Dog ID Tag Engraving Information
What information should there be on your dog's ID tag?
UK Legal Requirements (Example)
The Control of Dogs Order 1992 mandates that every dog in a public place must wear a collar with the name and address of the owner inscribed on the collar or on a tag attached to it. Failure to comply with this rule is an offence against the Animal Health Act 1981 and the dog may be seized and treated as a stray dog and the owner subject to a fine not exceeding €2,000.
What Information is required?
When submitting your engraving instructions, please include:
- Your name (Surname)
- Your address (house number and postcode will suffice)
- We also recommend including your mobile phone number
* If your dog is involved with any Kennel Club training program, the trainer might require the address on the tag to be the full address. The Kennel Club recommends not including the dog's name.
Benefits of a well engraved Dog ID Tag
Faster Reunions: The Advantage of Visible ID
While a microchip is a crucial component of pet identification, its information can only be accessed by professionals with a scanner, such as veterinarians, animal shelters, or council animal control officers. An engraved ID tag, by contrast, allows any member of the public who finds your lost dog to contact you immediately. Research consistently demonstrates that pets with visible identification are reunited with their owners significantly faster than those relying solely on microchips.
Key Fact: Studies show that pets wearing visible ID tags are reunited with their owners dramatically faster than those with microchips alone. This immediate accessibility of contact information can be the difference between a few anxious hoursand days of uncertainty.
Safety, Welfare, and Reduced Stress
Clear identification through an engraved tag means lost dogs spend less time in unfamiliar environments like shelters or with animal control. This not only reduces stress for the animal but also lowers the risk of
euthanasia due to overcrowding. Furthermore, engraved tags can include vital notes such as "needs medication" or a veterinarian's phone number, enabling first responders or good Samaritans to provide urgent care if your dog is injured or unwell.
Community and Owner Benefits
A dog wearing a collar and an engraved tag is far less likely to be mistaken for a stray or abandoned animal. This reduces the risk of someone keeping the dog or authorities rehoming it too quickly. Visible identification also supports broader community safety by making it easier to trace owners of roaming dogs, assisting councils in enforcing local regulations, and promoting responsible pet ownership.
Ready to Protect Your Pet?
Now that you understand the legal requirements, it's time to get your furry friend a durable, engraved ID tag.