What tags to include on my dog’s collar?

How many tags do I need to include on my dog’s collar?

The other day I ran into an old acquaintance that wanted to know what information he really needs to include on his dogs’s collar?  He wanted to know if it was really necessary for his dog to have a name (or ID tag), a rabies tag, dog license tag, microchip tag, as well as a QR tag. The short answer is no.

First off, if you think the sound of several metal tags constantly clinking into each other can be annoying, imagine how annoying it would be for a dog. Your dog’s hearing is much more sensitive than yours is, now imagine the clanking sound on their collar so close to their ears.

QR dog tags are pointless

A QR code tag provides a new way to locate a found pet’s owner. A person that finds a pet can simply take out their smart phone to read the QR code that will then open up a web page that displays the pet owners phone number that can then be called with the same smart phone. Seriously. What the fuck is the point of that??! Why not just put your phone number on the tag?

Your pet’s name tag

Your pet’s name tag should not display his name. Your pet will come running to whomever calls his name thinking that they are friends. Instead, have the tag display the word REWARD in big bold letters. Assuming you want a reward if someone finds your pet of course. This will also lead the person that is stealing your pet to think twice about doing so. 

Most incidences of pet theft are not people going into your yard or into your home for that matter (although it happens all the time). It’s more often when your dog wanders out of the house or yard because he’s curious and someone driving down the street makes a psychological justification that your pet either ran away from a terribly situation or they were abandoned.  In that regard, as a pet owner you need to understand that your pet loves you and did not run away. 

The back of the tag should visibly display your telephone number. If your pet has a microchip, it should display “I have a microchip”.  If your pet’s microchip is NOT registered with Peeva, you may want to have the name of the registry where your pet is registered in plain view as not all microchip registries are actively searched or share their public API with other registries. Then again, registering your pet in a database that is not actively searched is almost as pointless as a QR tag.

You also need to understand that anything attached to a collar can fall off or be taken off. This is why it is important to have a microchip as microchips serve as the only permanent form of identification for pets.

You can register any brand of microchip with Peeva, but Peeva has checks and balances in place to ensure that your pet isn’t registered any place else and if the chip is registered anywhere else. 

How to Attach a Dog Tag to Collar?

Every dog parent knows the importance of dog tags for their furry friend’s safety. However, ensuring these tags are securely attached and remain accessible is equally crucial. Here’s a step-by-step guide on attaching your dog’s tag seamlessly:

1. Choose the Right Split Ring or S-Hook:

Split rings, resembling tiny key rings, are the most common fasteners for dog tags. They’re simple and effective. On the other hand, S-Hooks, shaped like the letter ‘S’, are another option that provides a more secure attachment but requires a bit more dexterity to attach.

2. Prepping the Collar:

Before you begin, lay your dog’s collar on a flat surface. Make sure the buckle is fastened, ensuring you have a good grip and control over the collar.

3. Attaching Using Split Ring:

Slide one end of the split ring apart to create an opening.

Place the edge of the collar or the D-ring (the small loop used to attach leashes) into the split.

Rotate the tag around the split ring until it’s fully attached to the collar.

4. Using the S-Hook Method:

Slide one end of the S-hook through the hole on the dog tag.

Next, attach the other end of the S-hook to the D-ring on the collar.

Using pliers, clamp both ends of the S-hook to ensure the tag is securely attached to the collar.

5. Check for Security:

Gently tug on the dog tag to ensure it’s securely in place. The tag should be snug, but still able to move freely.

6. Positioning Matters:

Make sure the tag faces outward, ensuring readability for anyone who might find your lost pup.

Final Thoughts:

Regularly inspect the tags and their attachments. Over time, they can wear out or become loose. Ensuring your dog’s identification remains intact is a small step that can make a significant difference in their safety. And remember, while tags are essential, they should be a part of a broader identification system, including microchips, to ensure your pet’s safe return if lost.

Microchipped Dog Tag

Microchipped dog tags serve as a modern twist to traditional pet identification, integrating microchip technology within a tangible tag attached to your pet’s collar. These tags can be scanner to provide the pet’s essential information, much like the QR code tags, streamlining the process for someone trying to reunite a lost pet with its owner. However, while innovative, microchipped dog tags fall short in comparison to microchip implants. The primary reason is their removable nature. Unlike an implanted microchip, which remains securely under the pet’s skin and can’t be easily tampered with, a tag can be detached, lost, or even intentionally removed. Hence, while these tags offer an added layer of security, they shouldn’t replace the more permanent and reliable microchip implants.

The pros and cons of including your pets microchip ID on his or her ID tag.

Peeva used to distribute Peeva branded tags with every microchip, but the pros of doing so were far outweighed by the cons. People that steal pets will often attempt to register a microchip with another registry in an effort to claim ownership over the animal. Peeva has been able to work with other legit registries in the past as well as proper law enforcement to facilitate the animals prompt return. Nevertheless, there is are free registries that markets themselves as a benefit to the public good by collecting emails in the form of free microchip registrations that are later sold off to data brokers and spammed with unwanted pet related products and services. In doing so they are temporarily aiding and abetting pet theft as they have no system of checks and balances in place to verify pet ownership nor do they authenticate those that register with their service through credit card transactions. They also fail to comply with legit registries or law enforcement as they do not permanently retain registration data for any definitive period of time. Please see this USA TODAY article.

The best course of action is to not display your pets actual microchip ID on the tag. Displaying “I’m microchipped” will suffice.

What about all the other information my pet requires on all these additional tags?

If your pet’s microchip is registered with Peeva, any vet or shelter in our network will be able to scan your pet’s microchip to display your pet’s complete life history that includes all the information on your pet’s additional tags. If your pet is scanned by anyone outside of our network, your pet will be shown to be registered with Peeva including the date of registration with our phone number where a team of dedicated support staff is available to provide this information and facilitate the prompt return of your of your pet at any time of day. If you take your pet to any doggie day care or breeder that does not have a pet scanner, you can simply login to your dashboard to display this information.