9+ Best Dog Tag Stamping Machines (2024)


9+ Best Dog Tag Stamping Machines (2024)

A steel tag embosser, sometimes operated by hand, creates sturdy, readable identification tags for pets and different animals. These compact units make the most of particular person character dies and a hanging mechanism to completely imprint info equivalent to names, addresses, and telephone numbers onto small steel blanks. The ensuing tags are then connected to collars by way of a hoop or clip.

Sturdy pet identification supplies an important hyperlink between misplaced animals and their homeowners, facilitating swift and protected returns. The apply of utilizing embossed tags dates again to navy identification practices, highlighting the effectiveness and longevity of this easy know-how. This dependable technique ensures important contact info stays legible even beneath difficult situations, growing the probability of a contented reunion.

This text will additional discover the assorted sorts of embossers, the method of making customized tags, and the benefits of selecting this technique for pet identification. Extra matters will cowl choosing applicable tag supplies, upkeep and care of embossing tools, and assets for buying customized tags.

1. Guide Operation

Guide operation is a defining attribute of many canine tag embossing machines. This hands-on method presents distinct benefits in tag creation. Direct management over the embossing course of permits for exact character alignment and impression depth. This degree of management minimizes errors and ensures constant, extremely legible outcomes, important for efficient identification. The tactile suggestions supplied throughout handbook operation permits the consumer to sense the suitable stress required for optimum embossing, stopping over- or under-striking. This direct engagement contributes to the creation of sturdy, long-lasting tags.

Take into account the situation of embossing a tag in a discipline setting or throughout a catastrophe aid effort. The absence of an influence supply would render electrical embossers ineffective. A operated by hand machine, nevertheless, stays purposeful, offering a dependable means of making important identification tags in any scenario. This inherent self-sufficiency underscores the sensible worth of handbook operation, significantly in difficult or unpredictable circumstances. Moreover, the simplicity of handbook operation usually interprets to decrease upkeep necessities in comparison with digital options.

In conclusion, the reliance on handbook operation in lots of canine tag embossers presents vital sensible advantages. Precision, management, and self-sufficiency are key benefits. This method supplies dependable performance, even in resource-limited settings, highlighting the strong nature of those instruments and their enduring relevance in varied purposes. Understanding the function of handbook operation is crucial for appreciating the practicality and flexibility of those machines.

2. Steel Tag Embossing

Steel tag embossing types the core operate of a canine tag stamping machine. This course of creates raised characters on a steel tag, offering a sturdy and readable type of identification. Understanding the aspects of steel tag embossing is essential for appreciating the performance and effectiveness of those machines.

  • Materials Deformation

    Steel tag embossing depends on the precept of plastic deformation. The embossing machine applies concentrated stress utilizing dies, completely altering the form of the steel tag. This deformation creates raised characters which can be immune to put on and tear, guaranteeing long-lasting legibility. As an example, a chrome steel tag embossed with contact info will stay readable even after extended publicity to the weather, in contrast to handwritten or printed options.

  • Die Design and Character Units

    The design of the embossing dies dictates the form and magnificence of the characters printed on the tag. Machines sometimes supply varied character units, together with alphanumeric characters, punctuation marks, and symbols. Specialised dies can accommodate distinctive identification necessities, equivalent to microchips or particular symbols utilized by organizations. Take into account the supply of various fonts or character sizes, permitting for personalization primarily based on tag dimension and the quantity of knowledge required.

  • Strain and Impression

    The power utilized by the embossing machine is vital for profitable tag creation. Inadequate stress might lead to shallow impressions, whereas extreme power might injury the tag or the machine. The mechanics of the machine, whether or not handbook or motorized, management the stress and influence, guaranteeing optimum character depth and readability. A well-maintained machine will persistently ship the right stress, leading to uniform embossing throughout a number of tags.

  • Tag Materials Compatibility

    The effectiveness of steel tag embossing depends upon the fabric of the tag itself. Softer metals, like aluminum, emboss simply, whereas more durable metals, like stainless-steel, require higher power. Deciding on the suitable tag materials and guaranteeing its compatibility with the embossing machine is essential for reaching fascinating outcomes. Utilizing incompatible supplies can result in illegible embossing or injury to the machine’s dies.

