The Best Dog Tags

Maybe the most important purchase you’ll make as a dog owner is your pet’s tag. Containing all of your contact information - along with your beloved pet’s name - the dog tag is the first thing someone looks for if they find your lost pet. Without one, it’s a lot more likely your dog will end up at a shelter in the event she accidentally runs off, becomes lost or otherwise ends up far away from home. Therefore, it’s critical that pet owners choose the right tag for their pooches: one that’s clear, accurate and fits securely to the collar. With this in mind, we looked at all the different kinds of tags on the market, and found these to be the best four currently available.

GoTags Personalized Slide-On ID Tag

Take A Walk On The Wild Slide

Adding a few choice upgrades to the classic dog tag, GoTags gets our award for the best overall dog tag.
Best Overall

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GoTags, who’ve been making dependable, personalized dog tags for decades, levels-up from the traditional tag with their Slide-On ID Tag. Featuring up to four lines of engraved, personal information, the tag slides onto your dog’s collar instead of dangling from the collar by a hook. Not only does this prevent loss due to breakage – which can happen when you have more than one playful pup – but it also prevents the annoying jangle of a tag knocking against your dog’s collar. With four different sizes to choose from, you’re certain to find a tag that will fit both the size of your collar and the size of your dog.

Pros:

  • Made of durable stainless steel
  • Will not rust or corrode
  • Permanent laser etching

Cons:

  • Not curved like a neck
  • Won’t fit extra-wide covers

Platinum Pets Pawsitively Safe Pet Finder Tag

Pawsitively The Best Alternative To A Chip

Using a combination of personal information and social media, Platinum Pets provides a trackable tag for your dog.
Best Trackable Tag

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Like most dog tags, the Platinum Pets Pawsitively Safe Pet Finder Tag contains all your pet’s personal information, but the similarities end there. On the back of the tag is a unique code that you can enter on the Pawsitively Safe website, where you can create your own unique profile which includes your phone number and email. If your dog winds up missing, the person who finds her can enter the code from the tag on the website, which will then alert you to your pet’s location through phone, text or email. You can also create “Lost Pet” posters through the site featuring your contact information that you can share with friends and neighbors through social media.

Pros:

  • Scratch- and water-resistant coating preserves information
  • Compatible with PC, tablet or mobile phone
  • No monthly fees for website

Cons:

  • Not intended to send GPS information
  • Requires proprietary hook for collar

GoTags Personalized Bone Tag

The First, The Original, The Classic

Sometimes, you just want a dog tag. GoTags has got you covered, with the traditional, bone-shaped, classic tag.
Best Traditional Dog Tag

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What’s there to say about GoTags’ Personalized Bone ID Tag? It’s a dog tag, man, doin’ all the things that a dog tag is supposed to do. Made from durable anodized aluminum and available in five different colors, the tag can be personalized with up to four lines of text on each side. This is a great tag for dogs with special medical needs, as you can specify on the backside what kind of care your pet requires until you can come and retrieve him. With permanent laser printing, you know your personal information won’t scratch off or be affected by the weather. Simply put, it’s just a great dog tag.

Pros:

  • Lustrous finish
  • Includes split-ring attachment
  • Available in small and regular size

Cons:

  • Color finish can wear off
  • Cannot find replacement attachment rings

ThunderCover Dog Tag Silencer

Silence Is Golden (Retriever)

Using transparent silicone, the ThunderCover Silencer takes the jingle-jangle out of your dog tags.
Best Sanity-Preserver

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This last product isn’t exactly a dog tag, but it will keep you from ripping off your dog’s tag and throwing it out the window. The ThunderCover Dog Tag Silencer covers your dog’s tags – up to three of them – in a unique, transparent silicone. This prevents the tags from clanging together as your dog walks, yet still provides a clear view of the information on the tag. Owners of breeds with nocturnal habits will be especially grateful for the ThunderCover, as it eliminates the noise that may stir you from your slumber. It’s a much better alternative than removing your dog’s collar after each walk or before bedtime.

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Water-resistant
  • Can also fit rabies verification form

Cons:

  • Only fits tags less than 1.5” x 1.5”
  • Attachment ring is plastic

Frequently Asked Questions

If I have a locator chip in my dog, do I still need a tag?

Yes. You want to make it as easy as possible for a person who finds your lost dog to return her to you. The first thing a person looks for when they find a lost dog is a dog tag, letting them know how to find the dog’s owner. If there’s no tag, the last resort is to take the dog to a public shelter. More than likely, the shelter will search for a chip, but it’s simply not a risk you want to take.

My tags are causing discoloration of my dog’s fur. Why is that?

Tags are made from various metals, including pewter or copper. These metals can rub against sensitive dog skin and fur, causing discoloration (especially with white-haired breeds). If you find that your dog is having this problem, we recommend you use stainless steel or even plastic for your dog’s tag.

Does my dog really need a tag if she’s an indoor pet?

Our answer is yes. Though some owners take off their dog’s collar when their pet is just lounging around the house, this can create a habit that leads to keeping your dog’s collar off permanently, even when you let her outside in a fenced yard to do her business. This is the time when your dog is most likely to find a hole in the fence or otherwise dig her way out and get lost. It’s especially important to keep a tag on your pet if you don’t have a location chip installed.

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.