How to Attach Dog Tags to a Collar Or a Harness

Your dog’s ID tag can save his life. At the very least, it can be the determining factor in bringing him home safely should he ever get lost.

For this reason, it is essential to understand how to attach dog tags to a collar properly. You wouldn’t want them falling off when they are needed most!

So if you’re a new pet owner and aren’t sure how this works, read on to learn everything you need to know about attaching dog tags to your dog’s collar.

How to Put a Dog Tag On a Collar

How you’ll attach the dog tag depends on the type of tag you choose. It’s a good idea to understand the options so you can decide which type of tag will work best for you.

Traditional tags dangle from the dog’s collar and some people or sensitive pets are annoyed by the constant jangle of their tags. However, there are options that eliminate this noise. Furthermore, some methods of hanging dog tags are slightly more dangerous for your dog than others.

Let’s explore the various options to help you figure out which method will work best for you.

Should You Use S-hooks on Your Dog's Collar?

S-hooks are a popular method of attaching dog tags to a collar. They are simple and easy, though they do require a pair of pliers to install.

To install, slip one end of the S-hook through the tag and the other end through the ring on your dog’s collar. Pinch the ends closed with a pair of pliers and you’re good to go.

However, S-hooks pose a small danger to your dog. If the ends are not pinched tightly together, they can catch on things. In a few cases, the thing it has caught on has been the poor dog’s eyelid!

Of course, it isn’t a common occurrence, but it has happened more than once so it’s not just a fluke. You may want to consider a different method of attaching your dog’s ID tags for safety’s sake.

At the very least, make sure to pinch the ends all the way closed during installation to reduce the risk of them catching on anything. And check them occasionally to make sure they stay that way.

Should You Use Split Rings on Your Dog's Collar?

A better option for attaching the ID tag to your dog’s collar is to use a split ring. These are extremely popular and even if you’ve never owned a pet before, you’ve probably used a split ring. They are exactly like those used in common key chains.

In case, you’ve never seen one, a split ring looks like a regular ring. However, it is actually a tightly coiled spiral. This allows you to attach something to the ring without any special tools.

You simply pull open one side of the ring, insert the dog tag and rotate it all the way around until it pops off the other end. Now it is inside the circle and there to stay!

As simple as these rings are, you do have to be conscious of a few things when choosing your ring.

If the ring is too strong, you’ll have a hard time pulling it open to insert the dog tag. If it is too weak, it may not close back up as it should or it may pull open over time. If you don’t notice, your dog might even lose their tag!

Another consideration is the springiness of the steel. If the metal is too springy it won’t go back to its original state after you pull it open to attach the tag. If it’s too springy, it can break when pulled open.

Who knew there was so much to picking the right split ring for your dog tag?

Regardless, the right ring is a great option for ensuring your dog’s ID tag stays safely where it should be.

Using a Klippy on Your Dog's Collar

What if your dog uses different collars? Perhaps you have different colors or like to use holiday collars. Split rings are easy to use, but it can be a pain to transfer them from one collar to another if you do it frequently.

To make this task easier, you can use a Klippy. This little piece of equipment is not an alternative to the split ring. It still uses a split ring to attach the ID tag to the Klippy.

But the Klippy is kind of like a miniature climber’s clip. You can use it to quickly clip on or take off the ID tag from any collar or harness ring.

By the way, many people have found this little clip helpful for things beyond ID tags. They can be used to attach small items like keys to a belt or anything sturdy enough to hold them.

Importance of Custom Dog ID Tags

What happens if your dog gets lost? He can’t tell anyone where he lives or read street addresses to figure out how to get home. Even if he gets lost while at a nearby dog park, he may not know the way home if you’ve always gone there in the car.

A custom ID tag is your and your dog’s safety net should they ever get lost. With the information listed on the tag, a kind stranger who finds your dog can easily reunite you with your dog.

What Details Should You Include on a Dog ID Tag?

There are some basic details that you should always include on a dog tag. Your dog’s name should be the first thing and usually it is written in larger letters than the rest of the information on the tag.

That way, when somebody finds your dog, they can help your dog feel more at ease by calling him by his name. Plus, it also helps motivate the person to call you. A name tells the finder that this pet is loved and missed by its family and both are anxious to be reunited.

To that end, your contact information should also be on the tag. You can decide how much you’d like to include but at the very least there should be a phone number. It’s also nice to include your name so people will know who they are calling. It’s a good idea to include a backup phone number just in case.

Some people will also include their address. You can decide if you feel comfortable broadcasting that information.

People don’t always think to include this, but pertinent medical information is good to include as well. For example, if your dog has any allergies or takes medication, you can add this.

Imagine if someone found your epileptic dog and they started having a seizure because of the stress. It would be so helpful to know that the poor thing has epilepsy!

Can You Put a Dog Tag on a Harness?

Absolutely! Most harnesses have a ring in their construction where you can easily attach a dog tag just as you would to a collar.

If this is a somewhat permanent placement, you can use a split ring as we described earlier. If you’ll be switching the tag from the dog’s collar to its harness frequently, this is where the Klippy can come in really handy.

Where Does the Tag go on a Dog Harness?

You can attach the tag anywhere there is a suitable place for it. Dog harnesses have hardware holding the harness together and offering an adjustable fit. For this, there will usually be D-rings or O-rings somewhere on the harness.

You can attach your pet’s ID tag to any of these rings. Just pick a spot that makes sense and is easily visible to someone who finds your dog wandering around.

Also, always make sure to attach the tag to something metal. Don’t use any plastic parts of the harness as these are more likely to break. A dog tag that falls off when needed most won’t do anybody any good!

Should You Put Tags on Your GPS Collar?

Yes! Absolutely! You should put tags on any collar your dog is using.

A Fi GPS collar could be a worthwhile investment due to several benefits. Firstly, the collar promotes safety by allowing the owner to track the dog's location in real-time, preventing the dog from getting lost or wandering too far. Secondly, it provides peace of mind by enabling the owner to set up virtual fences and receive alerts if the dog leaves the designated safe area.

Additionally, the collar has an activity tracker that monitors the dog's daily activity levels, which can help in monitoring the dog's health and ensuring they are getting enough exercise.

Keeping Your Dog Safe at Home

No dog owner ever wants to go through the agony of realizing that their beloved pet is lost. However, a properly placed ID tag goes a long way toward making sure he gets home safely.

While you can always have your dog microchipped, dog tags are a relatively cheap and easy way to keep them safe. The finder doesn’t need any special equipment to get in touch with you. With luck, you’ll have your dog safe at home again within hours of his disappearance!

For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi.com.

Want to know more about TryFi.com? The Fi Dog Collar is a GPS tracking collar that not only keeps track of your dog’s location, activity levels, and sleep patterns, but it also alerts you if your dog escapes your backyard. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today!