Pet owners want the best for their furry friends. So, pet brands have to provide fast answers, clear ingredients, and easy access to support, whether potential customers are browsing options in store or researching products online.
QR Codes on product packaging and other materials offer a low-lift way to deliver information and increase transparency seamlessly. With just a scan, pet brands can share everything from nutrition facts and how-to videos to loyalty rewards and reorder links, creating a smoother experience that builds trust without cluttering the design.
This guide breaks down how pet brands use QR Codes to simplify support, drive engagement, and connect with customers at every stage of their journey.
Note: The brands and examples discussed below were found during our online research for this article.
Why QR Codes help pet brands build lasting customer connections
With over 199 million pets in the U.S. in 2025, pet brands have a massive market—but also a lot of competition. To succeed, they need to find creative ways to stand out from the crowd and build customer loyalty.
QR Codes give brands a scalable way to deliver instant value while also capturing insights that can help them improve the customer experience.
Give pet owners quick access to product details
When shopping for food, treats, or supplements, pet parents want reassurance that what they’re buying is safe, nutritious, and responsibly sourced. QR Codes on product packaging make it easy for them to access information at that critical decision-making moment when they’re standing in front of the store shelf.
A quick scan can take them to a mobile-friendly web page with ingredient breakdowns, nutritional data, sourcing practices, or even a product demo video. That kind of openness builds trust, which leads to better customer loyalty and potentially higher sales.
With Bitly’s Dynamic QR Codes, you can track how often codes are scanned to see which products are drawing the most interest. These insights can help your marketing and product teams focus on the content that matters most to your customers.
Simplify post-purchase customer support
Few things frustrate pet owners more than struggling with a new product, whether it’s a high-tech feeder, a durable toy, or a smart pet collar.
QR Code tags on packaging or inserts can link directly to FAQs, troubleshooting steps, warranty registration forms, or setup guides. This quick access reduces support requests and lets customers solve problems independently, increasing trust and satisfaction.
And because Bitly Codes are always dynamic, you can update the destination link at any time with certain plans. If a guide is revised or you want to swap it to something else altogether, you can simply redirect the link to fresh, helpful content without reprinting the packaging.
Connect customers with your brand on multiple channels
Pet parents love sharing their furry friends on social media, whether it’s TikTok treat reviews or Instagram playtime reels. In fact, a Dog Furiendly study found that 87% of dog owners have a social account for their pets.
QR Codes on packaging, in-store displays, digital business cards, or emails can guide customers to your social channels, encouraging them to join your brand’s online community. It’s also a great way to encourage more user-generated content (UGC), which can further expand your reach and increase brand awareness.
Use Bitly’s URL Shortener to create clean, branded links for your QR Codes that boost recognition and consistency across platforms. Together, these tools make it easier for pet parents to engage, share, and connect, turning casual buyers into loyal advocates.
Creative ways to use QR Codes across packaging and promotions
Beyond post-purchase support, QR Codes unlock creative ways to engage pet owners and enhance the product experience. Just take a look at how Smalls uses Bitly QR Codes and short links in their ads to connect with cat lovers both online and offline, strengthening brand visibility and encouraging interaction.
Ready to do the same? Here’s how:
Link to care guides, usage tips, or training videos
A well-designed product still needs clear guidance. Pet parents will likely appreciate help with things like introducing a new enrichment toy, fitting a harness, or using a calming spray. QR Codes on packaging can lead to video tutorials, care guides, or blog posts that walk customers through each step.
For example, a dental treat package might link to an oral health video, while a leash could connect to a training guide for reducing pulling. Value-adding resources like these can improve product functionality, reduce misuse, and boost satisfaction, leading to happier customers and fewer returns.
Bitly Codes also provide data on which content gets the most scans, helping brands understand where customers need the most help and refine future materials accordingly.
Promote subscription reorders or loyalty programs
Convenience matters, especially for recurring needs like food, litter, or grooming supplies. QR Codes on packaging inserts, order confirmations, or follow-up emails can link directly to an auto-ship sign-up form or a loyalty program dashboard. With just one scan, customers can reorder their favorite treats, track rewards progress, or redeem perks.
If you’re launching a new offering, it’s also a great way to drive interest and get more pre-orders for your product with minimal effort. These seamless touchpoints encourage repeat business and help you turn one-time buyers into lifelong fans.
