Have you ever wondered if a GPS implant for dogs is possible? A GPS tracker that can be implanted under the skin, one which will help you find your dog in the unfortunate circumstance that they ever run away or get lost. It makes sense, this would be a very useful invention.
However, the question at hand is, do GPS implants for dogs exist? If so, are they safe? If so, where to purchase one? As a dog owner myself, I know how deeply all dog parents care about their furry four-legged partners. To help you out, here is the most important information on GPS implants for dogs.
You might have had that heart-in-mouth scare when your dog runs off or goes missing, believe me, so have I.
Thankfully, in the majority of cases they are just around the corner nose-deep in a hedge, however, in unforeseen situations, they get themselves into more serious trouble and need you to track them down ASAP.
The most alarming concern is that they might have been stolen. As dog theft is at an all-time high, owners are rightly concerned and justified in seeking out ways to keep their dogs safe.
This is what leads thousands of dog parents to ask, ‘Can I get a GPS implant or microchip for my dog?’
To be put bluntly, the answer is no, and it’s because the required technology doesn’t exist yet. It is not possible to implant a device, which uses GPS technology to track your dog, for the exact simple reason that such a device is not currently available for humans.
What’s in a dog’s microchip?
When you get your dog microchipped, a tiny chip about the size of a grain of rice is implanted between the dog’s shoulders, under its skin. The size of the chip is so small, it’s not even noticeable to them.
The dog’s microchip holds one piece of information, a reference number. When a vet or dog warden scans the dog’s microchip, they will be able to look at the reference number, then search for it in pet microchip databases. This is done to bring up a profile that contains your contact details, thus helping you to reunite with your dog in no time.
The microchip for dogs is intended to identify their owner if they get picked up when lost, this microchip’s functionality is more or less similar to the tag that they wear on their collar. This microchip cannot track the dog’s location to tell you where they are at any given moment.
If you live in the UK, it’s a legal requirement in the UK to have your dog microchipped, with the details kept up to date.
Types of dog trackers
There are several different types of dog trackers available on the market. A few trackers use GPS technology, whereas others use Bluetooth. Bluetooth trackers generally have a minimal range; thus you will only be able to track your dog when they are nearby. On the other hand, GPS devices will enable you to find the device’s location from almost anywhere in the world.
The majority of GPS trackers for dogs come as either a full collar or a device that attaches to their collar. Thus, they generally go unnoticed by all but the smallest dogs.
GPS trackers grant you the ability to see the dog’s real-time location with about seven meters of accuracy. This makes the GPS trackers incredibly useful in case your dog runs away or gets lost. Once you are able to find them, then in no time you can bring them home.
If you are relying on a GPS tracker to find your dog when they are missing, you have to choose an accurate device. An ideal device has good battery life, that’s waterproof, and robust enough to stay on your dog’s collar, without risk of falling off.
Can you get a GPS microchip implant for dogs?
GPS dog trackers contain complex hardware that receives as well as interprets location information from satellites. As of this writing, this hardware is simply too big to fit inside an implant that sits underneath the dog’s skin.
Additionally, GPS trackers require to be charged, unlike microchips. There simply is no practical or ethical way to include and charge a battery in a device that is implanted under the dog’s skin.
Will GPS tech for dog implants or microchips ever exist?
Taking into consideration the pace at which technology is evolving, nothing can be ruled out. Perhaps innovative pet tech companies could use nanotechnology coupled with wireless charging to create a device that is as unobtrusive as the dog’s microchip.
However, speaking of present scenarios, this technology is accessible nowhere.
Can GPS trackers keep my dog safe?
Now that you understand GPS implants don’t exist yet, the next best things to use for dog security are GPS trackers. GPS trackers can be a valuable tool in keeping the dog safe, happy & healthy. If you use the GPS tracker with your dog’s microchip and a tag with your details, it will help you be sure that your dog will eventually be found and returned to you, if and ever they are lost.
Of course, dog theft is still a significant concern for dog owners, whilst an implantable dog tracker doesn’t exist, there are still plenty of steps that you can take to keep your dog safe. For example, anti-theft leads, and the best step is to opt for safe walking routes.
Are GPS trackers worth the money?
Most GPS trackers are worth the money you spend but is often accompanied by a higher price tag. Many GPS trackers will also include additional functionality, for example, the ability to measure the dog’s activity as well as rest.
Yes, it might be tempting to opt for a cheaper alternative, like the Apple AirTag, keep in mind you should proceed with caution. At the end of the day, you need to know that when you need to use the GPS tracker it’ll work quickly and effectively. You can even read our article if AirTag is a viable option for tracking your dog.