These interconnected aspects of steel tag embossing contribute to the general performance and effectiveness of the canine tag stamping machine. The interaction between materials deformation, die design, utilized stress, and materials compatibility finally determines the standard and sturdiness of the embossed info, highlighting the importance of this course of in creating dependable identification tags.

3. Character Dies

Character dies are important elements of a canine tag stamping machine, chargeable for shaping the imprinted characters on the steel tags. These small, exactly crafted items decide the legibility and permanence of the identification info. A deep understanding of character dies is essential for efficient operation and upkeep of the embossing machine.

  • Materials Composition

    Character dies are sometimes constructed from hardened metal to face up to repeated impacts and resist put on. The hardness of the die materials ensures that the characters stay sharp and well-defined even after in depth use. The selection of fabric contributes on to the longevity of the dies and the standard of the embossed characters. For instance, dies constituted of high-quality software metal will outperform these constituted of softer metals.

  • Character Set Selection

    Character die units embody varied alphanumeric characters, punctuation marks, and symbols. The provision of various character units permits for personalization of the embossed info to go well with particular wants. Some units may embody specialised characters for veterinary use or distinctive identifiers for organizations. The vary of accessible characters dictates the flexibility of the stamping machine and its suitability for various purposes. A broader character set permits for extra detailed and particular info to be embossed.

  • Dimension and Font

    Character dies can be found in varied sizes and fonts, influencing the general look and readability of the embossed textual content. The scale of the characters should be applicable for the tag dimensions, and the font ought to be clear and simple to decipher. The number of dimension and font impacts the aesthetics and sensible performance of the completed tag. Smaller tags may require smaller character sizes, whereas bigger tags permit for bigger, extra simply readable fonts.

  • Alignment and Spacing

    Exact alignment and constant spacing between character dies are vital for creating legible and professional-looking tags. The mechanism that holds and aligns the dies inside the stamping machine performs an important function in reaching correct character placement. Correct alignment and spacing be sure that the embossed info is evident and well-organized, enhancing readability. Inconsistent spacing or misaligned characters could make the knowledge tough to interpret.

The interplay of those facetsmaterial composition, character set selection, dimension and font, and alignmentunderlines the numerous function character dies play within the performance of the canine tag stamping machine. The standard and traits of the dies straight influence the readability, sturdiness, and general effectiveness of the embossed identification tags. Selecting applicable dies and sustaining their high quality are important issues for guaranteeing optimum efficiency and reaching desired ends in tag creation.

4. Hanging Mechanism

The hanging mechanism is the center of a canine tag stamping machine, translating consumer enter into everlasting impressions on steel tags. This mechanism’s effectiveness straight impacts the legibility and sturdiness of the embossed info. The method entails exact power utilized by a hardened part towards the chosen character die and tag, inflicting plastic deformation within the steel. The power should be enough to create a transparent, deep impression with out damaging the tag or the machine itself. This stability is essential; inadequate power ends in shallow, illegible characters, whereas extreme power can warp the tag or injury the dies. Take into account a situation the place an animal shelter processes a lot of new arrivals. A sturdy and dependable hanging mechanism is crucial for effectively creating clear, legible identification tags for every animal.

Several types of hanging mechanisms exist, every with benefits and downsides. Guide mechanisms, usually lever- or spring-operated, present tactile suggestions, permitting the consumer to manage the hanging power. This management may be essential for reaching optimum impressions on varied steel thicknesses and hardnesses. Motorized mechanisms, however, supply higher pace and consistency, significantly for high-volume tag creation. Nonetheless, these mechanisms may lack the nuanced management of handbook programs, doubtlessly resulting in points with various tag supplies. For a cell veterinarian, a operated by hand machine providing portability and management may be preferable. A big animal shelter, nevertheless, may profit from the pace and consistency of a motorized system.

Understanding the hanging mechanism’s function is prime to successfully working and sustaining a canine tag stamping machine. Common upkeep, together with lubrication and inspection for put on, ensures constant efficiency and prolongs the mechanism’s lifespan. Correct operation and upkeep straight influence the standard of the embossed tags and the general longevity of the machine. Neglecting these points can result in malfunctions, inconsistent embossing, and untimely tools failure. The hanging mechanism, subsequently, is a vital part influencing the machine’s performance, reliability, and the general effectiveness of pet identification efforts.

