How to Choose the Right Custom Pet ID Tag (And Why It Actually Matters)
Let's be real — most pet ID tags are an afterthought. You grab whatever's spinning on the rack at the vet's office, slap it on your pet's collar, and call it a day. But if you've ever actually looked at those tags up close, you know they're not doing your pet any favors. Faded ink, cheap plastic, a font that looks like it came from a 2003 Word document.
Your pet deserves better. And honestly, so does their collar.
At Babe's Hardware, pet tags started as a side of the menu and quietly became one of our most loved products. My cat Willow has been the unofficial model for every new font and tag style we've tested — if it looks good on her 1" brass disc, it ships. She has high standards and zero patience for anything mid.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right tag for your pet.
Brass Engraved Pet ID Tag
Start With the Right Size
Size matters more than people think. Too big and the tag overwhelms a small animal's collar, too small and the info on the back becomes impossible to read. Here's a simple guide:
Cats and kittens — stick with 1". Anything larger looks like they're wearing a dinner plate. The exception is Maine Coons, who can pull off a 1.25" no problem because they're basically small dogs anyway.
Small and toy breeds — 1" is the sweet spot.
Medium dogs — 1" works, but if your dog has a thicker collar or a bigger personality, a 1.25" gives you more room to work with on the back side.
Large and extra large dogs — go 1.25" or 1.5". We also carry a classic aluminum dog tag shape at 1.25" x .75" that works really well for bigger breeds.
Pick Your Metal
We offer three metals and each has its own look and feel.
Brass is warm, golden, and gets better with a little wear. It's our most popular for a reason — it photographs beautifully, it's durable, and it has a quality feel that cheap tags just don't have. Available in round 1", 1.25", and 1.5", plus an organic rounded shape at 1" that has a more natural, less perfect edge to it.
Stainless steel is clean, modern, and bright silver. It's tough, doesn't tarnish, and looks sharp on dogs with cooler-toned coats or collars. Available in 1" round.
Aluminum is lightweight — great for cats or small dogs who don't love the jingle of a heavier tag. Available in 1" round and the classic dog tag shape. Also comes in a range of colors if you want to match your pet's collar situation.
Engraved vs. Stamped — What's the Difference?
This is the question we get most. Both look great, but they have a different feel.
Laser engraved tags are done on a fiber laser engraver, which means the design is precise, consistent, and permanent. The laser actually removes material from the metal surface, so the engraving won't fade, rub off, or wear down over time. You get 10 font options — western, bold, gothic, classic, and a few that fall somewhere between serious and silly — plus optional graphics like paw prints, stars, crowns, flowers, smiley faces, and swirls. If you want something that looks considered and personal, engraving is the move.
Metal stamped tags have a different character. The impressions are made by physically pressing metal stamps into the brass, which gives them a slightly imperfect, vintage quality — think old-school hardware store meets jewelry. No two stamped tags look exactly identical, and that's not a flaw, that's the point. Five font options including typewriter, sans serif, gothic, and a handwritten style, plus graphic stamps as well. If your pet's vibe is more worn-in than polished, stamping might be the better fit.
Neither one is better. They're just different.
What to Put On the Tag
Front: Your pet's name. Always. Keep it short enough to read at a glance — most names work fine, but if your pet's full registered name is something like "Sir Montgomery Bartholomew III," maybe just go with Monty.
Back: Your phone number is the most important piece of information on any pet tag. If your pet gets out, whoever finds them needs to be able to reach you fast. We also have space for your name and an address if you'd like to include it — that's optional and totally your call.
A good tag has your number. A great tag has your number in a font that matches your pet's entire personality.
What It Looks Like in Real Life
Cowboy has a 1.25" brass circle with western block lettering because obviously. The tags ship with all the hardware you need to attach them to your pet's collar. No extra trip to the hardware store required.
A Few More Things Worth Knowing
Processing time is 1–3 business days
Free ground shipping on all US orders
Priority shipping available for $15 flat if you need it faster
All tags come ready to attach — split rings or shackle hardware included depending on the style
Your pet is out in the world every day. Their tag should be the last thing you compromise on. Click Here to few the entire Pet Hardware collection by Babe’s Hardware.