Tracking your dog on a GPS system like you track your Uber driver on the map sounds like a great way to prevent losing your dog forever. As a pet parent, your worst nightmare is to find out your dog ran away and you don’t know how to find them except for their identification tag on their collar. Can you imagine if there are GPS chips for dogs? That would be awesome, right?
There has been a lot of talk about GPS implants for dogs that can be placed under the skin without harming your pet.
Imagine the next time your dog runs out of the front door and down the street or manages to get loose from their harness or collar during a walk, you can just track them with GPS and go pick them up before they get hurt. This scenario is every pet parent’s dream, but is it possible? Continue reading to find out!
GPS Chips For Dogs
What is a GPS implant exactly?
A Global Positioning System or GPS is an innovative technology that determines where you are located. It would be installed into the dog’s body under the skin during a surgical procedure. So, is it possible that a GPS tracking system can be implanted into our beloved pets? Unfortunately, the answer to this question is No. This type of invention is not available yet but it certainly would be a huge benefit for lost dogs.
How do trackers differ from chips?
Chips, also known as microchips, are inserted under your dog’s skin near the shoulder blade or the surrounding area. The chip is shaped like a tiny glass cylinder that measures 11 – 14 mm. It uses Radio-frequency Identification technology (RFID) and contains an identification number that is revealed when scanned at a shelter or veterinarian’s office.
The chip needs to be registered online in one of the databases listed below:
Remember to always keep your contact information up to date. This means every time you change your phone number or move to a new address, you need to make sure the information is changed in the database as quickly as possible.
GPS trackers are designed to attach to the dog collar securely and use technology that connects to a network. Some GPS trackers have added features that help you track your dog’s behavior, sleep patterns, activity, and more.
There is also a way you can create a safe zone by using geo-fencing. A GPS tracker allows you to know where your dog is in real-time while a chip is only used and beneficial when it’s scanned.
How does my dog get the chip?
Getting your dog chipped is easy. Visit a veterinarian’s office to get the quick and easy procedure done properly. Your dog doesn’t even need any anesthetic because the chip is placed underneath the layer of skin by using a syringe.
The good news is, the procedure isn’t painful and it is as quick as getting a standard shot. You spend more time filling out the paperwork for the chip than it takes to insert it under the skin.
A helpful tip is to invest in a tag that explains your dog is microchipped and place it on your dog’s collar with their other tags. This special tag will alert anyone who finds your lost dog to get them scanned and return your dog to you quickly.
How much does a microchip cost?
Microchips are durable and long-lasting. You only need to have it implanted into your dog once during their lifetime. The standard cost of microchipping is about $50 but costs can vary in different areas. Check with your local veterinarian office for more details regarding pricing.
Microchip Pros
- Safe and secure under your dog’s skin
- Damage proof
- Doesn’t require batteries since it runs on RFID technology
- Provides you with peace of mind that your dog will be returned to you if they get lost
Microchip Cons
- The chip can only be read if someone finds your dog and gets them scanned
- Some dogs experience a small amount of inflammation at the injection site
Helpful Tips for Chipping Your Dog
Speaking to a veterinarian about microchipping your dog is an important conversation to have before making the decision. Take a close look at your dog’s lifestyle to help you determine if microchipping is the right option for your dog. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, chipping your dog needs to be considered?
- Does your dog run away frequently?
- Have you lost your dog for days or longer?
- Does your dog have a habit of getting out of their harness or collar no matter how secure it’s attached?
- Does your dog pull on the leash so hard it pulls it out of your hands?
- Has your dog run away while still having the leash attached to their collar or harness?
- Are you afraid of losing your dog forever?
Once you make your decision to chip your dog, ensure a professional or veterinarian does the procedure. Fill out the paperwork and register immediately to ensure the chip goes into working mode just in case your dog gets lost quicker than you expect.
It’s important to provide the correct details during the registration process to ensure you are contacted as quickly as possible once your dog is scanned. As mentioned earlier, it’s wise to purchase an identification tag that specifies your dog is chipped so whoever finds them can get them scanned.
Bottom Line
Whether you decide to chip your dog or not, it’s always wise to keep an identification tag on your dog’s collar that includes information such as your name, phone number, and email address. The chip is mostly helpful for dogs that run away and don’t have a collar. Chipping your dog is also one way to ensure your dog doesn’t end up in a shelter long term.
While GPS chips for dogs don’t exist at the moment, you never know what the future of technology can create in the future. Pet parents worldwide hold onto hope that one day they will be able to track the location of their pet with a GPS chip but until then, trackers will work just fine.
As a responsible pet parent, you can take measures to help prevent your dog from getting lost. Common solutions include creating outdoor barriers so your dog can’t escape from the yard, keep their harness and collar secure and wrap the leash around your hand twice to prevent your dog from running away with the leash in tow.
Extra security steps include getting your dog chipped so their identity can be revealed if they are found by someone who takes them to a shelter. You can also use a GPS tracker on their collar to ensure you know where your dog is at all times.
The decision is yours when it comes to your pet’s safety and your ability to find them in an emergency. Your goal as a dog owner is to find as many ways possible to ensure your dog comes back to you when they get lost. Try a GPS tracker or look into getting your dog chipped today!
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Shellie
A pet parent herself, Shellie knows the ins and outs of caring for a furry bundle of joy. She has been researching, reviewing and sharing her findings for the best dog products available for a number of years. A valued team member, Shellie's first-hand experience is invaluable.