5. Sturdy Tags

Sturdiness is a paramount consideration for pet identification tags, given their publicity to varied environmental situations and day by day put on. The canine tag stamping machine addresses this want by creating tags that face up to such challenges, guaranteeing long-lasting legibility and performance. Understanding the elements contributing to tag sturdiness is essential for appreciating the worth and effectiveness of this embossing course of.

  • Materials Choice

    The inherent resilience of the tag materials performs an important function in its general sturdiness. Widespread supplies embody stainless-steel, aluminum, and brass, every providing totally different ranges of resistance to corrosion, abrasion, and influence. Chrome steel, as an example, presents glorious corrosion resistance, making it appropriate for pets continuously uncovered to water or harsh climate. Aluminum, whereas lighter and extra reasonably priced, could also be extra prone to scratches and bending. The selection of fabric straight impacts the tag’s potential to face up to day by day put on and tear.

  • Embossing Depth

    The depth of the embossed characters considerably influences the tag’s longevity. Deeply embossed characters are much less prone to put on away over time in comparison with shallow impressions. The stamping machine’s hanging mechanism performs an important function in reaching the required embossing depth. A exact and highly effective mechanism ensures that the characters stay legible even after extended publicity to friction or abrasion. This depth ensures that important identification info stays readable, growing the probability of a misplaced pet’s protected return.

  • Attachment Mechanism

    The strategy used to connect the tag to a pet’s collar additionally contributes to its general sturdiness. Sturdy break up rings or specialised clips are important for securely fastening the tag and stopping loss. Weak attachment factors can result in tag detachment, rendering the identification ineffective. Deciding on sturdy attachment {hardware} is subsequently as essential because the tag materials itself. A safe attachment ensures that the tag stays affixed to the collar, maximizing its effectiveness in reuniting misplaced pets with their homeowners.

  • Protecting Coatings

    Some tags function protecting coatings that improve their resistance to environmental elements. Epoxy coatings, for instance, can present an extra layer of safety towards scratches and fading. These coatings add one other dimension to tag sturdiness, safeguarding the embossed info and increasing the tag’s lifespan. Whereas the bottom materials and embossing depth present foundational sturdiness, protecting coatings supply an extra safeguard towards put on and tear, additional enhancing the tag’s long-term effectiveness.

These mixed elements materials choice, embossing depth, attachment mechanism, and protecting coatings contribute considerably to the creation of sturdy and long-lasting identification tags. The canine tag stamping machine facilitates this course of by offering the means to deeply emboss info onto strong supplies. The ensuing tags are designed to face up to the trials of day by day put on, guaranteeing that important identification info stays legible, finally growing the possibilities of a misplaced pet being safely returned house.

6. Pet Identification

Pet identification performs an important function in accountable pet possession, facilitating the swift return of misplaced animals to their households. The canine tag stamping machine supplies a sturdy and dependable means of making such identification, straight contributing to the effectiveness of pet restoration efforts. This exploration delves into the multifaceted connection between pet identification and this important software.

  • Everlasting Identification

    In contrast to short-term strategies like collars or harnesses, embossed tags supply a everlasting type of identification. The data imprinted on a steel tag stays legible no matter environmental elements or put on. This permanence is significant in circumstances the place a misplaced pet is discovered days, weeks, and even months later. Take into account a situation the place a pet loses its collar; an embossed tag connected on to a harness or microchip registration supplies a backup identification answer.

  • Important Info Accessibility

    Embossed tags present fast entry to essential contact info. Finders can readily find the proprietor’s telephone quantity or deal with while not having specialised tools or databases. This direct accessibility considerably expedites the reunification course of. In distinction, microchips require scanners and database entry, doubtlessly delaying the return course of. A clearly embossed tag supplies instantaneous, actionable info, facilitating speedy contact.

  • Price-Effectiveness and Accessibility

    Canine tag stamping machines supply a cheap answer for pet identification. The preliminary funding within the machine and clean tags permits for the creation of quite a few tags over time, eliminating the recurring prices related to buying pre-made tags. This affordability makes it a sensible alternative for particular person pet homeowners, animal shelters, and rescue organizations. Additional, the handbook operation of many machines eliminates reliance on exterior energy sources, making them priceless in varied settings, together with distant areas or catastrophe aid conditions.

