What are the most durable materials for pet identification tags?
Written by
Kailani Okoro
Reviewed by
Prof. Edward Clarke, Ph.D.Choosing hardwearing materials for pet ID tags guarantees that their protection will last through all the wear and tear encountered on adventures. Stainless steel can withstand chewing and exposure to salt water. Silicone can survive high temperatures and cold weather without cracking. Both have lifetime warranties against fading or breakage. Plastic should not be used for active pets as it will not last outdoors.
Stainless Steel
- Saltwater resistance prevents corrosion at beaches
- Chew-proof surface withstands aggressive chewing
- Temperature range: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F)
- Zero maintenance beyond occasional wiping
Silicone
- Flexibility prevents cracking during impacts
- UV resistance maintains color under sun exposure
- Silent operation eliminates nighttime jingling
- Non-toxic material for sensitive skin
Stainless steel is made for hardships. My retriever's steel identification tag lasted for five years of swimming in the lake every day without losing its brilliance. The tag withstood the abrasiveness of sand, and the engraving was clear. Silicone performs as well in high and low temperatures, and the jingling of metal is avoided.
Select silicone for temperature extremes. It retains its pliability from the cold of winter to the hot summer in the desert. My terrier's silicone tag endured camping expeditions at -15 degrees C and beach excursions at +40 degrees C without damage. The material retains its colors despite exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which fades many plastic materials.
Plastic tags on active pets are not suggested. They scratch easily and will mark white under the scratch. Also, the material gets brittle in freezing temperatures. After six months, my client's plastic tag broke on a winter hike. Premium metals such as brass may be beautiful, but they require polishing maintenance.
Read the full article: Pet Identification Tags: Essential Guide
