An ID tag is more than just cute jewelry for your pet: it’s the first line of defense when it comes to getting a missing pet returned, even before a microchip. It’s the quickest way for someone to find out how to get in touch with you if they find your pet but it’s also simple and affordable for you to put together. They’re also a great way to include important health info for your dog, like if they need daily medication or have an allergy. In some places, ID tags are even legally required.
We reviewed dozens of dog ID tags to identify the best of the best. We considered appearance, durability, noise, and the amount of room for information in our research in order to narrow your options down.
Our top pick and the clear winner is the Leash Boss Pet ID Tag for Dog & Cat Collars. It easily slips onto your dog’s collar and is made out of stainless steel with deep engraving to ensure that it stays readable for years to come. Ready to find out more?
The 5 Top-Rated Dog ID Tags
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Leash Boss Pet ID Tag for Dog & Cat Collars | 4.9 |
| Runner Up | If It Barks Engraved Pet ID Tag for Dogs | 4.9 |
| Best Budget Buy | Providence Engraving Anodized Aluminum Pet ID Tag | 4.7 |
| Best Slide on Dog ID Tag | Leash Boss Slide On Pet ID Tag for Dog & Cat Collars | 4.8 |
| Best Designer Dog ID Tag | Io Tags Laser Engraving Glitter Paw Pet ID Tag |
4.8 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Leash Boss Pet ID Tag for Dog & Cat Collars
We can’t recommend the Leash Boss Pet ID Tag for Dog & Cat Collars enough. It’s made of durable, non-reactive stainless steel and has deep engraving with a color fill to ensure that your dog’s tags with last through years of wear and tear.
As a slide-on tag, it’s very secure but also easy to attach to your dog’s collar. You can simply slide it onto buckling collars or use the openings on the sides to slip it over the width of snap and clasp style collars. Since it slides, this style of tag works well with adjustable collars, avoids the noise of dangling tags, and prevents the tag from getting caught. It’s easy to place, replace, and move between collars. It’s .06 inches thick for maximum durability and is curved for optimal fit and comfort.
This dog ID tag from Leash Boss is available in four sizes for collars between 3/8 inches and one inch with four or five lines for information depending on the size.
However, this tag is designed for use with 1/8 inch thick nylon webbing collars and may not be as secure on collars that are of different thickness or made of another material.
Leash Boss Pet ID Tag for Dog & Cat Collars Key Features:
- Slide-on style
- Open sides allow the tag to work with snap and clasp closure collars
- Stainless steel
- Deep color fill engraving
- Wide range of size options
- Up to five lines of custom text
Our Runner Up Pick: If It Barks Engraved Pet ID Tag for Dogs
The If It Barks Engraved Pet ID Tag for Dogs merges style and function. It’s available in 16 different designs, each with its own text ranging from funny (“my mom is single” and “can’t hold my licker”) to informative (“I’m deaf” and “I’m chipped”) and an accompanying cute image. On the other side, you can put up to four lines of additional text with up to 15 characters per line. The text is centered for a more attractive tag. The entire design is deeply fiber laser engraved, leaving precise solid black markings that contrast with the background, leading to crisp and easy-to-read results that last longer than traditional engraving. In fact, If It Barks guarantees the tag for your pet’s lifetime.
This tag is made in the United States from durable tumbled stainless steel. It’s available in two sizes, Medium with a one-inch diameter (about the size of a quarter) and Large with a 1.25-inch diameter (a little larger than a half dollar). The tag comes with a split ring to make it easy to securely attach the tag to your dog’s collar.
