Perhaps you are bored with the old collar and dog bone shaped tag that hangs from the single ring by the buckle. Maybe you are a person that likes to make a statement and would like your dog to make one too. Believe it or not there are a wide range of designer and decorative collars, pet tags and identifiers that can really make your pooch stand out in the crowd.
Whenever you are buying a collar a dog tag or identifier for your dog it is important to stop and think if the design of the item is practical and safe for your dog and if it is durable enough to stand up to daily use. If it isn't, that doesn't mean you can't still buy it for your dog and use it for special occasions, but remember it won't be effective for everyday use. Also keep in mind that at least the collar has be able to have the dog's name and your contact number somewhere or it is not going to do anything to provide identification and information.
Collars
If you haven't taken a look at the huge variety of dog collars on the market you really do need to take some time and browse around on the internet or visit your local pet supply store. Not only are the traditional leather and nylon collars still available and hugely popular but there are now collars of almost every pattern, width, buckle configuration and type. This variety in collars gives owners several options from having training type collars, muzzles or halter style training devices all with the standard collar or used in addition to the identification collar. Many dogs that use specialized training devices such as head leads, harnesses or other control type devices will also wear a traditional collar at the same time.
The most important features to look for in a collar are strength and durability. You don't want a collar that will tear or split if the dog does pull against the lead or attempt to lunge forward when you are trying to maintain control. If this happens you then have a run away dog with no collar and no identification. However, you also don't want a collar that cannot be slipped or broken if the dog becomes trapped by the collar and is choking. Part of this issue can be prevented by buying the correct size of collar and ensuring that you check, usually with each grooming session, that the collar is fitting correctly.
If you use a leather collar you do have the option to have a small brass, aluminum alloy or stainless steel plaque engraved that can be riveted to the collar with the dog's name, your contact number and any relevant medical information. These collars can be very fancy and ornate or plain, however you do need to check the plaque routinely to make sure that the letters and engraved information is still legible and has not become worn or scratched so numbers look like something else or are hard to read.
Nylon collars typically will not be suitably for any identification right on the collar unless it is stitched into the collar. Even using permanent marker to write information on the collar is not effective as the oil and moisture from the dog's coat will fade out or even completely remove the data with time and wear.
Decorative and jeweled collars are very popular for small breeds, and while they are attractive and add that special touch, they are often not durable and definitely not suitable for a clunky old dog tag. Designer dog tags or even small charms or decorative tags that include the dog's name and your contact phone number can be used to help out if the dog is lost while wearing these types of collars.
Tags
In areas where dogs are vaccinated for rabies they will all be provided a rabies tag which is uniquely numbered so that the vet can confirm that the dog has been vaccinated. These tags will, therefore, also identify the dog providing the vet or facility that finds a lost dog makes the effort to follow up on the rabies tag information.
A better and easier way to identify your dog is to simply go to a large pet store and use the laser engraving machines located in the store. These systems allow you to design the content of your own dog tag. Basically the tags need to include your contact number and any medical conditions that your dog has that might need to be immediately treated. This would include if your dog had specific food allergies, chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions or even epilepsy. Any medications that your dog is taking on an ongoing basis should also be included in the information on the tag. Often the dog's name is included on the tag to help those that find the dog make him or her feel at home until you can arrive to pick the dog up.
When designed a tag or identifier be sure to select a font that is easy to read. Look for fonts that are printed and not cursive writing, and avoid fonts that make the text look cluttered. This information needs to be readily available to the person that finds your dog.
Far from just being boring old silver or brass, there are new neon colored dog tags, rainbow colored and even colors of your favorite sports team. Again, picking a color that contrasts with your dog's coat rather than blending in will help someone in finding the tag and the information. Tags can also be found in a variety of shapes from fireplugs to footballs and almost everything in between.
Dog boutiques and pet stores may also sell a variety of faux gem dog tags that can add a bit of bling to your dog's overall appearance. Just keep in mind that tags that are too large can become stuck in different types of fences, furniture and items so be careful that they don't pose any type of safety hazard to your dog.
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