New app makes reuniting pets and families faster and easier

For many of us, pets are extensions of our “real” families and we epitomize the old saying about dogs and best friends. 

After all, how many people can say the humans in their lives greet them so enthusiastically when they get home?

None of my friends get so excited that they pee a little just because I pulled in my driveway after a long day at work.  

It’s heartbreaking to have a “fur baby” get lost or stolen, and owners are known to spend a great deal of time, money and tears to be reunited with their pets.

Iams, a leading pet supply company, reports that 1 out of 3 dogs will get lost in their lifetime, but only 3-5% are microchipped. This could be because it’s a relatively new option that isn’t yet available at every veterinarian’s clinic, but it’s also due to the debate among animal lovers about whether it’s too invasive, dangerous or costly.

Iams has found a solution and hopes to end the microchip debate and ultimately animal homelessness once and for all. They have designed an app called NoseiD that should make getting lost dogs back to their families easier and faster.

NOSEiD uses dogs’ unique nose prints much like the way fingerprints are used.

The app is designed to be a resource within  neighborhoods and communities whether someone has a dog or not. If a dog who has been registered with the app goes missing, the app will send a notification to other NOSEiD users to alert them to keep an eye out. If someone finds a dog, they can scan the animal’s nose and the app will check it with other missing animal listings in the area. 

NOSEiD is currently being piloted in the Nashville area and IAMS intends to have it nationwide by the end of the summer.