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The ultimate guide for getting lost pets home safely
A pet owner’s worst nightmare is if their beloved companion gets lost on walk, jumps the fence or escapes through an open gate. The purpose of a pet identification tag is to ensure the person who finds a lost pet can get in touch with the owner as soon as possible.
Traditional pet ID tags were purely functional but nowadays are both a means to get a lost pet home safe and to provide a stylish touch to your pet’s collar or harness. This article provides you with recommendations on what to engrave on your pet’s tag and some tips to give your pet the best chance of returning home if they become lost.
Pet Identification Tips
Red Dingo has engraved pet tags for over 20 years and we have heard countless stories of lost pets returning home safely thanks to our ID tags. We highly recommend your pet has TWO forms of contact information at all times.
ID Tags
Engraved pet tags are easily obtainable and provide members of the public a quick way to contact the owner if they find a lost pet. Pet tags are available in many different materials ranging from softer alloy metals (zinc) to more resistant metals such as stainless steel and enamel, flat stainless steel, titanium or brass.
Pet ID tags made from higher quality materials are designed for longevity as they are much less likely to break or rust over time. To understand which material pet tag will suit your pet’s lifestyle, check out or article: what are the best dog tags?
Microchipping
Microchipping your pet ensures that they can be identified if your primary form of identification is lost or removed. Although a great form of identification, microchips should not be the only form of ID as they can must be scanned by specialist tools at a vet or shelter, and do not provide members of the public a quick way of contacting the owner.
Name Patches
Name patches on harnesses are a more recent method of identification, however in most cases are used for style to only show the pet’s name. These name patches can look great but without a phone number they are not a suitable method for pet safety.
Trackers
GPS trackers are a great method for locating lost pets, especially in rural areas. There are downsides however, such as battery life, size, and network coverage. Apple AirTags, although not recommended by Apple for pets, are used by some pet owners. These have their own limitations as they do not provide and pinpoint accurate or real-time location and are reliant on having Find My users nearby. If you use a tracking device on your pet, we strongly recommend using a pet ID tag as well with contact information.
What should I engrave on my pet tag?
So, now that you know pet tags are an essential item for your pet’s safety, what should you engrave on them? Here are our recommendations from over 20 years of experience.
1. Your pet’s name
Engraving your pet’s name provides the finder with a familiar word to calm your pet with.
2. One or two phone numbers
These phone numbers could be your primary contact number and a family member or friend, or your vet’s phone number. Engraving your vet’s phone number provides the finder a familiar and safe location to take your pet if you aren't nearby – plus their microchip can be scanned and they can be given a check over for any injuries.
3. “Microchipped” or “Chipped”
If your pet is microchipped, this lets the finder know that the pet can be taken to a vet or shelter and the owner will be contacted via the methods on the microchip’s file. Engraving this word can also significantly reduce the threat of theft as the pet has a digital record that will be scanned at a vet.
4. Address
Owners can include their address as a second form of contact in case they are unreachable by phone. In some countries including your address on your pet’s tag is mandatory by law, for example in the United Kingdom.
Note: If you are using an ID tag on keys do not engrave your address!
5. Registration Number
Most countries require pets to be registered with their local governing body. You may be able to include the rego number on the ID tag so your pet only has one tag.
Country specific requirements
As part of responsible pet ownership, we highly recommend checking your local laws to ensure you abide by any legislation when your pet is in public places. As a general rule to significantly improve the chances of your lost pet returning home the use of a collar or harness and pet identification tag is strongly encouraged, if not mandated.
Australia
In NSW it is mandatory for cats and dogs to wear a collar and pet tag with their name and owner’s contact information when outside of their home. All other states highly recommend the use of a pet tag with owner’s contact details.
United States
Laws vary between state and local jurisdictions but as a general guideline most states require dogs to wear identification with the pet’s name and owner’s contact phone number. Many states also mandate dogs in public to display their registration tag and rabies tag (where applicable).
For state and local jurisdiction laws around pet identification, breed-specific information, service dog requirements, consult your relevant government website.
Denmark
All dogs in public spaces are required by law to wear and metal dog tag with the owner’s name and address. Including a telephone number is highly recommended.
Norway
All dogs are required by law to wear an ID tag with the owner’s contact information.
United Kingdom
For pet owners in the England, Scotland and Wales, the Control of Dogs Order 1992 mandates that dogs in a public space must be wearing a visible form of identification with the pet owner’s name and address (including postcode).
Ireland
In Ireland, dog owners are legally responsible for ensuring their dog wears an ID tag at all times with the name and address of the owner.
Conclusion
Pets can go missing and as a pet owner you should ensure that your dog or cat carries your contact information with them. We highly recommend they have TWO forms of identification on them at all times, one of which should be a high-quality engraved pet tag attached to a collar or harness.
If your pet escapes from home and they aren't wearing a pet tag, a permanent identification method such as a microchip allows you to be contacted by a vet or shelter. Make sure to read up on your responsibilities as a pet owner for your local jurisdiction to stay within the law and keep your pet safe.