The Importance of a Dog Tag

by | Apr 17, 2014 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Close-up of a dog wearing a dog ID tag engraved with a phone number, hanging from a collar emphasizing the importance of a dog tag and microchip for pet safety.

Every dog owner’s worst fear is a missing pet—but not all lost dog stories end the same. Two recent encounters drove home the importance of a dog tag and microchipping in ways I’ll never forget. One reunion was quick and seamless; the other, needlessly stressful. The difference? Proper identification. If your dog went missing today, which outcome would you want: an instant reunion or hours of panic? Let’s dive into why ID tags and microchips aren’t just “nice-to-haves”—they’re non-negotiable for your dog’s safety.

Encounter #1: The Swift Reunion

I encountered a husky that was running loose in a busy intersection. With help from a couple of dog lovers and leftover cheese from training class we were able to catch her, read her ID tag, and call her owner. They were happily reunited.

Encounter #2: The Avoidable Ordeal

I found a small mix breed dog in my neighborhood with badly matted hair and no ID collar. I turned this dog into the shelter. Luckily, the dog had a microchip and the shelter contacted the owner. The shelter was going to have a conversation about the importance of grooming for this type of dog and potentially groom the dog and charge for grooming. I do not know what their final actions were.

Now ask yourself…

Would you rather your dog be home in 20 minutes (thanks to a tag) or 20 hours (waiting on a chip scan)?

Should strangers—or a shelter—decide if your dog’s condition warrants a “conversation” about care?

Tags + Microchips = Layers of Protection

  • Dog tags offer instant contact for Good Samaritans.
  • Microchips are a backup, if collar is lost.
  • Both together cover all scenarios, from escape artists to stolen pets.

Dog not tagged or registered? Take these steps today!

  1. Get a durable ID tag with your phone number (even if your dog has a microchip!).
  2. Register your microchip and your contact info is up-to-date.
  3. Snap a photo of your dog’s collar tag as a backup.

Proper identification is essential for every dog. A visible ID tag and properly registered microchip give your pet the best chance of a quick, safe return if they ever get lost. It’s a simple step that makes all the difference for their safety and your peace of mind.