Getting your dog microchipped has several advantages, and if you haven’t implanted it yet, you should. Although it doesn’t offer real-time tracking like GPS, it helps in the easy identification of your dog. Note that the GPS tracker and microchip functionality processes are different.
A microchip is inserted in a dog’s skin or between the shoulder, and it contains information, including the ID number and registry contact. This chip, which is small, like the size of a grain, is easy to insert and involves less pain. Additionally, the microchip can last for twenty-five years.
Getting your dog implanted with a microchip improves the finding process simple. It may not be as effective as a GPS tracker, but it enhances the search process. However, you will find various microchips with GPS facilities thanks to the ever-evolving technology. Are you excited to know more? Please continue reading the article as we list the top three microchipped trackers with GPS and their aspects.
Best Microchipped GPS Tracker for Dogs
Table could not be displayed.Loc8tor Pet Tracker
This tracker from Loc8tor is one of the best radio GPS trackers available today. It is also considered one of the best microchip pet trackers that you can get your hands on.
This device is meant for a cat, but you can use it on small dogs. It comes with a tag and a handheld locator. Additionally, a built-in microchip helps identify lost pets.
Here are some of the features of the Loc8tor pet tracker:
- The battery life of this tracker can last up to seven months.
- You don’t have to pay monthly subscription fees.
- It comes with dual-directional technology offering both video and audio cue control.
- The tracker is applicable both indoors and outdoors.
- It features RF (Radio Frequency) technology.
Pros
- This pet tracker is applicable for both dogs and cats.
- It’s a lightweight pet tracker with a compact design.
Cons
- The device may not have the best durable factor.
Verdict
If you’re looking for a pet tracker with an-all around feature, we recommend Loc8tor. This device is easy to use, and you can use it both on cats and dogs. We also like the dual-directional technology this device offers, and the cues are available in videos and audio. If you’re looking for a microchip pet tracker, this device is definitely worth checking out.
HomeAgain Microchip Implant Kit
The microchip implant kit from HomeAgain comes with a chip in the size of a grain of rice with tracking technology. This chip is inserted inside the dog’s skin near the shoulder bones. It comes with a unique ID designed for your pet, allowing you to locate or detect your dog’s current location.
Here are some of the highlighted features of this product:
- At the initial stage, you need to pay registration fees.
- You can register your ID code with AKC (American Kennel Club) for instant recovery.
- This chip is safe and secure.
- Its unique ID helps to identify the owner.
Pros
- It’s a small-sized chip and doesn’t cause pain to your pet while implanting it.
- This microchip is technologically advanced, allowing you to locate and identify your pet’s current location.
Cons
- Can only be inserted by a vet
- Some people have an issue with the subscription fees.
Verdict
We love this product’s overall features, and it is highly recommended for those whose pets are hyperactive. Unlike other pet trackers, implanting a chip is permanent and doesn’t fall off. Although a scanner is required to identify the details of your pet, it gives accurate information.
Link AKC GPS Smart Tracker
This pet tracker from Link AKC is a smart tracking device known for its excellent performance. The tracker doesn’t only update your pet’s whereabouts but monitors its daily activity. This microchip tracker comes with a GPS tracker delivering a brilliant result. And once it’s installed, you can let your worry aside as this device will do its task and keep your dog safe.
Some of the features of the Link AKC dog collar:
- The device helps in identifying your pet’s location and identity.
- The tracker is recommended for pet monitoring and training activity.
- It works on both android and iOS smartphones.
- You can charge the device from a USB port.
Pros
- This tracker offers accurate results and is easy to attach or reattach.
- You can share and record the special walks of your pet.
Cons
- Monthly subscription fees are required.
Verdict
This pet monitor offers excellent performance and is highly recommended for those who look for this feature in a tracker. It keeps you updated about your dog’s daily activity and helps identify its location.
This microchip tracker with GPS is different from others as you don’t have to implant it in your dog’s skin. Additionally, you have to pay registration fees monthly. If you’re okay with paying monthly fees, you are good to go.
Buying Guide: Selecting the Best Dog Chip Tracker
Many people get confused between a GPS tracker and a microchip tracker. Both these trackers come with different features and functionality. But a microchip with a GPS tracker gives an all-around feature.
How Does a Microchip Tracker Work?
A microchip tracker is powered by RF (Radio Frequency), and it keeps a record of your pets, including the owner’s identity. And through a scanner, you can retrieve information about your dog. Microchipping your dog comes with multiple benefits, and we highly recommend it if you like to keep your dog safe.
Some pet owners may worry about implanting a chip in their dog’s skin, but you should know that it’s a simple process. Plus, it doesn’t induce any pain while inserting it. The size of a pet’s chip is small, and like grain size, so it’s easy to insert without harming your dog.
