Product Guide

Pet ID Tags Guide

Compare traditional tags, smart QR tags, and GPS trackers to find the best identification solution for your pet.

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Which ID Solution Do You Need?

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Microchip

Legally required for dogs and cats. Permanent identification that can't be lost.

✓

Collar Tag (Dogs)

Legally required for dogs in public. Visible ID for quick reunions.

Smart QR Tag

Optional upgrade. Scannable with smartphones, includes medical info and emergency contacts.

GPS Tracker

Optional. Real-time location tracking for adventurous or escape-prone pets.

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Traditional Engraved ID Tags

Classic metal tags with your contact details engraved directly on them. These are the most common and legally compliant solution for dogs, meeting the Control of Dogs Order requirements.

Pros

✓No batteries or technology required
✓Lasts for years with minimal wear
✓Cheap (£3–£15 typically)
✓Instantly readable by anyone who finds your pet
✓Available in many styles, shapes, and materials

Cons

✗Limited space for information (usually just name, phone, postcode)
✗Can't include medical information or multiple contacts
✗Engraving can wear off over time on cheaper tags
✗Your personal information is visible to anyone
✗Need new tag if you move or change number

What to Engrave

For dogs (legal requirement):

✓Your surname
✓Your address including postcode
✓Phone number (recommended)

Many owners also add "I am microchipped" or their microchip number if space allows.

Shop Traditional ID Tags

Browse hundreds of engraved pet ID tags in various materials (stainless steel, brass, aluminum) and styles on Amazon:

View ID Tags on Amazon

Popular options include bone-shaped tags, round tags, and slide-on tags that attach directly to the collar.

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Smart QR Code Tags

Modern tags featuring a QR code that anyone can scan with a smartphone to access your pet's digital profile. These store much more information than traditional tags and can be updated anytime without replacing the tag.

How QR Tags Work

1 Someone finds your lost pet → 2 Scans the QR code with their phone → 3 Instantly sees your contact details, pet's photo, medical needs → 4 They contact you directly

Pros

✓Store unlimited information (medical conditions, medications, multiple contacts)
✓Update anytime - no need to buy a new tag when you move
✓Add photos of your pet
✓Some send instant alerts when scanned
✓Privacy - phone number only shown when tag is scanned
✓Can include vet details and medical instructions

Cons

✗Requires finder to have smartphone and know to scan QR codes
✗Some services charge ongoing subscription fees
✗QR code can wear off if poor quality tag
✗Relies on the service provider staying in business
✗More expensive than basic engraved tags (£10–£30)

Looking for Extra Protection?

Pet24 offers the only QR tag service in the UK that includes emergency vet coverage. If your dog is found injured, Pet24 pays up to £1,000 for emergency treatment plus provides 24/7 lost pet support. Just £20/year (save £10 through our link).

Learn More About Pet24 →

Popular QR Tag Services in the UK

PawID

One-time payment of around £15-20 for tag and lifetime profile. No monthly fees. Instant alerts when scanned. Good for owners who don't want subscriptions.

Visit PawID →

Pet24 Includes Vet Coverage

£20/year (discounted from £29.95). QR tag with digital profile plus 24/7 lost pet support. Uniquely includes up to £1,000 emergency vet treatment if your dog is found injured.

Get Pet24 Protection →

ReturnTag

£19.99 one-time fee with no subscriptions. Includes unlimited updates, GPS location sharing, and emergency contacts. Durable metal tags.

Visit ReturnTag →

Pet Trust UK

Smart tag with digital profile. Includes medical information storage and can alert emergency contacts. Part of broader pet insurance and care services.

Visit Pet Trust UK →

QR Pet Tags on Amazon

Many affordable QR tag options available with various profile services:

Browse QR Tags on Amazon

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GPS Pet Trackers

Important

GPS trackers do NOT replace legal ID requirements. Your dog must still have a microchip and collar tag even if they wear a GPS tracker.

GPS trackers attach to your pet's collar and use cellular or satellite signals to show you their real-time location on your phone. They're ideal for pets that roam, escape artists, or anxious owners who want peace of mind.

Pros

✓Real-time location tracking on your phone
✓Set up "safe zones" and get alerts if pet leaves them
✓Activity monitoring (steps, calories, sleep)
✓Find your pet even if they're miles away
✓Some include light or sound to help locate in dark/dense areas

Cons

✗Expensive - £30–£100 for device plus ongoing subscription
✗Monthly fees (typically £5–£10/month for cellular data)
✗Requires charging (usually every 2–7 days)
✗Can be bulky for small pets
✗Relies on cellular coverage - may not work in remote areas
✗Battery dies if not charged = no tracking

Who Benefits from GPS Trackers?

✓Owners of escape-prone dogs (Huskies, Beagles, etc.)
✓Cats that roam far from home
✓Rural owners with large properties
✓New pet owners still training recall
✓Anyone with high-value breeds at risk of theft

Popular GPS Trackers in the UK

Tractive GPS

One of the most popular in UK. Device costs around £40-50, subscription £5-8/month. Real-time tracking, activity monitoring, lightweight design. Works across Europe.

View on Amazon →

Pawfit 3

Newer UK brand. Around £100 device with £5/month subscription. Up to 28 days battery life. Activity tracking and health monitoring. Good for multiple pets.

View on Amazon →

Apple AirTag (Budget Option)

Not a true GPS tracker but uses Apple's Find My network. £29 with no subscription. Only works when near other Apple devices. Better than nothing but limited range.

AirTag Pet Holders on Amazon →

Compare GPS Pet Trackers

Browse and compare GPS trackers with UK coverage and customer reviews:

View GPS Trackers on Amazon

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Quick Comparison

Type	Cost	Monthly Fee	Best For
Microchip	£40–85	None	Required by law
Engraved Tag	£3–15	None	Required for dogs, simple & cheap
QR Tag	£10–30	Usually none	Updatable info, medical details
GPS Tracker	£30–100	£5–10	Real-time tracking, escape artists

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Our Recommendation

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Minimum (Legal Requirement)

✓Dogs: Microchip + engraved collar tag
✓Cats: Microchip (collar tag optional but recommended)

Recommended

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Recommended Upgrade

Add a QR tag alongside (or instead of) traditional engraved tag for dogs, and as primary collar ID for cats. This gives you updateable information, medical details, and privacy while remaining affordable.

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For Peace of Mind

If your pet is an escape artist, roams far, or you're very anxious about losing them, add a GPS tracker. The subscription cost is worth it for real-time peace of mind.

Need microchipping first? Find trusted vets across London:

Find Microchipping Providers

Not sure about the law? Read our comprehensive guide:

UK Pet ID Laws

Affiliate Disclosure: MyPetID may earn a commission from purchases made through some links on this page at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we believe will genuinely help keep your pet safe and identified. All opinions are our own.