New collar tag pairs with smartphones for immediate identification

Microchip ID is launching a new product that promises to make their BuddyID registry even more responsive and user-friendly than ever before. The registry is also receiving support from FirstVet through a unique partnership.

“Our team has worked in this space for more than 30 years and we’re passionate about creating a safer, healthier environment for pet parents and their pets. That’s why we’ve included many benefits for BuddyID Microchip ID is partnering with FirstVet to register companion animals to the BuddyID registry and provide telehealth services their customers as well as sign up with FirstVet,” said Patrice Karwowski, president of BuddyID, in a company release.

A unique QR code on each registered pet’s BuddyBadge allows lost animals to be immediately identified by anyone with a smartphone. This ensures that these pets can be identified and returned to their owners quickly and reliably even when no microchip reader is available. The QR code on the tag is permanently linked to the BuddyID microchip registration. The registration covers the lifetime of the pet and provides double protection in case they’re ever separated from their owners.

Additionally, the BuddyID database enables pet owners to designate trusted locations—such as a neighbor’s home or a veterinarian’s office—as a SafePlace so that the pet can be easily brought to the closest one if the pet owner is unreachable. A Free SearchALERT can be launched as soon as a pet goes missing, which will automatically flag the pet’s microchip in the BuddyID database and in the national lookup tool.

BuddyID is currently showcasing its new collar tag at the North American Veterinary Community's 2023 Veterinary Meeting and Expo (VMX) in Orlando, Florida, through January 18. The company is offering demonstrations and product samples in the exhibit hall, at Booth 607.

FirstVet will provide a 5-step healthy pet checkup to all pet parents registered in the BuddyID database that have signed up with FirstVet. The checkup will be a 15-minute consultation with a licensed veterinarian designed to cover 5 key areas. They include oral health, skin and coat, ear and rear, food, movement, and mobility recommendations. The virtual telehealth evaluation will help pet parents understand the importance of regular veterinary visits as well as prepare new pet parents on what to look out for when it comes to caring for their pets.

“FirstVet has helped more than 1 million pets through digital innovation, and we're committed to supporting pet parents in taking the best care of their loved ones. One of the benefits of FirstVet is to reduce anxiety at a time of stress, and the collar tag along with the SearchALERT is clearly a great value proposition for any pet parent", says David Prien, cofounder and CEO of FirstVet, in a news release.

For more coverage of the 2023 VMX conference, visit dvm360.com's VMX page.

Reference

BuddyID announces a partnership with FirstVet and the launch of BuddyID collar tag. News release. BuddyID. January 9, 2023.