User Review: Why A GoTags Personalized Dog Collar Is A Must

I’ve been using GoTags personalized dog collars in my furry family for many years. 

My first group of dogs included five fearful and undersocialized rescues.

Now, with my second crew of four equally challenging rescues, we’re still proudly sporting these snazzy collars.

Why I Use GoTags Personalized Collars

Why GoTags specifically, you ask? 

Well, for starters, you eliminate the need for traditional ID tags. 

No more losing them, breaking them, or subjecting you (and your poor dog) to that annoying clanky sound 24/7. 

But the real magic, especially for someone like me who’s all about rescuing fearful dogs, comes with this very important perk: If ever one of my dogs gets lost, anyone who happens to come across them can read their name and my contact number much more easily, while still maintaining a relative distance. 

If you have a fearful dog, this is worth its weight in gold.

Because it eliminates the need for a well-meaning stranger to approach an undoubtedly frightened dog too closely.

This reduces the risk of startling them or provoking a defensive reaction.

For me, that’s a safety net that old-school tags just can’t match. 

GoTags Personalized Dog Collars: 5 Options

There are five main options when it comes to choosing your GoTags personalized dog collar:

Let’s break them down one by one.

#1. GoTags Reflective Embroidered Collar

Of the five options, the GoTags Reflective Embroidered Collar is my current favorite because it combines the durability of the embroidery with the added safety of the reflective material.

The reflective strip also has reflective stitching to add an extra layer of visibility for our nighttime walks and adventures. 

If the worst were ever to happen and one of our fearful, undersocialized rescue dogs got lost for some reason, I’d be confident that the large embroidered print on the collar would make it easier for them to be recognized and identified without causing added stress. 

15 Thread Color Choices For Embroidery: 

White, Black, Navy Blue, Neon Pink, Baby Pink, Sky Blue, Purple, Neon Yellow, Neon Green, Neon Orange, Red, Gold, Turquoise, Cotton Candy, or Candy Green.

#2. GoTags Embroidered Collar

I prefer the reflective version of the GoTags embroidered collar simply because, where we live, we have very long and dark winters, and the extra visibility is a really nice bonus feature.

Having said that, when we lived in California, we did use this comfy embroidered nylon option because the reflective version was not really necessary for those balmy LA winters.

15 Thread Color Choices For Embroidery: 

White, Black, Navy Blue, Neon Pink, Baby Pink, Sky Blue, Purple, Neon Yellow, Neon Green, Neon Orange, Red, Gold, Turquoise, Cotton Candy, or Candy Green.

#3. GoTags Reflective Engraved Collar

While I have tried these reflective engraved collars and the quality is excellent, personally, I prefer the embroidered option.

I found the embroidered version more durable than the engraved version (some of the text started to wear off after several months of heavy use).

However, this is just my personal preference, and many dog owners swear by the reflective engraved collars for their durability and easy-to-read engraving.

Whichever option you choose, the reflective option provides great added security.

#4. GoTags Leather Embroidered Collar 

While I have not personally tried the leather embroidered collar option, it is highly recommended by fellow dog owners for its durability and stylish appearance.

A leather collar is also a good alternative for those looking for a more classic and elegant look for their furry friend.

Note that the leather collar is secured with a buckle rather than a plastic snap closure. 

This design, while durable, may pose more of a challenge to quickly release the collar if your dog happens to get caught or tangled in something.

15 Thread Color Choices For Embroidery: 

White, Black, Navy Blue, Neon Pink, Baby Pink, Sky Blue, Purple, Neon Yellow, Neon Green, Neon Orange, Red, Gold, Turquoise, Cotton Candy, or Candy Green.

#5. GoTags Reflective Waterproof Engraved Collar

Full disclosure: I haven’t tried this collar, but it’s something I would seriously consider next time I order.

My dogs like to get out in the forest and roll in muddy ditches and fox poop, so this waterproof collar could be a great option for us.

Not only that, but this collar guarantees hassle-free cleaning and wouldn’t hold onto odors as much. 

Note once again that this collar, made from extra durable BioThane, is fastened with a buckle as opposed to a plastic snap. 

Personal Observations

In the end, whichever of these GoTags products you choose based on your and your dog’s individual needs, you really can’t go wrong with any of these great options from GoTags. 

They are stylish, durable, and safe, all featuring those crucial built-in, long-lasting identification options. 

Plus, with GoTags’ wide variety of collar colors, embroidery thread color options, and designs, you are sure to find the perfect collar to match your dog’s personality. 

There are a few more things I’d like to point out based on my personal experience of using GoTags dog collars for several years now (I also use them for my cats, but that’s a different story!).

Read on, because I think you might just find them helpful.

Character Limit

In addition to their given name, I always like to have my dogs’ family names embroidered on their collars.

Why? Because I feel that if any of them were ever to get lost, a kind stranger might think to troll through Facebook to try to find their owner.

It’s a long shot, but it’s one that wouldn’t be possible without them knowing the owner’s surname.

But back to the character limit.

Depending on what the dog is called, it can get a little tight to have their name, family name, and phone number in terms of the 25 characters permitted (including spaces).

So while I could quite easily fit Roman Nilson, Lennox Nilson, and Esme Nilson on their respective collars plus the phone number, when it came to Florence Nilson, there were too many characters.

My solution was to eliminate the spaces, so poor Florence has FlorenceNilson on her collar, then one space, then all the digits of my phone number together with no spaces.

But it does the job just fine, and she doesn’t seem to mind!

Fitting

Depending on the size of your dog’s neck and how you need to adjust the collar for a comfort fit, you may find that some of the numbers become obscured by the plastic buckle where the collar folds over itself.

However, if you fiddle around a bit to get the buckle in a certain spot, you should be able to find a compromise that works for your dog to make sure their contact information is still clearly visible.

Note that, for an accurately sized collar, you should always be able to slip a couple of fingers under your dog’s collar to make sure it’s snug, but not too tight (see FAQs below).

Customer Service

A few years ago, I made a mistake and ordered two collars with the same name.

When I told GoTags of my error, they happily replaced the duplicate collar with the correct name at no extra cost to me.

Their customer service was prompt and friendly, making the experience hassle-free.

Local Requirements

Depending on where you live, your local regulations may still require that dogs wear a registration or name tag on their collar at all times.

Some authorities also require dogs to wear a tag showing they are up-to-date with their rabies vaccinations.

In such cases, your need to have your dog wear tags will not be eliminated entirely.

But with a GoTags personalized collar, at least they won’t have to wear as many.

Hopefully, this will still mean an end to the inescapable noise of your dog’s ID tags constantly clanking together.

If all else fails, you could always invest in some dog tag silencers to help keep the peace.

Long-Lasting

Finally, one of the reasons I choose GoTags collars over others is their durability.

They have survived daily wear and tear from my very active dogs without any issues, and the embroidery has stood up to the test of time.

Because I opt for the reflective versions of the collar, it gives me a good level of visibility in low-light conditions, allowing me to keep track of my dogs during early morning or late-night walks.

And if they disappear into the depths of the back yard last thing at night, as they often do, all I have to do is shine a flashlight, and it will immediately reflect on the collar and show me where they are.

Benefits Of A Personalized Dog Collar

• Long-Lasting Identification: With the dog’s name and phone number embroidered or lasered onto the collar, you can rest assured that your dog will always have identification. Unlike tags that can fall off or wear out, the embroidery on this collar is permanent and long-lasting.
• Customizable: The collars come in a variety of sizes and colors to suit all types of dogs. You can also choose from a range of embroidery thread colors to personalize the collar with your dog’s name and phone number.

Keep In Mind

• Personalization: The collar can accommodate up to 25 characters. Keep this in mind when choosing what information to include on the collar.
• Sizing: Depending on the size of your collar and how it rests on your dog’s neck, some of the ID information may be partially obscured by the adjustable snap where the collar folds over itself.
• Changing Phone Number: If you ever change your phone number, be sure to order a new collar with your updated information to ensure that your dog can still be easily identified and returned home safely if ever needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I measure my dog’s neck?

1. For accurate collar sizing, use a soft cloth tape measure or a piece of string and run it around your dog’s neck at the center of their neck, just below the jawline and behind the ears.
2. Ensure it’s snug but not too tight.
3. If you’re using string, mark and measure the length.
4. Make a note of the measurement in inches or centimeters, as you prefer.
5. Then add about two inches (approx. 6cm) to determine the appropriate collar size for your dog.
6. Keep in mind that collar sizes may vary by brand, so refer to the specific brand’s sizing chart.
7. Periodically measure your dog’s neck, especially during any growth or weight changes.

What are the advantages of having a personalized collar for my dog?

A personalized collar is a great way to ensure your dog’s safety and identification. With a personalized collar, your dog’s name and your contact information are easily visible, making it easier for someone to return your lost pet. 

How does a reflective collar improve my dog’s safety during night walks?

A reflective collar is designed to increase your dog’s visibility during low-light conditions, such as night walks. The GoTags reflective collar options are highly reflective, ensuring that your dog is visible to motorists and pedestrians alike. This feature can help prevent accidents and increase your dog’s overall safety.

Are GoTags dog collars durable and suitable for all dog sizes?

Yes, GoTags dog collars are made with durability and safety in mind. Depending on which option you choose for your dog, the collars are made of nylon webbing, leather, or BioThane for a comfortable fit.  Additionally, the collars are adjustable to fit a range of dog sizes, making them suitable for all breeds. 

What should I consider when choosing a collar for a puppy?

an adjustable collarWhen choosing a collar for a puppy, it’s important to consider the puppy’s size and weight. You’ll want to choose a collar that is lightweight and comfortable for them to wear, as well as one that is adjustable so it can grow with your puppy. GoTags dog collars are available in a range of sizes, making them a great option for puppies, and giving you peace of mind that your puppy carries their ID with them wherever they go.

Is it better to have my dog’s information embroidered or lasered onto the collar?

Embroidering or lasering your dog’s name and your contact information onto their collar is a great way to ensure that your dog is easily identifiable. Both options are effective permanent solutions. However, I prefer the embroidered option as I know it won’t fade or wear off over time. 

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