Every dog owner knows how sad it would be to lose a pet and surely you will do anything to protect your pet from all dangers. The importance of providing your pet with a dog tag may be obvious – it greatly increases the chance of your dog being reunited with you in case it gets lost.  Of course, pet tags are not just for dogs but for cats too!

A typical dog tag bears the dog’s name, home address, and the owner’s phone or mobile number.  These details should be engraved on the tag to make sure that all information will be visible when it is most needed.  For this reason, sterling silver and brass dog tags are popular among pet owners.

A pet wearing a tag indicates that it belongs to its owner, and that it has a loving home to return to.  Aside from the dog tag, it’s also important to choose a matching collar that will securely stay on your dog until it’s safely home.  However, see to it that the collar comfortably fits on your dog, not too tight or too lose either.

The aesthetic attributes of a dog tag such as the color, shape and design should be secondary factors.  Always consider your dog’s comfort and safety, before anything else.  A most recent innovation for pet lovers is the Virtual Leash, which was introduced in the market in May 2010 by Jack Carrier, owner of a company that offers dog tags for dogs and custom dog tags for dogs.

“Virtual Leash” shows more than just the address and the phone number. It gives your pet its very own website, containing all relevant information you want to provide to ensure that your dog will find its way to your home at the soonest possible time.  The website address is included on the tag so the finder can check out the page and be able to see all information you entered about your pet.  The finder can send you an instant alert, by clicking the “I found this pet” button and entering the last four digits of the phone number on the tag so you can be immediately notified through text, email, Twitter, Facebook or any method of notification you choose.

The owner’s personal identity is protected because all contact information stays hidden. It also includes a Google Map to show potential finders a safe place for your pet where you or your friends can go to pick up your pet.