If, like me, you're lucky to have a dog who is a great traveler, this month's idea will save you money as always.

 

But even more importantly, it could save you a lot of heartbreak should you and your dog become separated on your trip together. It's a cheap, fast and easy way to help reunite you. 

 

I add extra identification tags to Pukak's collar with each destination's contact information and their corresponding dates of our stays.

 

But I don't pay almost $10.00 each for the stainless or plastic ones you can buy from the engraving kiosks at your local pet superstores. Instead, I use inexpensive round cardboard tags - the ones with metal rims and rings typically used to label keys, found at stationery and hardware stores. 

  

Here's how to make your own temporary dog tags:

 

1-Type the date, name, and phone number of the place you're staying at on three  lines. Use a simple font (like Arial) in 8 or 9 point type size. Format these lines in a centered layout which fits best on a round tag. Repeat for each destination.

 

BTW: Hand writing all this is difficult to do (and read) on small tags. I've tried.

   

2-Type your name (Owner or REWARD, if you prefer) and your cell phone number with area code, on separate lines. Format also in a centered layout. 

 

3-Since it stays the same, copy/paste your contact information (step #2) for every tag you'll need.

 

4-Print and cut out all info to fit on the tags.

 

5-Affix (a la Martha Stewart) your destination blurbs on one side of the tags, your own contact info on the other. I like double-stick tape. Glue's messy.

  

6-Slap on some transparent tape over all the information for water resistance, and you're good to go. 

 

7-Finally, save all this information as "Dog Tags" in a Word document so you don't have to figure out the font, type size, and formatting again for the next time.

 

Once you leave a destination, remove its tag and replace it with the next stop's. But if you're afraid you'll forget to do that, no worries . . .

 

Just attach all the temps to your dog's collar in date order. These tags are so light, they won't add any weight around Fluffy's neck.

 

And when your pup's not traveling with you, make a tag with her boarding kennel or other caregiver's contact information for her collar. After all, if your pup slips away from them while you're away from home, that's where she needs to be returned.

 

Whether your dog will be on the road with you or staying behind, temporary ID tags are an affordable and easy way to add to your peace of mind when you leave home.

 

I know they are for mine.