Pet Tracking Technology: Keeping Furry Friends Safe
By Kelvin Chan, AP
London — "Have you seen the cats?" is a familiar phrase for many pet owners like Kelvin Chan, whose cats, Maple and Juniper, roam freely outside thanks to microchip identification. As beloved companions, the anxiety of losing them while they explore can be daunting, but technology is stepping in to help.
Dedicated pet trackers, worn as collars, leverage GPS and mobile signals to monitor pets’ locations. Brands like Tractive, Jiobit, and Fi offer devices for dogs and lighter models for cats. These trackers enable owners to set safe zones and receive alerts if their pets wander beyond those boundaries. Prices typically start under $100, with additional subscription fees for cellular service.
While many products include activity monitoring features, they only notify owners if a pet leaves a designated area, not prevent it from doing so. Pet microchips, legally required in some regions, assist in reuniting lost pets, though they don’t provide real-time tracking.
Bluetooth devices like Apple Air Tags also serve as low-cost options for pet tracking, though they have limitations in range compared to dedicated GPS systems. For owners concerned about their pets’ whereabouts, these advancements offer vital peace of mind.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
