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Under The Control of Dogs Order 1992, Section 2(1), it's a legal obligation that:
“…every dog while in a highway or in a place of public resort shall wear a collar with the name and address of the owner inscribed on the collar or on a plate or badge attached to it.” |
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This means:
✅ What Should You Include on a Pet Tag?Legally mandatory information
J. SMITH
12 HIGH STREET
AB1 2CD
07900 123456
I’M MICROCHIPPED
📡 Why QR-Code Tags Don’t ComplyAlthough QR‑code tags are often marketed as cutting‑edge alternatives, they have two key issues:
1. They don’t meet legal requirementsThe law requires directly visible name and address on the collar or badge. A QR tag is a link to external information—it does not display those essentials inherently. qrcode.co.uk
2. They’re impractical in real life
🧭 SummaryRequirementTraditional TagQR‑Only TagVisible name & address✅❌
Works without tech✅❌
Clear to authorities and finders✅❌
Durable and simple to read✅❌
🏅 Best Practice for Pet Tags in the UK
- Dogs must wear a collar and tag when in any public space (e.g. footpaths, parks, sidewalks).
- The tag must bear the owner’s name and address (house number or name, street, postcode). pet-tags.co.uk
- Failing this, the dog can be treated as a stray, seized, and the owner may be prosecuted under the Animal Health Act 1981.
Summary: Use a Traditional TagFeatureEngraved Tag ✅QR Tag ❌Shows name and addressYesNo
Works without techYesNo
Immediate contact possibleYesNo
Legally compliantYesNo
✅ What Should You Include on a Pet Tag?Legally mandatory information
- Owner’s full name
- Address, at minimum: house number/name + street + postcode
- Phone number(s) – vital for quick reunion thelunaco.co.uk+15thestatelyhound.com+15waggel.co.uk+15waggel.co.uk+5pet-tags.co.uk+5dfordog.co.uk+5
- "I’m microchipped" badge – encourages rescanners nogginsandbinkles.com+10thestatelyhound.com+10nogginsandbinkles.com+10
- Medical notes, e.g., "On medication" or allergy details pet-tags.co.uk+3nogginsandbinkles.com+3reddit.com+3
- Reward mention, neutered status, or pet name initials
J. SMITH
12 HIGH STREET
AB1 2CD
07900 123456
I’M MICROCHIPPED
📡 Why QR-Code Tags Don’t ComplyAlthough QR‑code tags are often marketed as cutting‑edge alternatives, they have two key issues:
1. They don’t meet legal requirementsThe law requires directly visible name and address on the collar or badge. A QR tag is a link to external information—it does not display those essentials inherently. qrcode.co.uk
2. They’re impractical in real life
- Need smartphone & net: The finder must scan code, load a page, and obtain info—too much friction.
- Battery/signal issues: Not everyone has a working device in that moment.
- Risk of broken/unreadable QR: Wear‑and‑tear or positioning can make QR codes fail.
- Privacy/data latency: The QR links to information stored online—if not properly protected, it could leak personal data.
🧭 SummaryRequirementTraditional TagQR‑Only TagVisible name & address✅❌
Works without tech✅❌
Clear to authorities and finders✅❌
Durable and simple to read✅❌
🏅 Best Practice for Pet Tags in the UK
- Engraved metal tag: include name, address (house # + street + postcode), phone number, and optionally “I’m microchipped.”
- Attach securely to the collar (required by law, harness tags not always valid).
- Ensure your dog also has a microchip (legal since 2016) and that your details are current in the registered database. thestatelyhound.com+5nogginsandbinkles.com+5bluecross.org.uk+5gov.ukwaggel.co.uk+5qrcode.co.uk+5nogginsandbinkles.com+5dfordog.co.ukpet-tags.co.ukdfordog.co.ukpet-tags.co.uk+4keroandbree.com+4nogginsandbinkles.com+4rspca.org.uk+1nogginsandbinkles.com+1