If It Barks Engraved Pet ID Tag for Dogs Key Features:
- 16 design options
- Attractive yet informative
- Up to four lines of custom text
- Fiber laser engraved
- Stainless steel
- Two size options
Best Budget Pick: Providence Engraving Anodized Aluminum Pet ID Tag
With Providence Engraving Anodized Aluminum Pet ID Tags you can choose from a lot of options for the same low price. To start, choose from the seven shapes the Providence Engraving offers: bone, paw, heart, circle, hydrant, cat head, and star. Next up, pick from the nine different color options: blue, red, pink, black, silver, gold, green, orange, and purple, each of which can be chosen for any of the shapes. Finally, decide your size. You can choose between Small with an approximately one-inch diameter and Large with an approximately 1.3-inch diameter. The small size is recommended for toy breeds, while the large size is recommended for medium and large sized dogs.
Once you’ve narrowed all that down, you can choose up to four lines of text for each side of the tag. That gives you plenty of room to include pretty much everything you could possibly want to put on your dog’s tag. The exceptions to this are the cat head and paw shapes which have decoration on one side and therefore are only recommended for engraving on the opposite side. Still, four lines of text give you ample space for the important info.
Each combination is laser engraved and made out of aircraft grade aluminum and anodized to prevent reactions, protect the color of the tag, and ensure durability. Each tag ships with a split ring.
Providence Engraving Anodized Aluminum Pet ID Tag Key Features:
- Seven shapes
- Nine colors
- Two sizes
- Up to eight lines of text
- Anodized aluminum
Best Slide-On Dog ID Tags: Leash Boss Slide-On Pet ID Tag for Dog & Cat Collars
The Leash Boss Slide-On Pet ID Tag for Dog & Cat Collars is similar to our top pick but without the open sides. This means that it can be used with buckle collars by simply sliding it onto the color via the non-buckle end, but not with snap or clasp style collars since the tag won’t fit over these types of closures. On the other hand, the lack of side openings also makes it even more secure since it can’t fall off of a collar as long as the collar is still secured. It also means that this tag can be used with a greater variety of materials as long as they’re not to thick for the tag to slide on to.
The tag is made of durable stainless steel that won’t oxidize or rust. It’s deeply engraved for maximum longevity and the engraving is color filled to make it easier to read. It’s also curved for superior fit and comfort on your dog’s collar.
Like other slide-on tags, this tag is easy to add to and move between collars, avoids the noise of hanging tags, and is difficult to catch onto something.
This tag comes in four sizes for collars between 3/8 inches and one inch wide. Each offers five lines of text.
Leash Boss Slide-On Pet ID Tag for Dog & Cat Collars Key Features:
- Slide-on style
- Stainless steel
- Deep engraving with color fill
- Four size options
- Five lines of custom text
Best Designer Dog ID Tag: Io Tags Laser Engraving Glitter Paw Pet ID Tag
For a dog ID tag that really makes a statement, it’s hard to beat the Io Tags Laser Engraving Glitter Paw Pet ID Tag. This adorable tag is shaped like a paw print and features a glitter paw print on one side. You can choose from 12 different colors for your glitter: black, blue, brown, gold, green, orange, pink, purple, red, rose, silver, and turquoise. Tags with each color are available with or without a glow in the dark silencer frame that prevents the ID tag from clanking against any other tags you have hanging from your dog’s collar, like a rabies tag.
On the reverse side, you get three lines of text with 15 characters each with which to put your contact info. That text can be in any of seven different fonts for you to choose from.
The metal components of the tag are made of nickel-plated zinc alloy and the glitter is covered by epoxy to keep it firmly on the tag rather than all over your home. The tag comes with a stainless steel split ring to secure it to your dog’s collar.
Io Tags Laser Engraving Glitter Paw Pet ID Tag Key Features:
- Glitter paw print
- 12 glitter colors
- Nickel plated zinc alloy
- Three lines of text
- Seven font options
Who Should Buy a Dog ID Tag
Every dog owner should make sure that their dog is wearing a dog ID tag at all times. Dogs can get away during walking, find a way to slip through fencing, slide past you out the door, or get separated from you during a fire or natural disaster. Once this happens, your pet can be difficult to recover: only about 15% to 20% of lost dogs are ever returned. An ID tag ensures that you can be contacted if something happens. ID tags can help your dog get returned to you even faster than a microchip can since anyone can read a tag but only vets and some rescues have microchip readers (though you should still be sure to have your pet microchipped as well since tags and collars can fall off or be taken off intentionally by a thief). Furthermore, tags are legally required in some places.
