Byte Tags are one of the QR code based “Smart Dog ID Tags” entering the market, so I wanted to introduce you to them properly.
They’re not trackers, though, and that distinction matters. If location is your priority, read my honest test of an Apple AirTag for dogs before deciding which backup system suits you.
ID tags are something that are a legal requirement in most places, so why not make them smarter? Include more information? Add more numbers that enable your dog, when lost, to clearly communicate things someone might need to know.
Tech in the dog space is increasing really fast, and it’s a good thing. It’s enabling us to track their health, their activity, and their whereabouts, which allows us more info to make better decisions for their wellbeing – which is obviously important!
So, when it comes to an ID tag, that same tech is meaning that we now no longer have to pick and choose what 100 characters to use to best relay info about our pet.
One of the devices that’s doing that? Is Byte Tag.
This item was given in exchange for this review! However it was requested by me as I was interested to see how it worked in order to relay it to you guys. It is in no way affected my opinion.
Introducing Byte Tag
These small, epoxy covered tags are branded on one side, and on the other they’re a QR code. The QR code is programmed by the dogs parents and is set up and permanently linked to that QR code. That then means that any time that code is scanned by a phone or device, it can open a webpage about your dog.
What I Love About Byte Tag
It’s Easy To Use
I set this up in about two minutes flat — except for Rabies tag and microchip info (which I didn’t have to hand). The system they use is super intuitive and it’s easy to fill out, add pictures etc. I got no griping about using photos of a certain size or even grumble at me for leaving fields out.
You can add as many phone numbers to it as you want – and it’ll even give your dogs finder the ability to text or call you.
Really Informative
It literally one of the most information dense pages about your dog. So, if it’s urgent that your dog gets medication, or has behavioural issues that people need to be aware of (like dog reactivity, or they’re a bite risk), then you’ve absolutely got the right tag, because a quick scan on your iPhone? And presto whoever has your dog has that info straight away. Whether you pick up your phone or not.
It’s a real safety first.
Dog Park Friendly!
Worried about the local weirdo at the dog park scanning your dog’s tag and getting everything from your home address to your other half’s phone number? Yeah, me too.
Luckily! Byte tag have thought about this, and there’s a “lost mode” you can activate if your dog is wayward, and it’ll only then show your personal information.
No App
I love that I don’t have to download an app. It’s not something that I need to be in and out of on a daily or weekly basis, instead, I can log in if data needs to be changed or I’m going on holiday, and I want to make sure their details are up to date.
No Fees
Once you’ve bought the device? There’s no subscription fee and no annual cost.
That? That I love.
What I Don’t Love About Byte Tag
It emails you…
I cannot fathom why, when someone ‘finds’ your dog, the button that says “Contact owner” that it emails you as opposed to texts you.
Now, envisage when you’re searching for your dog. You’re not likely to be checking your email account – but if your phone received a message? It would be a much quicker resolution, right?
Weak Links
I actually had to buy a second one of these for pictures because I used the split rings that were included to begin with, and the tag was very quickly pulled and lost. The split rings provided are (frankly) inadequate and I’m a little shocked they do this. And then – to make it worse – the hole that comes drilled into these is terribly small. So it doesn’t fit on things like an S-biner, or a “Normal” split ring easily.
Scratches easy
If you’re worried about the aesthetic of this, it does scratch up very easily.
Even just switching the split rings I managed to scratch it up, and I was pretty delicate.
From roughly a week of “normal” wear, this was the result.
Update Oct 2022
It broke!! I don’t even know what happened. Maybe opt for the silicone one instead, because this is a very brittle option, sadly!!
Do I recommend a Byte Tag?
Actually? Yeah!
If your dog were to get out, this is definitely more effective than a regular tag, and the price is entirely comparable to that regular tag too. And it gives you way more information that’s easily accessible, easy to guard and of no burden to your dog.
It does everything a normal dog tag does, but better. So yeah, I absolutely recommend them.
UPDATE: Oct 2022 – No, go for the Silicone one instead. The principle is fantastic, but this broke really quickly, sadly.
If you want a Byte Tag, head over to their website and pick one up, they’re super affordable!
Author, Ali Smith
Ali Smith is a professional, qualified, and multi-award winning trainer is the founder of rebarkable. She has always believed animals deserve kindness and champions force free methods. Believing that dog guardians will all choose the kindest options if proper information is provided, she aims to help all dog guardians who need it and make dog training as accessible as possible
Ali lives win Maryland, US with her husband and her three dogs.
0 Comments