Launch UGC campaigns and contests
Want to turn happy customers into brand ambassadors? QR Codes can help by directing pet parents to engaging campaigns, like photo contests, hashtag challenges, or seasonal giveaways.
A quick scan might lead to a landing page with contest rules, an entry form, or social media sharing instructions. It’s a fun way to generate buzz, boost community engagement, and expand your brand’s reach.
Feature product add-ons or seasonal promotions
Cross-selling and seasonal promotions are smart ways to boost sales, and QR Codes make them easy to execute.
A code on a collar package could link to matching leashes or ID tags, while one on a winter coat could promote cozy pet beds or other cold-weather pet accessories. They can also direct shoppers to limited-time offers, like holiday collections, summer travel gear, or flash sales.
Dynamic Bitly Codes let you update the linked destination without reprinting packaging. That means one single code can support multiple promotions throughout the year, keeping your campaigns fresh and relevant while maintaining a consistent customer experience.
Link to customer reviews or testimonials
Before trying a new brand or product, many shoppers look to their fellow pet parents for guidance. QR Codes on packaging, retail displays, or emails can direct them to review platforms or curated testimonial pages featuring real pets enjoying your product.
For example, a QR Code on a food bag might lead to reviews highlighting improvements in pet well-being. This kind of social proof builds credibility and gently nudges undecided customers toward a purchase.
Using QR Codes to support education and pet brand trust
Today’s pet owners are more informed (and more curious) than ever—they’re researching ingredients, checking certifications, and looking closely at what brands stand for. QR Codes offer a direct way to share that information in a clear, accessible format, right when it’s needed most.
Here’s how your pet brand can use them to build credibility and trust with every scan.
Highlight sustainability practices
Eco-conscious consumers want to feel confident they’re making responsible choices for their pets and the planet.
QR Codes printed on packaging or shipping inserts can link to pages that explain how your brand sources sustainable ingredients, uses recycled materials, or supports green initiatives. Whether it’s biodegradable packaging, carbon-neutral shipping, or ethical sourcing, every effort counts and is worth highlighting.
These details often don’t fit on a label, but QR Codes make them easy to access for customers who want to align their values with your brand.
Provide transparency for ingredients and product safety
For pet owners who want clarity on what goes into every bite, QR Codes can link to detailed ingredient lists, allergen warnings, or third-party certifications, all without crowding your packaging.
A code on a treat bag might lead to a page outlining grain-free formulas or where key ingredients are sourced, while a code on a harness links to safety certifications or testing standards.
This kind of openness can build trust and reduce hesitation, especially for pet owners navigating special dietary needs. And because Bitly Codes are editable, you can easily update the linked information if formulas change or new certifications are added, without printing new packaging.
Offer multilingual resources
Pet brands often serve diverse, global audiences, and QR Codes can make content accessible in multiple languages. One code might link to a landing page with selectable language options, or brands can create separate codes for each supported language and track their performance.
With Dynamic Bitly Codes, it’s easy to update destinations as new translations become available, helping you ensure clarity and inclusivity without cluttering packaging. Plus, with Bitly Analytics, you can monitor scan rates for all your codes in one dashboard, making it easy to see which translations are most popular.
Include links to vet-backed resources
Showing that you’re invested in animal health—not just pushing products—can go a long way with today’s discerning pet parents. QR Codes can link to expert-approved content, such as nutrition guides, training tips, or health FAQs co-authored by veterinarians.
For instance, a QR Code on a supplement bottle might lead to a vet-written article on glucosamine’s joint health benefits, reinforcing your brand’s credibility and positioning it as a trusted resource in pet care.
Build how-to guides and videos
Whether it’s administering medication or fitting a new harness, pet owners appreciate clear, visual guidance. QR Codes can link to tutorials on grooming techniques, training routines, or product-specific usage.
A code on a shampoo bottle might lead to a video on bathing a nervous dog, while one on a crate could walk customers through crate-training basics. These resources can improve the overall experience and help reduce misuse, benefiting both pets and their people.
How QR Codes help pet brands collect data and improve engagement
QR Codes aren’t just useful for customers. They also give your team valuable data to shape future strategies. Each scan provides insight into what’s working, what needs adjustment, and where your audience is most engaged.
