Written by: Casey Shayne from Copper Paws

It’s Sunday afternoon, time for your daughter’s birthday celebration. The house is clean, dinner is made, and the kids are dressed! As your guests start arriving, your dog, Fido, is getting excited about all the new company. Things are going smoothly, until your young nephew opens the front door wide open and Fido squeezes past his legs. Before you even realize he’s gone, Fido’s already halfway down the street chasing a squirrel.

Nobody “plans” to have their pet get lost or run away, but luckily Copper Paws, a hand-stamped metal pet tag company, can help you prepare for the unexpected.

What information should I include on my dog tag?

When deciding what information to include on your new dog ID tag, remember that the quickest methods of contact are the most reliable when trying to reunite a pet and his owner.

Adding your pet’s name to the front of the design is important because it gives the person who found your dog a way to “reach” your dog’s mind. Fido might be scared or nervous in an unfamiliar area, but if the person who located Fido can use his name, that will build a sense of comfort and calmness within the dog’s mind.

Most importantly, you should include 1-2 phone numbers on the back of your dog ID tag. This day and age, people carry their cell phones with them all the time. If it’s not in their pocket, you can bet it’s definitely close by. By having your phone number on the tag, you can be contacted quickly once someone has located your dog.

Microchip vs. Dog ID Tag

Many veterinary offices recommend getting your dog microchipped. Microchipping can be a great second option for protecting your dog with the primary option being a dog ID tag. When it comes to choosing between the two, you can never protect your dog too much—so why not have both? While they are both great options, sometimes microchipping can be a bit more challenging during an emergency.

First, the person who locates your dog has to know about microchips and willing to load your dog in their car to get them to a vet’s office to scan for the chip. This step alone can be a bit time consuming, so when there is a first option like a dog ID tag with an updated phone number, it can help in locating the owner a little bit faster than bringing the lost dog to a veterinary office.

When it comes to microchipping and dog ID tags, it’s important to have all of your information up to date—including phone numbers and addresses. Otherwise, the old information will be outdated and unreliable for the lost dog.

Choosing Your New Tag

Our friends at Copper Paws have a variety of dog tag themes to choose from, ranging from adventurous mountains and landscapes, to sports and whimsical designs. For dogs who wear harnesses, or owners who prefer not to have a tag dangling from the collar, Copper Paws also makes Wild Slides. These are lightweight aluminum tags that silently lay flat against the webbing of your dog’s accessories.

Accidents happen whether we are prepared for them or not; That’s why having your dog properly identified at all times is extremely important in the event that he or she gets lost. No matter what type of dog tag you’re after, Copper Paws has your needs covered. Stop by their website and select a new tag for your furry friends today!

Looking to learn more pet safety and wellness tips?