What Information Must Be on a Dog Tag in the UK?

We’ll be honest with you. At The Luna Collection, we spend a lot of time thinking about how our dogs look on their walks. The perfectly fitted step-in harness. The lead that swings just so. The little bow tie that makes strangers stop and coo. But behind all the style sits something rather more serious — the small, quietly important disc clinking against your dog’s collar.

The humble dog tag. It might not be the most glamorous piece of the ensemble, but it is, without question, one of the most essential. And in the UK, it’s also the law.

So pour yourself something lovely, settle in, and let us walk you through exactly what needs to be on your dog’s tag — because knowing the rules means you can get back to the fun bit: making sure your dog is the best-dressed pup in the park.

The Law, In Plain English

Under the Control of Dogs Order 1992, every dog in a public place in the UK must wear a collar with the owner’s name and address either inscribed directly onto the collar or displayed on an attached tag. That tag is your legal obligation — not a nice-to-have, not a stylish optional extra. A requirement.

The legislation is clear: any dog spotted in a highway or public place without the correct identification is in breach of the law. And the consequences? A potential fine of up to £2,000 if convicted, plus the very real possibility of your dog being seized and treated as a stray. Not the afternoon outing any of us had in mind.

So, What Exactly Must Go On the Tag?

Here is where things get pleasingly straightforward. You only need two things to be legally compliant:

1. Your surname (or initial and surname)
Your full name is not strictly required — an initial and surname is sufficient. Think: J. Smith rather than Jessica Annabel Smith.

2. Your address, including postcode
Your house number and postcode will do the job perfectly. There is no legal requirement to include the full street name and town, though many dog parents choose to. A house number and postcode identify a UK address precisely.

That is it. Two pieces of information. The law is refreshingly concise on this point.

What About a Phone Number?

Technically, a phone number is not required by law. But from one dog parent to another? Please put your number on there. If your dog ever bolts during a fireworks display or slips their collar mid-muddy-romp, a mobile number means whoever finds them can call you directly — no searching through directories, no delays. It is common sense dressed up as good manners.

Many dog parents include two numbers: a mobile and a secondary contact. It costs nothing extra and could make all the difference on a panicked evening when your dog has made an impromptu decision to explore the next postcode.

Does My Dog’s Name Need to Be on the Tag?

This is where things get a little more nuanced — and perhaps a touch counterintuitive. Your dog’s name is not a legal requirement. And while we completely understand the urge to have Biscuit or Montgomery engraved in elegant script (because of course you do), there is actually a good reason to think twice.

If your dog were ever stolen — and sadly, dog theft remains a real concern in the UK — a thief who knows your dog’s name can use it to gain their trust, or to present them more convincingly to a potential buyer. It is an uncomfortable thought, but a worthwhile one.

A lovely alternative? Include just an initial. A single letter adds a personal touch without giving too much away. Very chic, if you ask us.

Is Microchipping Enough? Can I Skip the Tag?

We hear this question more than you might expect, and the answer is an unambiguous no. Since 2016, microchipping has been a legal requirement in England for all dogs over eight weeks old — and failing to keep those chip details updated can result in a fine of up to £500. But microchipping does not replace the physical ID tag. Both are required by law.

Think of it this way: a microchip can only be read with a specialist scanner. A tag can be read by anyone — a child, a neighbour, a kind stranger who spots your dog sitting bewildered outside the post office. The tag is your dog’s immediately visible, universally readable identification. The chip is the backup. You need both.

Where Must the Tag Be — Collar or Harness?

The Control of Dogs Order 1992 specifies that the information should be inscribed on the collar, or on a plate or badge attached to it. The law does not mention harnesses. So while we are naturally rather fond of a beautifully fitted harness — our step-in styles are, if we do say so ourselves, the fuss-free solution for dogs who despise anything going over their heads — the collar remains the legally designated home for your dog’s ID tag.

Our advice: keep a collar on your dog with the tag attached, even if they are also wearing a harness. It ensures you are fully compliant and means the tag is always visible and accessible, whatever your dog’s outfit of the day.

Who Is Exempt?

The law does make a small number of exemptions. Dogs used on official duties by the Armed Forces, Customs and Excise, or the police are exempt, as are dogs engaged in emergency rescue work, and dogs registered with the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. For the vast majority of our dogs — the ones stealing the duvet and demanding second breakfast — none of these apply. The tag is non-negotiable.

A Quick Checklist: What to Include on Your Dog’s Tag

• Your surname (or initial and surname) — legally required
• Your house number and postcode (full address if space allows) — legally required
• Your mobile number — not legally required, but absolutely recommended
• A secondary contact number — optional, but sensible
• Your dog’s name or initial — optional, but lovely. Just consider security first

Details Matter

A dog tag is a small thing. A disc of metal, a few engraved lines, a quiet clink against a collar. But it carries rather a lot — your contact details, your dog’s safety, and your peace of mind on every walk you take together. At The Luna Collection, we believe the details matter. The right harness. The matching lead. The collar that fits just so. And yes, the tag that keeps your dog safe and you on the right side of the law.

Because the best-dressed pup in the park deserves to be the safest one too.

The Luna Collection
Dog Accessories

This post is intended as general guidance only. For the full legislation, please refer to the Control of Dogs Order 1992 on legislation.gov.uk.