Here’s how you can turn QR Codes into a performance-driving engine for your brand.
Track which products generate the most engagement
Understanding which products get the most attention helps you allocate marketing resources more effectively.
When you assign unique Bitly Codes to each SKU, product type, or campaign, you can track scan volume and see which items are getting the most engagement. This helps you understand what your audience is interested in and where to focus your marketing efforts.
- Are shoppers scanning the new treat flavor more than the original?
- Do grooming products see more scans after being featured in a social post?
- Are seasonal items like cooling vests or holiday sweaters driving spikes in activity?
These insights help marketing and product teams focus their energy appropriately, especially during launches or rebrands. And with Bitly’s UTM links and a platform like Google Analytics, you can go even further, tracking the actions customers take after scanning.
Use A/B testing to refine content strategies
Not sure whether your customers prefer video tips or written guides? A/B testing can give you the answer.
Just assign unique Bitly Codes to similar products, each linking to a different format of the same content (one video, one written), then compare performance using Bitly Analytics. Look at which option gets more scans, then use those insights to refine your content strategy. It’s a simple, practical way to learn what your audience values most.
Monitor scan performance across retail locations
Retail insights matter too. Assigning unique QR Codes to each retail partner, region, or display type allows you to see where customers are engaging the most.
- In Austin, TX, is the new endcap at Store #1 outperforming the shelf display at Store #2?
- Are boutique stores generating more scans than big box retailers?
- Which locations or regions in general are seeing the most activity?
With this data, you can make smarter decisions about where to focus promotions, how to strengthen retail partnerships, and what kinds of displays work best in different environments.
Measure customer interest in value-added content
It’s not just product features that draw people in. Supporting content like care guides, brand stories, and educational videos also plays a big role. Linking codes to these resources helps you track which ones your customers find more useful.
Bitly’s scan and click data shows which QR Codes and links get the most engagement, helping you identify what’s resonating and what might need a refresh. Over time, this helps your team focus on producing high-performing content and building stronger connections with pet parents.
For instance, if a training guide gets frequent scans, it might be worth expanding your educational content. If a brand story sees low engagement, it could be a sign that you need a stronger narrative.
Use Bitly Pages to offer multiple resources in one place
In some cases, one QR Code needs to point customers to several resources at once. With Bitly Pages, you can create a clean, mobile-friendly landing page that houses care tips, a reorder button, subscription sign-ups, and related product links—all in one spot and with zero coding experience required. And you can easily share your Bitly landing page with a QR Code.
This gives customers a clear, organized experience and lets your brand deliver more value without cramping your packaging.
Examples of loyalty-building opportunities with pet brand QR Codes
Loyalty isn’t just about points or perks. It’s about trust, emotional connection, and feeling valued. QR Codes give pet brands a simple way to create touchpoints that make customers feel seen, supported, and part of something bigger. Here are a few ways to turn a scan into long-term loyalty.
Share customer success stories
Few things are more compelling than a heartfelt pet story. Use QR Codes to link to real-life experiences shared by your customers, like how your calming chews helped with separation anxiety or how your grain-free formula supported a dog’s health journey.
These stories can offer reassurance, spark inspiration, and reinforce confidence in your brand, especially for pet parents navigating similar concerns. You can feature them on packaging, in-store signage, or social media to showcase your community, deepen emotional connection, and show customers that your brand understands what matters most.
Offer welcome bonuses for first-time buyers
First impressions matter, and QR Codes can help make them unforgettable. Add a code to first-time customer inserts or welcome kits that links to a dedicated landing page with exclusive perks, like:
- 15% off a future order.
- A free sample.
- Helpful content for new pet parents.
Since Bitly QR Codes are dynamic, you can easily update these offers as your promotions evolve.
Encourage product registration for added perks
For pet tech, gear, or wellness items, product registration is a smart way to continue the relationship post-purchase. Include a QR Code on the packaging that links to a Bitly Page with a simple form.
Once registered, customers can unlock benefits like:
- Extended warranties or satisfaction guarantees.
- Personalized care tips based on the product.
- Donations matching to a pet charity or local animal shelter.
With Bitly Codes, you can track scans to gauge interest and update the perks later without changing the code. It’s a simple way to add value and keep customers engaged.
