Tags for Pets: The Best Materials & Styles
on October 06, 2025

Tags for Pets: The Best Materials & Styles

The perfect identification tag is more than just a safety essential—it’s a statement of style, personality, and care. With so many options available, how do you decide which tags are the right fit?

This guide offers a comprehensive look at the key materials and styles available. At EMPAWR, we prioritize premium quality across all our tags, so you never have to sacrifice safety for style.

Material Matters: What Your Tag is Made Of

The material of a dog tag isn’t just about looks—it impacts durability, comfort, and how well your information holds up over time.

1. Engraved Metal Tags: The Timeless Standard

Metal tags are the industry standard for durability and permanence.

  • Pros: When laser-engraving is used, they are highly resistant to the fading of important information. Laser-engraving penetrates the surface, ensuring the contact information remains legible for a lifetime. They also offer a classic, timeless aesthetic.
  • Cons: Metal tags can jingle, which may annoy some owners (though silencers such as EMPAWR's glow-up dog tag silencer can be added).

2. Polymer, Resin & Silicone Tags: Quietness

For the pet owner who prioritizes quietness, tags made from polymers, resins, or silicone are an great choice.

  • Pros: These tags are lightweight and naturally silent, eliminating the jingle of metal tags against food bowls or floors. They also come in a wide range of colors and novelty designs.
  • Cons: Because the material is softer than metal, the tag itself can wear down and become scratched more quickly during rough play. Additionally, the engraving may not last as long as deep metal etching.

Style and Function: What's the Best Fit?

Beyond material, the style and function of your tag should align with your pet's daily activities.

Traditional vs. Slide-On Tags

  • Traditional Hanging Tags: These attach via a split ring to the collar D-ring. They offer maximum visibility and movement. This is the most common and versatile choice for most dogs.
  • Slide-On Tags: These fit flat and snugly onto the collar strap itself. They are completely silent and can’t be snagged or lost easily, making them popular for active outdoor dogs or pets that wear collars 24/7.

Fit, Weight & Customization: The Little Details That Matter

The size of your tag should be proportional to your pet and should not be too heavy for your dog. Ensuring the tag is large enough for clear custom dog tag name engraving is also essential. At EMPAWR, we make our customized dog ID tags as light as a strawberry and fitting for most breeds.

Invest in the Best Tags

Ultimately, the best tags for pets are those that you can trust and are proud for your companion to wear. Find your perfect customized dog ID tag at EMPAWR today!

EMPAWR is a community-powered lifestyle dog brand with the mission to empower and inspire the next generation of dog owners to celebrate dog's individuality and personality.

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