NFC (Near Field Communication) is changing how we identify and protect our pets. Instead of hoping someone takes your lost pet to a vet to scan a microchip, NFC tags let anyone instantly contact you with a simple tap of their phone.
📡 What Is NFC?
NFC is a wireless technology that allows two devices to communicate when they're very close together (within 4cm). You probably already use NFC daily:
- Contactless payments – Apple Pay, Google Pay
- Transit cards – Tap to ride the subway
- Hotel key cards – Tap to unlock your room
- Pet tags – Tap to call the owner
🐕 How NFC Pet Tags Work
Here's what happens when someone finds your pet:
- They hold their smartphone near the NFC tag on the collar
- Their phone reads the tag automatically (no app needed)
- A notification appears with a "Call Owner" option
- One tap connects them directly to you
Total time: About 5 seconds.
Unlike QR codes that need to be scanned with a camera, NFC works with a simple tap. It's faster and works even if the tag is dirty, wet, or scratched.
📱 Which Phones Support NFC?
iPhone
- iPhone 7 and later – Full NFC support
- No app needed – iOS reads NFC tags automatically
Android
- Most phones from 2015 onwards have NFC
- Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi, etc.
- Make sure NFC is enabled in Settings
Bottom line: If someone has a smartphone made in the last 8 years, they can probably use NFC.
✅ Benefits of NFC Pet Tags
1. Instant Contact
No waiting for a vet visit. No downloading apps. No typing URLs. Just tap and call.
2. Works Offline
The NFC tag triggers a phone call, which works without internet. Even in areas with poor signal, the call will connect as soon as there's coverage.
3. More Durable Than QR Codes
NFC tags are embedded in plastic or metal. There's no printed surface to fade, scratch, or wash off.
4. Updatable Information
Changed your phone number? Update it in the app—no need to buy a new tag.
5. Lost Mode Features
When your pet is missing, activate Lost Mode to show finders an urgent alert with reward information.
🤔 Common Questions
Are NFC tags safe for pets?
Absolutely. NFC tags are passive—they have no battery and don't emit any signals on their own. They only respond when a phone is held right next to them.
Can NFC tags get wet?
Most NFC tags are water-resistant. However, for outdoor pets, we recommend placing them in a protective holder or choosing waterproof versions.
How long do NFC tags last?
NFC tags have no battery to die. The chip itself can last 10+ years. The main wear factor is the physical tag material.
What if someone doesn't know about NFC?
That's why combining NFC with a QR code is ideal. People who don't know NFC can scan the QR code instead. PetNudge supports both methods.
🏷️ How to Get an NFC Pet Tag
You have two options:
Option 1: DIY with Blank Tags
- Buy blank NFC stickers online (~$1-2 each)
- Use an app like PetNudge to program them
- Attach to your pet's collar
Option 2: Pre-Made Pet Tags
- Buy tags designed for pet collars
- More durable and better looking
- Often comes with a protective case
Create Your NFC Pet Tag
PetNudge makes it easy to program NFC tags for your pet. Just tap your phone to the tag, and it's ready to use.
Download PetNudge Free →🎯 The Future of Pet ID
NFC technology is becoming more common every year. As more people use contactless payments and smart devices, the "tap to interact" gesture becomes second nature.
For pet identification, this means faster reunions with lost pets. Instead of hoping someone knows about microchips (most don't), anyone with a smartphone can instantly reach you.
Combine NFC with a microchip for the best protection: microchip as permanent backup, NFC for instant contact.