The metal tag on the dog's collar has two problems: it fits little information (name + 1 phone number) and exposes your data to whoever picks up the animal — including, in some cases, your address engraved on the plate.
A QR Code tag solves both. Whoever finds your pet scans the QR and sees a page with your contacts and the animal's information — phone, WhatsApp, allergies, whether it needs medication, photo. And you update it all without swapping the tag. If you change numbers, you edit it in the dashboard.
This article shows how to create it, what to put (and what NOT to put), and why this works better than the traditional metal tag.
How it works
- You create a pet page with the contact details and animal info.
- Generate a QR Code pointing to that page.
- Print the QR on a durable tag (acrylic, aluminum, or laminated sticker) and attach it to the collar.
- Whoever finds the lost pet scans → sees your contacts → reaches you.
The person doesn't need an app — they scan with the phone's native camera. Works on any iPhone or Android.
What to include on the pet page
Essential:
- Pet's name
- Your phone + WhatsApp (direct button to send a message)
- Photo of the animal (confirms it's the right pet)
Recommended:
- "I'm lost! Please help me get back home" (a message that humanizes)
- Breed, size, color (helps confirm)
- Whether it's neutered / has a microchip
- Allergies or ongoing medication (can save its life if it's out for days)
- Reward, if you offer one
Optional:
- Second contact (relative, neighbor) in case you don't answer
- Trusted veterinarian
What NOT to put
❌ Full home address
The biggest mistake. The tag travels with the animal, which could be anywhere. Whoever finds it doesn't need your address — they need to reach you. Put phone/WhatsApp, not the address.
Security reason: tag with address + photo of the house = too much information in the wrong hands.
❌ Just a landline
A landline the person has to write down and call later. WhatsApp they message right away, with location. Prioritize WhatsApp.
Why QR beats the traditional tag
| Metal tag | QR Code tag | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount of info | Name + 1 phone | A whole page (contacts, photo, health) |
| Update data | Buy a new tag | Edit in dashboard, same tag |
| Exposes address | Often yes | No (only the contacts you choose) |
| Direct WhatsApp | No | Yes (1 tap) |
| Pet photo | No | Yes |
| Health info | Doesn't fit | Yes |
| Cost of changing number | New tag | Zero |
Dynamic tag: the big advantage
Use dynamic QR. That way:
- Changed your number? Update it in the dashboard. The physical tag stays the same.
- Pet traveling? Add a temporary local contact.
- Moved cities? Update everything without reprinting the tag.
Tag material and size
The tag is small (fits on the collar), so the QR needs to be readable even at a few centimeters.
- Minimum size: 2cm × 2cm. Below that, reading fails. QR size rule.
- Material: anodized aluminum (laser engraving), acrylic, or laminated polyester sticker. It has to withstand rain, biting, friction.
- High contrast: black on a light background. A pretty colored tag with low contrast won't scan.
Tip: many pet shops and online print shops already make QR tags to order. You generate the QR on Code2Scan, send the PNG, they engrave it.
Does it really work? The real scenario
Pet escapes → someone finds it → sees the tag → scans → lands on the page → "This is Thor, lost. Contact the owner on WhatsApp" → sends a message with the location → you go pick it up.
Total time: minutes. Without the tag, the animal ends up at a shelter (if it's lucky) or disappears.
Bonus: since it's a dynamic QR, you even see when someone scanned (and from which city) in the dashboard — helps you know where the pet appeared.
Summary
- Create the pet page with your contacts + WhatsApp + photo.
- Never put your home address.
- Generate a dynamic QR (to update data without swapping the tag).
- Print on durable material, minimum 2cm.
- Attach it to the collar.
Create your pet's QR tag — free, with a customizable page.