  • Customization and Versatility

    The power to personalize tags with particular info enhances their effectiveness. House owners can embody not solely contact particulars but additionally pertinent medical info, equivalent to allergic reactions or medicines. This customization makes the canine tag stamping machine a flexible software adaptable to particular person pet wants and conditions. For instance, a tag might point out a pet’s diabetic standing, alerting finders to the necessity for particular care. This degree of element may be essential in guaranteeing a misplaced pet’s well-being till it’s reunited with its proprietor.

These interconnected aspects spotlight the numerous function the canine tag stamping machine performs in facilitating efficient pet identification. By offering a sturdy, accessible, reasonably priced, and customizable answer, this software turns into instrumental in guaranteeing the protected return of misplaced pets. The mixture of everlasting identification, available contact info, and cost-effectiveness makes this technique a cornerstone of accountable pet possession and a significant useful resource for animal welfare organizations.

7. Transportable Design

Portability represents a big benefit for sure canine tag stamping machines. Compact, light-weight fashions supply elevated performance and accessibility in varied conditions. This attribute permits for on-site tag creation, eliminating reliance on centralized companies or pre-made tags. Take into account catastrophe aid situations the place fast pet identification turns into essential. A conveyable embosser permits speedy tag creation for displaced animals, growing the probability of reunification with homeowners. Equally, cell veterinarians profit from portability, offering on-the-spot tag creation throughout farm visits or home calls, eliminating the necessity for purchasers to hunt out separate tagging companies. This comfort streamlines processes and enhances service supply in various operational contexts.

The portability of those machines extends their utility past conventional settings. Animal management officers can create tags straight within the discipline, facilitating fast identification of stray or rescued animals. Shelters and rescue organizations taking part in adoption occasions can personalize tags on-site, including a personal touch and streamlining the adoption course of. This flexibility underscores the sensible worth of portability in dynamic environments the place fast identification is crucial. Moreover, transportable machines usually incorporate options that improve their practicality, equivalent to built-in storage for character dies and clean tags, minimizing the necessity for extra tools and streamlining the embossing course of in any location.

In conclusion, portability enhances the practicality and flexibility of canine tag stamping machines. The power to create tags on demand in varied areas expands the scope of their utility, from emergency response to routine animal care. This function contributes considerably to environment friendly animal identification and administration, supporting each particular person pet homeowners {and professional} organizations devoted to animal welfare. The sensible implications of portability underscore its significance as a key function in choosing an applicable embossing machine, aligning with the precise wants and operational contexts of various customers.

8. Customizable Textual content

Customizable textual content represents a cornerstone of the canine tag stamping machine’s utility. The capability to personalize tags with particular info elevates their effectiveness past commonplace identification. This functionality stems from the machine’s design, which includes interchangeable character dies. Customers choose and organize these dies to create the specified sequence of letters, numbers, and symbols. This basic precept permits for a variety of knowledge to be embossed, catering to particular wants and contexts. Take into account a pet with a fancy medical situation; a custom-made tag can convey essential particulars like “Diabetic” or “Requires Treatment,” alerting finders to the pet’s particular wants. This tailor-made info can considerably influence the pet’s well-being through the interval of separation from its proprietor.

The sensible implications of customizable textual content prolong past primary contact info. Tags may be customized with particular directions, equivalent to “Do Not Feed” or “Contact Emergency Contact Beneath.” This degree of element enhances the tag’s communicative energy, offering essential steering to those that encounter the misplaced pet. Moreover, customization caters to various purposes. Past pet identification, these machines discover utility in creating customized labels for tools, keychains, and different gadgets requiring sturdy markings. The power to tailor the embossed textual content expands the machine’s performance past its major objective, making it a flexible software for varied identification and labeling wants. For breeders or kennel operators, custom-made tags can embody particular person animal identifiers, lineage info, or particular care directions, facilitating environment friendly animal administration.

In conclusion, the capability for customizable textual content is integral to the canine tag stamping machine’s worth. The power to personalize tags with particular info enhances their effectiveness in pet restoration and expands their utility to broader contexts. This function empowers customers to create tailor-made identification options that deal with particular person wants, enhancing the communicative energy of the tag and guaranteeing that vital info is available. Understanding the importance of customizable textual content is essential for totally leveraging the potential of this versatile software and maximizing its effectiveness in various purposes.

