In the pet industry, loyalty isn’t just about points or perks. It’s emotional. Pet parents want to feel confident in the brands they trust, and that kind of trust is built through consistency and thoughtful touchpoints. But with so many options competing for attention, standing out takes more than just cute packaging.
This guide shows how pet brands can use QR Codes, short links, and Bitly Pages to personalize product experiences, connect across digital and in-store channels, and track what keeps customers coming back.
Whether you’re encouraging reorders, sharing educational content, or building a loyalty program, Bitly helps you create smarter, more measurable customer moments.
Note: The brands and examples discussed below were found during our online research for this article.
Why pet brands need smarter customer experiences
The pet industry is highly competitive, with startups and legacy brands alike fighting for potential customers’ attention. To stand out in such a crowded space, your brand needs to create experiences that truly resonate with your audience’s needs. Here’s why the customer experience matters more than ever.
Pet owners expect personalization across channels
With the rise of ecommerce, social media, and other digital shopping channels, today’s customers expect brand interactions that feel tailored and relevant. In fact, 84% of consumers prefer to shop with companies that offer personalized experiences.
Whether they’re engaging with your brand in-store, online, or after a purchase, pet owners want experiences that reflect their specific needs—not one-size-fits-all content. That might mean tailored offers based on past purchases or product education that speaks directly to their pet’s breed, age, or health needs.
Brand loyalty in pet care is emotional and high-stakes
When it comes to food, supplements, or grooming tools, pet parents aren’t just grabbing whatever’s closest on the shelf. They research. They compare. They choose with care, because they’re shopping for their furry friends.
That’s why trust in pet care goes beyond convenience or price. It’s built on emotional connections and earned through transparency, consistency, and quality. Pet brands that show up with clear information and thoughtful touchpoints build deeper trust and stronger customer loyalty over time.
Digital touchpoints need to support in-store discovery
A strong shelf presence is important, but it’s not enough. Pet parents often browse in person and then buy later online (or vice versa). To stay top of mind, your digital marketing strategy needs to work hand-in-hand with your in-store displays.
Bitly helps CPG brands bridge the gap between in-store and online content. Add QR Codes or short links to your packaging, signage, or shelf talkers to connect shoppers with helpful content like product guides, reviews, or how-to videos right from their mobile phones.
Education, trust, and transparency build repeat business
When pet owners find brands they love, they tend to stick with them. In fact, 57% of owners said they wouldn’t switch to a different pet food brand, even if the price went up. Searching for new products takes time, and many owners would rather repurchase what they know their pets already love.
But to build that kind of brand loyalty, pet brands need to prioritize education and transparency. Clear information about ingredients, nutritional content, and sustainability builds confidence and makes it easier for customers to choose (and keep choosing) your products.
Tracking what works is harder than it should be
Pet brands use a mix of marketing channels to reach consumers, from in-store promotions to digital marketing to print campaigns. But as shoppers move across these different channels, it gets harder to pinpoint what’s actually driving engagement.
That’s where Bitly helps you connect the dots. With trackable Bitly Codes, mobile links, and landing pages, you can see what’s working and why. For example, create a unique QR Code for each type of product packaging, then use traffic data to see which one gets the most scans. It’s a simple way to make more informed decisions across campaigns.
How Bitly improves the pet brand customer journey
Bitly helps pet brands create stronger connections at every stage of the shopping journey, from discovery to loyal customer. By linking your marketing assets with Bitly QR Codes, Links, and Pages, you can turn brand awareness into action and deliver more value with every interaction.
Create QR Codes and links for product packaging
Product packaging space is limited, but your story doesn’t have to be. QR Codes and short links let you extend your message beyond store shelves. Add them to packaging to connect customers with mobile-friendly content, like feeding or grooming instructions, ingredients, or compelling brand stories.
These simple additions help build confidence in your brand, deepen engagement, and create a memorable brand experience, helping your products stand out long after the first purchase.
Use short links in SMS and email campaigns
With Bitly, you can create short, branded links to use in your SMS and email marketing campaigns. These links help drive traffic to your content, strengthen customer connections, and maintain a polished brand presence.
