Is a GPS Tracking Device a Good Idea for My Pet?
When it comes to keeping pets safe, many owners turn to traditional solutions like microchips and GPS trackers. While these technologies provide certain benefits, they come with significant limitations that can leave your pet unprotected when it matters the most.
What are Microchips?
Microchips are small devices implanted under a pet's skin that store a unique ID number. When scanned by a vet or shelter, this ID links to the owner's contact information in a database. While microchips don't have GPS tracking, they help identify lost pets. However, they rely on someone scanning the pet and the owner's info being up-to-date in the system. They're a passive form of identification, not a real-time location tool.
The Disadvantages of Microchips
Microchips are often seen as a reliable method for identifying lost pets, but they have limitations many pet owners may overlook. First, microchips don't offer real-time tracking; if your pet goes missing, you'll need someone to take them to a vet or shelter with a scanner. Not all scanners are universally compatible, which can delay identification. Microchips can also migrate from the original implant site, making them harder to detect. Additionally, they can cause health issues such as infections, abscesses, and, in rare cases, tumors. Finally, if contact details aren't updated in the database, the chip becomes ineffective when it's needed most.
What are GPS trackers?
GPS tracking devices, while offering real-time location tracking, have their own set of challenges. One of the biggest drawbacks is battery life. Many GPS collars need frequent recharging, and if your pet goes missing when the battery is low, the device becomes useless. Another issue is that GPS trackers rely on cellular networks, meaning they might not work well in remote areas or places with poor signal coverage.
Additionally, GPS devices tend to be bulky, which can be uncomfortable for smaller pets. They are also more expensive and require ongoing subscription fees to maintain access to the tracking service. Plus, just like microchips, GPS trackers can fail if the pet loses the collar, leaving you with no way to locate them.
GPS trackers emit radiation could lead to health risks such as cellular damage, increased cancer risk, and other potential adverse effects.
How is the tracker different from a microchip?
For a microchip to be useful, a lost dog can only be traced back to the owner if the vet or shelter it has been taken to has access to the right database with the owner's information. The tracker actively lets you know as soon as your dog gets lost and allows you to find him or her immediately.
What is a furtag?
FurTag offers a smarter, more reliable alternative to GPS trackers. With FurTag, there's no need for batteries or concerns about signal loss—when a QR code is scanned, pet owners receive immediate updates on their pet’s location without the hassle of recharging devices. The scanner will need cellular network to send GPS coordinates.
FurTag is lightweight and comfortable for pets to wear, ensuring they won't experience the discomfort often associated with bulky GPS collars. The QR code is permanently engraved, making it a low-maintenance solution that requires no upkeep.
Furthermore,you’ll enjoy real-time GPS alerts via email, WhatsApp, and text, and the ability to update your pet’s profile instantly—all without the drawbacks of traditional GPS technology.
Conclusion
GPS trackers and Micro chips have their uses, they fall short in critical areas. FurTag fills those gaps by offering a streamlined, efficient solution that provides real-time location tracking without the complications of battery management or specialized scanners, making it the smarter choice for pet owners.
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