Should Dogs Wear Collars and Tags?

As a responsible pet parent, one of the most important steps you can take to protect your dog is ensuring they have proper identification. You might be wondering, “Do dogs have to have a collar?” The answer is a resounding yes. Beloved pets go missing due to a lack of identification, such as a collar and ID tag. A collar with identification offers your pet the best chance for a quick return if they get lost. 

The Importance of Dog Identification

Is losing a pet really a concern? Absolutely. According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP), only 15–20% of lost dogs ever make it back to their owners. That makes the answer to, “Do dogs need to wear a collar?” a clear and definite yes.

Even indoor pets aren’t entirely safe – unexpected events like an open door, a broken gate, or a loud noise can cause them to bolt.

In emergencies such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or floods, rescue teams and animal welfare agencies spring into action to save lost pets that were separated from their families. A simple collar with an ID tag can make all the difference, helping ensure your dog gets back home safely – whether it slips out through a loose window screen or escapes during a violent storm.

Common Dog Collar Safety Concerns

A collar and identification tag are among the simplest and most cost-effective ways to ensure a lost pet finds their way back home. Still, many pet owners hesitate to outfit their dogs with proper identification. Below, we address some of the most common concerns – and how to overcome them.

I Worry That My Dog May Get Hung up on a Collar

Many pet owners worry about dog collar safety, such as a dog collar accident, though this is easily avoidable. Here’s how to minimize the risk:

• Ensure a proper fit: A collar should be snug but not tight.  
• Use a harness for leash walking: A properly fitted harness is a safer option for attaching a leash, especially for active dogs.

A properly fitted collar is less likely to hang loosely, reducing the chance of something sliding underneath it. How tight should a dog collar be? Generally, two fingers should be able to fit side-by-side between your dog’s neck and the collar.

Breakaway collars, designed to unclasp if caught on something, offer added safety. However, some owners worry they detach too easily. A study by Dr. Linda Lord of the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine found that standard collars may actually be more secure in some situations, as breakaway versions can open under minimal pressure.

Pro tip: Always use a harness for leash walks and reserve collars for identification.

But, That Noise!

Should dogs wear collars even if they can be noisy? Yes. Some people find the constant jingling of multiple tags (ID tag, rabies tag, license tag) distracting inside the home. However, jingling tags can be quieted in a variety of simple ways. Solutions for less noisy dog collars may include:

• Brass nameplates can be riveted directly to the dog’s collar.  
• “Tag silencers” are made of soft plastic and fit around the outside of the tag. You can even laminate the tag on both sides with regular clear household tape (although this will need to be peeled off and replaced as it wears out).  
• A rubber band wrapped multiple times around a tag will keep it from clattering against other tags. 
• A collar can be purchased with your dog’s name and phone number embroidered directly upon it. 
• Depending on the type of collar your dog wears, you may be able to write your phone number directly on the collar with a black permanent marker.

These solutions reduce noise without sacrificing safety or identification. 

I Tried a Collar Once, and My Dog Objected

Some dogs aren’t immediately comfortable with a collar, but gentle, positive conditioning can help. Here are a few steps you can take to learn how to put a collar on a dog that is unaccustomed to wearing one:

1. Start with a lightweight, tag-free collar. 
2. Place it on your dog for short, supervised periods (10 minutes to an hour). If the dog does not appear to object, try it for longer, such as a few supervised hours. 
3. Reward your dog with treats and playtime for wearing the collar. This will create positive associations to the collar. 
4. Repeat daily, gradually increasing the wearing time. Do this over a few days until your dog is comfortable and associates wearing the collar with great things, such as a fun time with you! 
5. Once your dog accepts the collar, add tags and repeat the process.

Always supervise dogs new to wearing collars and never leave a resistant dog unattended while wearing one. If your dog doesn’t mind the collar but is bothered by the tags, try a riveted nameplate or embroidered collar. A positive introduction to a collar will make your dog far more comfortable when wearing one permanently.

