How GPS Technology is Revolutionising Pet Safety

Firefighters are still on the frontlines fighting enormous blazes that have burned tens of thousands of acres, incinerated homes and businesses, killed at least 25 people and displaced at least 100,000 more people. 

But forecasters, even as they warned that daunting conditions could return early next week, are predicting that the Santa Ana winds will change direction on Thursday. With this news, firefighters are sighing in relief as it means the conditions are better to try and gain control of the blazes. However, the forecast can change in an instant and the public should still stay up-to-date and ready to evacuate.

At the time of writing this post the Palisades fire, the largest in the area, has burned nearly 24,000 acres and was 19% contained on 15 January. The Eaton fire covered more than 14,000 acres and was 45% contained. 

The Autofire, which grew to more than 60 acres northwest of Los Angeles, was 85% contained. Emergency officials quickly quelled a 34-acre vegetation fire on Wednesday afternoon in San Bernardino County. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and no structures were destroyed.

Another statistic noted during these wildfires is the amount of lost pets. On social media, we’ve seen heartwarming videos of owners being reunited with their pets. However, this is not the case for every owner. This is why it’s important to use everything you have to your advantage, especially GPS trackers, to make sure you can find your furry friend no matter what happens. 

 

What Are the Benefits Of GPS Tracking For Pets?

 

GPS tracking for dogs and cats can be a game-changer and provide you with a piece of mind since you’ll know exactly where your pet is. These trackers are especially useful for owners with outdoor cats or dogs that are prone to roam. The benefits of a GPS tracker for your pet include:

 

Enhanced Accuracy

 

Advanced GPS trackers deliver extremely accurate position data by utilising state-of-the-art technology, including multi-constellation receivers and sophisticated algorithms. Whether your pet is in a distant wilderness or a heavily populated urban region, you can use this improved accuracy to determine your pet’s precise location.

 

Long Battery Life

 

Long-lasting batteries included in many sophisticated GPS trackers allow for days or even weeks of continuous monitoring between charges. This means that you can depend on your pet’s GPS tracker for continuous tracking without having to deal with the nuisance of frequent recharging thanks to its prolonged battery life.

 

Durability

 

Advanced GPS trackers are made to withstand severe weather conditions because they are intended for outside use. These trackers’ sturdy design and waterproofing properties allow them to withstand exposure to mud, rain, and rough terrain, guaranteeing dependable functioning under any circumstance.

 

Immediate Location Updates

 

Modern GPS trackers can follow your pet in real-time and provide you with fast updates on where they are. Whether your pet is on the move or resting close by, you’ll receive timely information about their whereabouts, allowing you to stay informed and responsive at all times.

 

Peace of Mind

 

Being able to monitor your pet in real-time and knowing you can quickly locate them will provide peace of mindReal-time monitoring offers pet owners peace of mind. Whether it’s a lost pet or a curious explorer, real-time tracking ensures that you’re always connected to your fur baby, no matter where they roam.

 

Customisable Boundaries

 

Advanced GPS trackers frequently have geofencing features that let pet owners mark safe areas or virtual borders on a map. This means that you can create secure spaces for your animals to walk freely by establishing these movable barriers around their houses, parks, or other locations. If your pet roams outside of these safe zones, you’ll receive a notification with their location. 

 

Seamless Connectivity

 

Pet owners can access monitoring information and control functions from any location thanks to the seamless integration of sophisticated GPS trackers with smartphones and other smart devices. You can stay connected at all times with these trackers’ dependable communication and real-time updates via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular connectivity choices.

How To Choose the Right GPS Tracker For Your Pet

 

Selecting the ideal GPS tracker for your dog is essential to both meeting your specific needs and guaranteeing their safety. The following factors should be considered before choosing:

 

Size and Weight Of the Tracker

 

Make sure you choose a GPS tracker that is appropriate for the size and weight of your pet. Check that they can wear it comfortably and that it doesn’t restrict their range of motion or create any discomfort.

 

Battery Life

 

To enable continuous tracking without the need for regular recharging, use a tracker with a long battery life. Select a tracker that meets your demands by taking into account the typical usage duration.

 

Tracking Accuracy

 

When it comes to choosing a GPS tracker for your pet, accuracy is the most critical thing you need to keep in mind. So, make sure you choose a GPS tracker that gives precise and immediate location updates so you can locate your pet with confidence.

 

User Friendly

 

Choose a GPS tracker that is easy to set up and operate. Simple buttons and a basic user interface would be beneficial.

 

Durability

 

Because pets can be active and adventurous, pick a tracker that is tough enough to endure their activities. For example, a durable GPS tracker will still work even if your cat decides to explore the rough terrain behind your house. Check if it is water-resistant and can tolerate hard handling.

 

Should I Get a GPS Tracker Even If My Pet Is Microchipped?

 

While microchips have long been a standard for pet identification, combining them with GPS tracking devices offers the most comprehensive protection for your dog.

However, microchips only provide a permanent form of identification that can be scanned by veterinarians or shelters. They can’t provide the real-time tracking capabilities that GPS trackers provide. GPS collars complement microchips by offering active tracking, allowing owners to monitor their pet’s location continuously.

A GPS tracker can fill the gap by giving instant location information in situations where a microchip might not be enough to find a missing pet swiftly. By combining active tracking with passive identification, this two-pronged strategy increases the likelihood of a quick and secure retrieval. Unmatched peace of mind is offered to pet owners who use GPS collars in addition to microchips. GPS trackers enable you to proactively monitor and safeguard your pet in real time, while microchips guarantee that your dog can be recognised if it is discovered by someone else.

 

What Are Some Of the Best GPS Trackers For Pets?

 

Before buying a GPS tracker for your pet, you need to do some research and compare trackers from different brands. To shorten the list, here are some of the best GPS trackers you can take a look at:

• Apple AirTag: The Apple AirTag tracker for pets is a cutting-edge solution to keep your furry friend safe and secure.
• Whistle Go Explore: This is a top-tier pet tracker that combines extended battery life with versatile functionality which makes it ideal for smaller pets.
• Tractive Mini GPS: The Tractive Mini GPS Tracker for Cats can access real-time GPS locations using three different major cellular networks to update your cat’s location every two to three seconds and has advanced features.
• PitPat GPS Tracker: The PitPat GPS tracker includes fully featured activity monitoring and distance tracking. It can also keep track of your pet’s calories, and provide feeding recommendations and weight management. 
• Petfon: This small, durable and rainproof device is a GPS tracker that allows you to track your pet’s activity and pinpoint his location in real-time.