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HeyBuddy (formerly known as Bark Badge) touts itself as the “world’s smartest pet tag,” using the latest technology to store your pup’s information. More importantly, it incorporates a scannable QR code in the tag to help you find them if they get lost.
Table of Contents
Does this product live up to the company’s claim? In this HeyBuddy dog tag review, I’ll share what I’ve uncovered and my personal experience.
HeyBuddy Dog Tag Review
Summary
HeyBuddy is a great alternative to a standard dog tag if you live in a well-populated area. Its app and location accuracy was fast and reliable when I tested it. However, I give HeyBuddy negative points for not being transparent about its subscription option, which you need for some features they list.
Our team determined the overall rating based on several factors, including product quality, pricing, customer service, user feedback, and more.
Overall Score
Pros
- Includes more information than the typical ID tag
- If you need to update your information, it’s easier than purchasing new tags
- Get notifications if someone finds your dog and scans the QR code
- Works well without optional subscription
- Battery-free
- Waterproof
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for those who live in rural areas
- Several reviews from users about poor customer support
- Not transparent about needing a subscription to access all features
- Some complaints that the standard tag is made of cheap plastic
Key Features
- Alert your community of HeyBuddy users that your pet has gone missing.
- Quickly generate a lost pet flyer in the app and print it to distribute in your area.
- If your pet is found, the guest user (the one who finds your dog) can report their exact GPS location, and you will receive their exact location to get to them immediately.
- You can choose what information is public or private for guest mode.
- Get discounts on toys, treats, gear, and more from leading pet brands in the HeyBuddy mobile app.
Is HeyBuddy A GPS Tracker?
No, this product is not a GPS-tracking device. Although it sends the GPS location of your lost dog, it only works if someone finds your pup and scans the tag’s QR code.
How Does It Work?
What Can You Include In The Pet Profile?
One of the benefits of HeyBuddy is the amount of information you can store in your pup’s profile. You can include any of the following information. You can also choose which information to keep private from those who find your pup.
- Medical information
- Multiple contacts for when your pup goes missing (phone numbers, emails, addresses)
- Pictures
- Breed, sex, age, vaccinations, neutered, spayed
- About me bio
- Social media links
Products & Price
HeyBuddy offers three types of dog tags with a built-in QR code, and all are reasonably priced.
HeyBuddy Standard QR Code Pet Tags
HeyBuddy’s original product, that standard tag features a scannable QR code on the back and is fully waterproof. It can be easily attached to any dog collar or harness.
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HeyBuddy Slide Series
HeyBuddy Slide Series is an excellent option if your pup has a tendency to lose traditional collar tags. This model simply slides onto your dog’s collar for a more secure fit. It comes in three sizes to fit a variety of collar widths.
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HeyBuddy Silicone QR Code Pet Tag
Don’t like the noise that dog tags make? This silicone is jingle-free and has all the same features as the HeyBuddy standard tag.
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My Personal Experience Using HeyBuddy QR Code Dog Tags
I put the standard HeyBuddy tag to the test to see if it’s as easy to use and reliable as the company claims. Setting up my account was straightfoward. Then I scanned the tag and was easily able to fill in my dog Tiny’s profile.
However, as soon as I scanned the tag, the first screen that popped up on my phone was a suprise. It gives you the option of using the standard HeyBuddy Features or upgrading to Buddy+, a monthly subscription.
Although you can use HeyBuddy without a subscription, it’s obviously more limited than paying $4.99 per month for the Buddy+ plan ($7.99 per month). As you can see, you can’t get text or email alerts or have multi-account access without a subscription, along with some other features.
Not a big deal-breaker for me, but it may be for some owners who want more types of notifications other than just from the HeyBuddy app. I did find this off-putting because the company doesn’t mention this information about a subscription on their website or Amazon.
I then sent my daughter on a walk with Tiny and had her scan the tag to share their location with me. It worked like a charm. All she had to do was scan the tag, which pulled up the following Location Share screen.
She clicked continue and allow, and I immediately got a notification of their location via the HeyBuddy app on my phone. The location address was a match to where she was in the neighborhood next to ours. She could also see my pet profile and contact information, which I made public. Easy breezy!
See How HeyBuddy Works (Video)
The brief video below gives you a quick look at how easy it is to use HeyBuddy’s features on your app.
What Are Your Alternatives?
I found HeyBuddy easy to use, highly accurate in its location sharing, and speedy in getting the app notification that my dog had “been found.” Still, it does have its limitations if you live in a rural area that’s not populated. Also, unlike a GPS tracker, you’re dependent on someone finding your pup.
If you’re not sold on HeyBuddy, see our reviews of the best personalized dog tags for other options.
Smart tags, GPS collars, smart collars? It’s so hard to decide from all the technologically savvy products on the market. However, if you’re looking for a reliable GPS-tracking device or a smart collar with more features, we’ve got you covered. Please see our reviews of the best products for your individual needs:
