GPS Pet Tracking
Anne King
If you have a dog or cat that is an escape artist with
cross-country travel on its mind, you might want to consider a
GPS pet--tracking device.
The same technology that enables rangers to follow tagged
animals will allow an owner track straying or lost pets. You
can choose either a collar design or a backpack type that
works with a harness.
Before you rush out to buy a GPS pet--tracking device you need to
consider a few things. Firstly, in addition to the system having
a GPS receiver, a transmitter is required so the animal's
location can be reported. This usually means a service provider
is needed.
Some pet--tracker systems are used with GSM (Global System for
Mobile communication) that uses your GSM mobile phone and a SIM
(Subscriber Identity Module) card for tracking. Note the SIM card
provider needs to have a service in the area where you'll be
using the device.
There are various ways of accessing the information that your GPS
receives. These include via home phone, Internet, and software
installed on your computer. Phone access is not recommended and
installed software limits your access to information. Internet
access to your GPS data is the recommended way to go. You just
log on, enter your password and your pet is located.
Pet finding software allows you to define your pet's boundaries
and upload them to your computer. If your pet goes beyond its
boundaries then an alarm will sound and you can quickly locate
where the animal has gone. If you are traveling with your pet
beyond its boundaries you can disable the alarm, or if you are
visiting another area you can upload new boundaries. Most systems
allow you have more than one area entered.
All GPS units vary in sophistication as does the pet--tracking
GPS. You can choose a unit that gives location and nothing else,
or you can purchase a device that will give you location and the
information of how to get there, including reference points along
the way. As in any product, what you spend will define the
abilities of your system. If your animal is a water lover make
sure that the unit is waterproof.
There is a difference between dog tracker collars and GPS
pet--tracking devices. The former are usually limited in range to
about half a mile and are ineffective if your animal has been
stolen and removed from the area. Beacon devices can only be seen
within the range of the light.
A GPS Pet-tracking device that is not being worn is useless. If
you invest the money, make sure that your pet wears his/hers all
the time. Yes, animal snatchers will sometimes remove collars,
but a surprising number don't think about doing so. Combined with
micro chipping and registration, pet--tracking GPS devices will
go a long way to ensure that your lost pet will be located.
Anne King is a sports and recreation writer in Boise, Idaho. For
more GPS tracking information, visit Maps GPS Info.com which
provides practical information on GPS and maps that everyone can
use. The website includes product reviews and a maps/GPS
glossary.
http://www.maps-gps-info.com/gp-trkg.htmlite
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