While we all want the most trendy dog tag with bags of personality that makes the other owners at the dog park green with envy, it is imperative that first and foremost, your dog's identification tag shows your contact details plain and clear.
With a huge range of dog tags now available to choose from, it's hard to know which dog tag is best at protecting your contact information when on adventures with your dog. Here some more information on the subject of 'engraved dog tags vs printed dog tags' and how to pick the best one for your furry companion.
What are the key features to look for when shopping for a dog tag?
You need to make sure your dog tag can withstand the general wear and tear it may experience. It is important that your dog tag is waterproof, scratch proof, easy to clean and comes with a strong attachment to avoid it snapping off the dogs collar. Stainless steel is the most durable material for dog tags. You dog will also appreciate a lightweight dog tag that doesn't irritate them or drag them down (we're thinking of the little guys!).
Make sure your dog tag has the following:
Scratch proof & waterproof materials
Strong attachment to go onto the dogs collar
Readable fonts so your contact details are clear
Engraved Dog Tags VS Printed Dog Tags
Engraved Dog Tags
The most traditionally used identification tag for pets is the engraved dog tag. Similar to dog tags used in the army, these are made using laser or point to carve the desired text into a metal disc. The engraving technique has come a long way in offering dog owners more in terms of variety in colours, shapes and, in same cases, even glitter! Engraved dog tags can be found at your local pet shop, like Pets At Home (in store online), or local key cutters, like Timpson.
Pro
Lightweight
Cheap (£5-£10)
Waterproof (Check with supplier)
Con
Not many are scratch proof (they need to be soft enough to be engraved on after all)
Lack of variety in fonts and designs
There's a few manufactures dominating the pet tag market so the opportunity to choose something unique to your pet is slim
Conclusion
If you choose an engraved dog tag, make sure the supplier uses reinforced engraving, preferably made from stainless steel, or you may find yourself replacing your engraved dog tag frequently.
Engraved dog tag suppliers:
Printed Dog Tags
Printed dog tags are amongst one the personalised products dog owners have become obsessed with - and it's easy to see why! With more variety in colours and fonts than ever before, dog owners love these unique, bold, personalised dog tags that get tongues and tails wagging. We've been making personalised printed pet tags for over 10 years and have seen some incredible makers join us in this space (all with our unique styles and materials of course!)
A popular printed pet tag method is sublimation printing. Sublimation printing allows for beautiful graphic designs to go onto personalised tags by pressing the ink directly onto the base material. You'll find graphic designers turned pet accessory makers using this technique and often have a range of matching pet related products too like dog bowls, human mugs etc.
Pros
Unlimited designs
Easy to clean
Waterproof (check with supplier)
Cons
Due to the materials used, these could chip over time
Price range is a little higher than engraved but for the designs it's totally worth it (around £11-15)
Conclusion
Sublimation printed dog tags have beautiful designs with a personalised touch. They make great gifts for dogs and dog lovers but they can chip and fade over time.
Best sublimation printing companies:
Conclusio’et Tags use a unique print and dome method that offers that same variety in colours and fonts, but can guarantee more durability as there is a protective barrier between the dog tag and outside impact.
Pros
Unlimited designs
Easy to clean
Scratch proof
Waterproof
Mid price range (£10-12)
Conclusion
This print and dome technique creates trendy dog tags that can withstand general wear and tear. (They even have an option to have your child's drawing on the tag - super cool!)
Best print and domed dog tag suppliers:
So what is the best dog tag?
Whether shopping for your puppies first tag, looking for a trendy dog tag or a unique gift for dog lovers, you MUST make sure your contact information is clear and not easily worn away. Not only does this abide by dog identification law, it means that, should the worst happen and you have a lost dog, they can quickly be reunited to you. To read more about dog identification and microchip law click here.
Our dog tag checklist
Scratch proof
Waterproof
Contact information clearly displayed
Stainless steel or aluminium base
Strong attachment for dogs collar