Ear Tag Application Instruction

Make sure the animal is relaxed.

Locate a suitable tagging site on the animal’s ear. Find a soft spot somewhere in the middle portion of the ear between the upper and lower cartilage. The fleshy part of the ear will provide optimum visibility, offer the least resistance, and result in the least amount of discomfort to the animal.

Clean the applicator to decrease the risk of infection.

Load the two halves of the tag into the applicator. Insert the pointed stud on the backside of the visual panel onto the long, slender pin. Then, fit the button or backing into the clip on the opposite arm of the applicator. Double-check that both pieces are fully inserted and attached securely before moving on.

Check the alignment of the applicator jaw. Before you get to tagging, give your applicator a practice run. Squeeze the handles of the device together slowly so that the jaw closes to the point just before the two tag pieces meet. The stud should be perfectly centered with the hole in the backing piece.

Position the applicator over the tagging site. Hold the applicator in your dominant hand and use the other to gently stretch and flatten the animal’s ear.

Clamp the applicator shut firmly and quickly. Squeeze the handles together in 1 smooth motion. You’ll hear a loud click as the 2 halves of the tag come together. Once the tag is in place, release the handles and pull the applicator away.

Check the tagging site for signs of infection for the next 5-7 days. Keep a close eye on the area around the tag. Any excessive redness, swelling, or discharge you observe should be treated as a serious concern.