Pet advice · 6 min read

Personalised Dog Collar or ID Tag? Which Is Best for Your Dog

Every dog in the UK needs its owner’s details on its collar when out in public. But should those details hang on a jangling tag, or be engraved straight onto the collar? Here’s an honest look at both – and how to choose.

By Our Gift Shop · October 2026

Dog wearing a personalised collar with an engraved name plate

Key takeaways

UK law says your dog must wear a collar showing your name and address in public.
A microchip is also required, but it doesn’t replace the collar.
Dangling tags work, but can jingle, snag, wear smooth or fall off.
A personalised dog collar keeps your details on the collar itself – quiet, neat and hard to lose.

What UK law says your dog must wear

Under the Control of Dogs Order 1992, any dog on a road or in a public place must wear a collar with the name and address of its owner on it – either written on the collar itself or on a plate or badge attached to it. Some working dogs, such as police dogs and assistance dogs, are exempt.

Most owners add a phone number too. It isn’t required, but it is usually the fastest way for someone to reach you if your dog gets lost.

Since 2016, dogs in England, Scotland and Wales also have to be microchipped (and pet cats in England since June 2024). A microchip is brilliant back-up, but it can only be read with a scanner at a vet, rescue centre or council – so the collar and its details are still the law, and still the first thing a passer-by will check.

Three personalised leather dog collars with engraved metal name plates

Engraved name plates sit flat on the collar – nothing to jingle or fall off.

Dangling ID tags: pros and cons

The classic disc or bone-shaped tag hangs from a split ring on the collar.

Pros

Cheap and easy to swap between collars
Lots of shapes and colours

Cons

Noise – the constant jingle bothers some dogs (and owners)
Snagging – a hanging tag can catch on fences, crates or bedding
Wear – engraving can rub smooth over time, making details hard to read
Loss – split rings can open and tags drop off without you noticing

Personalised dog collars: pros and cons

With a personalised collar, your details are engraved on a name plate fixed flat to the collar, or printed into the collar itself.

Pros

Nothing to lose – the details can’t fall off without the collar
Quiet – no jingling on walks or at night
No snagging – sits flat against the collar
Looks great – a smart, finished look, and a lovely gift

Cons

If you change your number or move house, you’ll need a new collar or plate
Space is limited, so keep the wording short

Braided Leather Dog Collar with Engraved Name Plate

From £7.99

Soft braided leather with a name plate engraved with your dog’s name and your number.

Personalise it →

Side by side

	Dangling ID tag	Personalised collar
Meets UK law	Yes, with name & address	Yes, with name & address
Can fall off	Yes	No
Noise	Jingles	Silent
Snag risk	Can catch	Sits flat
Easy to update	Yes	New collar or plate

So which is best?

Both can keep you within the law. For most dogs, though, a personalised dog collar is the better everyday choice: your details stay put, it’s quiet, and there’s nothing dangling to catch. A tag still makes sense if you swap collars a lot, or as a spare on a harness.

What to put on it

Your surname
House number and postcode
Your mobile number
Optional: “I’m microchipped” or a medical note

Many owners leave their dog’s own name off for security – it’s entirely up to you. For more detail, read why you should personalise your pet’s collar.

Reflective Nylon Dog Collar – Personalised Engraved ID

From £7.99

Padded and reflective for dark evening walks, with your details engraved on the collar.

Personalise it →

Frequently asked questions

Does my dog legally need a tag if it has a personalised collar?

No. The law says the owner’s name and address must be on the collar or on a plate or badge attached to it. A collar with your details engraved on it meets that on its own.