The Best Dog ID Tags
Dog ID tags are simple and affordable, so it really can't hurt to get one or two for your pooch. After all, these little metal tags can mean the difference between losing your best friend and a quick worry-free reunion. Of course, there are lots of different things to consider, such as size, price, style, and durability. To help you find the perfect pick for your dog, we've scoured the market for the best of the best. Read on to discover our favorites in canine ID tags.
GoTags Stainless Steel Pet ID Tags
Good Dogs Deserve The Best
GoTags is our go-to name for pet ID tags and it’s easy to see why. These durable stainless steel tags have no sharp edges or weak spots, so they’re sure to stay secure and comfortable on their loop around your dog’s collar for years to come. And even though they sport a premium construction, these tags are surprisingly affordable. GoTags also offers their tags in a variety of shapes and sizes, including bones, flowers, hearts, and stars. We particularly like the bow tie tag, especially for regal breeds like the chihuahua.
Pros
- You can engrave both the front and back with as many as 4 lines of text on each side
- Inexpensive price means you can get multiple tags for multiple collars
- The stainless steel is durable, waterproof, and shiny
Cons
- The ring that these tags come with isn’t the best, so you might want to get a (cheap) pack of titanium key rings to replace it
GoTags Pet ID Personalized Pet Tags
Shapely Style
Another fantastic overall option from GoTags, this selection offers a bit more variety and color to your dog’s tags. For example, you can choose between black, blue, green, gold, pink, purple, red, or silver. They also come in a wide range of shapes, including badge, bowtie, bone, flower, heart, rectangle, round, and star. It’s a great way to make sure your dog’s tag matches their personality. And although these anodized aluminum tags aren’t quite as heavy-duty as their stainless steel cousins, they’re still quite durable and long-lasting.
Pros
- You can engrave both front and backside
- Bright and colorful without any sharp edges
- Fits a lot of text with up to 4 lines per side
Cons
- The lettering isn’t technically engraved, it’s printed
- A little more expensive than the basic options, but worth it for those that want a little more color and personality with their dog tags
YiXiEr Cute Custom Pet ID Tags
The Fancy-Pants Option
With a sophisticated look and unmatched durability, YiXiEr dog tags win extra points for their high-quality design. And although they might cost a couple of bucks more than their competitors, these tags are worth the small investment. They’re built to last through all the adventures that a dog could possibly enjoy, from the muddiest backwoods excursion to the roughest of puppy playtime. They’re round in shape, which we find is the longest-lasting design for dog tags since there aren’t any corners to wear down. Better yet, you can choose from a variety of borders for the text, including flowers, mountains, and forests.
Pros
- Considering the high-quality design and sophisticated look of these tags, the price is a bargain
- Available in 3 different sizes to match your pooch’s size
- The metal construction is thick and strong
Cons
- Another option that you might want to upgrade with a titanium ring, especially if you have a destructive dog that likes to chew everything
Io Tags Pet ID Tags
If your fancy canine, you should get an ID tag to match. These glittery tags from Io have a little extra flash and charm thanks to their glittery designs. Of course, they’re functional as well and can be customized with up to 3 lines of text. But where these tags really shine is in their beautiful glittery paw-print design. The glitter is contained within a clear epoxy, so it’s another long-lasting option. Best of all, even though this dog tag is undeniably blingy, it’s actually one of the most affordable options we’ve come across.
Pros
- Super affordable
- The glitter is contained in a hard epoxy coating, so you don’t have to worry about getting glitter all over the couch
- Available in 19 different colors
- Some options include a rubbery silencer that stops the tag from jingling and banging around
Cons
- If you put too much text on one line, the font size will be too small to read, so make sure you distribute your info efficiently and evenly across all three lines
LuckyPet Slide-On Pet ID Tags
No More Dangling Tags
For those that don’t prefer the jingle-jangle of hanging tags, slide-on tags are a great alternative. This pick from LuckyPet is made out of thick stainless steel and slides onto your dog’s collar easily and quietly. For the most secure attachment, we recommend the closed-ends version, though LuckyPet offers both open-ended and close-ended tags. Better yet, these tags are legitimately laser-engraved, so the text will never wear off or fade.
Pros
- The close-ended tags offer maximum peace of mind since they physically can’t fall off your dog’s collar
- The curved shape fits nicely around your dog’s neck for greater comfort and security
- You can add up to 5 lines of text, no matter the size
Cons
- Not compatible with all types of collars, so make sure to double-check that your dog’s collar is a good fit
Frequently Asked Questions
What info goes on a dog ID tag?
We recommend, at the minimum, ensuring your dog’s ID tag has their name and a phone number to call if someone finds them. However, the options on our list have plenty of space for extra information, such as your home address and even any important medical info.
Do I need to put an ID tag on my dog’s collar?
The actual legality of what tags your dog must wear on its collar vary by state, country, or locality, but in most places, you are not required to put an ID tag on your pooch. Furthermore, since many dogs these days have a microchip for identification, some dog owners may question if an ID tag is necessary.
We believe every dog owner should invest in an ID tag for their dog. These little things are super inexpensive and they can help reunite you and your lost dog more quickly. For the peace of mind that these tags provide, the small cost is well worth it.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.