Create your dog's 'Digital Pawprint'

Create Your Dog’s Digital Pawprint: The Essential Checklist

Welcome to the Safe Paws ‘Digital Pawprint’! We want everyone to know about this idea, in case their dog ever slips out of sight. 

But we think EVERY dog should have a ‘digital pawprint’; a simple folder, accessible from phone and laptop, that contains a document with all their essential information, plus a set of pictures from all their best sides. 

Remembering that being prepared is the key to reuniting with your dog quickly if the worst happens, this one-stop profile of all the key details about your dog would be ready and waiting to help you act fast in an emergency; for Facebook posts, posters and flyers, so YOU can focus on getting your loved one home safely and quickly.

By creating and maintaining a Digital Pawprint, you’ll have everything you need—from microchip details to behavioral traits—right at your fingertips.

Let’s walk through what to include and why this simple tool can make all the difference in a crisis.

📋 What Should Your Dog’s Digital Pawprint Include?

1. Basic Details

• Your dog’s name, age and breed. A basic description

• Your name, street address and phone number

  
  

2. Microchip Details

Make sure you have the following information about your dog’s microchip:

• Chip number [link to check your chips post]

• Chip provider and registration details 

• Updated contact information for you and any emergency contacts

  
  

3. Veterinary Information

In case of injury or an emergency:

• Vet’s name and contact detailsEmergency vet contact info (for after-hours)

• Medical history (conditions, medications, allergies

  
  

4. Emergency Contacts

Who can help if your dog is lost or needs urgent care and you’re not available?

• Key holder details: Trusted family, friends, or neighbors who can get into your house to hold the fort  if needed.

• Dog walker information: If you rely on a dog walker, include their contact details and schedule.

  
  

5. Precise Dog Description

Have a detailed description that helps identify your dog at a glance:

• Breed, age, weight, and size

• Coat type (long, short, curly, etc.)

• Color and unique markings (don’t forget any distinguishing scars or features)

• Specific features or quirks (e.g., your dog has a patch of fur missing on his back, or a black patch over their left eye)

  
  

5. Recent Photos

The more photos, the better! Make sure your images are clear and show your dog from multiple angles. Pop them in a folder with the written info, or add them to a document:

• Side, front, and back photos

• Include shots that highlight unique features and any distinguishing marks, and if possible their relative size.

  
  

6. Behavioural Traits

Understand your dog’s personality and how it may impact their response to a lost situation:

• Disposition (friendly, shy, anxious, etc.)

• Reaction to strangers (whether they will approach or avoid people, though this can change if they have been missing)

• Behavioral quirks (e.g., does your dog love chasing small animals or get nervous around loud noises?)

  
  

7. Additional Information

Any other key details could help:

• Favourite hiding and walking spots (is your dog likely to find a quiet corner or park to retreat to?)

• Preferred treats or toys (what could best be used to attract your dog?)

• Is there another family dog they’re bonded with?

• Commands they respond to (specific recall cues or verbal commands, though advice from your experienced search must be taken, as calling out can be inadvisable in some situations)

🗂 Where to Store Your Digital Pawprint

Once you’ve gathered all this important information, you need to store it somewhere safe and accessible:

• Digital file: Save it on your computer, in the cloud (like Google Drive or Dropbox), or in your phone’s photo gallery for quick access.

• Hard copy: Print a version to keep at home, in your car, or with your pet’s usual kit

• Backup: Keep a second copy with a trusted friend or family member in case you’re unavailable. GIve the link or a hard copy to dog walkers/home boarders etc.

🚨 Why Your Digital Pawprint Matters

When your dog is missing, every second counts. The more prepared you are, the quicker you can respond. The Digital Pawprint lets you immediately provide vital details to rescue teams.

A well-prepared Digital Pawprint can help you:

• Get the right information to the right people fast (e.g., SAR teams, local authorities, neighbours)

• Reduce stress by knowing exactly what’s needed to act

• Increase the likelihood of a successful reunion by ensuring accurate details are shared at the moment of crisis

Let’s get it done now! Create Your Dog’s Digital Pawprint

Don’t wait for an emergency to realize you’re missing critical details. Start building your Digital Pawprint today to ensure you’re prepared for whatever might come.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Gather the info: Use our checklist template (linked below) or your own, to collect all the necessary details about your dog.

2. Create a file: Store it digitally and keep a printed copy somewhere easy to find.Keep it updated: Review your dog’s info regularly to ensure it stays current.

By taking a few minutes to create your dog’s Digital Pawprint, you’re making a commitment to their safety. Ready to get started?

Want a handy checklist to help you create your dog’s Digital Pawprint? Here's our template. Right-click to download the image, or better still, just create a document yourself.