Since space is limited in texts and email copy, full URLs can clutter your message. A short link fits neatly into tight character counts, and using a branded domain adds trust and consistency.
Once your campaign is live, Bitly Analytics lets you monitor performance in real time. Track link clicks to see which messages drive the most engagement, and pair your data with Google Analytics to understand how those clicks convert into purchases. You can also add UTM parameters to your Bitly Links to track traffic sources and campaign impact more precisely.
Turn social traffic into action with branded links
To stand out in the competitive pet care market, your brand needs to be active on social media platforms where pet owners already spend time. Bitly helps you turn that attention into action.
Use branded links in your bio to drive traffic to educational content, promotions, or loyalty program sign-up forms. If you partner with pet influencers, they can include those links in posts or stories to expand your reach and keep messaging consistent.
Just look at how Smalls uses QR Codes and short links to manage large-scale influencer campaigns, making it easy for cat owners to explore products, engage with the brand, and take action wherever they find it.
Build mobile landing pages for product education
Bitly Pages are mobile-optimized, no-code landing pages you can create in minutes using a flexible template library. Pet brands can use them to build digital product hubs that are easy to share and explore on any device.
Use Bitly Pages to highlight ingredients, supply chain details, FAQs, or other helpful product information. You could even embed landing pages with multimedia content like videos, infographics, or testimonials to build trust and educate your audience in an engaging way.
Track all engagement in one dashboard
Every link, QR Code, and landing page you create is fully trackable with Bitly Analytics. You’ll get a clear view of how your campaigns are performing, including total clicks, scans, and views across touchpoints.
You can also dig into more granular metrics, like:
- Clicks and scans over time
- Engagements by device type (iOS, Android, desktop)
- Referral source (social media, in-store signage)
- Location (city and country)
All this data lives in a single dashboard, giving your team fast, actionable insight into your target audience’s behavior and preferences. With a better understanding of consumer behavior, you can fine-tune your strategy and keep improving over time.
In-store and on-shelf engagement tactics to know
Ready to boost customer engagement for your pet brand? Try these strategies to capture attention and drive action when shoppers are browsing in person.
Add QR Codes to displays and shelf talkers
Digital content can make your in-store displays more informative and interactive. Add QR Codes to packaging, signage, or shelf talkers to link directly to relevant online content, like exclusive coupons, product comparisons, ingredient breakdowns, or customer reviews.
For maximum visibility, place your code at eye level and make it easy to scan. And don’t forget to customize the design. Depending on your Bitly plan, you can match your code’s colors, patterns, corner style, and frame to your display, creating a cohesive, on-brand experience.
Use links to drive product reviews post-purchase
Authentic reviews go a long way in building trust, especially in the pet industry. In fact, 74% of consumers check at least two review sites before making a purchase.
Encourage happy customers to leave a review by sharing short links that point directly to your Google Business profile, Yelp listing, or preferred review platform. Since every Bitly Link is trackable, you can easily monitor participation and see which tactics drive results.
Place these links where they’re most likely to be seen: on product packaging, receipts, thank-you notes, or follow-up emails. You can even incentivize reviews by offering loyalty points or perks in exchange for honest feedback.
Promote loyalty programs at the point of sale
Loyalty programs are a smart play for pet brands because many products—like food, treats, and supplements—are purchased on repeat.
Use QR Codes at checkout to make enrollment quick and convenient. Place them near the register, on product displays, or as inserts in packaging. You can also add them to receipts, encouraging post-purchase signups.
Wherever you place your code, make sure the value is clear. A simple call to action (CTA) like “Join and earn points” or “Scan to unlock member perks” helps customers understand what they’ll gain. This could be savings on future purchases, access to promotions, or even special-edition items.
How you can connect online and offline experiences with Bitly
One of the biggest challenges for pet brands is connecting content marketing strategy with real-world customer moments. Bitly makes it easy to bridge that gap by turning physical interactions into digital ones, creating a more cohesive experience across touchpoints.
Share trackable content in printed inserts and packaging
Use short links and QR Codes on your product packaging or inserts to guide new customers to valuable content. These touchpoints help extend the conversation beyond the shelf and into a richer digital experience.
