The Differences Between Micro-chipping and GPS Pet Locators

Technology has changed every aspect of our lives and continues to do so at a rapid pace. In terms of looking after your beloved pets it should come as no surprise that thanks to technological advancements today, you can now track them using sophisticated GPS systems if they go missing. No one wants to lose their pet and by tracking their whereabouts, you can make sure that you increase the odds of finding them as soon as possible.

So what exactly is micro-chipping and what does it do? About the size of a grain of rice, a microchip is a computer chip that stores an identification number and transmits information to a suitable scanner through radio waves. To implant a microchip in your dog, you need to have your veterinarian inject the chip using a pre-loaded syringe between the shoulder blades of the animal. Most dogs feel no pain during this procedure, which is over in a matter of seconds. Once implanted, tissue surrounding the chip forms a casing that prevents it from moving. Most microchips are made of a bio-compatible material that rarely causes any infection.

Once in place, the chip can be detected using a handheld scanner that then displays the unique code. It is necessary that you register your pet with the microchip company so that, your name, address, and contact details are accessible when the pet’s chip is scanned. Microchips should last a lifetime and do not need to be replaced or charged. In the rare occasion that the chip migrates away from your dog’s shoulder blades, a scanner should be able to pick up the signals from anywhere in the body. Most veterinary clinics and pet shelters have a scanner for immediate identification. However, if your pet turns up in the few that do not, not much can be done in this case.

An annual visit to your vet to check that the microchip is still functioning, and making sure your contact information is always current are also highly recommended. A GPS collar is the latest and most adept form of pet tracking systems. Using the same technology found in automobiles, your GPS pet tracker allows you to pinpoint your missing pet’s exact location in real-time. Updates on the whereabouts of your pet are constantly available through your cell phone or Internet. GPS devices can vary in sophistication – some only give you the location of the missing animal, while others will tell you where your dog is and how to get there. Some devices even include a beacon to help spot your pet in the dark. Most of these devices can be attached to a dog’s collar and are battery-operated.

Make sure that the device you choose has an exchangeable and rechargeable battery, water resistant, and sturdy such as the SpotLight GPS Pet Locator. Created and developed in conjunction with the American Kennel Club CompanionAnimal Recovery (AKC CAR) team to reduce the number of lost dogs the SpotLight GPS Pet Locator includes an exclusive AKC CAR collar tag with a unique ID number that includes lifetime enrollment in AKC CAR’s Recovery Service. With this assurance, owners of the SpotLight GPS Pet Tracking system have access to the AKC CAR call center and the best recovery team available at all times. In conclusion, a microchip is an excellent option for permanent identification and a GPS locator is an excellent proactive tracking device for your pet. By protecting your pet with both GPS and a microchip you can rest assure that your pet will be safe and… found.

The Differences Between Micro-chipping and GPS Pet Locators courtesy of Dog Articles.

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