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HeyBuddy (previously generally known as Bark Badge) touts itself because the “world’s smartest pet tag,” utilizing the most recent know-how to retailer your pup’s data. Extra importantly, it incorporates a scannable QR code within the tag that will help you discover them in the event that they get misplaced.
Does this product dwell as much as the corporate’s declare? On this HeyBuddy canine tag evaluate, I’ll share what I’ve uncovered and my private expertise.
HeyBuddy Canine Tag Evaluate
Abstract
HeyBuddy is a good different to a regular canine tag for those who dwell in a well-populated space. Its app and placement accuracy was quick and dependable after I examined it. Nonetheless, I give HeyBuddy destructive factors for not being clear about its subscription possibility, which you want for some options they checklist.
Our crew decided the general ranking based mostly on a number of elements, together with product high quality, pricing, customer support, person suggestions, and extra.
Execs
- Contains extra data than the standard ID tag
- If you want to replace your data, it’s simpler than buying new tags
- Get notifications if somebody finds your canine and scans the QR code
- Works properly with out non-compulsory subscription
- Battery-free
- Waterproof
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Not best for many who dwell in rural areas
- A number of critiques from customers about poor buyer assist
- Not clear about needing a subscription to entry all options
- Some complaints that the usual tag is made from low cost plastic
Key Options
- Alert your neighborhood of HeyBuddy customers that your pet has gone lacking.
- Shortly generate a misplaced pet flyer within the app and print it to distribute in your space.
- In case your pet is discovered, the visitor person (the one who finds your canine) can report their precise GPS location, and you’ll obtain their precise location to get to them instantly.
- You may select what data is public or non-public for visitor mode.
- Get reductions on toys, treats, gear, and extra from main pet manufacturers within the HeyBuddy cellular app.

Is HeyBuddy A GPS Tracker?
No, this product shouldn’t be a GPS-tracking system. Though it sends the GPS location of your misplaced canine, it solely works if somebody finds your pup and scans the tag’s QR code.
How Does It Work?

What Can You Embody In The Pet Profile?
One of many advantages of HeyBuddy is the quantity of knowledge you’ll be able to retailer in your pup’s profile. You may embrace any of the next data. You too can select which data to hold non-public from those that discover your pup.
- Medical data
- A number of contacts for when your pup goes lacking (cellphone numbers, emails, addresses)
- Footage
- Breed, intercourse, age, vaccinations, neutered, spayed
- About me bio
- Social media hyperlinks
Merchandise & Worth
HeyBuddy presents three varieties of canine tags with a built-in QR code, and all are moderately priced.
HeyBuddy Normal QR Code Pet Tags
HeyBuddy’s unique product, that customary tag contains a scannable QR code on the again and is absolutely waterproof. It may be simply connected to any canine collar or harness.
Worth:
HeyBuddy Slide Collection
HeyBuddy Slide Collection is a superb possibility in case your pup tends to lose conventional collar tags. This mannequin merely slides onto your canine’s collar for a safer match. It is available in three sizes to suit a wide range of collar widths.
Worth:
HeyBuddy Silicone QR Code Pet Tag
Don’t just like the noise that canine tags make? This silicone is jingle-free and has all the identical options because the HeyBuddy customary tag.
Worth:
I put the usual HeyBuddy tag to the check to see if it’s as straightforward to make use of and dependable as the corporate claims. Organising my account was straightfoward. Then I scanned the tag and was simply in a position to fill in my canine Tiny’s profile.
Nonetheless, as quickly as I scanned the tag, the first display that popped up on my cellphone was a suprise. It provides you the choice of utilizing the usual HeyBuddy Options or upgrading to Buddy+, a month-to-month subscription.

Though you need to use HeyBuddy with out a subscription, it’s clearly extra restricted than paying $4.99 per 30 days for the Buddy+ plan ($7.99 per 30 days). As you’ll be able to see, you’ll be able to’t get textual content or e mail alerts or have multi-account entry with out a subscription, together with another options.
Not an enormous deal-breaker for me, however it might be for some homeowners who need extra varieties of notifications different than simply from the HeyBuddy app. I did discover this off-putting as a result of the corporate doesn’t point out this details about a subscription on their web site or Amazon.
I then despatched my daughter on a stroll with Tiny and had her scan the tag to share their location with me. It labored like a attraction. All she needed to do was scan the tag, which pulled up the next Location Share display.

She clicked proceed and permit, and I instantly bought a notification of their location through the HeyBuddy app on my cellphone. The situation deal with was a match to the place she was within the neighborhood subsequent to ours. She might additionally see my pet profile and get in touch with data, which I made public. Simple breezy!
See How HeyBuddy Works (Video)
The temporary video under provides you a fast take a look at how straightforward it’s to make use of HeyBuddy’s options in your app.
What Are Your Alternate options?
I discovered HeyBuddy straightforward to make use of, extremely correct in its location sharing, and speedy in getting the app notification that my canine had “been discovered.” Nonetheless, it does have its limitations for those who dwell in a rural space that’s not populated. Additionally, in contrast to a GPS tracker, you’re depending on somebody discovering your pup.
In the event you’re not offered on HeyBuddy, see our critiques of the greatest customized canine tags for different choices.
Good tags, GPS collars, sensible collars? It’s so laborious to determine from all of the technologically savvy merchandise available on the market. Nonetheless, for those who’re searching for a dependable GPS-tracking system or a sensible collar with extra options, we’ve bought you lined. Please see our critiques of one of the best merchandise in your particular person wants: