How to use QR code for dog tags to protect your dog

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QR TIGER QR Code Generator

11 min readJun 30, 2021

It is very wise to take certain measures to protect your dog in case it gets lost. The best measure you can take is to use a QR code for dog tags.

According to the American Humane Association, 1 out of 3 pets got lost at some point in their lifetime.

Moreover, close to 10 million dogs are lost or stolen every single year. Less than 23% of lost pets are reunited with their owners.

With the rising numbers of lost dogs and the risks attached to it, the QR code technology comes to the rescue to help you.

Because of the readability and seamless information transfer of QR code, you will be easily reunited with your dog.

What is a QR code?

A QR code (Quick Response code) is an invention from Japan. Its appearance consists of square-shaped patterns and small dots.

It can store a large amount of information that can be decoded and accessed using a smartphone device.

To store data information, it uses four standardized encoding modes such as numerical, alphanumeric, byte/binary, and kanji).

QR codes are generated using a QR code generator online. This QR code generator allows you to create QR codes for different purposes.

Because of the ease of access and storage capacity of QR codes, it is used by many industries such as in video games, government, and even in sales.

Aside from these industries, QR code is also used to help dog owners protect their pets.

When QR codes are used and printed along in your pet’s dog tags, people can easily track and contact you in case your dog gets lost as its critical information is embedded in a QR code.

How to scan the QR code for dog tags and access the information embedded in the code?

1. Scanning a QR code through a smartphone

Most new Android and iPhone smartphones have a built-in QR code reader. Using the camera app of their smartphones, any person can scan the QR code printed on the dog tag and access the information instantly.

2. Scanning a QR code through QR code readers

Another way to scan the QR code is through the use of a QR code reader application. If a person does not have a built-in QR code reader, he must download a QR code reader.

After that, a person will open the app and point his smartphone to the QR code on the dog tag. The QR code reader app recognizes the code to read the information.

Static QR code vs. Dynamic QR code

Another important distinction you should know before creating your QR code for dog tags is the difference between static and dynamic QR codes.

Static QR code

A static QR code is a type of QR code that you can’t change once created. So any information you embed in a static QR code is fixed.

This type of QR code has no data tracking metrics, so you’ll not know how many persons scan your QR code for dog tags.

Dynamic QR code

While a static QR code contains fixed information, a dynamic QR code allows you to modify the information even after distributing it.

You can edit the information as many times as you want without the need of printing a new QR code.

Moreover, with a dynamic QR code, you can monitor the number of scans, location, and operating system used using the data tracking system.

How to use QR code dog identification tags to protect your pet

With QRTiger, you can choose different QR code solutions that you can use to protect your dogs.

1. VCard QR code to help finder contact owner quickly

If your pet goes missing, you can help the finder contact you immediately using the vCard QR code printed on your pet’s dog tag.

Using the vCard, you can put your basic information like contact number, address, profile picture, etc.

The finder will be prompted to save your contact details and immediately contact you after scanning the vCard QR code.

They will no longer manually type your contact number. The process is now easy and quick.

Moreover, you can easily update the information embedded in the vCard anytime even if you printed it already as this is a dynamic QR code solution.

Finally, as a pet owner you can make use of the real-time data you will get with a dynamic vCard.

You will know the number of scans, a timeline of the scans made, location, and device used in scanning. You can inform your local authorities about your missing dog using this data.

2. URL QR code of your pet’s PetHub account

If your pet has an account in PetHub, an online platform where you can create an online profile of your pet, then you can use the URL QR code. The URL QR code will redirect the person who scan it to your pet’s online profile.

To do this, make sure to copy the URL of your pet’s profile. Then proceed to the URL QR code category of QRTiger. Paste the URL and customize your QR code.

In PetHub, you can include your pet’s name, breed, age, medications, allergies, owner’s contact info, and much more. You will have to option to make any of this information public or private.

If you are not a premium service subscriber of PetHub, you can opt to convert your pet’s online profile in PetHub into a QR code using a QRTiger code generator.

After generating the QR code, you can now print it on your pet’s dog tag.

3. Bulk URL QR code for your pack of dogs

If you have plenty of dogs at home, you don’t have to create a QR code for them one by one. You can use the bulk URL QR code where you can create multiple QR codes at a time.

By following the same steps in creating a PetHub account, you can convert each of your dog’s online profiles into a URL QR code. To simplify the process, you can use QRTiger’s bulk URL QR code feature. Just use this template when you create your bulk URL QR code.

4. PDF QR code for your pet’s info

If you don’t want to have an online profile of your dog, you can opt to use the PDF QR code (under the File QR code category). With this QR code solution, you can convert your PDF document into a QR code.

You can include in your PDF your contact details as well as the pet’s critical information.

Using the PDF QR code, anyone who came in contact with your lost dog can instantly share and download the file once they scan the QR code using smartphones.

Since the PDF QR code is dynamic, you can update the information embedded in it even if you already printed the QR code on your pet’s dog tag.

The PDF QR code is under the File QR code solution, which encodes PDF, Jpeg, Png, MP3, or MP4 files. Thus, you can edit your PDF QR code or replace it with another document.

Plus, you can also redirect your PDF QR code and change it with an MP3 file, PNG, or Jpeg. Lastly, you can track the data of your PDF scans in real-time.

Other creative ways on how to use QR code for dog tags

Aside from using QR codes to protect your dog, here are some other creative ways to use QR codes for dog tags.

1. Instagram QR code for aspiring pet influencers

Pets having their own Instagram profiles are not new. The influencer space has expanded from travel to pets. With devoted fur parents to share their stories, one can reach animal lovers, receive sponsorships, and increase audience followings through Instagram.

