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Pet Tag Guide

What Should You Put on a Pet Tag in South Africa?

A clear, practical guide to choosing the right wording for your dog or cat’s engraved ID tag — from phone numbers and suburb details to medical notes and microchip information.

Custom engraved pet tagsSouth Africa3–4 min read

A pet tag is one of the simplest ways to help your dog or cat get home safely if they ever wander off. While microchips are important, an engraved pet tag gives anyone who finds your pet immediate access to your contact details.

Etched Horizon tip: The best pet tags are clear, readable and practical. They do not need to include everything — just the information that helps someone contact you quickly.

Why your pet should wear an engraved tag

Even the most loved pets can slip through a gate, get frightened by noise, wander during a walk, or become separated from home.

A visible pet tag helps someone act immediately. They do not need to take your pet to a vet or welfare organisation first. They can simply read the tag and contact you.

A good pet tag can make the difference between a long, stressful search and a quick phone call.

The most important details to include

Your pet’s name

Your pet’s name makes the tag feel personal and helps the person who finds them speak to them calmly.

Your primary phone number

This is the most important detail on the tag. Use the number you are most likely to answer.

A second contact number

If there is enough space, a second number is useful for a partner, family member or neighbour.

Your suburb or area

You do not always need a full street address. In many cases, your suburb or area is enough.

Medical notes

If your pet has a medical condition, allergies or needs medication, include a short note.

Microchipped information

Adding “Microchipped” tells the person who finds your pet that permanent ID is also available.

What not to put on a pet tag

A pet tag has limited space, so clarity matters. Try to avoid too much text, long full addresses, outdated phone numbers, or decorative wording that makes the important details hard to read.

Example pet tag wording

MAXCall 069 000 0000Pinelands
LUNAI’m lostPlease call my mom069 000 0000
BELLANeeds medicationCall 069 000 0000
COCOMicrochippedCall 069 000 0000Cape Town

Dog tags vs microchips: why both matter

A microchip is very important because it gives your pet a permanent form of identification. But a microchip usually needs to be scanned by a vet, welfare organisation, or someone with the correct equipment.

Microchip

Permanent identification for official records and vet or welfare scanning.

Pet tag

Immediate contact details that someone can read and use straight away.

Choosing the right pet tag

When choosing a pet tag, think about your pet’s size, comfort and the amount of information you want to include. Smaller tags are ideal for smaller dogs and cats. Larger tags give more space for readable engraving and are better suited to bigger pets.

Etched Horizon pet tags are available in elegant colour options, including gold, silver, rose gold, black and blue for small tags. Large tags are available in silver.

Why readability matters

A pet tag must look beautiful, but it must also be easy to read. For this reason, Etched Horizon chooses the best engraving style based on your wording, tag size and layout.

A mockup is always shared after your order is placed, and engraving only begins once the mockup is confirmed.

Create your custom engraved pet tag

Choose your tag, add your pet’s details and receive a mockup before engraving begins.

Create My Tag