It’s also a good idea to have a temporary tag when you’re traveling without your pet that has the contact info of someone who can get in touch with you and care for your dog until you get home just in case something happens while you’re away. Make sure to keep each tag that your dog wears up to date by purchasing new ones each time you move or there’s another change in your contact information.
Important Features to Consider
A dog ID tag should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting an ID tag for your dog:
- Room for information. Should be plenty of room for everything you need on the tag, including your contact info, any necessary medical info for your dog, and anything else you want to include. Pay attention to the number of lines and number of characters per line that you can use, as well as if you can use both sides of the tag.
- Durability. Plastic, aluminum, and stainless steel are common materials for dog ID tags. All are durable, but plastic is more susceptible to damage from scuffs, scratches, and chewing, while aluminum needs to be coated to prevent rusting. Regardless of the material you go with, be sure to choose one that’s deeply engraved to prevent the type from becoming illegible as the tag wears over time.
- Noise mitigation. Nervous dogs may not like the sound of clinking tags or you may just find it annoying. Slide-on options are quieter than dangling tags, and dangling plastic tags are quieter than metal ones. Some tags have a plastic or rubber frame to prevent noise, but these can also be bought separately and added to most normally shaped dog ID tags.
- Security. The tag should attach securely to the collar, whether they use a ring or attach directly to the collar itself. Try to avoid dog ID tags that can easily get caught on something. Make sure that tags that attach directly to the collar, such as slide-on tags, can be safely and securely used with collars of the width, thickness, and material of your dog’s collar.
- Attractive appearance. This is less important than the other features here, but it still feels good to have a tag that’s nice to look at when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog need an ID tag if he’s chipped?
Even if your dog has a microchip, it’s still a good idea for them to wear a dog ID tag. Anyone can read the information on an ID tag, while only vets and some rescues have the equipment to read microchips, so an ID tag can help you get your dog back faster than a chip does. Treat chipping as a back-up, not a first resort. And, as we said above, ID tags are legally required for dogs in some areas regardless of whether or not they’re microchipped.
Should I put my dog’s name on his ID tag?
There are good arguments for both putting your dog’s name on their tag and leaving it off. If someone finds your dog and is able to use your dog’s name, your dog is probably going to be more comfortable and easily controlled, making the person that found them more likely to stick around and try to find you. If your dog manages to slip away again, even without their collar, the finder is more likely to be able to recover your dog again if they know the dog’s name. On the other hand, leaving your dog’s name off their tag can make it harder for them to be stolen since they can’t be called by name. If stolen, it can also make it harder for the dog to be sold since it won’t respond to the name the thief gives it, tipping off potential buyers that the dog is stolen.
You can choose whether or not to put your dog’s name on their tag based on which of these scenarios you think is more likely for your dog and in your area.
What information should be on a dog ID tag?
Whether you choose to include your dog’s name on their ID tag or not, there is other info that you definitely want to include. The basics are your name, address, and a phone number or two where you (or someone who can easily get in touch with you) can reliably be contacted. If your area requires tags, you’ll need to check what information the law says has to be on the tag and include that information at a minimum.
If you still have space, you may want to include an email address, another phone number, their pet license number (if applicable), or additional information that might be helpful to someone who finds your dog. That additional info can include medical needs, a note about their temperament (like “I don’t like other dogs” or “I like to try to escape”), or a note that the dog is microchipped. You can also include a personal message encouraging someone to return your beloved pet.
How do I make sure my dog’s ID tag doesn’t fall off?
Split rings are the best way to attach hanging ID tags and you can double up on rings for extra security. Collar tags, like slide-on tags, are even more secure.
