Tag, you're it! The importance of Pet ID Tags

07/23/2009

Last week, one of my neighbors came racing up my driveway, horrified that their little dog had escaped out their back door and was nowhere to be found.  We commenced searching the canyons and streets and drove all over the neighborhood...but he had vanished and was not wearing a pet id tag, nor was he microchipped.

Not wearing any ID tags?!! Why in the world not?  I asked them scoldingly.

More than forty-eight stressful and anxiety-ridden hours passed before the little terrier-mix did indeed emerge from a construction site two miles away, a bit dirty but no worse for wear. And while this story did indeed have a happy ending, many situations like this do not, so I can't emphasize enough the importance of keeping your pet outfitted with ID tags that feature your current contact information.

Not all dog ID tags are created equal

Not all dog tags and their attachments are made alike, so be sure to invest in a high quality dog tag that won't wear down over time and features hardware that doesn't bend off easily.  Cheaper dog tags often have poor finishing, whereas high quality dog tags are always the best option in the long run. Here are four of my favorite pet id tags:

1. Green Flower Pet ID Tag:
This relentlessly jaunty tag is made of a lightweight stainless steel that's engraved on the opposite side with all of your pet's vital stats. Measuring 7/8" across, the tag can accommodate up to four lines of copy. $22 at Georgesf.com

2. Fetching Tags Customizable ID Tags
Handmade from super light-weight aircraft quality aluminum and stamped with dog-inspired tag-lines.  Twice as thick as ordinary i.d. tags, they're strong enough to keep your dog safely tagged for years to come. (Zazou has one that says "Chief Farting Officer.") Starting at $30, visit FetchingTags for retailers.

3. Red Dingo’s Flower Stainless Steel Dog ID Tag
Made of stainless steel and durable enamel, it comes with stainless steel ring for quick, easy attachment to your dog’s collar. Find them at Puplife.com

4. Wagging Green’s Save The Pack Dog ID Tag
Not only is this tag darling and durable, but a portion of the profits from this product is dedicated to organizations that are working to save endangered wildlife. From $13.99, visit WaggingGreen.com for retailers.

NOTE: Micro-chipping is also key to successfully reuniting lost pets with their parents. Learn more about the benefits of Microchipping and service providers here or visit your Veterinarian. 

Comments

[Lauren Mack]

I would NOT order from WaggingGreen.com
They have the absolute WORST customer service, it took one month to get my tags from there, and they are cheap, thin & poorly engraved. When I called, no one retuned my call and when I e-mailed I got a rude response back.

I love the Red Dingo tags, they come within one week, and are solid, durable and look great too.

[Melissa]

I recommend TheCozyCritter.com for ID tags. Lots of shapes, sizes, color/pattern choices, and fonts to choose from. Whenever a friend gets a new dog, I gift them a tag from The Cozy Critter.

[Betty]

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Betty

http://smallpet.info

[Janet McCulley]

Hi Betty - Thanks for your comment and for following The Daily Treat!

[Benji Higgins]

I agree with your post 100%. It is very important to keep an ID tag on your pet. Many people also forget to check the legibility of the tag and current status of the information.

We at DogTagArt.com encourage all pet owners to get identification.

Make sure to include contact phone number where you can be reached anytime (ie cell phone) b/c we find that Fido plans the escape for times when you are not at home.

DogTagArt.com