REVIEW and Coupon: Scrufftag QR collars from dogIDs.com

QR code tags are all the rage right now for pets. Each tag comes with a QR square, which can be scanned with a red laser app on any smartphone. It's linked to a directory, like PetHub, which stores contact information.

The QR codes range from simple to crazy -- there are even Disney and Star Wars QR code tags.

But I already have a tag for Lulu with my phone number on it.

So it seemed silly to me to get another tag. She is also microchipped, so how much more does protection does she need?

Well, 10 million dogs are lost every year, according to microchip company HomeAgain.com .

And beagles have bad habits of following their noses until they are far from home. Lulu has run off on me a couple times, and from a friend once.

Still, the idea of another tag seemed silly because if one tag gets ripped off, why not another?

But I love the idea of a QR tag COLLAR.

I got mine from dogIDs.com, a dog gear website that specializes in personalized products.

The heavy-duty collar is woven very well. Lulu has had it for a few weeks, and it still looks like it did when I first pulled it out of the box. Lulu is usually very good at beating up her collars and harnesses. So I'm happy to see no fraying with this.

The nameplate is white and very clear, so it's very easy for any QR laser to read the QR code. It also lays well across Lulu's neck, so it is easy to scan. The plastic also has not worn, or scuffed. And the collar around the nameplate is dirty, so that's pretty impressive to me.

And when you do, this pops up:

It pulls up my contact info, and any important info about Lulu.

And, I got an email as soon as this profile is viewed, letting me know people have looked at Lulu's profile.

And by the way, all this is free from PetHub.com.

How effective is the tag? PetHub.com has cataloged success stories of found dogs thanks to PetHub on their website.

Pros:

• Gives your pet another form of identification. (Should never replace a microchip though)
• The collar is sturdy, as is the buckle and nameplate
• Comes in lots of colors and styles

Cons:

• Collars come off just as easily as a tag can. 
• Not everyone knows how to work a QR laser.
• They are a little pricey -- $29.00.

 If you are interested in buying a collar, I have a coupon code for you from dogIDs.com

Code:  beaglelife15

Deal:  15% Off Any Style QR Code Dog Collar, including the new reflective collar.

Expires:  September 1, 2013

DISCLAIMER:  I received my collar for free from dogIDs.com to review.

Florida Bloggers Blog Hop featured blogger: Couponers United

Welcome to another Florida Bloggers Blog Hop, where we introduce you to all sorts of Florida-based blogs you might enjoy.

Starting this week, and every week, we'll be  featuring another Florida blogger, each one with new tips and info you can apply to where ever you live!

This week: Couponers United.

 Mary, a Central Florida blogger, runs this blog, which aims to help you save money. And with four kids and a husband, finding bargains can be important.

1. When did you start your blog? 
   2009
2. What made you get into blogging?
   I began my blog as a personal blog. It was a  place to share my grocery savings each week. It used it to teach my friends and family how to coupon. I didn't intend for it to be public at first.
3. Your blog is about coupons and deals. What made you choose that topic?
   I have always been a bargain shopper.  I love finding deals and saving money on products, others to save money.  My blog does a combination of both - I share the deals and I teach others how to coupon and bargain shop.
4. Do you ever post any Florida-centric deals? How do you find them?
   Yes.  I scour websites, local magazines, and newspapers for local deals and coupon codes to share.
5. How has blogging helped you?
   Blogging has opened so many doors for me. I have been able to travel to places like California and New York on Media Events.  I have met actors, musicians, and many wonderful bloggers all over the country.
6. My blog is a pet blog. What are great ways to get deals for pets?
   Sign up for PetPerks with PetSmart to receive email updates on sales & deals on your favorite pet products.  Keep an eye on your weekly coupon insert for great pet coupons to use.  Publix has pet coupons that you can stack with manufacturer coupons found in the paper to help you save even more!!

Want to get your blog noticed by a whole new group of readers? Join the Florida Bloggers Blog Hop!

How do you do it? I have a more detailed tutorial on this page, but here are the basics:

1. Enter the Blog Hop at the link on the bottom of this page.
2. Fill out the handy form.
3. Then, click on the link that says get the code at the bottom of your most recent post (which doesn't have to be about anything in particular, because we want people to see what it is you do regularly).
4. Add that link, and then -- start hopping around the blogs on the Blog Hop list and meet your fellow Florida Bloggers.
5. New rule for Wordpress users:
   If you are using Wordpress.com, you need to do follow the instructions on the following handy picture I have added.

That's it! So what are you waiting for! Join the Blog Hop!