The microchip is inserted into your pet’s skin through a special syringe with a needle in it. It’s a painless process, and your dog won’t even know about it. After it’s inserted, you should register your pet with a microchipping company. You also have to pay a one-time fee, and the work is done. This implantation process is done mainly by veterinarians, and we advise you to get it done by a professional.
How Does GPS Tracker Technology Work?
Microchipping is powered by RF technology, whereas GPS tracker works differently. It uses a global positioning system to track your pet’s location. After it’s identified, a notification is sent to your email, or you get a message. This technology is fast and effective and delivers instant results.
It also allows you to create a virtual fence enabling your pet to roam freely. But if it’s out the invisible fence, you will get an alert message on your phone. You can also use this tracking system in a foreign country. Additionally, some tracker gives information about your dog’s physical activity and health.
One of the downsides of this technology is its tracking coverage. It will be hard to locate if your pet is stranded in an undisclosed zone not identified by satellite. Nonetheless, a GPS tracker is an effective tracking system, and we recommend getting one if your dog loves to roam around or gets lost often.
Nature and Features of Microchip Pet Trackers
Some of the highlighted features of a microchip tracker are as follow:
- Long-lasting nature
One of the good aspects of microchipping is its long-lasting nature. This chip can last more than twenty years, and you don’t have to pay fees monthly. Additionally, you don’t have to charge batteries as it doesn’t have one.
- Movement of chips
Microchips tend to move or between your pet’s shoulder blades, and it’s natural, so you don’t have to worry. Therefore, you will see instructions regarding scanning to emphasize your dog’s entire body.
- Requirement of a universal scanner
One of the downsides regarding microchipping is the unavailability of a universal scanner in most places, mainly rural areas. A scanner is an essential device if you have microchipped your dog. Through this device, one can retrieve information about your pet and help you get to reunite. Most shelters and veterinary offices own this scanner in urban areas. However, the chances are less in rural areas.
- Old microchips undetectable
Microchips, often old or inserted in a foreign country, go undetected even by a universal scanner. It also depends on the brand and the year you have implanted the chip in your pet. But with the advent of technology, you’d see new microchips compatible and applicable with a universal scanner.
Main Difference Between a Dog Chip Tracker and a GPS Tracker
Most people have confusion regarding GPS and dog chip trackers. Although these devices help you connect with your dog when they’re lost, it functions differently. Both are powered by different services and use different technology. Here are some of the differences between a dog chip tracker and a GPS tracker:
- When it comes to GPS tracker, it provides the live location of your dog using satellite service. Microchipping requires a scanner to retrieve information about your dog and the owner.
- GPS trackers help create a safe zone allowing to receive the message instantly that the pet is out of the safety zone. But in microchipping, this feature is not available.
- The chip tracker’s durability factor is better than the GPS pet tracker. Once you implant a chip in your dog, it will stay activated for more than twenty years. In the case of GPS trackers, it depends on the brand and quality. If your dog is super active, getting the device spoiled quickly is highly likely.
- You need to regularly charge the tracker’s battery for effective functionality and help you locate if your dog gets lost. If it’s out of battery, you will not be able to connect with your dog. You don’t have to charge the battery for the chip tracker as it doesn’t come with this feature. It stays active lifelong until the chip gets old or outdated.
- Microchipping allows your pet to play freely in the rain or water since the chip is inserted into the skin and won’t get destroyed by it. However, if you opt for a GPS tracker, you need to get a waterproof device, or it will get spoiled.
- You need to pay subscription fees monthly or annually with a GPS tracker. But with microchipping, all you need is to register with a microchip company and pay a one-time price.
- Both these tracker devices are not costly, and they may vary depending on the manufacturer. However, the expenses may be more with a GPS tracker since you need to pay fees monthly. Plus, if the device stops working, you need to get a new one.
- You need the help of a veterinarian to get the chip inserted. But with a GPS tracker, all you need is to connect with your smartphone to receive information about your dog’s activity and whereabouts.
These are some differences between a GPS tracker and a dog chip tracker. Both these devices have their pros and cons. However, the choice lies in you eventually. You can choose a suitable device for your dog and your convenience too.
Does the Microchip Send a Signal?
Unfortunately, a microchip doesn’t send a signal as it’s powered by RF (Radio Frequency) technology. Unlike a GPS tracker, where you get the real-time location of your pet, here, you need a scanner to obtain information. It is scanned by an animal shelter or veterinarian to get information about the dog and other details.
A scanner can read a close-range location of your pet, but it’s not as effective as a GPS tracker. If someone finds your dog, they can visit an animal shelter or a veterinary office to get scanned. After retrieving information through a microchip scanner, they will contact you and let you know about your pet.
