There are several sources on the internet that talk about pet GPS microchips and their importance in rescuing a lost pet. The problem is that in reality, there is no such device. There are pet ID microchips and there are GPS tracking devices, but a combination of these two does not exist yet.
What is a pet microchip?
Pet sub-dermal microchips have been used for quite a while in animal rescue. Their importance is indisputable in reuniting lost pets with their rightful owners. These microchips are the size of a rice bean, and they are usually implanted in the pet’s skin. The procedure is simple and it can be performed at most veterinary clinics. The procedure will take a just a few seconds and your pet won’t feel anything different than just taking a regular vaccine.
The veterinarian will inject a sterile microchip at a convenient location, usually between the shoulder blades of the animal where there is a lot of loose skin. These microchips are made from durable materials and they will likely last for the entire life of your pet. After implanting the microchip, you will need to provide the pet name and your contact information so that the vet service can register it to the pet rescue database.
How does it work?
The microchip contains a unique ID number that will show up when being scanned with a microchip scanner. The authorities will then check the contact information provided by you and they will try to contact you and tell you where to go to retrieve your pet. This is why it is very important to keep your contact information up to date. Pet microchips have proven their efficiency, as the most rescued animals are the ones wearing a microchip.
However, microchips possessing GPS technology do not exist yet, and the misunderstanding about pet GPS microchips probably stems from a mix of terms. A microchip does not emit any signals, nor does it have any battery; it uses RFID (radio-frequency identification) technology. It is useful to identify the animal and help the rescue services to contact the owner to retrieve the dog, but it cannot track your dog with GPS technology.
What about the GPS?
While there are no pet GPS microchips on the market, there are GPS devices available. These are usually mounted on collars, and they emit signals from 100 yards to half a mile. They can be used to track down your lost animal, although they have quite a limited range of action. Another problem is that most of these GPS devices can fall off, especially when dogs roll on the ground or run through bushes.
If you live in a city, then this tracking device could help you find your beloved pet, but in the countryside, it may be less effective due to its limited range.
