A tag is only half the job until it's registered
A QR tag can point a finder toward your pet's profile, but only once the code has actually been linked to it. Registering with United Pet Club doesn't cost anything, takes a few minutes, and means the tag keeps doing its job even after your phone number changes.
Why registering matters, even for a small tag
An engraved tag is ready to go from the moment it's fitted, since the finder just reads the number straight off the metal. A QR tag works a bit differently: the code itself is really just a pointer, and until it's linked to your pet's profile, scanning it won't bring up anything useful. Registering is what makes that connection.
Once it's done, the tag stops going out of date. If you move house, change your number, or add a second contact, you simply update the registry profile, and every scan after that shows the new details. An engraved tag would need to be redone entirely; a registered tag just needs a quick edit.
If your pet isn't on the registry yet, it's worth registering your pet first, since the tag links to that profile as part of setup. Still deciding between tag types? The buying guide weighs up engraved against QR.
Four small steps to get it working
1
Sign in to a free account
New to United Pet Club? Setting one up is free and only takes a minute or so.
2
Choose or add your pet
The tag links to one particular pet's profile, so it helps to have that pet registered first.
3
Type in the tag's code
The code is printed right on the tag. Entering it links the physical tag to the profile.
4
Give it a test scan
Point your own phone at the tag and check the right profile comes up. From then on, anyone else's scan will do the same.
Questions people often ask about registering a tag
Does an engraved tag need registering as well?
Not really, since it carries its details in the metal itself and works on its own. That said, registering your pet is still a good idea, so an SPCA scan or a microchip check also leads back to you.
How do I go about registering a QR tag?
Sign in to your free account, choose your pet, and enter the code printed on the tag. It only takes a few minutes, and the tag is ready to go straight away.
Is there a cost to registering a tag?
No, there's no charge at all. Linking the tag is free, and so is updating the profile behind it, for as long as your pet needs it.
What turns up when someone scans the tag?
Your pet's profile, along with whichever contact details you've chosen to share. Depending on your plan, you might also get a notification the moment it's scanned.
Can a tag be reassigned to a different pet later on?
Yes, that's fine. You can relink the code from your account, which comes in handy if a tag outlasts a collar or gets passed on to another pet.
A couple of minutes now could save a lot later
Register the tag, give it a quick test scan yourself, and it's ready for whenever it's needed.