In honor of National Pet ID Week, IAMS has developed a creative new way to help reunite lost dogs with their owners.
According to a release, 10 million pets are reported lost or stolen in the U.S. each year. IAMS created NOSEiD to help combat the issue. The app uses image-detection technology to relocate owners using each dog's unique nose print—similar to a fingerprint for humans.
Dog owners can download the app and create a profile for their pooch, including a scan of their dog's nose, photos, and a physical description.
In the event that a dog registered with the NOSEiD app goes missing, owners can report their dog as lost through the app, which will then send alerts to other NOSEiD app users in their community so that they can be on the lookout.
"Pets are irreplaceable family members, and with the NOSEiD app, we're hoping to help keep more pets in their loving homes and out of shelters — taking another step toward our goal of ending pet homelessness," said Craig Nealy, vice president of marketing at Mars Petcare.
"The app is designed to be a community resource," he continued, "so whether someone has a dog or not, they'll be able to join the NOSEiDcommunity to help reunite lost dogs with their families in their own neighborhood."