed paw print, making them a fun option for those fashion-conscious pets. They can be laser engraved with up to four lines of easy-to-read text which will stay put for years to come. The tags themselves are also highly durable, made from tough and rust-resistant stainless steel.
The tags are available in both small and regular sizes, making them the perfect fit for pets of any stature. For only $1 more, you can also add a glow-in-the-dark tag silencer, which softens the jingling noise that tags can sometimes produce. Because it glows in the dark, the silencer also makes your pet – and their emergency contact details – easy to spot in dark conditions. For safety conscious and fashion-forward owners, these tags are a perfect fit.
Stylish tags feature an embossed paw print
Made from durable, rust-proof stainless steel
Available in two sizes
Optionally comes with a glow-in-the-dark silencer
Can be laser engraved with up to four lines of text
- Brand: GoTags
- Model: B00BK307HW
- Weight: 1 pounds
Leash Boss offer owners a great alternative to traditional pet identification with their Boomerang Tags. Unlike other tags, they are threaded onto your pet’s collar rather than hung from it. This not only makes them silent but also ensures they won’t get snagged or fall off unexpectedly.
Each Boomerang Tag can be engraved with up to five lines of text, which is easy-to-read and won’t wear down. The tags are available in a variety of sizes, meaning they’ll fit onto virtually any nylon collar.
Unique Boomerang Collar design threads onto your pet’s collar
Avoids the jingling sounds of traditional pet tags
Totally secure on your pet’s collar
Up to five lines of text can be engraved onto the tag
Available in a variety of sizes to fit most nylon collars
Guaranteed not to fall of your pet’s collar
- Brand: Leash Boss
- Model: CTA-1IN
- Weight: 0.48 ounces
This dog tag ID is perfect for puppies and small dogs, whose tags might otherwise drag on the ground or become snagged. Designed to sit in-line with the collar itself, the tag has a much lower risk of catching on anything, when out and about.
The tags themselves are large enough to include plenty of lettering. So, you should be able to get your dog’s name, your number and even the address you need. Just be sure to order a size big enough to fit over the metal loops of your dog’s collar and you’re good to go!
Jingle-free dog tags
Same day shipping for US customers
Large enough to include everything you need
Snag-free design
3 different sizes available to match your dog’s collar
- Brand: ROAD iD
- Model: B07H477J4V
For pets and owners with a quirky sense of style, these engraved tags are a perfect fit. The back of each stainless steel tag bears a cute pattern, and there are seven to choose from. Including a skull and crossbones, flower, heart, and paw-print, there’s a pattern to fit every taste.
On top of their cute appearance, these tags are certainly sturdy. Because they’re made from stainless steel, they hold up against rust and are resistant to scratches. All this means they’ll stay firmly attached to your pet’s collar, and last for many years. The high-quality engraving offered by GoTags also means your contact details will remain legible, allowing you to track down your pet if they do go walkabout. Finally, each tag is accompanied by its own stainless steel split ring, making it easy to attach as soon as it arrives.
Tags can be engraved with one of seven funky patterns
Each tag is constructed from durable stainless steel
Tags can be engraved with up to four lines of text
Each tag comes with its own stainless steel split ring for easy attachment
- Brand: GoTags
If you want to add a little glamor to your pet’s ID tag, these are the perfect fit for you. Each cute, paw-shaped tag is backed with eye-catching glitter, available in 12 colors from pink to gold and silver. The tags are nickel coated, to prevent any damage from rust, meaning they’ll last for many years to come. They’re also easy to attach to your pet’s collar since each comes with its own split ring. The tags can be engraved with up to four lines of text on their non-glittery side.
Glamorous pets and owners alike will appreciate the fun yet practical design of these tags. Customers say that the tags are great value for money, and the laser engraving legible and long-lasting.
Cute, paw-shaped tags with glittery backs, available in 12 different color
Nickel coated metal is durable and won’t rust
Easy to attach to your pet’s collar thanks to the stainless steel split ring included with each purchase
Up to four lines of text can be laser engraved on each tag
- Brand: io tags
- Weight: 1.12 ounces
Best Dog ID Tag Buying Guide & FAQ
Clearly, there are a whole host of pet ID tags on the market for you to choose from! With all this choice, choosing the right product for you can be challenging. That’s where we come in – all the items on our list are customer-approved, and we hope they’ll help you come to an informed decision. To help you choose, we’ve also addressed some commonly asked questions about this useful bit of kit below.
What Makes a Good Dog ID Tag
What makes a good ID tag will depend a lot on you and your pet’s need. Below are some important factors to bear in mind.
- Durability
One of the most important questions to ask when buying a pet ID tag is “how long will it last?” The more durable the tag, the more likely it will stay attached to your pet’s collar if they wander off. Looking at customer reviews can give you a good indication of the tag’s quality. It’s also a good idea to look out for materials such as stainless steel or a nickel coated metal which won’t rust.
- Engraving
Most good quality custom dog tags will allow you to include an engraving. The engraving on your pet’s ID tag should, above all, be readable. Taking a look at example tags will give you an idea of how clear the engraving will be. Some tags are embossed rather than engraved, which can be a more expensive but longer-lasting option.
