The Spotlight GPS pet locator is a tracking system that lets owners know the moment their dogs make a great escape. Positioning Animals Worldwide (PAW), a technology company that makes the GPS device, partners with the American Kennel Club (AKC) to provide a system it says has recovered thousands of pets.
Through the Internet, owners can pinpoint their dog’s exact location using Google Maps. The system also sends out text and email alerts if the pet wanders out of a “SafeSpot” – his yard, for example. Owners define the boundaries on the Web. The AKC provides a backup network of rescue groups, veterinarians and other pet advocates to offer an around the clock system to help recover lost pets.
The Spotlight GPS sells for $200 and features a water-resistant collar tag. A bright LED light on the tag helps owners locate their pets at night from more than 100 yards away. The light is activated by texting a message to Spotlight.
Stolen dogs can even be tracked by the device. If Sparky is traveling down Main Street at 50 miles per hour, he is likely riding in a car. The owner can then call police with the pet’s exact location.
Sounds great, but what happens if the dog’s collar comes off? Although no system is foolproof, this product still increases the odds of finding a wayward pet.
Comments
i think its a good idea to make a gps that helps you if your little buddy goes missing i mean you could get a micro chip but i would perfer the gps because i would"nt want my dog to go into sergery its better to just get a coller and a gps
Microchips are inserted using a needle, and are placed between the shoulder blades of the animal. I had all three of my cats micro chipped even though they are indoor cats (you never can be too careful). They didn't even budge. It was relatively inexpensive, and all I had to do was go inline and register. Now, I have some peace of mind knowing that if they do get lost, and that if they make it to a shelter or vet office, they will be scanned, and I will get a call.
I bought the device. It sounds good but if you don't have good cellular coverage with T-Mobile the system won't work. I live in Jamestown, NC and have NO coverage. Also you need to purchase the external battery charger; otherwise to charge the battery you have to take the entire unit off the collar and then plug it into a electric wall socket. After doing this one time and then returning it to the dog collar, the rubber cover which is designed to keepout moisture fell off and was lost. The unit is now definately not water resistant.
I got a RoamEO GPS Dog Tracking and Locator System and love it!
No month fees!
Elizabeth, microchips do not require surgery. They are inserted with a needle. Most dogs don't even feel it. Cats sometimes do because I suppose they are smaller and may be more sensitive. But, the vet who chipped my cats was very good. She sort of distracted the cats while she did it. They didn't even flinch. It was a big needle so I flinched when I saw it, but they didn't.
If the GPS fit onto cat collars, I'd probably do that though too because I know that some shelters don't check for microchips, especially not in cats. If your pet got lost and was taken to certain shelters, you might never know it.
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