New eWallet service helps stray pets find way back home

The "Pet Code" service can safely protect the privacy of the owner and the person who finds the lost pet while it creates communication between the two using virtual phone numbers and a security mechanism to block malicious contacts, Cong said.

"Advanced technologies should play a vital part in making the world a better place for both humans and our furry friends, starting with a safer and more effective pet location services," he suggested.

One day after its quiet, unpublicized launch in late January, the service received over 3,300 orders. For 9.90 yuan ($1.47), which only covers the production cost and postage fee, the pet owner will receive a physical plate with the Pet Code lasered on it.

The coding was finished in two weeks, but for three more months, Cong and his teammates looked for the best supplier with the most reasonable quality-price ratio from over a dozen candidates, in order to ensure that the price would not skyrocket and that anyone could afford it, he said.

Orders for the Pet Code keep pouring in. It exceeded Cong's expectations and encouraged the team. "We are very happy that our Pet Code has been recognized by the users and society," he expressed. "I hope that Pet Code can help provide greater protection for our animal companions."

In addition to pet codes for dogs, a similar service specifically designed for cats is expected to be launched in the future.

"This project has nothing to do with KPIs (Key Performance Indicators, a commonly applied employee assessment system). It has nothing to do with money. We do these things only to use our technological skills to make the world a little better," Cong said.