- Style
Most dog ID tags consist of a small, flat piece of metal, which is attached to your pet’s collar via a split ring. These tags are easy to attach, and generally long-lasting, but for pets who rush about in the forest, a tag such as Leash Boss’ Boomerang tag might be a better option. Traditional tags could become snagged on branches if your dog is a little clumsy, and purchasing one which can be threaded onto the collar itself will likely be more secure. If pets are spooked by the jingling sound which traditional tags can produce, a Boomerang tag can be a viable alternative too.
- Appearance
Last, but not least, a good dog ID tag is attractive to you. There are plenty of colors, shapes, and styles to choose from, so finding something to suit you and your pet’s personal preferences should be an easy affair. Whether you prefer something simple and elegant, or more bright and eye-catching, you’ll find something on this list for you.
Why You Should Use Dog ID Tag
Using a dog ID tag is mandatory by law in countries such as the UK – and for good reason. Attaching an ID tag to your dog’s collar has a number of benefits:
- Should your pet go missing, ID tags help the person who finds them to get in touch with you.
- ID tags let the public and veterinary professionals know that your pet has a home and isn’t a stray.
- ID tags work in conjunction with micro-chips to help find you if your pet gets lost.
- Only vets have access to micro-chip readers, but anyone who finds your pet and has access to a phone can quickly call you to alleviate your worry.
- Dog tags are more durable way to provide contact details than other options, such as simply writing on your pet’s collar.
- Dog tags can be customised to match your pet’s style and personality.
Different Types of Material
Dog ID tags can be made from all sorts of materials – the two most common materials are stainless steel and aluminum. Metals are typically used because of their hardness, durability, and the fact that they can be engraved.
- Stainless Steel
Many manufacturers choose stainless steel because it is durable, won’t rust, and is cost-effective too. Like many metals, stainless steel is also fairly easy to engrave. Since stainless steel is also quite light compared to other metals, it makes for a great dog ID tag.
- Aluminum
Alumium is another common dog-tag material. It is cheaper than steel, but also more reactive, so must be anodised or coated – with nickel or simply with paint – to ensure it won’t rust. Aluminum, like steel, can be easily engraved. Aluminum is often used in aircraft, because it is very light for how strong it is. This quality also makes it an ideal metal with which to make dog ID tags.
Best Dog ID Tags FAQ:
Q: What should I put on my tag?
A: Generally speaking, the following details should appear on a dog tag:
- Your name
- Your address
- One or two telephone numbers where you or a friend or family member can be reached
- Your dog’s name
In the UK, only the first two bullet points on this list are mandatory, but it is highly recommended that you provide at least one telephone number on your dog’s ID tag. It is also a good idea to provide the number of a relative or friend who is familiar with the dog – if you find yourself in an emergency whilst with your pet and can’t call for help yourself, a passer-by can use the number on your pet’s collar to let your loved one know what’s happening.
Q: How many lines of engraving can I fit?
A: This will depend on which specific tag you choose, but the vast majority of good quality tags will allow you to engrave at least four lines of text. Many tags can also be engraved on both sides. This should hopefully give you ample room to provide all the information necessary.
Always double check the engraving on your tag is correct when finalising your order, and again when the tag itself arrives. Any typos could prevent your pet from finding their way back to you. Also be sure to regularly check that the engraving on your pet’s ID tag is still legible, and always update your details as soon as possible after a change of address or phone number. These tips might sound basic, but it is easy to forget details like this during the stressful process of moving home – worse, this is when your pet is most likely to go missing since they’ll suddenly be in an unfamiliar environment.
Q: Which pet tag material is best for my active dog?
A: The most active dogs are also the most likely to snag their collar on something as they rush by – for this reason, you might consider a tag which threads onto the collar itself rather than dangling slightly below it. This is also a good option for dogs with particularly long hair, which could become tangled in the tag surprisingly easily.
For active dogs, stainless steel is generally a better option than coated aluminum. This is because the coating on an aluminum tag can rub off over time, exposing the metal beneath. When this happens, the aluminum can oxidise, resulting in rust. When a tag becomes rusty, your engraving will be much more difficult to read, and the tag is more likely to break off the collar. This is especially true if your dog likes to swim regularly, as this can speed up the rusting process.
Q: How can I attach a dog ID tag to the collar?
A: Traditional dog ID tags can be attached to your pet’s collar with a split ring. This ring should be threaded through the hole in the top of the tag, and then through the metal loop which most pet collars have. If your pet’s collar does not have this loop, you can simply thread the fabric itself through the split ring.
Boomerang tags can be attached by effectively threading them onto your pet’s collar like a bead. Most manufacturers will provide instruction on attaching a tag if the method for doing so is unusual.
You may also like our guides on the Best Leather Dog Collars, Best Martingale Collars, Best Bark Collars and Best E Collars.
Our Top Pick
When it comes to dog ID tags, our top pick has to be GoTags’ stainless steel tags. These simple yet effective tags are made from strong and durable stainless steel, which is tough enough to stay put throughout your pet’s adventures.
We also love the fact that these tags come in a variety of shapes, allowing owners to pick and choose the fun design that best fits their pet’s personality. Since each tag can be engraved with up to eight lines of text, you’ll be able to easily fit all the information you need onto these tags. Overall, these fun tags are great quality and excellent value for money.
Sources:
- Dr. Marty Becker, Microchips and ID Tags Work Best When Pets Have Both, Vetstreet
- Do Your Pets Wear an ID Tag? They Should, ASPCA
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