What Is a GPS Tracker for Dogs? the Different Types and How They Work

Loyalty, companionship, friendship – just some of the perks that come with owning a dog. These four-legged furry friends bring joy to the whole family and make your house feel more like home. No matter whether you’ve had your pet for just a few weeks or years, the fear of losing him is always present. It is in the nature of dogs to wander around and explore and sometimes this may not have the best outcome. For that very reason, investing in a dog collar tracking device is a smart idea that will bring you peace of mind.

Dog trackers are attached to the dog’s collar. Most models use cellular technology or GPS which makes it easier for you to track your pet. This device can be very useful if your dog tends to escape your yard often or if you want to keep track of him while you are not at home. If you accidentally lose him, the tracker will minimize the sense of helplessness and save your pet’s life. Here’s how you can use the dog collar tracking device.

• Hunting – If you usually take your dog with you hunting, having a tracker attached to his collar is a wise idea. Hunting dogs are fast runners so you can easily lose him if you don’t track his location.
• Cats and kittens – Tracking collars are not just for dogs. There are many models made specifically for cats as they often stuck in nooks and climb trees. So wearing a tracking device will help you know where exactly is your ball of fur at any moment.
• Pets with disabilities – If your dog is dealing with some kind of a health issue or disability, it’s important for you to know where he is at all times in case something goes wrong.
• Luggage – Although this may not be the initial use of GPS dog trackers, it is still a great idea. You can easily lose your luggage on the airport and having a tracking device attached to your suitcase will help you to locate and find it faster. This will bring you peace of mind and save you time especially when you are in a hurry.

Types of Pet Tracking Devices

The classification of pet trackers is done based on the technology they use. Knowing their pros and cons will help you choose the best one for you and your pet and get the most for your money.

• Cellular/GPS trackers – This is the most popular type of pet tracker – it includes a SIM card and a GPS chip. The GPS chip helps to acquire the location while the SIM card helps you to receive the data on your cell phone. To be able to use this tracker, you need to install an application on your smartphone so that you can receive the data and are able to keep track of your pet. Some models also allow using a Wi-Fi connection as an alternative network.
• Radiofrequency trackers – These are quite big and bulky due to their old-fashioned design. They have longer battery life when compared to other models so many people find them very convenient. Instead of receiving the data on your mobile, you will receive it on a radio transceiver that you should always carry with you. They don’t have a GPS chip, but the closer you get to your pet, the stronger the signal will be.
• Bluetooth trackers – These devices work in a limited range, usually less than ten metres. If your dog doesn’t go out of your home or yard by himself, then this is a good choice of a tracker.
• Mixed trackers – This is the latest model of tracking devices you can find on the market today. They mix different technologies providing you with great innovative ways of keeping track of your pet. What’s great about these devices is that they don’t require a cellular network or a SIM card.

Buying Tips

Knowing the different types of GPS dog trackers, their uses and how they work can help you make a more informed buying decision. Another important thing to pay attention to is how accurate is the tracker? You need a device that can supply data in real-time. Some trackers have a geofencing feature, alerting you any time your pet moves out of the boundaries. Even if your dog mostly stays in its outdoor kennel and plays around it, having a tracker with geofencing is a wise investment. Consider whether the tracker is waterproof or not? Is it compact and lightweight, or bulky and heavy?

Price is another factor that you should consider. However, it does not always indicate how quality a tracker is. There are many expensive trackers but they may not be the most suitable for your pet. On the other hand, there are also very affordable models that may have the features you need. The tracker should be pet-friendly, which means it should not affect the comfort of your dog while he is drinking, eating, playing or moving around. And last but not least, quality. Consider a tracker that is built to last. It is one of the best investments you will make for your dog, so make sure you choose a model that is durable and has all the features you need.