10 DIY Dog Tags You Can Make at Home Today (With Pictures)
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There’s nothing more frightening than having a pet get lost — especially if they’re out in the world with nothing linking them back to you. While we’re big fans of microchipping for just this sort of occurrence, having a physical dog tag is a smart idea, too.
Unfortunately, buying an ID tag can be expensive. That’s not going to be a problem for you, though, because with the ideas below, you’re sure to find the perfect DIY plan that will teach you how to make a dog tag for you and your pooch.
Top 10 DIY Dog Tag Plans
1. DIY Instructables Dog Tag
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Skills Needed: Basic crafts skills
- Tools Necessary: Polystyrene plastic, metal hoop, hole punch, parchment paper, scissors, fine-tip markers, scissors, toaster oven
These tags from Instructables are as low-tech as it gets. Luckily, they’re as adorable as it gets, too.
They really add a touch of home to your dog’s collar, so if your pup gets lost, anyone who finds him will know that someone who truly loves him is waiting at home for him.
2. DIY Lia Griffith’s Dog Tag Idea
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Skills Needed: Basic crafts skills
- Tools Necessary: Scissors, white shrink film, hole punch, oven, computer, printer
Lia Griffith’s DIY method is remarkably similar to Martha Stewart’s — and that can only be a compliment.
These offer you a few more style and font options, though, so you can find one that truly matches your mutt’s personality.
3. SheKnows DIY Easy Dog Tag
- Skill Level: Advanced
- Skills Needed: Metal stamping, basic crafts skills
- Tools Necessary: Metal and rubber stamping block, metal hole punch, brass discs, letter stamps, steel wool, permanent marker, hammer
For something a little more durable than laminated paper, there’s these metal-stamped tags from SheKnows.
They take a little more work, but the result is a beautiful, resilient tag that will last a lifetime.
4. DIY Dog Idea by Creative Green Living
- Skill Level: Advanced
- Skills Needed: Advanced crafts skills
- Tools Necessary: Dog tag, ink pad, nail file, foam brush, craft knife, scrapbook paper, Mod Podge finish, Dimensional Magic epoxy, alphabet stamps
If you have existing dog tags that need updating or just a little sprucing up, consider this method from Creative Green Living.
When finished, they look like professionally-done enamel tags — and they’re even water-resistant to boot.
5. Thirtysomethingsupermom’s DIY Dog Tag Idea
- Skill Level: Varies
- Skills Needed: Basic crafts skills
- Tools Necessary: Varies
This method from Thirtysomethingsupermom has a ton of personality and it’s eco-friendly, as it uses upcycled items to make creative tags.
Seriously, your options are only as limited as your imagination, so go crazy and create something wild!
6. Modern Dog Magazine Easy DIY Dog Tag
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Skills Needed: Basic crafts skills
- Tools Necessary: Computer, printer, card stock, scissors, hole punch, tape
These cool tags from Modern Dog Magazine make a great temporary solution if you’re on vacation or planning to move around a bit in the upcoming months.
They can be made in just minutes, too, so there’s no excuse for letting Fido wander around without his ID.
7. uPet DIY Dog Tag
- Skill Level: Advanced
- Skills Needed: Metal punching, basic crafts
- Tools Necessary: Metal punch set, metal blanks, steel bench block, hammer, charms, industrial glue, sharpie
These metal tags from uPet are as durable as they are snazzy, and they’re sure to attract attention to your dog’s collar — which is exactly what you want if he gets lost.
They require a little more elbow grease than some other options, but the end result is worth every drop of sweat.
8. Blissful Tips DIY Temporary Dog Tag
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Skills Needed: Basic crafts skills
- Tools Necessary: Scissors, sharpie, computer, printer, packing tape, cardstock or heavy paper, O-ring
This DIY temporary dog tag by Blissful Tips is ideal when you need something quick while away on vacation or at some other event. Sometimes, traveling with your dog can become scary if he runs off in unfamiliar territory, and having a dog tag with your info will help in case your dog gets lost. All you need is a downloadable template for guidance, and the instructions are easy to follow. These tags are not meant to be permanent—they are only suggested for temporary use to tide you over until you can get a permanent dog tag.
9. DIY Dog Tag by Mikyla Creates
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Skills Needed: Basic crafts skills
- Tools Necessary: Liquid Sculpey, dog tag molds, keychain rings, jump rings, vinyl, glitter, pliers, paper clip
These adorable DIY dog tags by Mikyla Creates allow you to get creative with the color and design of your dog tag. These dog tags are super easy to make once you have all the necessary materials and tools, and they’re fun to create. You don’t need a vast amount of materials and tools, and you can make as many as you’d like to have a variety.
10. Picklee DIY Penny Pet Tag
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Skills Needed: Basic crafts skills
- Tools Necessary: Scissors, pen, penny, small jump ring, Mod Podge, craft paper, super glue
The DIY Penny Pet Tag by Picklee gives you an excuse to use your old pennies! This project is super easy and can be made with very few items. This project will take some drying time with the Mod Podge, but the instructions are quick and simple, with only three steps to follow. Note that you can use a quarter rather than a penny if you need a larger tag.
Most Stylish IDs Ever
If you decide to make any of the tags on this list, you’ll guarantee that your dog has a one-of-a-kind accessory around his neck, while also increasing the likelihood that he’ll return to you if he gets lost.
Sounds like a pretty good deal to us — but will your dog thank you? No, he will not (unless you consider unconditional love thanks enough, we guess…).
Related Reads:
- 6 DIY Dog Toys to Keep Them Busy (with Pictures)
- 10 DIY Indestructible Dog Toys for Heavy Chewers You Can Make Today (with Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: Mia Anderson, Unsplash
