Hot under the Collar

Kissamo’s insta-popping pet tags are stylish, silent, and rust-proof

A female-led Vancouver startup is bringing the humble pet tag into the 21st century with vivid designs and laser-assisted craftsmanship. 

‘I’m a proud pawrent to the world’s greatest dog and cat,’ gushes Kissamo founder and lead designer Laurel Murray. ‘But during lockdown I noticed my furry besties’ tags got rusty in the rain. Not to mention they were noisy, and dull as bricks. 

‘So I decided to make my own!’

After testing a few different materials on Kissamo’s board of directors – bright-eyed Australian Shepherd Tessa and fluffy Birman Teamo – Laurel hit upon acrylic, which strikes the perfect balance between function and fun. 

‘Acrylic catches the daylight and pops in a really unique way. Plus it’s weatherproof and totally silent.’

A self-confessed design freak since childhood, Laurel sums up Kissamo’s aesthetic as ‘huggable emoji.’

‘I’m inspired by modern, playful, bubbly artists and the pop art movement in general. 

‘Think Jeff Koons, KAWS, Takashi Murakami, and definitely a little Lisa Frank in there.’

Laurel crafts each tag by hand – with a little help from her trusty Trotec laser cutter – and innovates constantly to spruce up the Kissamo range.

‘Kissamo is best known for our personalized, iridescent hologram tags – they’re easily our bestsellers,’ she explains. 

‘Like the Vancouver Special, which is made from a unique kind of acrylic you simply can’t get from anybody else. We spent months fine-tuning its exact shade and quality.’

Shared all over social media @kissamoshop and spread around town by good old-fashioned word of mouth, Laurel now routinely sees Kissamo tags out and about on walks around Vancouver.

‘I literally fan-girl out, even though it’s my own design!’

A solid year in business and going strong, Kissamo just dropped a 

refreshed summer line inspired by cocktails, summer fruits and tiki surf culture. 

‘I’ve literally made friends with customers who tell me they’ve fallen in love with our warm, huggable designs,’ says Laurel.

But Kissamo’s real focus is on our furry mates.

‘Imagine how much nicer life is without a jangly bit of old metal tagging along,’ says Laurel.

And don’t underestimate the importance of good design when it comes to wellbeing.

‘When you smile at a pet because they’re wearing an awesome tag, it’s obvious to me they feel the love. And they send that love right back at you.’

NOTES FOR EDITORS

For further information contact Laurel Murray – hello@kissamo.com

Kissamo ships to North America, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Free shipping within North America (incl. Hawaii)

All tags are BPA-free acrylic with stainless steel hardware

No-quibble return policy 

Reusable and recyclable packaging 

OUR PRODUCTS 

Good Vibes Pet Tag – CAD$48.00

Rainbow tag made from marble white and neon acrylic. Custom laser-engraved and color-filled up front, with your pet’s name and contact information on the back

My Boo Pet Tag – CAD$41.00

Translucent white skull paired on top of black acrylic tag. Custom laser engraved and color-filled underneath with your pet’s name and contact info on the back. 

Out of This World Pet Tag – CAD$44.00

Saturn tag in a range of colors including pastel purple, marble blue and neon orange. Custom laser engraved and color-filled with your pet’s name and contact info on the back. 

Pining for You Pet Tag – CAD$44.00

Pineapple name tag in neon yellow and glitter green acrylic. Custom laser-engraved and color-filled on the front with your pet’s name and contact info on the back.

Smiley Face Pet Tag – CAD$43.00

Iconic Smiley Face name tag available in neon yellow, pastel purple and neon pink acrylic. Custom laser engraved and color-filled with your pet’s name and contact info on the back.

Soy Cute Pet Tag – CAD$48.00

Sushi name tags in glitter and pearl acrylics. Available in Nigiri or Maki. Custom laser-engraved and color-filled up front with your pet’s name and contact info on the back. 

Take Me To Your Leader Pet Tag – CAD$42.00

Alien pet tag available in neon yellow or glitter green acrylic. Custom laser-engraved and color-filled on the back with your pet’s name and contact info on the back.

Tropic Like It’s Hot Pet Tag – CAD$43.00

Monstera leaf available in either pastel or glitter green acrylic. Custom laser-engraved and color-filled on the front with your pet’s name and contact info on the back. 

UFO Pet Tag – CAD$47.00

UFO tag in pastel green or purple acrylic, with mirror-silver dome and iridescent hologram tractor beam motif engraved with your pet’s name and contact info on the back

Vancouver Special – CAD$42.00

Holographic name tag paired in true iridescent acrylic that shifts color under light and personalized with your pet’s name in custom bubble font with contact info on the back.

Ziggy Star Paws – CAD$44.00

Lightning bolt tag in glitter red, neon yellow or neon pink, with iridescent hologram accents. Custom laser-engraved and color-filled with your pet’s name and contact info on the back.