9. Easy Upkeep

Easy upkeep procedures are important for guaranteeing the longevity and optimum efficiency of a canine tag stamping machine. Common care minimizes downtime and maintains the standard of embossed tags, contributing to the machine’s general effectiveness as a dependable identification software. This easy upkeep contributes considerably to the long-term worth and usefulness of the embossing machine, guaranteeing constant and dependable efficiency.

  • Common Cleansing

    Steel shavings and particles can accumulate inside the machine’s embossing mechanism, hindering its operation and doubtlessly damaging elements. Common cleansing, utilizing a small brush or compressed air, removes these obstructions, guaranteeing clean operation and stopping untimely put on. This easy apply, carried out after every use or at common intervals, considerably extends the machine’s operational life. For instance, an animal shelter that makes use of the machine day by day would profit from a fast cleansing routine on the finish of every day, stopping the buildup of particles that might influence tag high quality or injury the mechanism.

  • Lubrication

    Shifting elements inside the hanging mechanism require lubrication to attenuate friction and guarantee clean operation. Making use of a small quantity of applicable lubricant, as really useful by the producer, at common intervals, reduces put on and tear and prevents mechanical points. This easy lubrication course of contributes to the machine’s longevity and constant efficiency. Neglecting lubrication can result in stiffness, elevated resistance, and finally, untimely failure of vital elements. A small funding of time for normal lubrication pays dividends in extended machine life and constant embossing high quality.

  • Die Care and Storage

    Character dies, important for shaping embossed characters, require correct care and storage to take care of their sharpness and forestall injury. Recurrently cleansing dies with a smooth material removes steel residue and prevents corrosion. Storing dies in a devoted case or organizer protects them from injury and ensures they continue to be readily accessible. Correct die administration preserves the standard of embossed characters and contributes to the machine’s long-term performance. Organized storage additionally prevents misplacement or lack of particular person dies, guaranteeing that each one characters stay accessible to be used.

  • Inspection and Adjustment

    Periodic inspection of the machine’s elements helps establish potential points earlier than they escalate. Checking for free screws, worn elements, or misalignments permits for well timed changes or repairs. This proactive method minimizes downtime and prevents extra in depth injury. As an example, noticing a free screw within the hanging mechanism and tightening it promptly can stop additional injury or misalignment that might compromise the standard of embossed tags. Common inspection, mixed with immediate consideration to minor points, contributes considerably to the machine’s general reliability and longevity.

These easy upkeep practices contribute considerably to the canine tag stamping machine’s long-term reliability and efficiency. Common cleansing, lubrication, die care, and inspection guarantee constant operation, reduce the danger of malfunctions, and prolong the machine’s lifespan. By adhering to those easy procedures, customers maximize the machine’s worth, guaranteeing its effectiveness in creating sturdy and legible pet identification tags for years to come back. This proactive method to upkeep underscores the significance of accountable tools care in supporting profitable pet identification and restoration efforts.

Often Requested Questions

This part addresses frequent inquiries concerning canine tag stamping machines, offering concise and informative responses to facilitate knowledgeable decision-making and efficient utilization.

Query 1: What sorts of steel tags are suitable with these machines?

Compatibility varies relying on the precise machine, however generally used supplies embody aluminum, stainless-steel, and brass. All the time seek the advice of the producer’s tips for really useful tag supplies to make sure optimum outcomes and forestall injury to the machine.

Query 2: How does one make sure the embossed characters stay legible over time?

Legibility depends upon a number of elements, together with embossing depth, tag materials, and environmental publicity. Utilizing applicable tag materials, guaranteeing enough embossing stress, and contemplating protecting coatings can improve long-term legibility. Common cleansing may also stop the buildup of particles that may obscure embossed characters.

Query 3: Are specialised character dies accessible for particular symbols or logos?

Availability varies relying on the producer and mannequin. Some producers supply customized die creation companies or present specialised units for particular functions, equivalent to veterinary symbols or organizational logos. Researching accessible choices or contacting producers straight can deal with particular customization wants.

Query 4: What upkeep is required for a canine tag stamping machine?

Common upkeep contains cleansing the embossing mechanism to take away steel shavings and particles, lubricating transferring elements, and inspecting for put on or injury. Correct die care and storage are additionally important for sustaining embossing high quality. Following producer tips for particular upkeep procedures ensures optimum efficiency and longevity.

