Pet identification system and method

A system and method for identification and retrieval of lost pets such as dogs. The system includes methods to obtain accurate noseprints either by chemical transfer system or with closeup photography for entry into a database. The system assigns locations where noseprints are acquired with an account number which in turn automatically assign an identification number to a dog when registered. Data relating to and including the noseprint, a photograph, description, and information regarding the owner are transferred to a central database optionally from pet shops by E-Mail or by giving all photos and registration forms to a dog owner who then fills out forms and sends all materials to central office via mail. The system includes a program to automatically assign an account number to a pet shop or store and an identification number for the dog. The program includes photograph enhancing software as well as pattern recognition software to identify a lost dog via the noseprint. To recover a lost dog, the system is scanned either by identification number, if known, or by using the pattern recognition software to compare a noseprint of a found dog with those in the noseprint database to identify and locate the owner of the pet. If a match is achieved by an identification number or by pattern recognition of noseprints, the owner is notified and the lost dog can be retrieved.