Pet QR codes have become a popular tool for helping lost pets reunite with their owners. These tags, which can be scanned with a smartphone, provide quick access to a pet’s contact details, medical records, and emergency instructions. While they offer advantages over traditional ID tags and microchips, they are not a perfect solution.
The Problems with Pet QR Codes
1. Dependence on Technology
QR codes require a smartphone and internet access to work. If someone finds a lost pet but doesn’t know how to scan a QR code or lacks an internet connection, they won’t be able to retrieve the pet’s information.
2. QR Code Wear and Tear
Over time, QR code tags can become scratched, dirty, or broken, making them unreadable. If this happens, the information stored in them becomes useless.
3. Privacy and Security Risks
Many pet QR code services require owners to store personal contact details in an online database. If these databases are not well-protected, they can be vulnerable to hacking or misuse.
4. Not a Replacement for Microchips
If a pet loses its collar, the QR code is gone too. Unlike a microchip—permanently embedded under a pet’s skin—QR codes rely on the collar staying in place.
5. Limited Awareness and Adoption
Not everyone knows how to scan a QR code, and even if they do, they may not think to check a pet’s tag for one. Traditional ID tags with phone numbers are still the most immediately recognizable way to contact an owner.
How FoundCall.org Helps Solve These Issues
FoundCall.org improves upon traditional pet QR code systems by addressing their biggest weaknesses:
No Internet or App Required: FoundCall.org offers a QR code and a unique phone number on each tag. If someone finds a lost pet, they can either scan the QR code or call the number on the tag to be connected directly to the owner—no app, account, or internet needed.
Works Even If the QR Code is Damaged: Unlike other services that rely only on QR codes, FoundCall.org provides a backup phone number on the tag. If the QR code becomes unreadable, the finder can still reach the owner.
Protects Owner Privacy: Instead of displaying personal phone numbers publicly, FoundCall.org’s system acts as an anonymous call-forwarding service. This means finders can contact pet owners without exposing their personal contact information online.
Better than a Microchip Alone: Since collars can be lost and not everyone thinks to scan for a microchip, FoundCall.org adds another layer of protection. The tag remains visible and easy to use, but it also provides a backup contact method in case the QR code fails.
Simple and Familiar: Many people may not know how to scan a QR code, but everyone knows how to dial a phone number. FoundCall.org makes it easy for anyone—regardless of technical skills—to help reunite a lost pet with its owner.
Conclusion
While pet QR codes are a great tool, they have significant limitations. Services like FoundCall.org help fix these problems by providing a backup phone number, enhanced privacy, and easier ways to contact owners—even when the QR code is damaged or the finder doesn’t have internet access.
For pet owners who want a more reliable and secure solution, FoundCall.org is a smart addition to a pet’s identification system, working alongside traditional tags and microchips to give lost pets the best chance of making it home safely.
Make sure you can always be contacted!