For all dog owners, one of the scenarios that you dread the most is that moment when you realize your precious pup has managed to slip out of the garden gate, or wandered off a little too far on a daily walk. The usual panic starts to set in, but don’t worry, being the responsible pet parent that you are, you’ve got all of the proper identification accessories in place! A kindly stranger will find your adventurous friend, read their tag, and get in touch with you. It’s exactly this kind of scenario that cements just how important it is to have a good ID tag and metal plate collar in your collection.
Dog identification comes in two main forms, and those are the traditional dog ID tag and the metal plate collar. Both of these items serve the same purpose, to ensure that your lost pet can be reunited with you in no time at all, but do they each have their own distinctive advantages and drawbacks? Yes, absolutely.
To help you navigate this particular decision, we have put together a comprehensive guide to both options. Covering everything from style to durability to comfort, this will aid you in finding the identification solution that best suits your furry friend’s unique needs.
Dog ID Tags: The Classic and Versatile Choice
Here are some of the key pros of a classic dog ID tag.
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Easy to Swap Between Collars
Probably the biggest advantage of an ID tag is how interchangeable it is. You have the freedom to switch your dog’s collar for different occasions, or as they grow, without having to engrave multiple sets of collars. -
Customizable and Stylish
The great thing about ID tags is that they come in all shapes, sizes, styles and colors, meaning you can reflect your pup’s personality in any way you like. Brass ID tags in particular are a super stylish and timeless addition to any collar! -
Affordable and Widely Available
On the whole, dog ID tags are a very budget friendly option and are available pretty much everywhere. Whether you prefer to shop in person or do all of your business online, you won’t have any issues picking up a personalized tag that doesn’t break the bank. -
Lightweight and Comfortable
The majority of ID tags are lightweight and compact, which means that even the smallest poosh won’t be uncomfortable wearing them. Unlike many of the heavier identification accessories, a small brass tag won’t be bothersome to your pup at all. -
Minimal Noise with the Right Design
Lots of pet owners get very sick of the jingling sound of multiple tags on a collar, but you don’t need to worry about that with a single later brass task because the noise is as minimal as possible. -
Secure with a Strong Ring
One of the most common issues with ID tag is that they do run the risk of falling off, but you can fix this with a strong attachment ring to ensure that everything stays in place. A secure ring design like ours can guarantee that your pup’s tag stays firmly attached to their collar.
Cons of Dog ID Tags
For balance, there are a few disadvantages to a dog ID tag that we think are worth bringing up.
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Potential to Get Lost
As we said, a traditional dog tag does sometimes pose the risk of detaching, but with the help of a durable string ring, this chance is minimized as much as possible. -
Noise Issues
When you have multiple tags rustling together, it can make a clunking sound that gets a little annoying! Again, though, this is a simple fix because with a single, high quality brass tag, you eliminate all that noise without sacrificing important visibility.
Metal Plate Collars: Built-In Identification
Pros of Metal Plate Collars
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No Noise or Jingle
If you have a pup who is sensitive to sound, or you simply prefer silence yourself, then a single metal plate collar is the perfect quiet alternative that eliminates pesky jingling! -
Durable and Secure
Unlike an ID tag that could detach, a metal plate can be permanently fixed to a collar, which gives it the best chance of never coming off and getting lost. -
Great for Working Dogs
When it comes to pups who play important roles like service dogs, working dogs and police dogs, a metal plate is the best option for clear and permanent identification. Their maximum durability and readability are perfect in professional settings.
Cons of Metal Plate Collars
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Not Interchangeable
If you happen to be the kind of pet owner who does want to switch collars frequently, then it might be the most convenient choice because you’ll need multiple engraved collars to fit the bill. -
More Expensive
Compared to some of the more budget friendly options, an engraved metal tag is a slightly bigger investment, especially if you need more than one to suit your pup’s needs and lifestyle. -
Limited Design Options
Metal plates tend to be on the basic side in terms of engraving options, especially compared to the more aesthetically pleasing options offered by brass ID tags. -
May Not Suit All Dogs
If your dog is a member of a smaller breed, then the added weight of a proper metal plate collar might be uncomfortable for them to wear over extended periods. They are definitely better for medium and large breeds.
Which Should You Choose? ID Tag or Metal Plate Collar?
The truth is that both of these options can provide excellent identification for your pup, the final choice really depends on both you and your pet’s needs and personal preferences. If you are looking for something stylish that can be swapped easily between collars, then a brass ID tag is definitely the best choice in our opinion.
For those who value silence and permanence over anything else, then a metal plate collar might do the trick.
Ultimately, lots of dog owners end up opting for both, using a metal plate collar for casual daily wear and then a customized ID tag to provide that extra layer of protection and security when out and about on longer or more unfamiliar adventures.
Our High-Quality Recycled Brass ID Tags
If you think that an ID tag is the way to go, then look no further than our brilliant range of recycled brass dog ID tags. We think they offer the perfect combination of security, sustainability and style!
Why Choose Our Brass ID Tags?
- They are eco-friendly, being made from beautiful recycled brass. This helps to reduce overall waste in the world, and you can play your own small part in the fight to make the earth a healthier planet.
- They are treated to deep laser engraving that guarantees long lasting and easy to read text for years to come. You don’t want to lose your pup with the nagging thought in the back of your head about how legible their tag is.
- They are available in multiple shapes and finishes, perfect for a pet owner who wants to show off some style.
- They are equipped with a strong string ring that greatly reduces the risk of loss when out and about.
- The solid single layer design of the brass tag cuts down on any annoying jingling.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, making sure that your precious pup has proper identification isn’t just about following along with everyone else, it’s about guaranteeing their safety in those moments where they might stray from your sight. Whether you prefer the idea of a classic dog ID tag or a metal plate collar, the main thing is that your furry friend can be returned to you if they ever get lost.
ID tags provide that blend of flexibility and style that a lot of people want, whilst metal plate collars offer a more permanent, noise reducing solution. It all depends on what you value the most at home. It could be one or the other, or it could be both for different occasions!
No matter which side of the fence you end up on, we think that investing in a high quality engraved ID tag is something that can make all the difference. Head over to The Lille Bjorn store to check out our range of safe and stylish eco-friendly brass tags.
Your pup deserves the absolute best, and we can guarantee that that is what you will find when you visit us to browse our quality collection. We look forward to being able to help your pet find their perfect accessory!