ByteTag vs dog GPS trackers

How to choose the right one for your dog?

Dogs are curious, there’s no doubt in that. One moment they’re safe and sound sniffing in the garden… and the next they have ran miles away from home, because they found an interesting smell.

There are a lot of dog tech items available on the market, but which one might be the best choice for you? Let’s compare two standout items - ByteTag QR code pet tag and a more traditional dog GPS tracker.

What is ByteTag?

If this is your first time hearing about ByteTag, then here’s a quick little intro.

ByteTag is a modern QR code pet tag. So, instead of relying on regular engraved pet tag or a microchip that can only be scanned at the shelter or vet’s office, anyone who finds your lost dog, can simply scan the ByteTag with their smartphone.

That will take them straight to your dog’s profile, with the contact info, medical notes and any other important info you’ve provided.

Since their launch, ByteTag QR code pet tags have made some good improvements. Early versions of the tags were made with plastic and basic linking.

Now they come in different designs, metal frame or fully made of silicone. The tags are waterproof, durable and look cute.

The scanning is faster, pet’s profile is customizable and you will get real time notification, once someone scans your dog’s tag.

ByteTag vs dog GPS Tracker

Now let’s break down the main differences between QR code pet tag and a GPS pet tracker.

• Tracking vs identification

  • ByteTag does not track locations in real time. SO you can’t track your dog down. ByteTag rather helps reunite you and your dog once they have been found by someone.

  • Pet GPS trackers (like Tractive or other similar ones) let you see your dog’s live location via the app. So no other person needed to spot your pet’s location.

• Size and comfort

  • ByteTag QR code pet tag is small and very light-weight. It doesn’t matter if your dog is bigger or smaller, the ByteTag everyone.

• Pet GPS trackers can be bulkier, since they have more tech built into them.

  These might feel a bit bulkier on a small dog, but mostly there shouldn’t be any problems with that.

• Use cases

  • ByteTag is good for everyday safety. If your dog, new puppy or cat runs off and out of your site, then anyone who walks by, can scan the QR code on the tag and contact you.

  • Regular pet GPS trackers are ideal if your dog or cat loves outdoor adventures and have a history of escaping. The pet GPS tracker gives you a piece of mind that you can track them down right away.

• Internet and app requirements

  • Bytetag is free to use, after purchasing the tag. It does have an app, BUT you don’t actually need it, since everything can be done just as easily through browser. Anyone with a smartphone can freely scan the code if necessary.

  • Pet GPS trackers have subscriptions in order for them to work. Most of them also have specific apps so that you could get access to your dog’s location and other info.

• Battery life

  • ByteTag doesn’t rely on batteries at all. It is always on the collar and ready to be scanned - no maintenance required.

• Regular pet GPS trackers do need to be charged regularly.

  Depending on the brand and the specific tracker it might be after every few days or weekly.

Which one to choose?

Choose ByteTag QR code pet tag if:
- you prefer a light-weight but solid solution for everyday use
- you want a low maintenance, free and tech friendly pet tag
- you like the idea of direct and quick contact if someone finds your lost pet.

Choose a pet GPS tracker if:
- you want live updates on their exact location
- you are comfortable buying subscriptions and using mobile apps
- your dog tends to escape or your cat explore the hood for days.

Why we use both at Pocket Puppy School?

In different situations we have learned that backup systems can be lifesavers. Our Husky girl Athena wears both, the ByteTag QR code pet tag and a Tractive Dog 6 GPS tracker.

If the GPS battery dies or loses signal, the ByteTag can fill the gap. So for us it is about layered safety. The combo of real time tracking and scannable pet tag does give us assurance no matter the situation.

So whether you decide to choose ByteTag, a pet GPS tracker or both, it is up to you and your comfort level. The important part is that you’re looking out for your pet and want to keep them safe.

At the end of the day, us at Pocket Puppy School want to give our honest feedback, share our experiences and tips so that every pet owner can spend a happy life full of adventures with their pets.

Haven’t heard about Pocket Puppy School before?

Pocket Puppy School is a completely free dog training app. Our mission is to make information about raising dogs accessible to everyone in the world.

But in addition to our app, we have a blog (that you are currently reading 🤓) where we talk all things about dogs.

We post some informational and fun content to our Instagram page and believe it or not, we even have a merch store. 🥹 In the store you can get a t-shirt or a hoodie with your own dogs’ picture that we will make into an awesome design.

Feel free to check out all of our channels, and if you have any questions, leave a comment down below.

Thank you!