GPS Pet Locator and Tracking Systems

Pet Collars Equipped with GPS Aid in Tracking and Locating Lost Pets

May 6, 2009

GPS pet tracking and locator systems can be valuable aids in retrieving pets which have been lost or stolen. The technology currently works well for dogs but not for cats

Global positioning systems (GPS) have been available for cars and other vehicles for some time. The same technology used in these GPS systems is also available incorporated into a pet collar. Using GPS pet tracking collars and systems, pet owners can now track and locate their pets when lost, missing or stolen.

How do GPS Pet Tracking Collars and Locator Systems Work?

GPS pet tracking and locator systems work by utilizing satellites to pinpoint the location of a pet. The transmitter for the GPS system is built into the pet collar which is placed around the neck of the pet.

Most GPS pet tracking and locator systems allow pet owners to track their pet's location over the internet, via a mobile or cell phone or through a customer service department. Many GPS pet tracking and locator systems also allow pet owners to specify boundaries for their pets. When a pet crosses the boundary specified by the pet owner, the pet owner is notified via an audio alarm, a text message, email or other form of communication pre-arranged by the pet owner.

Most of the available GPS pet tracking and locator systems currently available work well for medium to large sized dogs. However, current technology does not provide for very small collars which can comfortably be worn by very small dogs and cats.

Advantages of Using a GPS Pet Tracking and Locator System

GPS pet tracking and locator systems allow a pet owner to track dogs and cats on a continual basis. Unlike microchips which require scanning by specialized equipment to be detected, GPS pet tracking and locator devices are always functional and operational.

GPS pet tracking and locator systems also allow pet owners to be notified immediately if their pet is no longer within the confines of a specified area. For instance, if a pet owner specifies the size of the yard as the boundary area, when the pet leaves the yard, the pet owner will be notified almost simultaneously.

Disadvantages of Using a GPS Pet Tracking and Locator System

GPS pet tracking and locator systems may or may not function indoors and certain types of terrain may interfere with their performance as well.

GPS pet tracking and locator systems do not lend themselves to use for small dogs and cats. As already mentioned, the size of collars currently available work well for medium to large size dogs but are too large to work for small dogs and cats. Most available GPS collars are 14-15 inches in circumference. Manufacturers of GPS devices are currently working to produce smaller transmitters which will be appropriate for small dogs and cats.

In contrast to microchip technology which is implanted under the pet's skin and is permanent, GPS dog collars are external devices which can be lost or removed.

The copyright of the article GPS Pet Locator and Tracking Systems in Pet Products is owned by Lorie Huston. Permission to republish GPS Pet Locator and Tracking Systems in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.