SmartPaws UK

The best smart dog tags and QR pet ID tags

A smart tag is a cheaper step up from a plain engraved tag. QR tags let anyone who finds your pet see your contact details on their phone. Bluetooth tags such as AirTags help you locate your pet nearby. Neither replaces a GPS tracker, and neither replaces the legal ID tag.

Updated October 20263 picksUK prices and availability

We may earn a commission if you buy through our links. It never changes the price you pay or the picks we make. How we choose.

At a glance

Quick picks

ProductBest forPriceSubscriptionLink
Paw ID Scannable QR TagBest QR ID tag£Check plan termsCheck price
Apple AirTag with a collar holderBest for iPhone owners£No plan neededCheck price
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2Best for Android owners£No plan neededCheck price

Comparing a cheaper gadget with a plan against a pricier one without? Work out the real cost over 1–3 years.

Best QR ID tagTop pick

Paw ID Scannable QR Tag

Paw ID is a UK company making scannable QR tags. A finder scans the tag with their phone camera and sees the details you choose to share, like phone numbers, medical needs and your vet. You can update the profile any time without buying a new tag.

Good

  • No app needed for the finder
  • Update your details without a new tag
  • Can alert you when the tag is scanned

Watch out for

  • Doesn't show where your pet is
  • Check what's engraved, as UK law needs your name and address on the collar or tag
Best for iPhone owners

Apple AirTag with a collar holder

An AirTag in a tough collar holder shows your pet's last known location when any Apple device passes nearby. It works well in towns and cities and costs nothing to run.

Good

  • No subscription
  • Huge Find My network in built-up areas
  • Precise finding up close

Watch out for

  • Not real-time GPS, and weak in rural areas
  • iPhone only
  • Can trigger anti-tracking alerts on other people's phones
Best for Android owners

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2

The Android equivalent of the AirTag. It uses Samsung's network of Galaxy phones to report its location, and its lost mode can show your contact details to someone who finds your pet.

Good

  • No subscription
  • Long battery life
  • Lost mode shares your contact details

Watch out for

  • Works best with Samsung Galaxy phones
  • Not real-time GPS
Buying advice

How to choose

Keep the legal ID tag

In the UK, a dog in a public place must wear a collar with the owner's name and address on it, under the Control of Dogs Order 1992. A smart tag is an extra, not a replacement.

ID or location?

A QR tag helps someone who has found your pet contact you. A Bluetooth tag helps you find your pet. For a dog that runs off, you need a GPS tracker.

Pick the right holder

Bluetooth tags need a sturdy, waterproof collar holder. For cats, always use a quick-release collar.

FAQ

Common questions

What must be on a dog tag in the UK?

The owner's name and address, including postcode, must be on the collar or on a tag attached to it. A phone number isn't legally required but is strongly recommended. Some owners leave the dog's name off for security.

Is an AirTag a GPS tracker?

No. It uses Bluetooth and nearby Apple devices to report its location, so it only updates when an iPhone or iPad passes close by. For live tracking, see our GPS tracker guide.

Do QR tags need a subscription?

It depends on the brand. Some include the online profile for life, while others charge for premium features. Check the plan terms before you buy.

More guides

GPS TrackersPet CamerasAutomatic FeedersSelf-Cleaning Litter BoxesMicrochip Cat FlapsRobot Vacuums for Pet HairPet Water Fountains
The Smart Paws Letter

One email a month. The deals worth knowing about.

Price drops on the gadgets we recommend, new guides, and the Black Friday and Prime Day deals that are actually good. No spam, and you can unsubscribe in one click.