Dog GPS Tracker vs. Microchip: Essential Differences
PETE DECKER / OCTOBER 7, 2019 / DOGS
A dog GPS tracker is one of the best investments that a pet owner can make. This device allows you to keep track of your pet and minimize the risk of pets getting lost. But when it comes to looking for a GPS tracking device for a dog, you might also come across the microchip technology, which you can use to keep track of your beloved pet’s whereabouts.
Now that we are in the 21st century, we are privileged to enjoy a lot of innovative technologies that can help make our life so much easier, including dog tracking apps and identification systems. These things were not available before, which is why looking for a lost pet in the past was a truly agonizing experience. We treat our dog as our kids, so losing them is certainly devastating.
You’re probably familiar with the GPS navigation system. It’s on your mobile phone and your car as well. This is the same technology that’s used on the dog GPS tracker and microchips. But what are the differences between a dog GPS tracker and microchips? Read on to find out.
Microchips
Also called RFID or a Radio Frequency Identification Device, a microchip is a tiny device that comes equipped with a chip and has its unique serial number. It’s pretty much the same as those barcodes that you will see on the supermarket products.
Whenever a pet is lost and is taken to a vet, the microchip reader will help the vet to identify the pet. The vet will simply use a microchip reader to access the serial number of the pet and refer to a database online to find out the pet’s details along with the owner’s contact information.
The microchips that are attached to dogs don’t need to have their power supply, which is why they are safe to implant on living things. However, they can only function if they are within a certain range.
Dog GPS Trackers
GPS consists of a network of satellites that circle the Earth to transmit radio signals. The radio signals are then captured by the GPS Pet Tracker, which has a GPS receiver chip. By capturing the signal, the device can determine the location by measuring the distance using three or more satellites. They bounce off the radio signals until they can pinpoint the location. Indeed, this technology is very incredible.
The GPS tracker is waterproof, and battery operated so you can easily attach it to the collar of your pet. If your pet is lost, you can simply refer to the app on your mobile phone to find out its actual location.
Should You Get A GPS Tracker Or A Microchip?
If you need to be able to easily trace your pet when they are lost, then you will need both the GPS tracker and microchip. A microchip is essential, so if your pet gets lost, whoever finds it can simply scan the microchip and get access to a database where your pet’s information can be found.
On the other hand, a GPS pet tracker is also important because it keeps track of your pet once it goes missing. It gives real-time updates about your pet’s whereabouts. So if your pet decides to wander off somewhere without your knowledge, you will know where to find it.
As a pet owner, it’s only you that can decide what’s best for your pet. Although a microchip is useful if someone finds your pet, it’s only the dog GPS tracker that’s capable of tracking your pet’s actual location.