How to Buy a Fancy ID Tag for a Dog

Think about why you are buying an ID tag for your dog. Will it be decorative? For identification? Or reflective to protect your pet from cars at night?

Know that you can get a free simple pet ID tag from most pet stores upon request.

Understand that the tags your vet provides you with are not identification should your pet get lost. These tags only indicate that your dog has received appropriate shots and is properly registered. There is no information about you or your vet on the tag should your dog get lost.

Consider having your vet implant the AVID microchip in your dog. This is a small microchip that is inserted with a hypodermic needle into your dog's neck. It contains information about how to contact you and your vet should the dog get lost. It is read with a scanner. Discuss this option with your vet.

Know that there are many dog ID tags available in many designs. Some of the most popular are in the shape of doghouses, bones, hydrants and paws.

Choose a tag that is in a color you like. Gold, silver and green are common colors.

Have your dog's name, your name, address and phone number put on the tag. Even if you have the AVID microchip, a tag is the fastest type of identification available.

Understand that if your dog has a medical condition like diabetes, you will need to include information about this on the tag as well as your vet's name and number.

Consider reflective tags, which reflect the light from headlights or flashlights. This will make your dog visible to cars and visible should you have to search for the dog at night.

Realize that you can also purchase dog tags that are permanently bolted to a collar.

Have a jeweler make a tag for you if you are looking for something made of real gold or containing gems.

Make sure the tag you select comes with a hook for hanging it.