Did you know that about 10 million pets go missing each year? Millions of them wind up in shelters.
Only 2% of cats and 15% of dogs without microchips or ID tags are reunited with their owners. Sadly, many of those pets could be lost for years or never be seen again.
While this is startling, the good news is that there are GPS collars for dogs to keep track of your pooch’s location. Read this guide on how these GPS collars work and their benefits today!
Why GPS Dog Collars
GPS collars for dogs aren’t painful for your pet, whereas microchips are more invasive. They’re also more reliable than dog tags.
GPS collars are waterproof and don’t fall off as easily. Take your dog for a swim because you don’t have to worry about bad smells or the collection of bacteria in their collars.
Microchips are painful, while GPS collars aren’t. Microchips also run the risk of infections for your pet. While rare, there’s a chance that microchipping could cause soft tissue tumors.
Real-Time Location Tracking
GPS dog collars have real-time location tracking! The range could be within feet. Create geo-fences that alert you if your pet goes past it.
Many even have app and website features. Display the located area and the route to track their movement. Track their activity for the day to see how many calories they burn.
If your dog goes missing, you’ll be able to find them quicker. Your dog could get loose from their leash and run off without a trace if you don’t have a GPS tracker.
Your dog might perform dangerous activities such as crossing streets, traveling long distances, etc. A GPS tracker can find them quickly and reduce dangerous activities. Just ensure that you’re within the service area.
Receive real-time updates about the location of your pet. You’ll save time instead of wandering, not knowing where to go.
How GPS Dog Collars Work
The GPS dog collar works by transmitting location coordinates to the mobile application. It’ll display on your smartphone if an internet connection is available.
Some combine radio signals with GPS to transfer information. Many connect with mobile devices or computers.
To use the geo-fence, you’ll need to install special software for your device. You might also have a remote control to see critical information.
Remember that a GPS dog tracker isn’t the same as an RFID (radio frequency identification) chip. Microchips don’t have their own power and can’t be used to track their location.
You also won’t receive real-time information about their location (unless scanned). You’ll need to register your pet’s chip number with the contact information.
Communication Styles
Conventional GPS collars use satellite signals which take about 30 seconds. Open-air transmission could be limited.
It also depends on the network resources. While it could take a second in good conditions, bad conditions could take a few minutes.
A-GPS lets you locate your pet inside as well. Keep in mind that it’s limited to areas where you receive cell phone reception.
WAAS-GPS is a wide-range system. It’s more accurate than standard GPS. It’s not as quick as A-GPS, though.
Additional Benefits
The GPS dog collar might have additional features. These might include a bark sensor, pet commands, two-way audio, and more.
Some other features include:
- Remote control – Send vibrational signals to the collar
- Geo-fence installation – Create a virtual fenced-in area
- SOS call – Others who find your dog can press the SOS button on the collars
- Monitor pet activity – The distance and steps your pooch walks in a year, month, week, or day
- Anti-theft- If your dog is in a vehicle, you’ll be alerted
- Touchscreen- Create settings right in the device
- SIM card- Send an SMS to your smartphone with a link to Google Maps with the coordinates of the pet’s location
Help Your Pet Live a Healthier Life
About 53% of adult dogs and 55% of cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Obesity takes about two years off of your pooch’s life.
Track your pet’s movement to ensure they’re getting enough steps. Research your pet’s breed and the ideal steps. Whether walking with you, at the dog park, or walking around the home, this will all be tracked.
Identify any changes in their behavior. If their activity level drops off, it might be a sign that something’s wrong. It could save your dog by reaching out to the vet immediately.
You might notice that your pooch isn’t sleeping through the night anymore or is pacing back and forth. All of these might signal that something’s wrong. Look for malaise, not eating, or loss of interest in active games.
When you think about all the advantages of this technology, it makes sense to buy it for you and your dog. Just be sure to choose from a reputable company for the health and wealth of your pet.
Better Understanding GPS Collars for Dogs
After exploring this guide on GPS collars for dogs, you should better understand what to expect. Take your time deciding which GPS tracker is right for you and your pup.
The great news is that you can have GPS trackers for various reasons, not just for your pet. From vehicle tracking to asset tracking devices, we have you covered.
Our products are trusted by over 6,000 clients, including Lowe’s, 3M, and more. Check out our products today, and if you have any questions, we’re happy to help. From boat trackers to cars, our products are backed by a 30-day return policy.