Remember, even if the tag is secured to the collar, that doesn’t mean anything if the collar falls off. Choose a secure collar that your dog can’t slip out of and doesn’t try to take off. Finally, make sure they’re microchipped just in case the tag or collar does fall off.
Other Dog ID Tags We Reviewed
We also looked at 20 other ID tags for dogs. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best dog ID tags list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your dog. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Slide-On Dog ID Tags
CNATTAGS Stainless Steel Slide-On Pet ID Tag
Key Features:
- Three lines of text
- Works with a variety of collar types
- Stainless steel
Cost: $5
GoTags No Noise Slide-On Collar Tag
Key Features:
- Three sizes
- Up to four lines of text
- Aluminum
Cost: $6
GoTags Slide-On Pet ID Tag
Key Features:
- Four lines of text
- Four sizes to choose from
- Stainless steel
Cost: $10
Providence Engraving Slide-On Pet ID Tag
Key Features:
- Nine color options
- Three tag sizes
- Up to four lines of text
Cost: $4
Providence Engraving Slide-On Pet ID Tag with Collar
Key Features:
- Nylon and anodize aluminum
- Nine tag color options and five collar color options
- Guarantees that tag works with collar
Designer Dog ID Tags
GoTags Funny Dog and Cat Tag
Key Features:
- Eight slogans to choose from
- Anodized aluminum
- Includes glow in the dark tag silencer
Cost: $9
GoTags Paw Print Round Stainless Steel Pet ID Tag
Key Features:
- Stainless steel with embossed paw print
- Up to four lines of text on the back
- Two sizes available and the Regular size can be purchased with a glow in the dark tag silencer
Cost: $9
GoTags Playful Custom Engraved Pet ID Tag
Key Features:
- Up to four lines of text
- Split ring included
- Approximately one inch in diameter
Cost: $9
Io Tags Bone Shaped Stainless Steel Pet ID Tag
Key Features:
- Dog’s name on the front and three lines of text on the back
- Each design available with or without a glow in the dark tag silencer
- Laser etched stainless steel
Cost: $5
LuckyPet Flower Pet ID Tag
Key Features:
- Two size options
- Eight colors to choose from
- Up to five lines of text on the reverse
Cost: $10
LuckyPet Paw Print Enamel Pet ID Tag
Key Features:
- 11 color options
- Two size options
- Up to five lines of text on the reverse
Traditional Dog ID Tags
CNATTAGS Stainless Steel Bone Shape Pet ID Tag
Key Features:
- Mirror-finish stainless steel
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Made in the United States
Cost: $4
CNATTAGS Stainless Steel Pet ID Tag
Key Features:
- Lifetime warranty included
- Comes with a stainless steel split ring
- Made in the United States
Cost: $5
GoTags Dog Tags in Stainless Steel with Silencer
Key Features:
- Four shape options
- Mirror-finish stainless steel
- Durable laser engraving
Cost: $9
GoTags Premium Custom Engraved Pet ID Tag
Key Features:
- Up to four lines of engraving per side
- Two sizes
- Round and bone shapes available with glow in the dark tag silencers
Cost: $9
GoTags Stainless Steel Pet ID Tag
Key Features:
- Up to four lines of engraving on each side
- Two sizes
- Laser engraving on polished mirror-finish stainless steel
Cost: $8
LuckyPet Bone Frame Pet ID Tag
Key Features:
- Variety of frame colors
- Three size options
- Frame minimizes noise
Cost: $10
LuckyPet Durable Plastic Pet ID Tag
Key Features:
- Seven colors
- Six shapes
- Three sizes
Cost: $8
Providence Engraving Aluminum Pet ID Tags
Key Features:
- Seven shapes
- Nine colors
- Two sizes
Cost: $6
Providence Engraving Stainless Steel Pet ID Tags
Key Features:
- Up to four lines of engraving per side
- Two sizes
- Five shapes
Cost: $6
Feature Image Credit: Huybrechts, Shutterstock
