The Spanish startup 4Pets has created a digital control panel for pets that integrates medical history, an identification tag with a QR code, and lost alerts. Its founder, Javier de la Hoz, aims to transform the analogue management of animal care.
Javier de la Hoz, CEO and founder of 4Pets, has developed an application that promises to centralise all aspects of dog and cat care in one place. Under the concept of "all-in-one ecosystem", the platform allows management from vaccination schedules to locating the animal in case of loss.
The idea arose from the observation that most owners still resort to analogue methods to keep track of their pets' health. "Pet care used to be managed in quite an analogue way," explains De la Hoz, who decided to give this routine a digital twist.
Smart tag with QR code
One of the central elements of 4Pets is the identification tag that is placed on the animal's collar. Unlike traditional tags, which display the owner's details for anyone to see, this one incorporates a QR code that is only activated when the owner marks the animal as lost in the app.
By scanning the code, anyone can access the owner's contact details, as well as the dog's or cat's characteristics: breed, size, personality, and relevant medical conditions. Additionally, the application sends a notification to all users within a two-kilometre radius, multiplying the chances of quick location.
Integrated medical history
The application is connected with the two largest veterinary software systems in Spain, allowing real-time consultation of vaccinations, treatments, and upcoming veterinary visits. This integration reduces unnecessary calls to the clinic and facilitates monitoring the animal's health.
4Pets already has thousands of users in Spain, according to its founder. The startup, which operates nationally, has plans for international expansion in the near future, although De la Hoz has not specified timelines or specific markets.
For pet owners, the tool offers immediate practical value: centralising information that was previously scattered among the veterinarian, paper documents, and the owner's memory. The lost function, in particular, leverages the network of users to act in the critical first minutes considered essential for finding a lost animal.
4Pets thus joins the growing trend of digitalisation of services for pets, a sector that in Spain generates more than 2 billion euros a year. The application is available for iOS and Android, and the identification tag is purchased separately through its website.
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