Remember, Dogs Grow, and Their Collars Must Grow with Them

Can a dog wear a collar all the time? For the most part, yes – especially when the collar fits properly and is regularly checked for signs of wear. Do puppies need a collar? They absolutely can benefit, particularly as part of early training and identification. As you consider how to measure a no-pull dog collar size, or any other collar, keep in mind that young dogs quickly outgrow their early collars, and even adult dogs may experience changes in weight that affect collar fit. Regularly inspect your dog’s collar for damage and ensure it still fits comfortably. As mentioned above, to assess the collar’s fit, just slide two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck to confirm it’s snug but not too tight. Grooming or playtime is an ideal opportunity for this simple safety check.

How to Choose the Right Dog Collar and Tag/Types of Collars

Wondering how to choose a dog collar? Choosing the right collar and tag depends primarily on your dog’s needs, such as lifestyle, size, and behavior. Common types include:

• Nylon or leather collars (standard) 
• Breakaway collars (safety-focused) 
• Training collars for dogs (consult a professional trainer) 
• Flea collars for dogs 
• GPS dog collars and tracking devices 
• Harnesses

Remember that dogs have to have a collar which fits them well.

As for dog collar safety, there are some collars which should be avoided, such as e-collars and choke collars. What is an e-collar for dogs and should dogs wear collars that shock/choke? An e-collar, also sometimes known as a “shock collar” or a “bark collar for dogs,” is a well-known option that should be avoided because it is harmful to a dog. They are often associated with stress and behavioral issues and are not recommended for humane training or identification purposes. This applies to choke collars as well. Ensuring that you are making a comfortable collar choice is essential for your dog’s overall well-being in the long run and will support your bond moving forward.

Are you wondering, “What tags should a dog wear?” That depends on your dog’s personal medical and environmental needs. Usually, the following tags are recommended options to include, and some might be required depending on where you live:

• ID tags with your contact information 
• Rabies vaccination tags 
• License tags (if required by your municipality) 
• Medical alert tags for dogs with health conditions

Do dogs have to have ID tags? That is entirely up to you! Your veterinarian can help determine what tags are appropriate for your dog and whether or not they are mandated by the law.

Other Forms of Dog Identification

Microchipping

A microchip is a permanent ID and lasts the life of the dog. The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is injected beneath the surface of the dog’s skin between the shoulder blades. The process is like a routine vaccination, and an anesthetic is not required. Microchips are read by passing a microchip scanner over the dog’s shoulder blades and body (in case the chip has migrated from the original site). The scanner emits a low radio frequency that reads the microchip’s unique code, identifying the dog. HomeAgain® is a popular brand of microchips, and it has several great stories on its website about lost pets being reunited with their guardians.

According to one study at Ohio State University, microchipped dogs were 2½ times more likely to be returned to their caretakers when compared to unchipped dogs. Therefore, microchipping can make a world of difference when it comes to lost pets.

It is vital to keep the dog owner’s contact information updated. When a dog is adopted from a shelter or adoption group or is transferred to a new home, the new owner should immediately update the microchip information. When the owner moves or changes a phone number, this must also be reported to the microchip company. While many shelters will make a valiant effort to track down an owner when the microchip information is out-of-date, this takes valuable time and may prove impossible. More information about keeping your microchip current can be found here.

Do dogs need a collar alongside a microchip? Even with a microchip, a dog tracking collar and an ID tag will get a dog home the fastest. Most people don’t have microchip scanners at home or on hand. The microchip is a great backup if a collar breaks or falls off. 

Do It for Your Dog’s Safety

Research shows that safety dog collars with ID tags are important in bringing dogs home. Just as we carry identification in our wallets to help us navigate our human lives, our pets deserve the same safeguard.

Take action today:  

• Check your dog’s collar. Is it in good shape? Does it fit correctly? 
• Ensure your contact information is clearly visible and up-to-date. 
• Confirm your microchip registration details are current.

If you encounter friends or family members asking, “Should dogs wear collars?” or “Do dogs have to have a tag?”, consider giving them a collar and tag as a present. Offer to pay for a microchip at their veterinarian for their birthday or any memorable holiday. It’s a thoughtful and practical gesture that could one day save a life.

For more expert tips on adopting dogs, explore our dog adoption articles.