ID tags for dogs

Sadly, literally thousands of dogs go missing every year and cannot be returned to their owners due to having no form of identification on them. Obviously as dogs can’t speak for themselves, it’s impossible to find out where their home is without any form of ID. This is what makes ID tags so important – it’s a way of ensuring if your pet is lost then they can be returned to you as soon as possible.

Under the Control of Dogs Act 1992 all dogs out in a public place must wear a collar with the name of the owner and address engraved or written on it or on an ID tag attached to the collar.

You can be fined anything up to £5,000 should your dog fail to wear the appropriate dog collar and ID tag when out in a public place.

There are few exceptions and these include:

Guide Dogs For The Blind

Dogs used for emergency rescue work

Dogs used for driving or tending cattle or sheep

Dogs used on official duties by the armed forces, HM Customs & Excise or the police

Dogs used for sporting purposes and packs of hounds

Dogs used for the capture or destruction of vermin

There are many different ways to add the necessary information to ensure the quick and safe return of your pet should they ever stray. Adding your dog’s name to an ID tag can be useful should they be found by someone, however some people believe this information could be used in the wrong way if they were stolen. Adding your address too can prove difficult on a small ID tag, so using your house number and postcode can be a good way to get around this problem.

Example of information on an ID tag in line with the scheme:

Owner’s Surname: SMITH
House Number and Postcode: 10 A12 3BC
Telephone Number: 020 123 4567

Example of information we use for our own dog’s ID tag:

Owner’s Surname: SMITH
House Number and Street: 10 HIGH STREET
Town and County: GREENWICH, LDN
Telephone Number: 020 123 4567
Additional Info: CHIPPED AND NEUTERED

ID Tags For Dogs

Written by Kimberly Rothwell.

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