Dog collars come in many designs. You can make your pup look like a tough guy with a skull-and-bone collar, or you can decorate your fluffy little princess in a pink with a bow.
However, when it comes to dog collars, it doesn’t mean anything if they don’t have the jewelry they need. Having the right dog tags on your pup’s collar can ensure they stay safe and healthy in the event the two of you get separated. In some countries, the presence of appropriate tags can also prevent fines from being imposed.
Let’s be honest though: all the clanking is annoying. And should your little dog really have multiple markings around its neck?
Dr. Michelle Burch, DVM at Safe Hounds Pet Insurance, shares everything you need to know about dog name tags.
How many dog tags does your dog need? Photo: Ksenia Raykova / Getty Images
What tags does my dog need?
Dr. Burch suggests putting three labels on your dog’s collar:
An identification label. This label should contain the pet’s name and current phone number. “I’ve gotten into situations where they have the information there, but it’s an old number that has stopped working,” says Dr. Burch. If space is available, please provide your home address and your pet’s microchip number. If you and your pet get separated, this extra information can help bring the two of you back together.
A rabies day. The rabies label provides useful information, and it’s not that your dog has been vaccinated. “It shows the veterinary clinic they go to,” says Dr. Burch. If someone finds your puppy and the ID has fallen off, the Good Samaritan or Animal Control can call the vet and possibly point them in your direction. “The rabies label is not proof of vaccination,” says Dr. Burch clear. “The real proof is the rabies certificate.” You will often need to present this certificate to a dog groomer or when boarding your dog.
Proof of license. Many countries require you to license your dog and give them a label to attach to the collar. You will want to wear this. “It helps avoid additional sentences when you get her out of prison,” says Dr. Burch.
What identification tags should you put on your puppy’s collar? Photo: alexei_tm / Getty Images
This is how you avoid clinking
Dr. Burch suggests leaving the collar with tags on your dog at all times, including inside.
“Even in the house, it can happen that just opening a door or a door accidentally stays open and you can easily escape from the household,” she advises.
However, the clink can get annoying, especially when you’re trying to sleep. Dr. Burch says you can reduce the number of tags by purchasing a collar that you can use to engrave the identification information. There are also plastic guards you can put on the dog tag to keep the metal from hitting each other. Finally, you can look into dog tag silencers.
“A piece of plastic that is used to hold the labels in place and screw them tightly together – not so tight that you can’t see them individually, but tight enough that they don’t clink,” says Dr. Burch.
How many dog tags are too many?
Perhaps your life is not complete without hearing your dog’s collar ring. However, is there too much good?
Dr. Burch says the three tags she suggests for keeping the dog shouldn’t weigh your pup down.
“The metal is pretty light,” she says. “If you think of five to eight tags hanging from a collar, it can be too much weight, especially for smaller dogs. It can put pressure on the neck. “
