For many pet owners, pets are beloved family members who deserve the same care and attention as children. Ensuring their health, comfort, and safety is a priority. When pets have health concerns, we take them to veterinarians. But what happens if they go missing? Who do we turn to?

Pets going missing is more common than you might think. The American Humane Association estimates that nearly 10 million cats and dogs are lost or stolen in the United States each year.

According to the Coalition for Reuniting Pets and Families, less than 23% of these lost pets are reunited with their owners. Most of these pets end up as strays or in animal shelters, where they risk being euthanized if not adopted.

Furthermore, 1 out of 3 pets will be lost at some point in their lives. As a pet owner, you want to prevent this from happening. But what can you do?

Ways to Prevent Lost Pets

1. ID Tags and Collars: Always ensure your pet wears a collar with an ID tag that includes your name and up-to-date contact numbers. This helps the finder contact you immediately.

2. Spaying or Neutering: Sterilized pets are less likely to wander, reducing the risk of them getting lost.

3. Secure and Safe Outings: Always leash your pets during walks and keep them close to you. Avoid leaving them leashed outside establishments or locked in cars, especially on hot days.

4. Comfortable Home Environment: Ensure your pet is comfortable when left alone. Don’t leave them outside or in unsafe environments.

5. Invest in Tracking Devices: GPS pet trackers and microchips can help you locate your pets. But which is better?

GPS Pet Trackers vs. Microchips

Pet GPS Trackers

Pet GPS trackers use Global Positioning System technology to track your pet’s location in real time. Here are some features of Tracki Pet Tracker:

• Real-time Tracking: Provides accurate location updates as they happen.
• Geofencing: Allows you to set safety zones and get alerts if your pet leaves these zones.
• SOS Button: Alerts you if someone finds your lost pet.
• Audio Monitoring: Lets you listen to your pet’s surroundings.
• Multiple Connections: Trackers like Tracki offer GPS, GSM, Bluetooth, and WiFi connections for reliable tracking.
• Long-lasting Battery: Some trackers have batteries that last several days.
• Vital Stats Monitoring: Monitors your pet’s temperature, heart rate, and physical activity.

Microchips

Microchips are Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) implanted under your pet’s skin. They serve as a unique identifier linked to your contact details in a registry.

If your pet is lost, vets or shelters can scan the chip to contact you. However, microchips only serve as identification and do not provide real-time tracking.

The Verdict

GPS pet trackers are more versatile and reliable for real-time tracking, allowing quicker recovery of lost pets. While microchips are useful for identification, they require someone to take your pet to a professional for scanning.

For the best results, use both devices. A GPS tracker helps you locate your pet quickly, while a microchip serves as a backup. When it comes to your pet’s safety, it’s better to be prepared.

For those looking for the best GPS pet tracker, Tracki offers a comprehensive set of features and affordable monthly service fees.

Key Takeaways

1. Pets are Family: Pets deserve the same level of care and attention as family members, ensuring their health, comfort, and safety.
2. Prevention Measures: Always use collars with ID tags, spay or neuter your pets, ensure secure outings, and create a comfortable home environment to prevent them from getting lost.
3. Tracking Devices: Invest in both GPS pet trackers and microchips to enhance the chances of recovering a lost pet.
4. GPS Pet Trackers: Offer real-time tracking, geofencing, SOS buttons, audio monitoring, multiple connection options, long-lasting batteries, and vital stats monitoring.
5. Microchips: Serve as permanent identifiers linked to your contact details, useful for identification but do not provide real-time tracking.
6. Combined Use: Using both GPS trackers and microchips offers the best protection and recovery options for lost pets.
7. Tracki Recommendation: Tracki is highlighted as a top GPS pet tracker, providing extensive features and affordable service fees.