Are Traditional Dog Collar Tags Still Necessary in 2024?

treattrail

Is it Really Necessary to Use Traditional Dog Collar Tags Anymore?

I’ve noticed that practically every dog owner still uses the standard engraved collar tag for their pets, but in 2024, it feels a bit outdated. With microchipping now being the norm and all kinds of GPS collars and QR code tags available, do metal collar tags actually make sense anymore?

They’re noisy, they get lost, and the info scratches off in a year. I get that they’re visible, but is anyone actually relying on them these days to ID a lost dog? Or are we all just stuck in old habits? If your dog gets loose, aren’t shelters and vets scanning for chips first anyway?

Curious if anyone has actually had real-world success stories (or failures) with either the old-school tag or the newer tech. Are we just buying into tradition, or is there an actual argument for keeping the jingly tags around?

catsnackqueen

Something I’ve noticed is that while tech like microchips and GPS collars are awesome, they all rely on someone having either a scanner or a charged phone, or the tech working properly. But a basic metal tag is instantly readable by anyone—it’s just super fast for a neighbor or passerby to help reunite a dog and owner, no extra tools needed. That said, I totally get finding the tags annoying! Maybe a combo is still best? I’ve seen silicone or slide-on tags that don’t jingle and seem more durable; anyone tried those as a compromise?

vetbites

Adding to what’s already been discussed, one significant advantage of collar tags is immediacy: a person who finds a lost dog can contact you right away, without waiting to reach a shelter or vet with a scanner. Some newer options, like QR code tags, can bridge old and new—scannable for extra info and contact, but still visible. Ultimately, layering methods—something visible and something permanent like a microchip—offers the best protection, especially since battery-powered or digital tags can fail when you least expect it.