It could be your indoor cat finding a way out to explore the neighborhood for a little while, or your dog squiggling themselves free from their collar to get a whiff of all the irresistible smells around, or maybe it’s your dog following their instinct of chasing after another animal they spotted during a camping trip. Whatever the case, pets can wander off and in some cases get lost. And while your pet may just be out of sight for a few seconds or minutes before coming back to you unscathed, you can never be so sure.
In similar instances, not knowing our pet’s exact whereabouts may make us pet parents feel worried and anxious. Thankfully, there are products such as GPS trackers, specifically designed for pets, for us to be able to pinpoint their exact location when they happen to wander about, and reunite with them before anything bad could happen. But first, let us talk about some of our pet’s needs and why tracking them can be of big help.
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Understanding Pet Needs
Noise Anxiety
Loud and unexpected noises can cause anxiety in some dogs and cats. When it comes to dogs, 40% are affected by noise anxiety. Such anxiety may cause them to run away and hide. According to Dr. Danni Dusek of Bondi Vet, desensitizing your pet of their phobia may help, along with positive reinforcement. Meanwhile, having a GPS tracker for pets will help find your pet quickly, if for example, they suddenly take off due to loud and unexpected noises.
The Instinct To Chase
Some dogs have that instinct to chase other animals. So when they spot other animals, they may run after them, pull free from their leash (dogs), and get lost in a matter of seconds. Even if they don’t go far, having a GPS tracker may reduce the time spent looking for your dog and prevent them from hurting wildlife as well.
Risk of Harm
There is a risk of pets getting lost, including times when doors are accidentally left open or when owners are not at home. When our pet escapes and wanders while we are away from home for instance, it can be several hours before we realize it if there’s no one there checking in on them. And the longer a pet is missing, the higher the risk of them getting hurt. Luckily, there are GPS trackers that notify owners if and when their pet has somehow escaped their home.
Animal Theft
Unfortunately, animal theft is an ongoing problem, where unconfined animals and pets can be stolen even if they aren’t strays. A GPS tracker for pets may discourage a thief or may help in finding and recovering a pet that has been stolen.
Traveling
Pets may also get lost when traveling with their owners, especially if the location is new and unfamiliar. A GPS tracker tag on your pet may help if they do stray, significantly reducing the dangers.
Activity Level
Some GPS trackers have features that allow the owner to track a pet’s activity level. This is especially important because changes in energy level could signify a health issue that needs to be addressed. Thus, detecting these changes can be life-saving for your pet.
Pet Sitters
We may sometimes seek the help of pet sitters to take care of our pet when we’re away. However, pets may find a way to escape and get lost in the process. A GPS tracker allows pet owners get to keep track of their pets when they’re under someone else’s care
New Pet
Adopting a new pet involves getting to know their behavior along the way. And because their behavior may still be unpredictable, monitoring them via devices such as a GPS tracker may definitely come in handy.
Comparing Features of GPS Trackers
In choosing the best GPS tracker for dogs, cats, and other pets, it helps to compare features based on the following considerations:
Durability
It is important to choose a tracker with the ability to withstand elements and your pet’s playful streak when they freely roam. Consider its ability to take on water, dust, pawing, scratching, and gnawing.
There’s an international standard to determine a device’s waterproof protection level called an Ingress Protection Rating, a.k.a. IP code. This measures how protected a device is from elements such as water and dust. The first digit after IP measures dust protection (6 being the highest) while the second digit indicates waterproofing level (where a rating of 8 means that the device can be completely submerged for more than 30 minutes at a 1-meter depth)’
The Petcube GPS Tracker, for example, is IP67 certified for durability and water resistance.
Location Accuracy
Depending on the GPS tracker, various technologies may be added for more accurate tracking. With the Petcube GPS Tracker for example, it features live location tracking, allowing you to follow a pin on an interactive map with your pet’s live location updates. This helps you track their current position and their favorite routes.
Functionality
You want a device that is functioning well, with features that all contribute towards tracking and monitoring of your pet better. Think of your purpose for getting a tracker. Do you want to track multiple pets? Or are you focused on monitoring your pet’s health? The Petcube GPS Tracker, for example, allows you to set fitness goals for your pet and track progress therewith.
Ease of Use
Consider the product’s ease of use as well because you don’t want a product that complicates things. The Petcube GPS Tracker, for instance, is compact and lightweight for universal fit. Not to mention, it also has adjustable silicon loops for easy mount.
Battery Life
This may vary, depending on the GPS tracker. There are those designed for occasional use (lasting only a few hours), while there are those that can last for weeks or months. Before purchasing a tracker, think of how you’re going to use it and how much battery life you would need.
With the Petcube GPS Tracker for example, has a loooong battery life of upto 30 days in power save mode. It also charges fast, taking only 1 hour for full charging.
Dimensions
Consider the weight and size of the tracker as well. Typically, a light and small gps tracker would be best so it can be carried easily. This is especially true with small breeds of dogs or cats
The Petcube GPS Tracker is an example of a compact device to track your pet. The mini gps tracker measures 60 x 25 x 20 mm (L x W x H), and is only 29 g in weight.
Monitoring and Alerts
While your main purpose for getting a tracker for pets is to accurately locate your pet, you may also want to monitor other factors and be alerted in relation to security, safety, and efficiency.
With the Petcube GPS Tracker, you can create boundaries for your pet’s exploration by defining safe spaces and setting special zones. You also get to receive swift alerts when your pet leaves or returns, or when they step beyond specified areas.
Cost and Subscription Plans
Cost may definitely be a factor in narrowing down the options. Understandably, you want the product to be worth the cost and be a good deal in the long run. Note however that an expensive tracker doesn’t necessarily mean that it has the best features. It’s best to study the features first and compare prices in the market to help you decide on the best deal.
Majority of GPS trackers for pets would require you to subscribe in order to enjoy the tracking features and coverage of locations. This may also provide you with helpful information about your dog such as their fitness and sleeping habits. This varies, depending on the subscription that you choose.
With Petcube GPS Tracker for example, an annual basic subscription would cost $7 per month or $84 for 1 year, covering GPS live location tracking, 7 days location history, and 7 days activity/wellness tracking. On the other hand, a premium 2 year subscription would cost $6/month or $144 for 2 years, covering GPS live location tracking, unlimited location history, unlimited activity / wellness tracking, 24/7 certified vet chat, and a lifetime warranty.
Conclusion
In choosing the right GPS tracker for your pet, knowing your purpose when it comes to tracking and monitoring your pet would definitely help. Consider the features and long-term benefits of the trackers available to help you make an informed decision.
Having a reliable pet tracker like the Petcube GPS Tracker helps you stay connected with your pet by providing accurate location updates and useful alerts. The tracker also allows you to set virtual fences for additional security, provides insights on location history, and track your pet’s distances covered as well calories burned, among other features.
As pet parents, we definitely want to keep our pets safe and secure. A good pet tracker gives us peace of mind when it comes to locating and monitoring our pets.
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