DIGITAL PROFILE
Some pet collars display a QR code instead of written information.
These need to be scanned by a smartphone camera. Today many people carry their phones with them everywhere, so reporting sightings of animals that appear lost is quicker and easier than ever. Using QR codes means that more details about a pet – such as contact details, medical information and photographs – can be stored in a small space on the ID tag. As long as the person who finds the missing animal has a smartphone and access to the internet, when they scan the QR code, they will get instant access to this helpful information.
When the collar tag is scanned, the phone screen will display the animal’s profile. This can store multiple emergency contact numbers in one place to ensure that the person who has found your pet will be able to get into contact with someone. Digital tags are also more flexible, as owners can change their details online. This feature means details can also be temporarily changed – to a pet sitter’s, for example – when the owners are elsewhere. Without this flexibility, a lost or broken phone could reduce the chances of an owner seeing their pet again.