If you created an Instagram account of your pet, you can convert it into a QR code. The Instagram QR code enables users to share their Instagram profiles by scanning them through their smartphones.

Creating an Instagram QR code also increases your dog’s followers. No need to search your pet’s name as they will be redirected immediately to your dog’s online profile.

After creating your Instagram account, copy the Instagram profile URL of your dog. Then go to a QR code generator and select the Instagram icon. Paste the URL and proceed in customizing your QR code.

After that, you can freely share and print the Instagram QR code of your pet and hang it around its collar.

2. Create one QR code for all your pet’s social media profiles

If you want to grow your pet’s social media presence, you can create different social media profiles across various channels. It can be on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Snapchat.

To increase your pet’s followers and to easily share direct access to your pet’s social media profiles, you can create a Social Media QR code.

A Social Media QR code will redirect to a webpage that links and connects all your pet’s social media channels when scanned using smartphones.

After creating your pet’s social media profiles, proceed to a QR code generator. Choose the social media QR code category and enter all your pet’s social media profiles.

Then generate your QR code and customize it. Make sure to do a scan test before you download and print the QR code.

Using this QR code solution, you can grow your pet’s social media followers by printing the QR code on your pet’s dog tag. If you’re attending exclusive events for pet influencers, you can have your dog wear the QR code-equipped dog tag.

Anyone who likes to follow your pet’s social media channels will just scan the QR code. They don’t have to look at each of your pet’s channels.

Most importantly, you can also track the data of social media QR code. You will know the number of scans, location, and device used because Social Media QR code is dynamic.

How to create a QR code for dog tags

Creating QR codes for dog tags is fast and easy using a reliable QR code generator. When you use QRTiger to generate your QR code, follow these easy steps:

Open qrcode-tiger.com

2. Select from the menu what type of QR code solution you need for your dog tag

3. Enter your data in the field below the solution

4. Choose whether static or dynamic

5. Click “Generate QR Code” and customize your QR code

6. Choose multiple patterns, eyes, add a logo, and set colors to customize your QR code to make it more personalized. Download your QR code

8. Test if it works

9. Print your QR code on the dog tag

Benefits of using QR code for dog tags

When you used a QR code-equipped dog tag, you’ll not just easily locate your lost dog. Here are some additional benefits of using a QR code for a four-year-legged best friend’s dog tag.

All information is in one place

Unlike traditional engraved tags, the QR code for dog tags can contain a huge amount of information. You don’t have to limit the information you want to include because of the storage capacity of the QR code for dog tags.

By simply scanning a QR code, any person who found your dog can instantly contact you. In any case that your dog’s health is at risk, the finder can refer to the information embedded in the code.

Seamless information transfer

When you use a QR code on your dog’s tag, you make things easier to share critical information. With just a simple scan and connectivity, a person gets to access information in a matter of seconds.

A person who found your lost dog will just have to scan the QR code using their smartphones to access the information and contact you.

Even those who wanted to follow your dog’s social media account will no longer have to look for your dog’s username.

Update the information anytime, anywhere

When you use a dynamic QR code, you can update any of the information embedded in it. This is important whenever your pet’s circumstances change.

For example, if your dog needs medical assistance, you can edit the PDF QR code and modify the information to include a phrase like “Needs Meds”. This gives a sense of urgency to a person who found your dog. Then you can add what meds to give.

Powerful protection link to one QR code

Locating your lost dog as fast as possible is vital. Your ownership rights over the animal may be extinguished in as little as two days if you do not find and reclaim it.

Using the data tracking system of the dynamic QR code, you will know how many people scan the QR code of your dog’s tag, the city or country of the person who scans, and the device used.

This data will help you to inform your local veterinarians, animal shelters, and animal control agency in finding your lost dog.

Best practices when creating QR code for dog tags

Here are the best practices you must consider when creating QR codes for dog tags.

QR code’s visual

With QRTiger, you can customize your QR code for dog tags. You can personalize the patterns, eyes, and colors according to your preference. But do not overdo it.

To make your QR code scan-able, make sure that the foreground color is darker than the background color of the QR code. Consider as well what type of dog tag you will use when designing your QR code.

Add a call to action

To ensure that a person who found your dog will scan the QR code printed in the dog tag, you can add a short call to action. It can be a concise phrase like “Scan to Contact Owner”.

This way, you are informing the person what to do once they see the QR code. Without knowing what the QR code is for, it might decrease the likelihood that it will be scanned.

Sizing matters

Another important aspect to consider when creating your QR code is its size. As a minimum size, a QR code should be 2 x 2 cm or 0.8 x 0.8 in to make it easy to scan and visible to users.

If you will use the QR code in the dog tag, consider the size of the dog tag since you will be printing the QR code on it. Thus, the QR code size may vary depending on where you will use it.

Ensure scan-ability

The QR code for dog tags should help you in protecting your dog. So make sure that your QR code must function. Ensure that your QR code works before printing it in a dog tag.

A QR code is supposed to be scanned; it’s not just a design. You can test the QR code after customizing it.

Protecting man’s best friend with QR code: Create your best QR code dog identification tags with QRTiger

Outfitting your dog with a scannable QR code ID tag is one of the easiest ways to prevent him from getting permanently lost.

If your dog has tags, he’s more likely to be returned to you. It’s that simple.

Wearing a dog tag with a QR code will also make your dog more approachable to strangers. People will perceive that your dog is not a roaming stray, which may spur them to take protective action.

Protect your dog now with a QR code for dog tags. Should you need any assistance in creating your QR code for dog tags, you can freely contact us and our team will be happy to assist you!

How to use QR code for dog tags to protect your dog

Written by Lily Page