However, it doesn’t mean that microchipping is useless! Just like every product or device has its pros and cons, this is one of the downsides of this tracker. And thanks to technology, there has been development in the technical aspect of microchipping. You’d see some trackers installed with both microchip and GPS features.
The concept is still new, and different manufacturers are trying to develop this dual technology. And with the fast-paced development of technology, microchips with GPS trackers will become a dominant force.
Why Is Getting Your Pet Implanted With a Microchip Necessary?
Yes, it’s advisable to microchip your pets to be on the safe side. Note that all these tracker devices have downsides and are not perfect. Additionally, you can microchip and attach a GPS tracker to your dog. If one fails, the other will help you trace your dog’s location.
If you’re getting your dog microchipped, you should visit a veterinary office and get it implanted there. Furthermore, you need to register with a microchip company to keep information about your pet updated. Veterinarians always advise getting pets implanted with a chip to simplify findings. It may not be as effective as a GPS tracker, but it’s not useless either!
Some pet owners are worried if implanting a chip into their dog is painful. However, we assure you that it’s painless and causes no harm. Additionally, it doesn’t have side effects or any other issues. This chip is so tiny, like the size of a grain, and your dog won’t even know if it’s inserted into their skin.
It uses a special syringe and a needle to implant the microchip. You need the help of a veterinarian to insert this chip, and it is always advisable to get it done through professionals. Once implanted, it will stay for a lifetime and might even outlive your dog.
So, if you haven’t microchipped your dog yet, we advise you to do so. It’s been reported that most of the lost dogs are brought to animal shelters. And if you haven’t planted a chip, you may not be able to find your dog. However, if your pet is implanted with a microchip, the staff or the finder will be able to keep in touch with you.
Is Registering Your Pet’s Microchip Important?
Yes, it’s vital to register your pet with a microchip company after it’s implanted. Note that your dog’s chip is useless if you don’t register it. Therefore, it’s vital to update the respective microchip registry if there are changes. For instance, if you are relocating, changing your contact number, or changing your last name, you should update it.
Some of the reputed microchip companies are:
- Free pet chip registry
- Microchip registration center
- HomeAgain
You can register with one of these companies and update when required. It’s necessary to keep updated information so that finders can contact you without any hassle.
After inserting the chip, you need to do some paperwork like filling up the required information. You can also fill out the forms online and submit them to a microchip registry. The company will keep a record of your dog with your personal information.
If your dog is brought to an animal shelter or a veterinary office, the staff will scan your pet’s microchip with a scanner. It will give the name of the microchip registry with an ID code or unique number. The staff will then contact the company and ask for your contact information. They will call you and let you know about your pet.
It’s a long process but helpful regardless. It’s never too late, and if you haven’t registered yet, you can do it now.
FAQ
Does a GPS microchip for dogs exist?
Dog GPS tracker chip hasn’t been developed in solid form yet. However, with the advancement of technology, you may see a microchip GPS tracker in the future soon. You’d see some tracker with a mix of these tracker types, but it’s not that efficient. Perhaps what’s considered a myth will turn into reality soon.
Can you track your dog with a microchip?
You can track your dog with a microchip, but you need a universal scanner. It’s quite a long process compared to a GPS tracker. You get the actual-time location of your pet on your phone through GPS.
However, with a microchip, a scanner will scan the dog the obtain information about the dog and its owner details. The finder will contact the respective owner and hand over the dog. It’s a long process, but you eventually get to reunite with your dog.
Which is better: GPS tracker or microchip?
There is no definite answer because both devices have pros and cons. Eventually, the choice is yours. If you want a daily update of your dog’s whereabouts, you can opt for a GPS tracker. The functional aspects of these trackers vary, and you can choose a device accordingly.
Is a microchip tracker costlier than a GPS tracker?
Both trackers are reasonably priced, but they may also vary depending on the brand, especially GPS trackers. Some GPS trackers come with additional features making them pricier. And when it comes to GPS pet monitors, you have to pay monthly fees, which can be an expense.
Only a one-time payment is required with a microchip, and the chip is activated in your dog for a lifetime. So, looking at the expense aspect, a GPS tracker might cost you more than microchipping.
How do I deactivate my dog’s microchip?
We don’t recommend or see no reason to deactivate your dog’s microchip, but there is a way to do it. You need to visit the microchip company where you have registered your dog and ask them to deactivate it.
Bottom Line
We hope that this article was helpful to you in sorting the aspects of the microchip and its differences from the GPS tracker. Getting your dog microchipped is necessary to identify your pet quickly, plus simplify the searching process. Although it may not be as effective or fast as a GPS tracker, it is worth it.
Microchip with GPS trackers hasn’t been developed in solid form yet, perhaps you may get this dual feature in the future. Some products are available with these technologies, which we have listed above. You can expect to see more progress and development of the devices in the coming years.
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