Published by: Ingrid King. Last Updated on: February 1, 2023 by Crystal Uys
FurCodes are a modern upgrade to the pet tag of previous generations. Each tag links to an online Pet Profile allowing pet owners to keep their pet’s contact, vet and care information current. You simply enter the tag ID in a web browser and it instantly renders your Pet’s profile page. You can even scan the tag with a Smartphone’s QR code reader. You select which information displays, and you can update or change the information at any time.
The profile section on the FurCodes website allows you enter your contact information, your pet’s veterinarian’s information, medical and vaccination history, and registration information. I particularly like the option to enter medical information, this can be lifesaving if your pet requires medications, is diabetic, or has allergies.
A combination of a tag and microchip are the best method for returning a lost pet, with traditional tags being the primary method for identifying them. However, experts estimate that nearly 60% of these tags contain outdated owner contact information, making them virtually useless. FurCodes provides 24/7 real-time access to vital contact, vet, and care information. Of course, this, too, requires that pet owners update the information online.
I like the idea of these smart tags, but I think they would work best in combination with a traditional tag that also contains the pet’s microchip information. It’s always better to have too much information rather than too little.
For more information about FurCodes, please visit their website.
FurCode is giving away one FurCode to one lucky reader. To enter the giveaway, tell me in a comment why you’d like to win a FurCode. For an additional chance to win, tweet about this giveaway or share on Facebook, and post the link in a separate comment. This giveaway ends Wednesday, February 8.
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About the author
Ingrid King is an award-winning author, former veterinary hospital manager, and veterinary journalist who is passionate about cats.
Sadly, furcode.com is no more. However, PetHub.com purchased the domain and is offering a free replacement tag until December 31.
P.S. Just go to the old domain at furcode.com and it will re-direct you to the free tag offer. 😉
I’ve just come across a similar site called petq smart tag, http://petq.me. they look nicer and provide the service of engraving number and number at other side
They don’t cost more than conventional tags and with the FurCode tag – none is needed.
You only need to pay once and the tag is good for a lifetime – and you can always update the profile online.
My dog is microchipped but its a pain to have to update the information yearly and there is no microchip tag standard that works across RFID readers. And if your local humane society doesn’t carry every brand of microchip tag reader – you’re SOL.
Its a good idea to carry a backup means of identification. It can save you sleepless nights if you have lost Fido or Fluffy.
Cheryl, that’s a great idea.Yesterday I discovered I could hold a QR code up to the Skype screen, and the person on the other end could scan it in, and link to the site that’s encoded!
That’s pretty cool, Wilhelmina!
I would love one of these because of my jerk neighbor. My Thomas kitty has gotten in his cat traps a coulpe of times. He traps the feral cats and my cat gets mistaken for them. If he has one of these cool id tags, i wont have to make him stay inside.
Leonardo should really have one of these. He makes a break for it every now and then and each time he turns up further away!
This is a great idea! I monitor our local lost cat and lost dog alerts so I can help find lost pets, and I find it heartbreaking how many animals get found, but can not be reunited with their owners because of outdated tags/chips or no ID at all. I want to do every thing I can to make sure this doesn’t happen to any of my girls.
my dog, Steffon, is an escape artist! He will never, ever allowed to be off leash 🙁
He has gotten away from me before and I thought I lost him, but a kind stranger helped me find him (in the dark) sniffing around in the yard of business on a very busy highway!
He wiggles his way off a harness, not sure how he does it…so we have to keep a very close eye on him at all times.
He is a Mini Pinscher. My husband and I adopted him from the Oregon Humane Society in August 2011. We love him so much – he has already given us so much joy!
He is registered with the County, has a microchip, and has a Pet Finder I.D. tag. However, I think the FurCode would be a great addition. I like the fact that his vet records can be easily accessed and updated, too!
very cool
Sherry
I have several rescues that are still a bit skitty & I worry that they may dart out the door! All are micro-chipped but additional ID would add additional peace of mind should one of them accidentally get out!
Ingrid, these a big step up from regular tags but agree to be doubly safe and combine with a microchip. This would be perfect for Odin. He’s micro-chipped and wears a collar on our walks but I only wrote ID details on the inside of the collar.
I think this is a great idea, Cody doesn’t wear a collar so please don’t enter me. I just wanted to say that I agree with you, the more means of identification the better!
Ingrid,
I would love to have a Furcode tag for my new 4 month old kitten. I adopted GiGi from animal control that euthanizes using gas. I am a 71 year old senior living on Social Security, with limited resouces, but am determined to take the best care of GiGi that I can.
Thanks for all you do, Laura Rankin [email protected]
One of these would have been great for my late cat who had a heart condition and was on multiple medications. Although my current cats are all healthy it is still a great idea and I would love to try it.