Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or you’re bringing another furry friend into your home, it’s important to make sure all of your animals wear pet tags. That’s because one-third of pets will become lost at some point — and 90% of those won’t return home without an ID.
If your cat or dog is microchipped, you might not think that pet tags are essential. However, if you lose your pet, it’s much easier for a neighbor to look at their tag and give you a call, rather than taking them to the local shelter or vet’s office to identify them.
In this post, we’ll share everything you should know about pet tags, such as what information to include on them and where to get them made.
Which animals should have pet tags?
All dogs and cats that you keep as pets should have identification tags. Even if they don’t leave your property, they should still wear tags in case they become loose or jump your fence.
What information should I include?
Pet tags are most useful in instances where your animal becomes lost. In those unfortunate cases, you want to have your contact information readily available to the person who finds your precious pet.
That’s why your cell phone number is the most crucial detail to include on your pet tags. If you have multiple adults in your household, add several phone numbers in case one person can’t be reached. If you have room, engrave your address on the tags as well. This is a helpful detail in case your furry friend gets loose and a neighbor finds them wandering your neighborhood.
Although it’s common to include your pet’s name on their tag, some experts advise against it — at least for dogs. That’s because a tag that identifies your dog by name lets everyone know what they’re called, and people with bad intentions could potentially use that information to lure your pup away.
Where can I get pet tags printed?
Your local pet supply store should have pet tags available for sale. Some national chain pet stores (like PetSmart and Petco) and big-box retailers even have self-service kiosks for engraving pet tags if you’re in a hurry.
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, several websites specialize in personalized pet tags. You could also try browsing online marketplaces like Etsy for handmade ones. Check out these dog tag ideas for inspiration.
While most dogs and cats won’t notice a tag dangling from their neck, some animals get spooked by the sound or the jangling noise. If that’s the case for your pet, we recommend buying an engraved collar, rather than a tag.
Depending on where you live, you may be required to register your pet with your local animal services department. If that’s the case, the department will often provide you with a license tag with a unique ID number to quickly identify your pet if they’re lost. This tag is separate from the pet tags with your contact information.
Looking for more information about keeping your pets safe? Check out more posts from the PetPonder blog.
