What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know About ID Tags: Legal Requirements and Best Practices

At Hols Pets, we understand how important it is to ensure your dog’s safety, which is why we provide a unique wooden dog tag for our clients whose dogs don’t already have one. These tags offer an extra layer of reassurance and security, especially if your dog doesn’t have an ID tag when we arrive to walk them.

The Importance of Dog ID Tags

In the UK, it’s a legal requirement for dogs to wear a collar with an ID tag when out in public. According to UK law, every dog should have a collar with a tag that displays the owner’s name and address. This is vital to ensure your dog can be identified and quickly returned to you if they get lost or separated from their dog walker or owner. Failing to do so can result in a fine of up to £5,000 under UK law.

What Should Be on Your Dog’s ID Tag?

Here’s a breakdown of what should be on your dog’s ID tag:

Legally Required:

• Your Name: Your full name or surname.

• Address: Your house number or name, and your postcode.

Highly Recommended:

• Contact Phone Number: Include at least one mobile number and optionally a landline or another contact number.

Optional but Helpful:

• Microchip Number: If your dog has a microchip, you can include the number or simply state "I'm chipped."

• Health Information: If your dog has any medical conditions or needs medication, you can add "Needs Meds" or similar.

• Spayed/Neutered: Adding "I'm spayed/neutered" can deter potential dog thieves.

• Other Messages: You can include phrases like "If found, please call" or "Help, I’m lost."

These extra details can help make sure that if your dog ever goes missing, they are easily identifiable and can be returned to you as soon as possible.

Why We Love These Wooden ID Tags

The handcrafted wooden tags we offer are made by the talented local business From Scratch Wood Craft. Made from natural, sustainable wood and coated for added protection, these tags are not only durable but also carry a rustic charm. Featuring our logo and the message “I’m with my dog walker,” along with our contact number, they provide an extra layer of security if your dog is ever found away from us.

These tags are the perfect combination of practicality and eco-friendliness. They're lightweight and comfortable for your dog, and the lobster clasp makes them easy to clip on and off their collar or harness. Unlike traditional metal tags, which can jingle and cause discomfort, these wooden tags are silent, making them ideal for dogs who are sensitive to sound. Offering a stylish, natural alternative to plastic or metal, they ensure your dog remains easily identifiable while keeping them comfortable.

Made by Local Artisans

These beautiful wooden dog tags are made by From Scratch Wood Craft, a local artisan business based in Burton on Trent. If you’re looking for custom-made wooden products, they can design and create anything out of wood, from dog tags to bespoke gifts. Check out their Etsy shop here.

Until next time, happy pet parenting!

Love Holly x

Hols Pets - I'm with my dog walker, ID TAGS. Easy to clip on and off clients dogs!