Pet registration, search, and retrieval system

Abstract

A nationwide, web-based pet registration, search and retrieval system. The system is implemented with a host computer (10) that may be accessed by users operating user computers (12) via a communications network (14) such as the Internet. Pet owners may register their pet with the host computer and finders of lost pets may search the host computer in an attempt to locate the owners of lost pets. Preferably, the rabies vaccinated pet wears a single multi-purpose tag which communicates both the pet's rabies vaccination information and information for reuniting the pet with its owner. Rabies vaccination is not a prerequisite, however, and almost any relatively unique identifier will work, including microchip numbers, tattoos, other types of identification tags, etc. The system also allows an owner to license the pet with a participating municipality.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 644,764, filed Aug. 23, 2000, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 483,172, filed Jan. 14, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,792,465, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein, both of which priority is claimed.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to pets and methods for reuniting lost pets with their owners. More particularly, the invention relates to a nationwide, web-based pet registration, search, and retrieval system. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] It has been estimated that millions of pets are lost each year in the U.S. alone. Current methods for reuniting lost pets with their owners are either largely ineffective, too costly, or too complicated. For example, one such method requires a pet owner to purchase a personalized pet tag for their pet having the pet owner's name, address, and phone number printed ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The present invention solves the above-described problems and provides a distinct advance in the art of lost pet location methods and systems. More particularly, the present invention provides a nationwide, web-based pet registration, search, and retrieval system that is highly effective, inexpensive, and easy to use, and that allows for simultaneous municipal licensing.

[0013] The present invention provides numerous advantages over conventional lost pet location methods. For example, the present invention provides a nationwide, web-based pet registration, search, and retrieval system that may be accessed by anyone, from anywhere, and at any time to locate the owner of a lost pet. Furthermore, the pet needs wear only the single, multi-purpose tag. Thus, the method is highly-effective, inexpensive, and easy to use, and therefore is attractive to all pet owners and the animal health industry.

[0014] Additionally, because the present invention encourages pet owners to register their pets with the host computer before the pets are lost, a person who finds a lost pet may locate the owner of the pet immediately after the pet is found. Moreover, because the contact information for pet owners is stored on the host computer rather than being printed on a tag worn by the pets, and because pet owners may periodically update the contact information on the host computer if they move and / or change phone numbers, the contact information is always current. Therefore, pet owners do not have to order new pet tags each time their contact information changes.

[0015] The system also allows owners to register their pets with a participating municipality at the same time the owner registers with the lost pet identification system. The multi-purpose tag complies with all state and municipal requirements. This online municipal registration scheme should increase pet owner compliance by making the licensing procedure fast and easy. Municipal licensing fees can be collected on behalf of and forwarded to the municipality.

Problems solved by technology

It has been estimated that millions of pets are lost each year in the U.S. alone.

Current methods for reuniting lost pets with their owners are either largely ineffective, too costly, or too complicated.

This method is effective as long as the information on the tag is current; however, if the pet owner moves and / or changes phone numbers, the pet tag must be replaced with a more current tag or else it is useless.

Both of these methods are expensive and painful for the pets and do not permit a finder of a pet to search for and contact the pet's owner at any time of day.

Unfortunately, the descriptions and information posted on these sites is often too limited and subjective to permit an exact match between a lost pet and its owner.

Moreover, pet owners who lose their pets often do not add descriptions of their lost pets to these sites until days after their pets have been lost.

If a person finds a pet and accesses one of the sites before the pet owner adds a description of the lost pet to the site, the finder will be unable to locate the pet owner.

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