Silicone ID Tag for Pets
Industrial Design · Engineering · Prototyping & Testing · DFM
Launched · In production · Part of the client’s product line · Design patented
Launched · In production · Part of the client’s product line · Design patented
Problem & Challenge
Every year, millions of pets go missing around the world. Recent reports show that 94% of people who find a lost dog check the ID tag first. These tags, which are attached to pet collars, display the owner’s contact information.
The problem: Conventional hanging ID tags can snag on branches, detach from the collar, and get lost. The challenge was to create a compact ID tag that stays securely attached while remaining comfortable even for small dogs.
The problem: Conventional hanging ID tags can snag on branches, detach from the collar, and get lost. The challenge was to create a compact ID tag that stays securely attached while remaining comfortable even for small dogs.
30+ products analyzed · 500+ user reviews · 10+ design iterations · 15+ test cycles · 3 sizes optimized to 2
Our client
Our client is In Good Company, a brand of vibrant, stylish, and functional pet accessories. The company regularly supports animal shelters and has its own app for finding lost pets called Pet Come Back.
Research & Concept Design
We analyzed over 30 different ID tags and studied more than 500 user reviews and feedback, paying special attention to the fasteners. Then we formulated the list of requirements:
The material: The client selected silicone for its flexibility, durability, safety, and suitability for cost-effective small-batch production.
- The ID tag must be easy to attach
- It must fit firmly against the collar. The ID tag should not get caught on bushes, and if it does, it should not come off.
- The accessory should be as small and lightweight as possible (this is especially important for small dogs).
- The QR code must be indelible.
- It must be a single-piece construction, without any dividing sections (it also eliminates assembly costs).
The material: The client selected silicone for its flexibility, durability, safety, and suitability for cost-effective small-batch production.
Design Process & Engineering
We created five fundamentally different conceptual design options, taking into account manufacturability and the specific requirements of our product. Together with the client, we selected one that went into further development.
After modeling the selected design, we carefully refined the shape. For example, by adjusting the fillet radii. With a small object, even a slight change in the fillet radius can drastically alter the impression it makes. The object might end up looking too much like a toy, too rugged, or too much like something else.
After modeling the selected design, we carefully refined the shape. For example, by adjusting the fillet radii. With a small object, even a slight change in the fillet radius can drastically alter the impression it makes. The object might end up looking too much like a toy, too rugged, or too much like something else.
Refining the design required 10+ iterations in 3D models.
At this stage, we communicated with the production team to take their capabilities into account in advance. To do this, we sent them the most refined versions of the model and clarified the details.
At this stage, we communicated with the production team to take their capabilities into account in advance. To do this, we sent them the most refined versions of the model and clarified the details.
Engraving. Prototypes
Designing the Accessory: Details
Initially, the ID tag was supposed to fit collars in three sizes: large (L), medium (M), and small (S). We optimized the sizing chart. Instead of three sizes, two turned out to be enough (L and S). This solution allowed us to reduce production costs and material consumption, which also means a smaller environmental footprint.
It was important to design the structure so that the straps (ID tag fasteners) would not stick out when the tag was pulled tight on the collar. Therefore, the front part, with the QR code, should cover them.
It was important to design the structure so that the straps (ID tag fasteners) would not stick out when the tag was pulled tight on the collar. Therefore, the front part, with the QR code, should cover them.
Dimensioning, Design (CAD)
The shape of the accessory matters. It’s a small object, which means even the tiniest details matter: curves, distances, and heights. At this scale, changes of just 0.1 mm affected both the visual balance and the fit of the product. We paid a great deal of attention to this.
Ergonomics and user experience. The ID tags are securely fastened to the collar, and the tabs do not protrude from the front.
Ergonomics and user experience. The ID tags are securely fastened to the collar, and the tabs do not protrude from the front.
Before and after
Previous version
Size significantly reduced
Prototyping & Testing of Accessory Design
In this project, several prototypes were made. After manufacturing, we began testing. We threaded the ID tag onto the collar, pulling it over the buckles to test the tension, check whether the tag could tear, and evaluate how easy it was to put on.
We built a custom test rig to perform tension tests and simulate sudden jerks. In every instance, the ID tag remained securely attached to the collar. Our calculations were correct, and the straps passed their tests.
We built a custom test rig to perform tension tests and simulate sudden jerks. In every instance, the ID tag remained securely attached to the collar. Our calculations were correct, and the straps passed their tests.
We made the ID Tag in two sizes: L and S
Pre-production
Our client had its own manufacturing facility. We sent the manufacturer the files needed for production and began the coordination process.
The most challenging part was the area where the tag’s loops sit very close to its main body. A 1-millimeter gap is very, very small. Not every manufacturer is capable of producing a mold like this. But that’s exactly how much — one millimeter — was needed to ensure the tag was pressed firmly against the collar (taking into account the varying thicknesses of the collars themselves).
We had to make some adjustments, run additional tests, and arrive at a solution that could be manufactured while still performing as intended.
The most challenging part was the area where the tag’s loops sit very close to its main body. A 1-millimeter gap is very, very small. Not every manufacturer is capable of producing a mold like this. But that’s exactly how much — one millimeter — was needed to ensure the tag was pressed firmly against the collar (taking into account the varying thicknesses of the collars themselves).
We had to make some adjustments, run additional tests, and arrive at a solution that could be manufactured while still performing as intended.
Result & Takeaways
- Smaller size — more comfortable for small dogs
- Secure anti-snag attachment for collars and harnesses
- Permanent laser-engraved QR integrated with the client’s recovery platform
- 3 product sizes optimized to 2
- Successfully launched and integrated into the client’s product line
- Patentable friendly design in the same style as the client’s other products.
The product was successfully launched and became part of the client’s product line. Today, the QR ID tag is included with In Good Company collars and harnesses.
It was an end-to-end product design development project. See our other work.
This product is protected by a design patent.
This product is protected by a design patent.