QR tag or engraved tag? Why most UK dogs need both

In England, Scotland and Wales a dog in a public place must wear its owner’s name and address, on a collar or on a tag attached to it (the Control of Dogs Order 1992). A QR code doesn’t show a name and address, so on its own it doesn’t meet that. Our dog tag law guide covers the exact wording and the fines.

• It fits a few words, so there’s no room for medical needs or a second contact.
• It can’t be changed. New number, new house, new sitter: new tag.
• Everything on it is readable by anyone who gets close, including in a photo.
• It says nothing about whether your pet is missing right now.

• A photo, so a finder knows they have the right dog.
• Medical and behaviour notes, in as many words as you like.
• A message form, so finders can reach you without seeing your number.
• Lost mode: the page says the dog is missing, and you’re emailed the moment it’s scanned.
• Changes that take effect straight away, with nothing to re-engrave.

• Put your surname, house number and postcode on the engraved tag, and leave your phone number for the profile.
• Use a slide-on engraved tag, or a collar with the details stitched or printed on it, and hang the QR tag alone.
• Check both tags every few months: engraving wears smooth, and a scratched code should be replaced.

No law covers cat tags, and a cat’s collar should be a quick-release one. Many owners skip engraving and use a light QR tag with the vet’s details in the notes. Cats in England must be microchipped, which is the part that isn’t optional: see cat microchipping law and should my cat wear a collar.

An engraved tag is a few pounds, until something changes. Two house moves and a new phone number later, most owners have bought three. A QR tag is bought once and edited for free, which is why the pair together usually works out cheaper than replacing engraving each time.