Dog Tag Law in the UK: What Your Dog Legally Needs to Wear in 2025 🐾

Let’s face it - your dog might be a good boy (or girl!), but if they’re out and about without the right ID tag, you could land in the doghouse. 🐶💸

At Wag-A-Tude Tags, we get two burning questions all the time:

"Do I really need a dog tag by law?"
"What should I include on my dog’s ID tag?"

So here it is - everything you need to know about dog ID tag laws in the UK for 2025, what info is legally required, what’s smart to add, and how you can keep your dog both compliant and stylish. 🦴✨

📜 Is a Dog ID Tag Required by Law in the UK?

Yes, it is! UK law - specifically the Control of Dogs Order 1992 - says that:

🐕 Any dog in a public place must wear a collar with the owner's name, address, and postcode either engraved or written on it, or on a tag attached to the collar.

That includes parks, pavements, beaches - anywhere outside your home or private garden.

⚠️ And if you skip it?

You could be hit with a fine of up to £5,000. Yikes. That’s a lot of chews and treats down the drain.

✅ What Must Be on a Dog ID Tag in 2025?

Let’s break it down nice and simple. Your dog’s ID tag must include:

• 🏡 Your name

• 📮 Your address

• 🔢 Your postcode

💬 Quick tip: You can legally shorten your address - just your house number + postcode is acceptable.

💡 What’s Smart to Include (But Not Legally Required)?

Okay, so you've ticked the legal boxes. But what if your dog bolts during a walk, gets spooked by fireworks, or just decides to go full explorer mode?

Adding a few extra details can make a huge difference when it comes to getting your furry friend home fast:

• 📞 A phone number or two (home + mobile)

• 🩺 Medical conditions

• 💉 Microchip info

• 🐾 Behavioural notes (e.g. nervous, not dog-friendly)

• ❤️ Personality quirks (I’m deaf but fabulous, anyone?)

🏷️ Dog ID Tag Examples: What They Can Look Like

Here’s what a perfectly legal, helpful dog ID tag can include:

1. The Legal Basics

 

SMITH 123 Woof Close W1 00F

SMITH 123 W1 00F

 

 

2. Add a Phone Number or two

SMITH 123 Woof Close W1 00F 0123 456 789

SMITH 123 Woof Close W1 00F Home: 0123 456 789 Mobile: 07900 000 000

 

3. Include Microchip/Neutering Info

SMITH 123 Woof Close W1 00F 0123 456 789 Microchipped

SMITH 123 Woof Close W1 00F 0123 456 789 Chipped & Neutered

 

4. Behavioural Cues

SMITH 123 Woof Close W1 00F 0123 456 789 NERVOUS

SMITH 123 Woof Close W1 00F 0123 456 789 NOT DOG FRIENDLY

 

5. Medical Needs

SMITH 123 Woof Close W1 00F 0123 456 789 I AM DEAF

SMITH 123 Woof Close W1 00F 0123 456 789 DIABETIC - NEED MEDS

 

💬 Why Wag-A-Tude Tags Are Best in Show (and Legal Too!)

At Wag-A-Tude Tags, we go beyond “just enough.” Unlike traditional engraved tags that leave you cramming info into a tiny space, our tags offer up to 100 characters  - plenty of room for your dog’s story.

Need to include two phone numbers, medical needs, and a cheeky slogan? We’ve got you.

💎 Our tags come in:

• Hilarious, head-turning designs

• Clear medical alert styles

• Breed-specific or sassy personality options

• Durable finishes that stand up to zoomies, mud, and mayhem

🧠 Microchipping vs. ID Tags: Do I Need Both?

Yes. Microchipping your dog is also a legal requirement in the UK, but it’s not a substitute for a visible ID tag.

Think of it this way:

• 🏷️ ID tag = quick rescue (anyone can help)

• 📡 Microchip = backup info (needs scanning)

Both together = the best chance of a safe and speedy reunion.

🐶 Final Bark: Stay Legal. Stay Stylish.

✔️ YES, dog ID tags are required by law in the UK
✔️ You must include your name, address, and postcode
✔️ Smart extras like phone numbers and health info can help save the day
✔️ And yes, they can absolutely look amazing while doing it

So why settle for boring? Give your dog a voice, style, and safety with a Wag-A-Tude tag that says, "I'm fabulous AND fully legal!" 🐕💃

🛒 Ready to Tag in Style?

Explore our full range of funny dog tags, medical pet tags, and customisable options made to match your dog’s personality - and protect them while they strut their stuff.