What to put on a dog tag
In the UK, your dog's tag must show your name and address when they're out in public. Type your details below to lay out the wording, check it has what the law asks for, and see how it looks on the tag. A personalised dog tag puts the same details on the back, with a QR code on the front.
Your tag is empty.
Not yet: Your name
Not yet: Your address (house number or name, and postcode)
Add your name and address: the law asks for both when your dog is in a public place.
Want finders to reach you without seeing your number?
Add a PetTag next to the engraved tag. Anyone who scans it can call or message you straight away, and you choose what they see. QR dog tags from £10.
What the law says
The Control of Dogs Order 1992 says every dog in a public place must wear a collar with the owner's name and address on it, or on a tag attached to it. That still applies if your dog is microchipped: the two are separate rules. A few dogs are exempt, such as packs of hounds, dogs working with sheep or cattle, police and armed forces dogs on duty, and registered guide dogs. Our guide to UK dog tag law covers the details, including whether a harness is enough.
Worth adding, and worth leaving off
Worth adding
- Your phone number. The law doesn't ask for it, but it's the quickest way for someone to reach you.
- “I'm microchipped”, so a finder knows a vet or the council can scan your dog.
- “Neutered”, if they are. Merton Council's dog theft advice says it may put off thieves looking for dogs to breed from.
- Anything a finder needs to know straight away, like “needs daily medication” or “deaf”.
Worth leaving off
- Your dog's name. The law doesn't ask for it, and The Mayhew advises leaving it off, so a thief can't call your dog by name.
- Your full street address when space is tight. Your house number or name and postcode is the shortest way to write it.
- Long lines. Each extra letter makes the engraving smaller, so keep lines short on small tags.
Engraving tips
- Capital letters are easier to read on a small tag.
- Use both sides: name and address on the front, phone number and extras on the back.
- Check the spelling of your postcode and number before you order.
- Replace the tag when the engraving wears or your details change, and check the split ring now and then.
Ready to order it? Where to get a dog tag engraved covers high-street shops, online sellers and what it costs. Getting a puppy? Our new puppy checklist covers the microchip, collar and tag. If your dog ever goes missing, work through the lost dog checklist and make a poster with our free poster maker. Got a cat too? Try the cat tag wording maker.
Questions
What does a dog tag legally need to say in the UK?+
Your name and address. The Control of Dogs Order 1992 says a dog in a public place must wear a collar with the owner's name and address on it, or on a tag attached to it. Your house number or name and your postcode is the shortest way to fit your address.
Should I put my dog's name on the tag?+
It's up to you: the law doesn't ask for it. The Mayhew's welfare officers advise leaving it off, because a thief who knows your dog's name can call them and gain their trust, and Merton Council's dog theft advice says the same. With a QR tag, the name can go on your dog's page instead, so whoever scans the tag can use it without it being on show to everyone.
Do I have to put my phone number on my dog's tag?+
No, but it's the quickest way for someone who finds your dog to reach you. If you'd rather keep your number private, a QR tag lets finders contact you without seeing it.
Is a postcode enough on a dog tag?+
Add your house number or name too. Together with the postcode they pin down your address, which is what the law asks for.
My dog is microchipped. Does it still need a tag?+
Yes. Microchipping and wearing a tag are separate legal requirements. A microchip can only be read with a scanner, while anyone can read a tag.