Facts check:

Is it possible to implant GPS trackers in dogs or cats?

All pet parents are concerned about watching over their furry friends. Pets are like family members and we try to keep them safe all the time. When researching the different ways to do it, one of the most common questions related to pet tracking options is whether your dog or cat needs a GPS tracker or a microchip. Some people often confuse an identification microchip implant with a GPS dog tracking device.

So you might ask yourself: What are GPS trackers? Are dog/cat GPS implants really possible? Is the microchip that your vet implants in your dog a GPS locator? Since we are GPS specialist nerds ourselves, we will clarify these topics (and the myths) for you now – read on!

Myth 1: Dog GPS trackers can be implanted in dogs & cats

This is a common misconception, but one thing is certain:

It’s NOT POSSIBLE to implant a GPS tracker in your dog or cat

And here are some reasons why:

Size of GPS tracker: The main reason is the size of the GPS tracker, since even the smallest size available in the pet industry is far too big to be implanted under the skin of a dog or cat. This overview of characteristics of GPS trackers provides you more details on this topic.

Battery: Most GPS trackers come with an integrated battery, which needs to be charged every now and then (depending on use) and it is the component which takes up the most space inside the tracker. There is also no way to charge the battery, if the tracker is implanted under your dog’s skin. Moreover, implanting a lithium-ion battery inside your puppy would likely come with certain health risks as well.

Technically, there may be a way to integrate the tracker inside your furry buddy – but considering the points above, this is far from a “smart solution”. There are surely additional reasons why implanting a dog or cat GPS tracker under your pets skin is neither a pet-friendly nor healthy way to keep your pet safe and at this stage it’s not possible.

Myth 2: Microchips have a GPS function and you can find your dog in case he gets lost

Microchips are ID chips which are implanted between the shoulders of your pet by a veterinarian. At about 11-14 mm long and 2-2.2 mm thick, most microchips for dogs are no larger than a grain of rice and can therefore be safely implanted under the skin.

Good to know: Microchips for dogs are not equipped with a GPS function. This is the main disadvantage of dog microchips, since they cannot help you find your dog if he gets lost or runs away.

While dog microchips are useful and also mandatory in over 75 countries, they are limited in their use. The only possible way to make use of a microchip is for someone to find your dog, bring him to a vet and read the scanner tag. This dependency on a microchip reader is not optimal, when trying to act fast in finding your beloved furry friend.

Myth 3: Microchips and GPS trackers are the same thing  It’s another common misconception that implantable microchips and GPS trackers for dogs and cats do basically the same thing. This cannot be farther from the truth – let’s take a closer look.

Microchips for dogs/cats

Pet microchips are used as a form of identification and they can be easily implanted in your dog or cat by the local vet. They are only useful when you also register the pet ID with your contact information (name, address, telephone number) and keep that information up to date. Later, vets and some shelters can make use of a special scanner in an attempt to read the 15-digit ID microchip and identify the owners of found pets.

Nevertheless, your pet first needs to be found, captured and then brought to a vet – often by a stranger. If this doesn’t happen or if there is no microchip scanner available, then a microchip will be of little use in retrieving your pet.

The fact is: While you are on the search for your missing dog, the microchip for dogs is of no help.

GPS trackers for dogs & cats

Tracking devices like the Streetwise Pets GPS Tracker range, on the other hand, give you the possibility to track your dog in real time.

This means that cat and dog GPS trackers give you the power to act immediately in case your precious furry friend gets lost or runs away.

The following components are included in GPS trackers for both dogs and cats from Streetwise Pets:

-A built in high-quality GSM module 

-A built-in GPS antenna

-A battery pack fitted inside the device

- Charger Cable

- Easy to follow setup instructions

- Excellent back-up service via a Whatsapp helpline

-No monthly contracts

These helpful features make Streetwise Pets GPS trackers real life-savers, when it comes to finding your lost pet. Directly connected with an app on your Smartphone, the dog/cat GPS tracker will show you the position of your dog in real-time and anywhere in the world.

This is highly important, since dogs that run away are often disorientated or scared and may often change their position.

Nevertheless, the necessity of having all these features make it impossible for GPS trackers to be of the size of a rice grain, which is so tiny and easy to implant.

Fact check: You might think that a Bluetooth tracker could also do the same job. Do you know the differences between a GPS tracker and a Bluetooth tracker? If you are looking for real-time tracking and precise positioning of your cat or dog anywhere in the world, a GPS tracker is what you need. A Bluetooth tracker is limited to a distance of about 128 meters then you will not be able to track your pet anymore as it goes out of the range.

A GPS tracker from Streetwise Pets has no limit in distance as it uses satellites to track your furry friend, meaning you can track your pet from anywhere in the world.

Streetwise Pets consists of a group of people who specializes in Pet GPS tracking.  We give good sound advice which trackers would be the best tracker for your pet and with our friendly assistance you will always know your pet has the best tracker currently available.

Fact: Furthermore we educate and assist you to understand how GPS tracking works so that you can enjoy the full benefit and all the features of your newly purchased GPS tracker. 

Important facts about GPS trackers and dog / cat microchips

In order to give you a high-level understanding of the main differences of dog microchips and GPS trackers for dogs, we have compiled the most important 3 facts here:

Dog GPS tracker - It’s a separate device, worn externally and has the ability to track your dog based on the GPS function and real-time tracking. No dependency on external help, you can find your pet immediately using the real-time tracker position reports.

Dog microchip - It’s an ID chip, implanted in your dog,  Not able to track your dog in real-time. No GPS function included. High dependency on strangers, vets and scanners in order to find your missing pet.