The Ultimate Guide for Australian Pet Owners
If you're a proud pet parent in Australia, one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your furry friend safe is by making sure they wear a pet ID tag at all times. It may seem like a small accessory, but a pet tag can make a huge difference if your dog or cat ever goes missing.
But what exactly should you put on your pet’s tag? Too little information might not be helpful, while too much can make it hard to read. This guide will help you decide what details are essential, what extras are nice to have, and how to make the best choice for your pet’s safety.
Why Are Pet ID Tags So Important?
In Australia, thousands of pets go missing every year. While microchipping is mandatory in most states and provides a permanent form of identification, it’s not always instantly helpful. Not everyone has a microchip scanner — but a clearly visible pet tag with your contact details can get your pet home much faster.
Benefits of Pet Tags:
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Immediate identification for anyone who finds your pet.
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Faster returns compared to waiting for a vet or shelter to scan a chip.
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Low cost, high impact safety measure.
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Legal requirement in many Australian local councils.
What Information Should Be on a Pet Tag?
Let’s break down the essential, optional, and situation-based details you can include on your pet’s tag.
🟢 Essential Information (Must-Haves)
1. Pet’s Name
Including your dog or cat’s name can help the person who finds them feel more connected and reassure your pet.
Example:
Max
Why it’s useful:
A stranger calling your pet by name may help calm them and make handling easier.
2. Your Mobile Phone Number
This is the single most important piece of information on the tag. Make sure it’s up to date.
Example:
📞 0412 345 678
Tip:
Avoid using landline numbers — you want to be reachable immediately.
3. Your Suburb or Postcode
While your full address isn't necessary, adding your suburb or postcode gives the finder a sense of where your pet belongs.
Example:
📍 Bondi NSW 2026
Bonus: Some councils recommend this for local identification.
🟡 Optional (But Recommended) Information
4. “I’m Microchipped” or “Microchipped”
This lets the finder know that your pet has a chip and encourages them to take it to a vet or shelter.
Example:
🔎 I’m microchipped
5. Medical Needs or Alerts
If your pet has allergies or needs medication, this can be critical.
Example:
⚠ Needs insulin
⚠ Allergic to chicken
6. Second Phone Number
This could be your partner, neighbour, or close friend in case you're unreachable.
Example:
📞 0413 678 901
🔵 Optional Extras
7. Reward Message
A short note like “Reward if found” may encourage someone to return your pet quickly.
Example:
🎁 Reward if found
8. Funny or Friendly Message
Adding some personality can make the tag stand out and lighten the situation.
Examples:
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“Call my mum!”
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“I’m lost. Let’s fix that.”
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“My humans are worried.”
🔴 What NOT to Put on Your Pet Tag
While it might be tempting to include everything, some information is best left off:
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Your full address – It’s not necessary and could pose privacy concerns.
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Your pet's council registration number – This is better left on a separate tag provided by the council.
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Overly long messages – Keep it short and readable.
How Many Lines Can You Fit on a Pet Tag?
This depends on the size and shape of the tag you choose. At Pet ID Tags Australia, most of our tags can fit between 3 to 5 lines of text with about 15–20 characters per line.
Here’s an example of a good layout for a medium-sized dog tag:
Max
0412 345 678
Bondi NSW 2026
I’m microchipped
Needs medication
For smaller pets like cats or toy breeds, stick to 2–3 key lines.
Pet Tag Tips for Dogs vs. Cats
🐶 Dog Tags
Dogs are often more active, so their tags need to be:
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Durable (like stainless steel or aluminium)
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Securely attached to a sturdy collar
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Visible even with long fur
Dogs are also more likely to travel far if lost, so a mobile number and suburb are essential.
🐱 Cat Tags
Cats can be fussy about noise and weight, so choose:
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Lightweight tags
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Quiet, jingle-free options
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Tags with just the basics (name + phone)
Consider breakaway collars to ensure your cat’s safety if climbing trees or fences.
Should You Use Both a Pet Tag and a Microchip?
Absolutely. Think of a microchip as a backup and a pet tag as the first line of defence.
A microchip is only helpful once your pet is taken to a vet or shelter. A tag allows any passerby to contact you instantly without special equipment.
For full protection:
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Ensure your pet is microchipped.
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Keep your contact details up to date with the microchip registry.
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Add a quality, engraved pet ID tag to your pet’s collar.
Choosing the Right Pet Tag for Your Needs
Now that you know what to put on your pet tag, you need to choose the right type of tag. At Pet ID Tags Australia, we offer:
✅ Engraved Stainless Steel Tags
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Extremely durable
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Deep laser engraving won’t fade
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Available in bone, round, heart, and more
✅ Lightweight Aluminium Tags
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Bright colours
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Perfect for cats and small dogs
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Anodised to resist wear
✅ Designer Pet Tags
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Fun patterns and shapes
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Stylish with high readability
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Ideal for gifts or everyday wear
Examples: What Should You Engrave?
🐾 For a Dog:
Luna
0412 123 456
Manly NSW
I’m chipped
Reward if found
🐾 For a Cat:
🐾 For a Dog With Medical Needs:
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I update my pet’s tag?
You should update your pet tag any time your contact number, address, or medical info changes.
Are pet ID tags required by law in Australia?
Some councils require an ID tag with registration or microchip number, but at minimum, a contact number and name are strongly recommended by all local authorities.
Can I put my email address on a pet tag?
It’s possible, but it’s better to stick to a phone number, which allows for faster contact.
Where to Buy High-Quality Pet Tags in Australia
At Pet ID Tags Australia, we specialise in:
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Custom engraved pet ID tags
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Fast, Australia-wide delivery
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Durable materials built to last
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Over 100+ designs and colours to choose from
Whether you have a cheeky cavoodle or a chill tabby, we’ve got the perfect tag to keep them safe and stylish.
Final Thoughts
Your pet’s ID tag is more than just an accessory — it’s a lifeline. Whether your dog bolts through an open gate or your cat wanders too far from home, a well-designed pet tag can be the difference between lost and found.
Stick to the essentials:
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Name
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Mobile number
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Suburb or postcode
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Microchip notice
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Medical info (if needed)
And always opt for high-quality, engraved pet tags that won’t wear down over time.
👉 Ready to Order Your Pet’s Tag?
Browse our collection now and customise the perfect tag for your four-legged friend:
