Laser Engraved Dog Tags: Pet ID Tag Project

Pet ID tags are small, quick to make, and have steady demand from pet owners, groomers and shelters. A diode laser handles them easily if you choose the right blanks.

Choose your blanks

Blank	Diode result	Notes
Anodized aluminium	Crisp bright mark	Easiest; many colours
Powder-coated stainless	Bare-metal mark	Like a mini tumbler
Bare stainless or brass	Needs marking spray	Durable black mark

For bare metal, a marking spray or an infrared laser like the LaserPecker 4 works. See can a diode laser engrave metal.

Steps

1. Make a jig. Cut tag-shaped holes in a scrap sheet and fix it to the bed. Every tag drops into the same position.
2. Design both sides if needed: name on the front, phone number on the back.
3. Focus on the tag surface; tags are thin, so recheck focus if you change from the jig.
4. Engrave. For marking spray, apply an even coat, let it dry, engrave, then wash off the excess.
5. Clean and attach a split ring.

Settings

Use the anodized aluminium settings, for example on the xTool D1 Pro. Marking only needs enough power to remove the coloured layer; too much can blur small text.

What to put on the tag

• Pet’s name
• Owner’s phone number
• “Microchipped” if applicable
• Medical notes, such as “Needs medication”

Use a clear, bold font at a readable size. Small, thin fonts wear and become hard to read.

Related: laser engraved keychains.