Can GPS Trackers Help to Find My Dog? Pros and Cons

It is a joy to be the parent of a fur baby, but owners always fear losing their dogs. Most dog parents experience once or many times that their puppy escaped from the main door or has run away down the street. When the pets disappear, it is the worst nightmare for the owners.

They would go around the neighborhood calling out dogs’ names with the hope that their dogs would respond. Yearly Data showed that almost 10 million pets go missing in the United States and end up in animal shelters.

To eliminate all your guesswork and the fear of losing your favorite pups, a handy GPS tracker can help a lot.

Why do dogs go missing?

Even if you are doing everything to keep your fur baby happy and healthy, they sometimes get distracted, scared or confused. And these are often the reasons why the dogs run away from their houses.

Some of the common reasons behind dogs going missing are:

• Fear of loud noises. Noise from firecrackers, thunderstorms, or big crowds
• The anxiety of being separated from you
• Strong urge for mating
• Hunting instinct
• Unfamiliar surroundings
• Being bored

It is impossible to keep an eye on your dog all the time, so you don’t lose them. So, you need to stop it from happening, or if it happens, you must be able to get your pet back in no time. That’s where the GPS tracker comes in.

What are GPS trackers, and how do they work?

The GPS trackers are excellent tools to keep an eye on your dog when they are out. The Global Positioning Systems (GPS) trackers usually come mounted on dog collars.

There are normally two types of GPS trackers for dogs:

• One is subscription-based, where the tracker can be attached to the dog’s collar.
• Another is the GPS collar

Cellular, Bluetooth, or radio technology is used in these GPS trackers. Cellular technology communicates the location of the dog to the owner’s phone. However, the range for such tracking is low and limited to cellular connectivity.

Bluetooth trackers connect to your smartphone through an app. It can be beneficial for small dogs with less weight. However, Bluetooth trackers have the lowest range.

Radio technology used in tracking devices has the highest range. It is an ideal choice for areas where cellular connectivity is poor. Sometimes, mixed technology is used in the pet’s GPS tracking system. Whatever the technology used, the purpose of the trackers is to alert you once your pet wanders too far or is out of sight.

Can pet parents use microchips in place of GPS collars?

A microchip is often used for authenticating the dog, and the inbuilt GPS gives the real-time location of a dog. Microchips are tiny chips that store unique identification numbers and are inserted under your pet dog’s skin by a veterinarian. It is inserted in a relatively painless procedure. They can carry critical information like the pet owner’s name and contact details.

But when a pet goes missing, unless and until it is rescued by a shelter or taken to a vet for encrypting the microchip data, it is impossible to determine what is in there. Moreover, the microchip has to be registered with a national database, and information needs to be updated to make it work properly.

On the other hand, with a GPS tracker, you can see exactly where your dog is when it seems lost. Not only that GPS tracker keeps you updated on your dog’s daily habits and needs. So, even if your dog is microchipped, having a GPS collar can provide peace of mind.

What to look for when you think of buying a GPS Collar?

There are a few factors that are important to take into consideration before you think of buying a GPS collar for your pet. These are:

A good quality GPS tracker should be the perfect size and weight to fit your dog. If your dog feels uncomfortable wearing it, there is no use in investing in one of them.

The kind of tracker you will select depends upon your usage. Different types of collars are available in the market and have different features. You are the kind of person who does not like to leave city life, or you are someone who likes to wander freely in the woods or go hiking- these are the factors you need to consider before you go on selecting a GPS collar for your pet.

While choosing a collar, you must look for water-resistant and durable ones. Battery life is something else you need to look for if you are searching for something the charge of which will last for a few days.

The most important feature you need to look for while considering GPS trackers is how these devices function and the frequency of the pet’s positional updates. Is it providing the real-time position of your dog via an app that is easy to access for you?

GPS collars are expensive, but it is worth investing in one of them.

Best dog GPS tracker 

• Fi Smart Dog Collar Series 2
• Tractive GPS Dog LTE Tracker
• Whistle GO Explore
• PetPace Collar
• Apple AirTag
• Tile Pro
• Tile Mate

What are the pros of GPS trackers?

Locate Lost Dogs:

One of the biggest advantages of using a GPS tracker for your dog is the ability to locate them in case they get lost or runs away quickly.

Peace of Mind:

Knowing your dog’s location can provide peace of mind for pet owners.

Improved Safety:

GPS trackers can help ensure your pet’s safety by allowing you to locate them quickly in case of an emergency or if they go missing.

Better Tracking in Rural Areas:

GPS trackers can provide more accurate tracking information, whereas cellular triangulation may be less effective.

Real-Time Location Updates:

Many GPS trackers for dogs provide real-time location updates, allowing you to track your pet’s movements in real time.

Multiple Devices:

Some GPS trackers can be paired with multiple devices so that multiple people can access your pet’s location information.

Activity Monitoring:

Some GPS trackers also include activity monitoring features, allowing you to track your pet’s activity levels and ensure they stay healthy and active.

What are the cons of GPS trackers?

Though GPS tracking for pets seems lucrative, there are certain disadvantages that one should also be aware of.

It is expensive

The GPS trackers are expensive, and every pet owner cannot afford them. Many trackers are subscription-based, and the annual price is high. Even if it is a one-time purchase, it is high-priced.

Difficulty getting the signals

The trackers will not work perfectly if the cellular connectivity is poor. Sometimes the radio tracker also cannot pick up the signals if it is not strong enough. Then it becomes a problem to track your pet with the GPS.

Running out of charges

GPS trackers run on batteries. You have to check the battery strength constantly so that it works all the time perfectly. If charges of the batteries get drained, they will no longer work.

Despite the drawbacks, GPS collars are so effective and provide pet owners with such peace of mind that it is always advisable to invest in one.

Conclusion

Losing sight of your pet can be heart-wrenching. Every dog owner knows what the situation will be like. Thanks to the inventor of GPS technology. Today, pet owners are increasingly using GPS trackers that prove beneficial in offering real-time information and thus prove to be a boom when tracking your dog is concerned.

You can find your dog without worrying about theft or any other reason. The tracker uses GPS signals to track down the lost pet, even if it’s eight to nine miles away.

Hence, these trackers are accurate in providing the right location. So, it is worth investing in a tracking system. Once installed, an efficient and reliable tracking device can add to your peace of mind.