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A Vancouver man who lost one of his dogs two years ago, has now launched an iPhone app to help reunite owners with their pets.

Philip Rooyakkers is the founder and CEO of PiP or Positive Identification of Pets.

“When I lost my dog, that first couple of hours, you’re in a panicked state. It’s critical in those first couple hours to get as much information out as possible” says Rooyakkers.

Pet owners need to upload a photo of their furry friend along with a short description to PiP. If the animal ever disappears, an amber alert is launched.

“We will broadcast out, 10 to 15 mile radius to every veterinarian clinic, every animal rescue agency, control agency. We’ll also post onto any of the websites. So, things like Craigslist and PetFinder” says Rooyakkers.

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The app relies on a facial recognition software that is currently used for human faces, but hasn’t yet been used for animals. If an animal is found, its photo can be uploaded to PiP and the app will tell you if there is a match with any animal in the system. PiP’s developers say the facial recognition software is 98 per cent accurate.

The BC SPCA welcomes the app and says hundreds of pets end up at the shelter, but very few make it back home.

Rooyakers is hoping his app will revolutionize the process of finding lost pets, to prevent others from going through the painful experience he knows all too well.

With files from Tanya Beja