For example, a pet toy brand could link to expert tips for playtime and enrichment. A food brand might share recipe ideas or pet health advice. Focus on creating content that adds value, builds trust, and supports pet owners in keeping their companions happy and healthy.
And because every link and code is trackable, you can use Bitly Analytics to monitor traffic and see what content gets the most engagement in real time.
Offer reorder links via QR Codes on consumables
Pet consumables like food, treats, and supplements run out fast, especially in multi-pet homes. QR Codes for marketing household products are a simple, effective way to keep your brand top of mind and make reordering effortless.
Just add a Bitly Code to your product packaging that links directly to a reorder webpage. When it’s time to restock, customers simply scan the code with their phone, confirm their info, and place an order in seconds. It’s a quick win for busy pet parents and a smart strategy for encouraging repeat purchases.
Encourage social sharing with custom short links
Increase brand visibility by giving your customers and influencer partners custom short links to share on social media. Whether they’re promoting a discount, giveaway, or exclusive content, Bitly Links make it simple to track engagement and measure reach.
And remember, your best advocates don’t need massive followings. Nano- and micro-influencers in the pet space can drive strong engagement, especially when they’re already fans of your brand.
Campaign ideas tailored to pet brands
Looking for creative ways to connect with pet owners? Here are a few campaign ideas designed to drive interactions and build brand affinity.
Host contests and giveaways with QR Codes
Giveaways are a fun, low-barrier way to get new customers interested in your products. Use Bitly Codes on packaging, inserts, or in-store displays to invite entries, then track which placements get the most scans.
Want to add a little excitement? Turn your giveaway into a contest. For example, ask customers to submit their cutest pet video for a chance to win a month’s supply of your product. It’s a great way to encourage creativity, boost visibility, and deepen engagement.
Share wellness tips through mobile-friendly pages
Today’s pet owners are increasingly proactive about their furry friend’s well-being, seeking reliable information to support preventative care. Studies indicate that 77% of pet owners are planning health resets for their pets in 2025, highlighting a growing focus on wellness and longevity.
You can position your brand as a trusted resource by sharing expert-backed tips from veterinarians and pet behavioral specialists. With Bitly Pages, it’s simple to build a mobile-friendly wellness hub and share it using short links and QR Codes.
Your page might feature content on pet nutrition, grooming, play, or training. Whatever aligns with your product and audience. Breed-specific advice helps personalize the experience even more. To keep users engaged, consider mixing in formats like videos, checklists, or quick how-to guides.
Use QR Codes on merch or events for engagement
Events are a great way to connect with pet owners in person, and QR Codes make those moments more interactive. At trade shows, local festivals, or adoption events, use codes to guide attendees to event-specific content like product info, sign-up pages, or exclusive discounts.
You can also add QR Codes to branded swag like T-shirts, tote bags, or bandanas. When attendees wear or share your merch, it boosts brand visibility. And with a scannable code included, that visibility can lead directly to traffic and engagement.
Launch a “meet the pet parent” story series
Who doesn’t love a heartwarming pet story? Spotlight your customers by launching a “Meet the Pet Parent” series on social media. It’s a great way to gather user-generated content (UGC) while building community and showing your products in action.
Use QR Codes on your packaging to direct customers to a simple sign-up landing page where they can submit their stories. Share short links across email, SMS, and social media to invite even more entries. When it’s time to post, include a short link in each caption so followers can explore featured products, offers, or other stories tied to that pet’s journey.
Bitly features that support pet brand strategy
Bitly’s suite of features helps unify your marketing efforts into a cohesive strategy—something every brand in the pet care industry can benefit from. Here are a few tools that make campaign execution and analysis easier.
Campaign tagging for channel comparison
Pet brands often run multiple campaigns across different platforms at once to maximize reach. With Bitly, you can keep everything organized using campaign tags.
Add tags to your short links to organize them by channel, like in-store promotions, social media, email newsletters, or SMS. You can quickly search, manage, and edit your links, and compare performance across channels to see which ones drive the most clicks.
Dynamic QR Code destination updates
All Bitly Codes are Dynamic, meaning you can update the destination URL anytime (depending on your plan)—even after your code has been published. As your campaigns evolve, you can change where your code sends people without having to reprint signage or packaging.