Invite users to sign up for updates or newsletters
QR Codes are a low-effort, high-impact way to grow your email or SMS list. A direct link to a sign-up form removes friction and gives customers a fast way to opt in for tips, promos, and product news, especially when it’s framed as “more for your pet.” You stay top of mind, and they get content tailored to their interests.
Run refer-a-friend or share-to-save campaigns
Pet parents often turn to one another for product recommendations, making word-of-mouth marketing one of the most powerful tools in the pet industry. QR Codes can support referral and share-to-save programs by linking directly to landing pages with promo codes or invite forms.
Add them to thank-you cards, product inserts, or post-purchase emails to drive ongoing engagement and organic reach. It’s an easy, scalable way to reward loyalty and grow your customer base through genuine recommendations.
Collect feedback to improve products
Want to know how your latest product is resonating? Create QR Codes that lead to post-purchase surveys or quick feedback forms. This gives customers a voice and gives your brand clear insights into what’s working, what’s missing, and where to improve.
It’s also a chance to show you’re listening. A simple message like “We’d love your feedback. Scan here!” can make customers feel heard and more connected to your brand.
Best practices for using QR Codes in the pet industry
Using QR Codes effectively means considering how and where they’re used. A well-placed and optimally designed code can enhance the customer experience, while a poorly executed one may create friction or get ignored.
Here’s how to get it right and reap the full benefits of QR Code marketing.
Make your codes scannable in any environment
QR Codes should be easy to spot and effortless to scan, even in busy, real-world conditions. That means thinking about lighting, packaging shape, and how your product sits on the shelf.
- Use high-contrast designs and place codes in visible, natural eye-level locations—like near instructions or on the front of an insert card—to catch attention.
- Make sure each code meets the minimum QR Code size of at least 2 cm by 2 cm (0.8 inches by 0.8 inches), excluding the quiet zone.
- Always test your codes using different mobile devices (both iOS and Android) and scanning apps to confirm they work smoothly.
Also, think about timing. A pet parent might scan in-store for product details and at home for how-to videos or reordering. Wherever you place the code, make sure it fits the moment.
Use branded Bitly Links to boost recognition
Branded links can help you establish trust immediately after a scan. Instead of directing customers to a generic URL, use a custom Bitly Link to reinforce recognition and consistency.
Depending on your Bitly plan, you customize the back-half of your links and use a branded domain, turning long, complex URLs into concise, descriptive links like pet.brand/careguide. This makes the experience feel seamless and professional, which matters when building credibility with pet owners.
And with Bitly’s redirect feature, you can update your link’s destination anytime. If a promotion ends or a page changes, there’s no need to reprint packaging or update marketing materials. Just adjust the destination behind the scenes.
Avoid overloading the experience with too many CTAs
It’s tempting to include everything in one QR Code: a product video, a discount, a review request, and a newsletter sign-up. But less is more. Stick to one or two clear calls-to-action (CTA) per QR Code to keep the experience focused and easy to follow.
If you need to offer more, link to a Bitly Page that organizes multiple actions in a clean, mobile-friendly format. That way, customers can still access the full range of resources, just in a way that’s intuitive and easy to navigate.
A clear CTA helps pet parents take the right action, which means better results for your brand. Aim for something brief, action-oriented, and descriptive, such as:
- Watch a product demo
- Enter to win a free bed!
- Register your product for perks!
- Sign up for auto-ship or reorder
- Leave a review or share feedback
- Join our loyalty program!
When your CTA is simple, relevant, and easy to act on, your QR Code is more likely to deliver real value for both your customer and your business.
Start building trust in your pet brand with every QR Code scan
Pet parents expect fast, helpful, and reliable information when it comes to choosing the right products for their furry friends. QR Codes help you meet those expectations, making it easy to share anything from ingredient details to loyalty perks with a quick scan. It’s a simple way to build trust and deliver more value, right from the package.
Bitly’s powerful QR Code generator makes it easy to create, update, and manage codes across your entire product line. Generate branded Bitly Codes, update destination URLs anytime, and use Bitly Analytics to track scan and click performance in real time.
And when you combine Bitly Codes with Bitly Pages and Links, you’ll have everything you need to create an engaging, cohesive digital experience for your customers, end to end.
Ready to give your customers more value at every touchpoint? Create a Bitly account today!
