Dog tags started life as a very serious piece of kit. Soldiers wore them so they could be identified if they were injured or killed, and the name stuck because the small metal plates looked like the tags on a dog’s collar. Today they turn up everywhere: as fashion pendants, team gifts, party favors, keyrings and, yes, actual pet ID tags.
Whatever you are making, a dog tag template saves you from fiddling with shapes and measurements. Below are 11 free printable templates in PDF, from a classic military tag to silicone, blank and bone-shaped designs.
What Goes on a Dog Tag?
A traditional military tag carries the wearer’s name, a service or ID number, blood type and sometimes religious preference. For a personal or gift tag you have far more freedom. Popular choices include:
- A name, nickname or initials
- A short quote, verse or motto
- An important date, such as a birthday or anniversary
- Emergency contact or medical information
- For pets: the pet’s name and the owner’s phone number
How to Use These Templates
- Download the ZIP file and open the PDF.
- Print at 100% scale so the tag comes out at true size.
- Use the outline as a stencil for cutting card, leather, thin metal or shrink plastic, or as a mock-up before ordering engraved tags.
- Add your text by hand, or place it in a design program before printing.
Free Printable Dog Tag Templates
Stylish Dog Tag Template
Simple Dog Tag Design Template PDF Sketch
Dog Tag Template Multiple Designs
Dog Tag Designing Guide
Military Personnel Dog Tag Necklace PDF Template
Silicone Dog Tag Template Design
Basic Design Dog Tag Sketch PDF
Army Dog Tag Template
Blank Dog Tag Necklace PDF Design
Standard Style Dog Tag Template
Bone-Shaped Dog Tag Template
Ideas for Using Your Tags
Teachers use paper dog tags as name badges for school trips. Sports teams hand them out with jersey numbers, and families make memorial tags for a relative who served. If you need a more formal ID, take a look at our ID card templates, or our passport templates for role-play and classroom projects. Crafters might also enjoy the printable bookmark templates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a standard dog tag?
A standard US military tag is roughly 2 inches by 1.1 inches (about 50 mm by 28 mm) with rounded corners and a hole at one end.
Can I use these templates for pet ID tags?
Yes. Use them to plan the layout and size, then have the final tag engraved on metal or another durable material.
Are these dog tag templates free?
Yes. All 11 templates are free to download and print for personal use.