For example, if you use in-store QR Codes to promote limited-time offers or new product launches, you can simply swap out the URL for a new landing page when the campaign changes. The code stays the same while the destination updates. This flexibility helps pet brands stay agile and reduce waste while keeping content current.
Branded short domains for customer trust
With Bitly’s URL shortener, you can create and use a custom domain for all your short links, like yourpet.co instead of the standard bit.ly. This subtle change makes your links feel more on-brand, trustworthy, and professional from the moment a customer sees them.
Branded domains aren’t just about aesthetics. They reinforce recognition, signal legitimacy, and help customers feel more confident clicking. Over time, they can lead to higher click-through rates and stronger brand recall, especially when used consistently across touchpoints like email, SMS, packaging, and social media.
Exportable analytics for ROI reporting
Bitly Analytics makes it easy to export scan and click data for reporting and analysis. Whether you’re sharing results with leadership or retail partners, having clear, trackable metrics helps you demonstrate campaign performance and marketing return on investment (ROI). You can also use this data to secure future funding or support for expanding your efforts.
QR Code customization for on-brand design
With a paid Bitly plan, you can customize your QR Code designs to align with your brand’s look and feel. Swap out the default black-and-white with your brand’s colors, and add your logo to the center of the code for extra trust and recognition. These small design touches help your codes stand out and keep your signage and packaging consistent across every channel.
Mobile-optimized Bitly Pages for education and offers
Bitly Pages help you deliver mobile-friendly content that builds trust and engagement. Whether you’re highlighting product features, sharing pet care guides, or promoting exclusive offers, these landing pages give customers the details they need in a clean, on-brand format.
No coding skills required—just pick a template, add your brand assets, and publish. In minutes, you’ll have a polished landing page that looks great on any device and keeps your audience engaged.
Tips for segmenting and scaling with Bitly
As your pet brand’s marketing grows, so does the number of assets to manage. Bitly helps your team stay organized and track what’s working, even across complex, multi-channel campaigns.
Organize links by product line or channel
Pet brand marketing campaigns can easily involve dozens (or even hundreds) of short links. Bitly helps you keep them organized so you can always find what you need without digging.
When you create a link, you can add a label or sort it into a folder based on product line, campaign, or channel. For example, you might organize links by categories like “dry dog food,” “holiday promotions,” or “SMS campaigns.” This makes it easier to find and update links later, especially as your marketing efforts grow.
Folders and labels also simplify performance tracking. You can view click data and other key metrics by folder to see which messages, products, or platforms are driving the best results.
Use analytics to identify top-performing tactics
Bitly Analytics offers a wealth of data that you can use to refine your strategy. By tracking clicks and scans, you can see which marketing tactics actually drive action and where there’s room to improve.
You’ll see total clicks and scans across your short links and QR Codes, along with breakdowns by day, location (city and country), device type, and referral source. These metrics help you understand how, when, and where your audience is engaging.
For example, if email consistently outperforms social media in terms of link clicks, it might be a sign to double down on newsletters or refine your social strategy to better meet your audience where they are.
Scale campaigns with bulk QR Code creation
Launching a big campaign? Bitly lets you generate multiple QR Codes at once, each with its own unique URL. This is ideal for product packaging, retail displays, or partner promotions.
Instead of creating them manually, use Bitly’s bulk creation feature to speed things up and stay organized. Apply folders or labels as needed to keep everything on track. It’s a simple way to support large-scale efforts while maintaining full visibility into performance.
Start building smarter pet brand experiences with Bitly
In a crowded pet care market, it takes more than great products to earn loyalty. Pet owners expect helpful, trustworthy experiences at every step, from product discovery to post-purchase support. The brands that deliver on those expectations are the ones that build lasting connections.
Bitly helps pet brands do just that. With branded short links, Dynamic QR Codes, and no-code, mobile-friendly landing pages, you can engage customers across every channel and create consistent, measurable touchpoints. Every click and scan is trackable in Bitly Analytics, giving you insight into what’s working and where to optimize. And, Bitly’s flexible customization tools make it easy to align your assets with your brand and scale as you grow.
Sign up for Bitly today to create stronger, more insight-driven experiences for your customers (and their furry friends).
