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Using QR Codes on Pet ID Tags - A Guide for Pet Owners

Last updated: 1 min read

What Are QR Code Pet Tags

QR code pet tags are ID tags attached to collars or harnesses with an engraved or printed QR code. When someone finds a lost pet and scans the code, the owner's contact information and pet details are displayed.

Traditional tags have limited engraving space, but QR codes can store owner name, phone number, address, pet name, breed, medical conditions, and veterinary clinic information.

Choosing What Information to Include

Prioritize information that helps finders contact the owner quickly:

  • Essential: Owner's phone number, pet's name
  • Recommended: Owner's name, email, pet's breed, sex
  • Optional: Medical conditions, medications, veterinary clinic contact

Using vCard format lets finders call with a single tap.

Materials and Durability

Pet QR code tags must withstand daily use:

  • Stainless steel: Laser-engraved QR codes. Water-resistant and long-lasting.
  • Silicone: Lightweight and flexible. QR codes are printed or embossed.
  • Epoxy resin coating: Protects printed QR codes with resin. Combines waterproofing and durability.

Regardless of material, periodically test scanning to ensure readability.

Privacy Considerations

When embedding personal information directly in QR codes, anyone who scans can view it. Consider linking to a password-protected page instead of including detailed personal information like addresses directly.

Pet information management services let owners control what information is publicly visible, balancing privacy and convenience.

Using QR Codes Alongside Microchips

Since June 2022, microchip implantation has been mandatory for dogs and cats sold by pet shops and breeders in Japan. However, microchips require a dedicated reader to scan, so a member of the public who finds a lost pet cannot contact the owner on the spot. QR code pet tags can be read by anyone with a smartphone, making them an effective complement to microchips.

Using both together creates a dual safety net: immediate contact by the finder via the QR code, and reliable identification at veterinary clinics or municipal offices via the microchip.

Pet safety improves when multiple measures are combined. Reviewing books on pet safety management to compare the characteristics of microchips, GPS trackers, and QR codes is a worthwhile step.