A UNIST-based student startup, Pireco Co., Ltd. recently joined hands with LG U+ Corp. to help provide a boost to pet adoptions and sales. Both organizations have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote a campaign that encourages the safe adoption of companion animals, utilizing Pireco’s biometrics-based recognition solution.
Founded by a group of UNIST students, Pireco Co., Ltd. is a pet-tech startup develops biometrics-based recognition solution for pet animals that authenticates individual pet’s identity based on their unique biometric traits, such as iris and nose prints. Their recently-released a mobile app, called ‘Peter Pet Health‘ is a solution, capable of verifying whether pets for sale or adoption had a thorough health check or a full course of vaccinations from a veterinarian. It works in a way that provides users with easy access to the necessary health documents of their pets, including a vaccination certificate.
According to the Enforcement Regulation of the Animal Protection Act for business operators, revised in August 2020, all animal vendors must provide prospective pet owners with general information about their pets, including vaccination history, health conditions at the time of sale or adoption, as well as documents that can prove this. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has recently provided a special inspection on 144 pet vendors. The results revealed that a total of 37 violations have been observed, including failure to keep detailed records on every individual pets sold or offered for sale.
To cope with such situation, Pireco Co., Ltd. and LG U+ will carry out a joint campaign, which allows prospective pet owners to have easy access to health information for their pets by simply visiting pet shops that introduced Pireco’s safe adoption solution.
After initially downloading the app, users can start by taking a close-up end-on photo of their pet’s nose. Using those nose prints, users can check their pet’s history and physical examinations, as well as health certificates, issued by a veterinarian. Also, for those who subscribe to the LG U+ pet care service on sites will be provided with the safe adoption package, which includes pet foods, feeding accessories, and cushions.
The LG U+ pet care service is a total care solution for pet owners, which takes care of their pets even when they are not at home. The service allows pet owners to remotely play with their pets and observe their behavioral patterns. It includes a remote feeder and a pet camera to view live streaming and talk with your loved ones via your smartphones wherever you are. In addition, various other benefits, such as hospitalization/surgery expenses (Up to KRW 1.4 million per year) and coupons (KRW 11,000 per month) that can be used at shopping malls, exclusively for pets.
