Far from simply offering a stylish accessory for your glamorous canine friend, dog tags are an essential piece of kit for any responsible pet owner. Alongside microchipping, they’re an instant way for passers-by to understand that your furry pal might in fact be lost and should be returned home if found.
We spoke with PDSA Vet Lynne James for some expert insight into the legal minutiae of dog tag requirements in the UK.
Is it legally required for dogs to wear tags containing their owner's information?
“Yes, it’s actually a legal requirement for all dogs to wear a collar and ID tag when out in public. This is the case, regardless of whether they’re on a lead, or are also wearing a harness of some kind.”
Which dogs are exempt from having to wear tags?
“There are some exemptions to this law, for instance, registered Guide Dogs, and working dogs that are on official duties serving with the Armed Forces, Police, or HM Customs & Excise. Dogs that are being used in emergency rescue work, or to herd cattle or sheep also don’t have to wear a collar and tag while working. However, when they’re off official duties and just out on a walk, these dogs do have to wear a collar and tag like all other dogs!”
What exactly should be on a dog tag?
“The law states that information on a dog tag should be the owner’s name and address, including the postcode. Many owners choose to include a mobile number, or their pet’s name too, although neither of these is a legal requirement. The information can actually be on the collar itself or the ID tag, but it’s often easier to get it engraved on the tag.
“These days other options such as QR codes and smart tags are also available, which can help to give you more peace of mind as an owner. However, these would be in addition to the collar and tag with your details on.”
Do you have any manufacturer recommendations for dog tags?
“There are plenty of places that you can buy dog tags, and the type and style you get is really up to personal preference. The key things are to make sure that the tag is robust, can be securely attached to a collar, and can have the ID info clearly engraved onto it.”
What are other ways owners can ensure pets are easily identifiable?
“The best way to permanently identify dogs is with a microchip, and since 2016 it’s been a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped by the age of eight weeks. Although dog collars and tags are vital they can sometimes get lost, for instance in an accident or altercation with another dog, so microchips are the most reliable form of identification.
“Part of this law also requires owners to keep their contact details up to date on the microchip database. This is really important, as it ensures you can be contacted quickly in the case of an emergency and increases the chances of lost pets being reunited with their families.”
“PDSA’s online store has a matching dog tag and keyring set available, and all profits go towards our vital services helping pets in need.”
Dog laws don’t just cover ID requirements, but most areas of a dog’s life, including their welfare, walking and breeding. Knowing what laws apply to you and your dog can be difficult, so PDSA has broken down some of the most important laws that affect dog owners here on its website.
Keep scrolling for a selection of the best dog tags on the market
Personalised Hand Stamped Dog And Cat ID Name Tag
These lovely, understated made-to-order tags by Castor & Noble come in both gold and silver. Choose from a selection of adorable, engravable symbols before opting to have your name and contact information engraved on the opposite side of the tag, with a maximum character limit of 255. If it were up to us, we’d go for the whole fish logo, or the lovely olive branch.
Buy now £12.50, NOTHS
Personalised Engraved Pet Tag
Chic, sophisticated and equipped with plenty of room for all the necessary identifiable information, we love this colourful coin-shaped ID tag by BlissonCrafts on Etsy. It’s available in four different primary colours and also has the option to choose between four different fonts.
Choose between a medium or large medallion and even personalise the symbols used to separate the text. The seller also offers lovely Celtic designs in a variety of different hues.
Buy now £13.29, Etsy
MyLuckyTag QR Smart Pet Tag
Made with waterproof epoxy resin, MyLuckyTag offers a slightly more technology-orientated approach to identifiable pet tags.
Simply download the companion app to get started on building your pet’s profile. Space isn’t an issue with this piece of kit, and you can add multiple emergency contacts to your pup’s profile, alongside multiple photos and any additional information about your pet such as their preferences, medical conditions or allergies.
The app is entirely free to use, and the tag itself is NFC-equipped, meaning it delivers information to your phone as quickly and easily as a contactless card payment. Should the NFC fail, users can simply scan the QR code on the tag for your pet’s information.
Buy now £11.95, Amazon
FluffTokens ID Tag
A hilarious option for pet owners with a sense of humour, this dog tag is customisable and can be engraved with a maximum of 256 characters for no added cost. It’s crafted using hard-wearing enamel and comes with a 16mm brass split ring for attaching to your furry friend’s collar.
Buy now £13.95, Etsy
Personalised Dog/Cat Tags - Hand Stamped Aluminium or Brass Textured ID Tag
This adorable hand-stamped and hammered pet tag is highly customisable and comes with the option to add a variety of stylish adornments in the form of heart, bone, star, fish, paw-print and flower-shaped charms. We love the three different stylish fonts on offer, but if it were up to us, we’d go with the hand-written feel of the ‘Meadow’ text.
Buy now £9.50, Etsy
Four-Sided Dog Tag
A brilliant option for larger dogs, this attractive piece of kit is almost like a piece of high-end jewellery. It’s available in brass, copper and aluminium depending on your preference, and all of your customised information is hand-stamped onto the four sides of this lovely dog tag.
Buy now £15.00, Etsy
Rose Gold Large Bone Pet Tag
A tried-and-true destination for all things hardware, Timpson is a reliable option for engravable dog tags. We’re fans of the simple, rose gold, bone-shaped medallion which can be engraved on both the front and back.
Buy now £11.95, Timpson
