Tech expert reveals one technology that can save your dog—why you need it this Autumn

As autumn brings colder, darker evenings, a tech expert from QR Code Generator is sharing one simple way pet owners can help keep their pets safe.

QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned with a smartphone camera. The technology is used in various industries, such as marketing, healthcare, and retail. But now, it’s also being used to help keep our furry friends safer.

QR code-enabled dog tags can allow you to store critical information like medical history, dietary needs, and emergency contacts—information that could potentially save your dog's life in an emergency situation.

This eliminates the need for multiple tags on your dog's collar, making it easier to have all important information in one place without causing additional weight or discomfort for your pet.

QR dog tags can be ordered from various online retailers, and some even offer free engraving of the QR code on a traditional dog tag.

If a pet owner loses their dog, anyone with a smartphone can scan the tag to quickly find the owner's contact details, speeding up the reunion process.

Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator, explains: “With the darker and shorter days, it's easier for pet owners to lose sight of their dog during evening walks. Having a QR code on their collar ensures that whoever finds them can quickly find out who owns the dog and whether it has any health conditions they need to be aware of.”

"They also allow for greater functionality, like receiving notifications when the tag is scanned and the ability to store far more information than you would typically be able to fit on a traditional dog tag."

Porcar explains that one of the most useful things about QR dog tags is that they can also be updated in real time, allowing owners to make changes to their dog's information instantly.

"If you're someone who frequently changes address or phone number, this is a great feature," says Porcar. "You don't have to worry about getting a new tag made every time you move or get a new phone number."

However, there is an important caveat when it comes to using QR codes for dog tags.

Marc Porcar explains: "QR dog tags by themselves don't meet the legal requirements in the UK for a dog's identification. Whatever tag you use will still need to have your name and address physically engraved on it.

According to the Control of Dogs Order 1992, every dog in a public place must wear a collar displaying the owner's name and address. There are some exceptions for certain working dogs, such as police dogs, sheep dogs, and guide dogs. 

"That’s why we recommend using both traditional engraved tags and QR code tags together. This way, you can make sure that your dog is easily identifiable and has all the necessary information to be reunited with you in case of an emergency," explains Porcar.

Privacy is another important consideration for those using QR codes on their dog’s tag. Porcar continues, "You should be careful about sharing your personal information in QR codes as there’s unfortunately always a risk that it’ll be misused by strangers. Think about how much info you want to include in the code and whether you'd be comfortable with anyone being able to access that information. 

“However, QR codes offer plenty of fantastic benefits for pet owners. Just make sure your dog tag is legally compliant to avoid having your dog confiscated or being handed a fine,” QR Code Generator’s Marc Porcar concludes.