Free Dog Tags: Make Your Own Dog Tag

Follow our free dog tags instructions to make your own dog tag!

Just scrounge a blank metal or plastic disc or tag or reuse an old one and add particulars.


Or update an old tag per the instructions below.

To provide more detailed information about your dog, make your free dog tags double-sided.

The information we put on Comet's tag shows:
Our names, his name, two phone numbers, the words, "I have a chip" indicating Comet has an implanted microchip.

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INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE FREE DOG TAGS

• A fine point pen or computer and printer
• White or colored paper
• Any shape piece of blank metal or plastic with rounded edges between 1x1 inches (25x25mm) and 2x1 1/2 inches (38mm)
• Or an existing or old dog tag
• A metal ring to attach the tag to the collar
• Some epoxy (preferred) or other good glue
• Note: We used ACE Quick Set Epoxy from ACE Hardware in the U.S. It mixes easily and takes at least 10 minutes to dry so there's enough time to work with it before it sets. It’s clear and has a high strength factor.
• A clean plastic lid you would be discarding anyway
• A piece of waxed paper (can take the liner from a cereal box)

• Scissors
• A small knife, screwdriver or object for spreading the epoxy
• A pointy object like a toothpick, smaller screwdriver, punch or drill

• The information you put on the tag is up to you
• You may use more than one font/lettering size. Comet’s tag was done in Times New Roman, font sizes from 9 to 5
• Experiment with the best fit. To save paper, try several combinations of lettering on the page before printing
• If you're writing by hand, put the dog tag underneath your paper and rub lightly along the edges to outline the area to write in
• Then write out the information
• Cut around the area with scissors. (It’s better to cut too big than too small)
• Try the piece on your dog tag and do final trimming as needed
• Put the piece of paper aside where it will stay clean and dry

• If you have a tag with no hole, drill a hole in it for the ring
• Wash and dry the tag so it will take the glue properly

Note: Please remember to follow the manufacturer recommendations to use the epoxy in a well-ventilated area.
• To begin with, mix just a little of the epoxy on the plastic lid
• Apply epoxy evenly to the back of your piece of paper to soak it in
• After the paper is a uniform color, carefully place it on the tag
• Slide it around as needed to put it where you want it
• With the edge of your knife or mixing tool, tamp the paper in place
• Work the paper down flat to avoid bubbles
• The top of the paper should start to saturate with epoxy
• Mix up more epoxy, enough to cover the tag about 1/10 inch (1mm) deep
• Work the excess into any part of the paper not yet soaked
• Spread the epoxy all the way out to the edge to make a good seal
• Don’t worry if you get epoxy in the hole of the tag: After the epoxy has set up a bit poke it out with a toothpick, screwdriver, or punch. You can always drill it out later too

• Set the tag aside to dry on a piece of waxed paper. This may take an hour or two on a warm, breezy day. If it's cold out, try to dry near a warm indoor source
• Protect from dust, etc. while it's drying
• When dry,repeat instructions for adding information to the other side
• Once that is dry and you have poked any epoxy out of the hole, slip the ring through the tag and attach it to your dog’s collar

P.S. Comet's tag is still just as readable as when Stan first made it two and a half years ago.

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