Query 5: What are the important thing benefits of handbook versus motorized machines?

Guide machines supply higher management over embossing stress and tactile suggestions, supreme for various tag thicknesses and supplies. Motorized machines present elevated pace and consistency, appropriate for high-volume tag creation. The selection depends upon particular person wants and operational context.

Query 6: The place can one purchase canine tag stamping machines and provides?

Machines and provides, together with clean tags, character dies, and cleansing supplies, can be found from varied on-line retailers, pet provide shops, and specialised engraving tools suppliers. Evaluating choices and contemplating elements like machine options, tag materials preferences, and funds facilitates knowledgeable buying choices.

Understanding these key points of canine tag stamping machines empowers people and organizations to make knowledgeable choices concerning acquisition, operation, and upkeep. Prioritizing applicable machine choice, correct utilization, and common upkeep ensures the creation of sturdy, legible identification tags, contributing considerably to efficient pet identification and restoration efforts.

The subsequent part will delve into sensible suggestions for working a canine tag stamping machine successfully.

Working Ideas for Enhanced Tag Creation

Optimizing the usage of a steel tag embosser requires consideration to element and adherence to finest practices. The next suggestions present steering for reaching optimum outcomes and maximizing the lifespan of the tools.

Tip 1: Materials Choice:

Selecting applicable tag materials is essential. Take into account the setting the tag will probably be uncovered to. Chrome steel presents glorious corrosion resistance, whereas aluminum supplies a light-weight, cost-effective choice. Matching the fabric to the meant use ensures tag longevity and legibility.

Tip 2: Character Die Alignment:

Exact character alignment is crucial for readability. Guarantee dies are appropriately positioned inside the machine earlier than hanging. Misaligned characters compromise legibility and professionalism. Recurrently examine the alignment mechanism and make changes as wanted.

Tip 3: Constant Hanging Drive:

Making use of constant stress ensures uniform character depth. Inconsistent stress can result in some characters showing faint or incomplete. Follow constant hanging methods to realize skilled outcomes.

Tip 4: Workspace Group:

Sustaining an organized workspace improves effectivity and reduces errors. Maintain character dies organized logically and clean tags readily accessible. A devoted workspace minimizes distractions and promotes correct tag creation.

Tip 5: Testing and Follow:

Earlier than embossing closing tags, apply on scrap steel items. This enables for changes to hanging power and character alignment with out losing priceless tags. Testing ensures optimum settings and minimizes errors on closing merchandise.

Tip 6: Common Upkeep:

Common cleansing and lubrication are essential for long-term efficiency. Take away steel shavings and particles from the machine after every use. Lubricate transferring elements based on producer tips. This preventative upkeep minimizes put on and extends the machine’s lifespan.

Tip 7: Safe Attachment:

Use strong break up rings or specialised clips designed for pet tags. Make sure the attachment mechanism is securely mounted to stop tag loss. Weak attachments negate the aim of identification tags.

Adhering to those operational suggestions ensures the creation of high-quality, sturdy identification tags whereas maximizing the lifespan of the embossing tools. Constant apply and a spotlight to element contribute considerably to the effectiveness of pet identification efforts.

This text concludes with a abstract of key takeaways and issues for choosing and using a steel tag embosser successfully.

Conclusion

This exploration has supplied a complete overview of the canine tag stamping machine, encompassing its performance, elements, operation, and significance. From the intricacies of the hanging mechanism and character dies to the sensible issues of fabric choice and upkeep, the multifaceted nature of this software has been totally examined. The significance of sturdy tags in pet identification and the advantages of customizable textual content for conveying essential info have been highlighted, underscoring the machine’s sensible worth for pet homeowners and animal welfare organizations alike. Portability and ease of upkeep additional contribute to the machine’s versatility and long-term usability, guaranteeing its continued relevance in various settings.

In a world more and more reliant on know-how, the enduring simplicity and effectiveness of the canine tag stamping machine stay noteworthy. Its potential to create sturdy, readily accessible identification underscores its essential function in pet restoration efforts. Investing in a top quality machine and adhering to finest practices for operation and upkeep guarantee its continued performance, contributing to the protected return of numerous pets and providing peace of thoughts to accountable homeowners. The continued reliance on this easy but highly effective software highlights its enduring worth in selling animal welfare and strengthening the bond between people and their animal companions.