Is this odd or the norm now?

[FirstladyKirkman]

Went to a well known supplier of pet goods today to purchase a collar and tag for our new puppy due to come home in a couple of weeks.

Picked up collar and went to till to request a tag. I had to give surname, contact number, house number and postcode. Just as he put the tag in the machine I said "Oh, you didn't ask for the dogs name" to which he replied that their policy is not to print the actual dogs name on the tag anymore due to insurance purposes, and due to the increase in dog thefts it's best if the name is left off so that the thief can't bond with the stolen dog. Was also told that insurance could also be invalidated if the insurance company were to find out his/hers name was on a tag....I couldn't disagree with him as I knew no different and he was very insistent!

I haven't purchased a dog tag in nearly 15 years so don't know whether this has become a universally known thing in the interim. Anyone have any recent experience?

My sister didnt put her puppies name on her tag for the stealing reasons. No idea about it invalidating insurance though.

Yes - I have my surname and phone number on the tag

I don't know about normal it is for that to be an actual policy, or something which can invalidate insurance but it is good advice.

We have always had dogs and never ever have their names printed on the tag, as they're far more likely to respond and go to a stranger calling them by their name (although obviously it would depend on them getting close enough to see it. Better safe than sorry though!

*how normal

It’s been standard for a while now - one of my dogs is 9 and that’s what they told me when I picked him up

I've never been told we couldn't, but we haven't had our dogs name on the tags for several years now, just our phone number.

I had my name and phone number on the tag. No dog name and definitely no address!

Ahh, thank you all for confirming. Doesn't feel so odd now! Luckily for us, due to our surname if anyone nicks her they might fear the mafia are after them!! 😂😂

Yes its the norm, in the same way you shouldn't have your kids names plastered all over their school bags, headbands, coats etc.

Because the mafia are known for their fondness of Yorkshire Terriers!! 😂😂

Thought this was standard. Haven't ever put the pet's name on dog or cat tags. Just thought it was because of people calling them by name and making it easier for them to take them.

Just have surname and phone number on both dogs tags.

“In the UK the Control of Dogs Order 1992 states that any dog in a public place must wear a collar with the name and address (including postcode) of the owner engraved or written on it, or engraved on a tag. Your telephone number is optional (but we would recommend this).

^^ That’s the law, telephone numbers are optional

The law is stupid. You don’t advertise where your dog lives.

Yes we've never put the dogs name on tags for precisely that reason. Didn't know about the insurance though.

My dog’s tag has our surname, house number postcode and phone number on one side and “I am chipped” on the other

Yes this is definitely the norm, I also added “I’m microchipped” onto the tag.
Never heard of the insurance issue though so no idea how accurate that is.

That's wonderful guys. Thankyou very much ❤️ all so exciting! Can't wait to have her at home 😁

I always thought it wasn't recommended to put the name of the dog on the tag in case someone steals them. We have our surname and phone number on our dog's tag. Although it's just occurred to me that our surname is also an increasingly popular first name and may be used for a dog. I don't think he would respond to it though.