The pet identification process has undergone a dramatic change with rapid, fast, and advanced technological breakthroughs. Once, the process revolved around engraving a metal disc on the collar of a dog, just like a rabies tag. Thanks to a technological breakthrough that is so rapid, the pet identification process has become far more robust. The GPS-enabled collars and microchip databases are making the identification process seemingly faster than even impossible to believe in the last decade. Here in the article, lets roll to understand what actually happened in reality.
Why the Traditional Tag is losing ground- Rationale behind
If we look back a few decades, pet identification only followed engraving a metal tag in the collar. At that time, people hardly imagined that internet connectivity, technology and a powered battery could sort the pet identification.
The practice of identifying a dog solely by means of a single tag has become largely outdated today. Consider, for instance, the plight of someone whose dog has gone missing while they are away on business, or perhaps the dog has strayed beyond network coverage. In such scenarios, attempting to establish contact using only a phone number engraved on a physical tag is really impossible.
Nevertheless, it remains a fact that the concept of tags has not vanished entirely. There are still several countries that have not abandoned the practice or the concept behind tags engraved on the collar. In this context, the countries that come to mind include Australian territories and US states. It is worth noting that, under the ‘Control of Dogs Order’ of 1992, it is mandatory to affix an identification tag to a dog and to maintain records of the owner’s details, such as their name and address.
Microchipping: The Mandatory Solution
In recent times, spanning roughly a decade, a groundbreaking method has brought about a significant transformation in the field of pet identification. This innovation is, in essence, nothing more than a microchip, which is a tiny device that is implanted deep beneath the skin, specifically just below the pet’s shoulder or at the nape of the neck. One might then ask what the benefit of this is? The answer lies in the fact that this chip is linked to a database capable of providing all relevant information regarding the pet’s owner whenever needed.
Under the ‘Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2016’, it is mandatory to implant a microchip in every dog. Through this process, and with the aid of technology, it becomes possible to easily locate lost dogs. In the context of the world’s developed nations, England stands at the forefront as a country that is capable of readily identifying both dogs and cats by leveraging technology.
The American Veterinary Medical Association released a groundbreaking report revealing that the recovery rate for microchipped dogs is more than double that of dogs without a microchip. Notably, when this comparison is applied to cats, the results are even more striking: microchipped cats are more than twenty times more likely to be reunited with their owners than a cat without a microchip.
However, the efficacy of this microchip is by no means absolute. It is often observed that, in instances involving a change of residence or phone number, the process of conveying accurate information to the owner becomes futile. In such scenarios, the chip proves to be of little practical use.
Smart Tags: QR Codes and NFC
Over the coming five years, another cutting-edge technology that has captured everyone’s attention is the emergence of smart tags in the market. Essentially, this is a specialized tag that links to a digital profile via QR codes and NFC technology; instead of engraved text, it features a QR code. If a pet is lost, anyone can simply scan the QR code to help return the lost pet to its owner.
Several companies are currently leveraging the cutting-edge technology to deliver its benefits. Supernormal is one such company that is actively providing network-enabled alerts, facilitated by QR and NFC tags, to veterinarians, users, and animal shelters.
Through this digital Tag system, anyone can effortlessly locate a lost pet. However, the ultimate success of this method depends entirely on the integrity of the person who finds the pet. Here, the user does not need to download any app as it is entirely accessible from the web browser. It is a reality that smartphone penetration rates are significantly higher in developed nations in the present, accounting for 85% and above. Consequently, viewed in this specific context, we are now able to leverage the benefits of this widespread internet penetration with far greater ease than was impossible in the past few years back.
GPS Trackers: Real-Time Location
Another groundbreaking and significant method for identifying pets is GPS tracking. It provides real-time, precise directional information regarding a pet’s location, enabling owners to find their companions with great ease. It boasts several excellent features, among which virtual fencing and live tracking are particularly beneficial.
However, this GPS tracking is not always effective. In many instances, it is observed that the device adds bulk to the collar or harness, and it requires regular charging, a task that is not always easy for the owner to manage. Specifically, the need for frequent recharging makes it a chore that is not always convenient for the owner to undertake. Apple AirTags and Samsung SmartTags have gained ground and are making a place in the conversation. Neither of them seems effective or designed for the pet.
GPS trackers and smart ID tags should be designed in such a way that, rather than competing with one another, they act as mutual complements to create a truly superior method for pet identification.
Facial Recognition and AI
In the subtle journey of pet identification, certain groundbreaking discoveries deserve high praise. Foremost among these is facial recognition technology, which allows anyone to locate a pet with remarkable ease. Through the analysis of nose patterns, minute details surrounding the eyes, and distinct facial markings, lost animals are being successfully reunited with their owners.
“Finding Rover” is one such AI-powered facial recognition system that matches lost pets against existing entries in a database, thereby facilitating their reunion with their owners. This technology certainly deserves praise, but its proper utilization is, at any given time, a time-consuming process. The AI-powered facial recognition system is still at infancy, demanding continuous improvement and more applications of this technology.
What a Modern Identification Setup Looks Like
It is essential to properly align all methods of pet identification. Only then will they manifest as a particularly effective approach. See the tabular data below to understand it better.
| Method | Purpose | Best For | Priority |
| Microchip | Permanent, tamper-proof baseline ID | All pets | Essential |
| Smart QR/NFC Tag | Instant access to owner contacts & info | Everyone uses them for everyday purposes | Highly Recommended |
| GPS Tracker | Real-time location tracking | High-risk situations (holidays, off-lead walks, bolters) | Recommended |
| Facial Recognition Photo | Backup identification without a collar | Found pets missing ID tags | Optional Backup |
The Shift in Mindset
The methods employed for pet identification in 2015 will certainly not yield the same results by 2026. The time has undoubtedly come to consider alternatives to the engraved tag, which, back in 2015, we regarded as the sole solution. A shift in mindset will be the sole objective that helps to tackle the pet identification effortlessly, thereby making the process of finding them even smoother and sleeker.
