I'm so tired of tossing out Kipawa's name/ID tags. They become scratched and discolored so quickly. I am sure you guys know the ones I mean - they are pretty standard in the pet stores, where you can have the name etched on while you wait.
Where do you guys get your better quality ID tags from?
A little more pricey, but fun if you want something that you can personalize a bit…
I have gotten tags from Urbanpuppy on Etsy..
http://www.etsy.com/shop/UrbanPuppy. I would go with one that has a brass base, not copper (it's too soft and will warp over time). I would also ask the artist to make sure that she embosses your number really well. On one of my tags it's getting harder to see with all the scratches.
Here's another store form Etsy that looks good…
http://www.etsy.com/shop/DoggoneTags#
these might be a bit more tag than you're looking for, but they look pretty cool and they hold up well.
There are lots of cool tags on Esty, http://www.etsy.com/category/pets/tag. I'll be ordering a couple once I figure out which one I want ! :o
Another tag I think is interesting is the one with the new style bar code which can be read by smartphones: http://www.petqrtag.com. The only problem I see with this tag is, that while there are lots of people out there with smartphones, they are not universal (most of the people where we live in the summer don't even have computers, let alone smartphones and I doubt smartphones are common among the population of residents where we live during the winter). Still, a cool tag, and I like the idea of having a personal webpage that the bar code points to where you can enter whatever information you want about your dog.
Holy smokes you guys - I knew I was asking the right folks!
Ivoss - exactly what I want - something that doesn't wind up scratched so fast. And the ones I am getting now are darkening Kipawa's white upper chest area. These won't do that.
Moth - love them! Now I have to think of something interesting to identify Kipawa. I don't want to admit he is a mamma's boy, so maybe something like 'always happy'. 
Bewler - those #doggone tags are the cat's meow, or should I say the basenji's baroo! They look worth every penny. Amazing. The word 'tag' does not do them justice!
Linda H - re: smart phone 'tags' - I agree, not everyone has or will get a smart phone. But the idea of the tag pointing to a web page is so good. So, the answer is maybe to make a web page with Kipawa's information and then get the URL put on the tag.
Because I had a few of the cheap ones before, I think I am going to get 3 or 4 of these, because I have different collars for Kipawa (yes, I already told you he was spoiled :)).
Thank you so much for pointing me in the right direction. Kipawa's Christmas stocking is going to have some very nice things in it!
So, the answer is maybe to make a web page with Kipawa's information and then get the URL put on the tag.
That's a great idea, Fran! Why didn't I think of that? 
That's a great idea, Fran! Why didn't I think of that?
You DID Linda - you just didn't write it out specifically.
I use collar tags, the type that don't dangle. Nemo would chew on any tag hanging from his neck so this prevented that. Made from the stainless steel, haven't replaced one ever. Only bought new ones when I've bought different size collars.
Although I might try buying one of the Etsy tags for the new dog, those are really cute.
There are lots of cool tags on Esty, http://www.etsy.com/category/pets/tag.
Another tag I think is interesting is the one with the new style bar code which can be read by smartphones: http://www.petqrtag.com. The only problem I see with this tag is, that while there are lots of people out there with smartphones, they are not universal (most of the people where we live in the summer don't even have computers, let alone smartphones and I doubt smartphones are common among the population of residents where we live during the winter). Still, a cool tag, and I like the idea of having a personal webpage that the bar code points to where you can enter whatever information you want about your dog.
I like the idea of this in concept (because I love my smart phone) but it is a bit circuitous of an approach since it's so easy just to put a phone number on the tag, since that that is really all that is needed. On the flipside it would be really cool as an informational tool as you could include medical info or any additional information you would want to make people aware of, such as when you are away from home.
I'm with Nemo, we use Boomerang tags. The steel 'bone shaped' ones that I bought 9 years ago look like new, the engraving is deep and clear, no wear where the ring goes through them. They have gone up a little in price but I will be ordering one for Chipley soon, info on front and back with names, addresses, work and home numbers, etc.
The others recommended look great too, but I can attest that the Boomerang's are very good quality.
The collar tags that don't dangle seem like a good idea. Personally I like an embroidered collar. That way there is no tag to come off, he would have to lose the whole collar to lose his I.D. Mind you, I like jingling tags when we walk in the woods. I left his "noisy" collar at home one time and found I was constantly looking around for him. Better to be able to hear where he is.
Just ordered Oakley red dingo tags for his new collars and leashes. Oh what a spoiled first birthday/ Christmas he will have!
eeeefarm, I used to take my basenjis to a huge fenced place (now cleared and a big city park), back before dog parks, where they chased rabbits, etc., and I put bells on them so I could hear them as they ran through the waist-high grasses….also to give the bunnies a head start. It's nice to hear that jingle as they run. I take collars off at home, or wrap tiny rubber bands around the tags, shhhhhhhhh. Jingle in the woods: good. Jingle in the bedroom at 2 am: not good.
Jingle in the woods: good. Jingle in the bedroom at 2 am: not good.
LOL, "flapping" when the dog wakes up to resettle is bad enough without jingling too! None of my dogs has ever worn a collar in the house. We say "You're going out. Time to put on your collar & tie" (my horses only wear halters when necessary as well)
