Source: Ksenia Raykova/Shutterstock.com Whether you just got your first pet or your pet’s been in your family for years, having an ID tag for them is a must. There are so many benefits to having an ID tag, especially in the event they get lost. But, you might be completely unsure what to even put on your pet’s ID tag. With so many options, it can be tough to narrow it down. We’ve put together a list of must-haves for your pet’s tag! Contact Information Your pet’s personalized dog tag should have your contact information on it. This includes: - Your pet’s name: Having your pet’s name on their ID tag will let anyone who finds them know what to call them. It can also help vets look the pet up in their system. If your pet gets loose and someone takes it to the same vet you take your pet, chances are all your information will pop up when they search your pet’s name! - Your name: It’s important to have your name on the ID tag because then people will know who they’re looking for. This is especially if you live in a small town. Chances are, if someone finds your lost pet and sees your name on it, they’ll probably know who it belongs to! This makes it much easier for them to return your pet to you. Order One of Our Silicone Pet Tags to Protect Your Pup or Kitten - Your current address. Many pet owners forget to put their current address on their pet’s ID tag. It’s so important to have a current address and update your pet’s tag every time you move. If you have the wrong address on the tag, then someone might try to take your pet there! It means your pet will be without you for even longer – and no one wants that. - Your current phone number: Your current phone number is a great thing to have on your pet’s ID tag. Whomever finds your pet can easily call the number and let you know they either found your pet or have their collar with them. That can help you track your pet down! Source: cpaulfell/Shutterstock.com Medical Information Your pet’s medical information needs to be on your pet’s ID tag. This includes: - Medical conditions: Does your dog have diabetes or some other condition that requires they take medication every day? Maybe they have something else that doesn’t require medicine daily, but can present as an issue if they don’t go to the vet within a certain timeframe. Either way, the medical conditions your pet has need to be on their tag. Some pets require a special diet but don’t need medicine – and eating food other than their prescription can make them sick. Shelters and vet offices need to be able to know this when your pet’s dropped off to them. Looking for Gifts for New Pet Owners? Check Out Our Guide! - Vaccinations: The vaccines your pet has had within the past year need to be on your pet’s tag. A silicone pet tag is a great option on which to add their vaccinations because the rabies tag they usually receive is metal and can make noise or rust! Since vaccines are updated yearly, you should get a new pet tag after they get all their vaccines. - The name of their vet: This can help when your pet is lost. If someone sees who their vet is, they can take the lost pet there for the vet to look up the pet’s information and contact you directly. Plus, your vet and their staff might recognize your pet as soon as it’s brought in! Source: Annette Shaff/Shutterstock.com When to Get an ID Tag Here’s when you should get an ID tag for your pet: - Before you bring them home: If you’ve just adopted or purchased a new pet, try to get their ID tag before you bring them home. That way, you can put their collar on as soon as they are handed over to you. They’ll be able to use the car ride home to get used to the collar! Plus, pet ID tags make great gifts for new pet owners. - When they get vaccinated: Each time they get vaccinated or you find out something new about their medical condition, consider getting them a new tag. It’ll ensure their medical information is accurate from year to year. - When you move or change phone numbers: This is the biggest. If your pet gets loose, people need to know how to contact you. Updating your information when you move or get a new phone number will ensure people can find you to return your pet!