Discover the benefits of GPS trackers for dogs and cats. Learn how these devices can contribute to the safety and well-being of your pets.
In an increasingly interconnected world, digital systems for tracking our four-legged friends are gaining in importance. A GPS tracker is a small device that attaches to the animal's collar and uses satellite signals to determine its location. The data is typically sent to an app on the owner's smartphone, allowing them to see their pet's current whereabouts. But how useful is purchasing such a device? What features should a GPS tracker offer, and what does this monitoring cost? Agila Pet Insurance has investigated these questions and examines the advantages and disadvantages of these helpful devices.
Bruno has just moved in with Clara. In case the poodle mix runs away or suddenly breaks free and wanders off, Clara has attached a GPS tracker to Bruno's collar. This makes her feel more secure and ensures she can find Bruno at any time if needed. When buying the tracker, she considered several factors: Firstly, she chose a shockproof and, above all, waterproof tracker, as Bruno seems to have a significant amount of water-loving poodle in him. Originally, this breed was developed as a hunting dog for waterfowl. Secondly, Clara selected a model that guarantees real-time tracking of her beloved pet and has a long range. It was also important that the tracker be a good size for Bruno, who, at 40 centimeters tall at the withers, is rather small. Nadia Wattad from the German Animal Welfare Federation explains: “GPS trackers are attached to the animal via a collar or harness. This is usually quite feasible for dogs if owners choose the right size. However, we generally advise against using collars or harnesses for cats that have outdoor access, as the risk of them getting caught on something is too high. While most of these collars have safety mechanisms that are supposed to open automatically if the animal gets caught, this doesn't always work 100 percent reliably.”
Bruno's GPS tracker is therefore a particularly small model. Clara deliberately opted against two features that would have increased the tracker's price: Bruno's tracker doesn't have a so-called virtual fence. This feature allows you to define a specific radius, for example, the garden or property. If the animal leaves this zone, the owner receives a push notification with a signal on their smartphone. Clara lives in a rented house without a garden or property, so the fence function is rather useless for her. The second feature Clara omitted concerns activity monitoring. Bruno is so lively and energetic anyway that he's guaranteed to get plenty of exercise.
A GPS tracker does not replace microchipping and registration in a pet registry like FINDEFIX or TASSO. "Ultimately, a GPS tracker only benefits the owner, who can track the data, but not someone who can find the pet in an emergency. Furthermore, the GPS tracker could be lost or deliberately removed, and it becomes unlocatable once the battery is dead. Additionally, it requires a sufficient smartphone signal. Therefore, a tracking system should always be used in conjunction with microchipping and registration in a pet registry, not as a replacement," says Nadia Wattad of the German Animal Welfare Federation.
The cost of GPS trackers varies considerably, depending on the features and quality of the device. Basic models start at around €30, while high-end devices can cost €150 or more. In addition, there are monthly fees for using the GPS service, which can range from €3 to €10 depending on the provider.
So far, Bruno's GPS tracker has not been used, but Clara does not regret the expense, because the reassuring feeling that the tracker provides alone made it worth it to her.
Source: AGILA Pet Insurance
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