⚠️ It's the Law
Under the Control of Dogs Order 1992, all dogs in England, Scotland and Wales must wear a collar with the owner's name and address inscribed on it whenever they are in a public place. Failure to comply is a criminal offence and can result in a fine of up to £5,000.
What Does the Law Require?
The Control of Dogs Order 1992 is clear: every dog in a public place must wear a collar bearing the owner's name and address (including postcode). While a phone number is not legally required, it is strongly recommended — it's the fastest way for someone to reunite you with your dog if they go missing.
Microchipping is also compulsory in the UK, but it does not replace the legal requirement for a physical ID tag. Both are required.
What Information Should Be on a Dog Tag?
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Owner's surname (first name optional but helpful)
- House number and street name
- Town or city
- Postcode
- Phone number (not legally required, but highly recommended)
Your dog's name is not a legal requirement, but most owners include it — and it helps anyone who finds your dog call them by name to keep them calm.
Which Dogs Are Exempt?
A small number of working dogs are exempt from the requirement to wear a tag while on duty, including pack hounds, dogs used for driving or tending livestock, dogs used for sporting purposes, and dogs used by the armed forces or police. For all other dogs, the tag is mandatory.
Why Choose Pet-Tags.com?
- ✅ Free laser engraving — deep, permanent, and won't fade
- ✅ Free split ring included with every tag
- ✅ Free UK delivery on all orders
- ✅ 5-year guarantee on all our tags
- ✅ Hundreds of shapes, sizes, and materials to choose from
- ✅ Dispatched quickly — so your dog is legal without delay
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog need a tag if they're microchipped?
Yes. Microchipping is a separate legal requirement and does not replace the need for a physical ID tag. Your dog must have both.
What happens if my dog doesn't wear a tag?
Under the Control of Dogs Order 1992, failing to have your dog tagged in a public place is a criminal offence. You could face a fine of up to £5,000.
Does the tag need to show my dog's name?
No — your dog's name is not a legal requirement. Only the owner's name and address must be displayed. That said, most owners include their dog's name as it helps if the dog goes missing.
Can I use an engraved barrel tag or slide-on tag instead of a disc?
Yes, as long as the required information is clearly legible. The law specifies the information that must be displayed, not the format of the tag.
Do cats need ID tags?
There is currently no legal requirement for cats to wear ID tags in the UK, though it is recommended. From June 2024, microchipping is compulsory for cats in England.
How long does delivery take?
We dispatch orders promptly and offer free UK delivery on all orders. Check individual product pages for current dispatch times.
