Scannable QR Code ID Tags
PetHub, a Seattle-based software company that makes pet safety products has created a scannable QR code ID tag. The tags were first developed and tested in November 2010 in the Seattle area, but after a successful soft launch, PetHub launched nationwide in March 2011.
My first thought when I heard of these tags is, “Why is this better than a normal ID tag?” It’s an extra step to have to scan the tag, rather than just looking at it and seeing a name and a phone number. And what if your pet is found by some luddite who doesn’t have a smart phone or computer? They might not even know what the hell a QR code is, let alone know you gotta scan the darn thing.
Upon looking into the PetHub tags, what I did like is that the QR codes can hold extra info that your run-of-the-mill pet ID tag can’t, like your pet’s veterinarian contact information, medical information, and dietary information. Owners can easily update this information via the PetHub website, to make sure all the information is current. And if a pet goes missing, owners can use PetHub to send out email/text alerts, display alerts on PetHub.com, and send shelter notifications.
PetHub’s scannable ID tags are $12.95-$29.95, include a free web profile for each animal, and a free “Bronze” subscription that
includes data storage about your animal.
What do you think Pawesomers, is this cool or not? Would you use it?
3 Responses to “Scannable QR Code ID Tags”
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I like it a lot! My cat has had one since March (you featured him here, http://www.pawesome.net/2011/10/hello-my-name-is-kodi/, and he’s wearing the tag in one of the pictures!) and I think it has a lot of benefits.
We’ve the Gold Subscription, too, so I get an email alert when his tag is scanned, and information about where/when it was scanned. If he were to go missing, I can send out alerts to shelters right away– and if a person who, y’know, doesn’t have a microchip scanner on hand can find out his vet information, how to get in touch with me, and any health conditions he (doesn’t :P) have.
It isn’t a replacement for microchipping or typical tags with phone numbers on them, but its a great supplement for the existing systems– I’ve never been a fan of microchipping– I mean, I do it… but it seems like there is too much room for mistakes when there are different microchip technologies & chances of missing the chip when scanning & all of those other issues.
lol, I’m really into Pethub.
We just added GPS notifications, too. We figured those smartphones have GPS built-in, so why not pass that info along to the pet’s owner when the animal’s tag is scanned? You not only get an email that someone scanned Fluffy (as well as a link should you want to do a quick update to her profile), you also get a Google map showing where the person was when scanning Fluffy’s tag.
Wanna try it out? Use BARK11 coupon code to get $11 off our tags and collars (for a $12.95 tag, it’s a sweet deal) (pethub.com/get-tagged)
Tom
Seems like a good backup to microchipping. I’m all for it, and if I had a dog (or if my cats were outdoor) I’d totes get one.