Let’s face it; there are often many misconceptions when it comes to the products that are available for our furry friends. Specifically, regarding GPS tracking devices and microchips.
Two common misconceptions are 1) that GPS trackers can be implanted into dogs and other pets and 2) microchips are available which offer GPS tracking capabilities. In this article, we will take a closer look at why these are in fact, myths, and clarify the important distinctions between GPS dog trackers and microchips for pets.
The Myth of the Dog Tracker Chip
If you are like many loving dog parents, you have likely considered all possible options when it comes to keeping your dog safe. You’ve heard about microchips as well as GPS dog trackers and thought; it must be possible to combine these two into one, to make the perfect dog tracking device!
As the leading expert in wearable pet technology, we certainly agree that this would be the ideal solution for keeping our furry friends safe and sound. However, it’s important to be aware, that at this time, there is no such consumer technology which combines both a microchip and GPS tracker into one.
There is no such technology which combines both a microchip and GPS tracker into one.
It is not possible to implant a GPS tracker under the skin of a dog at this time and current microchips for dogs do not offer GPS tracking. The following infographic illustrates the differences between these two types of technology, which are explained in further detail below:
Microchip for Dogs: A Simple Identification Chip
The microchip for dogs is a radio-frequency identification (RFID) implant. As this name suggests, the chip is used for identification purposes only. It’s composed of a tiny, electronic chip, each of which carries a unique identification number. Enclosed in a glass cylinder, about 11-14 mm long and 2-2.3 mm thick, the chip is about the size of a grain of rice. Microchips weigh roughly 0.025 grams.
