If you thought that a microchip and a GPS tracker did the same thing – you’re not alone.
It’s thought quite commonly that a pet’s microchip and a GPS tracker serve the same purpose and provide instant access to a view of your pet’s whereabouts – but only one of these devices can pinpoint the exact location of your companion.
So, what exactly is the difference between a Microchip and a GPS Tracker?
Let’s break it down.
Microchip
A microchip is a small device which is implanted by a vet in between your pet’s shoulders, under the skin, and measures in around 11-13mm – that’s roughly the size of a grain of rice.
The procedure is so quick and painless that your pet won’t feel a thing and is so small that they’ll never know it’s there.
A microchip’s purpose is to identify your pet when scanned using the link between the implanted chip, and the database your pet’s details remain on. Think of it a bit like a barcode or a QR code for your pet.
Therefore, this can be a quick and useful way of being reunited if your pet goes missing. How?
- When your lost pet is found, it can be taken to any local vet or animal charity where it will be scanned with a small device for a microchip
- If your pet is microchipped, the scanner will find the microchip number and identify your pet along with a home address and contact number, providing you’ve kept your details up to date of course.
- Once the vet identifies your pet, they can then contact you and reunite you with your best friend in no time.
In 2016 it became mandatory for all dogs in the UK to be microchipped by the age of eight weeks, and the same is expected to come into effect for cats in 2023.
GPS
A GPS tracker is a small device (not quite as small as a microchip) often fitted to the collar or harness of your pet and allows you to track their location in real-time, making it much easier and quicker to find them should the worst happen. How?
- The tracker is fitted to your pet’s collar in the form of a small tag or device, or sometimes even as a full collar.
- Through a GPS (Global Positioning System) antenna and other hardware, this enables the device to be located literally anywhere in the world via satellites.
- The information on your pet’s whereabouts is obtained from these satellites and sent to the tracker which will be linked to an app on your smartphone.
- So if your pet wanders a bit too far, you can see their location in real-time via the app and be reunited in no time. It’s as simple as that.
We’ve all had that gut-wrenching feeling when your pets go out of sight, but because of their accurate tracking, GPS devices can drastically increase your chances of retrieving your runaway pet and give you peace of mind over your best friend’s safety and whereabouts.
However, there are a few things to consider when purchasing your device, for example:
- Battery life
- Water resistance
- Durability
- Size and comfort
- App features
*That’s why with our identifind service, we’ve partnered up with PitPat. Not only do their GPS trackers have superior accuracy thanks to up-to-date, dual sim technology, but they’ve also got a battery that can go months between charges. Even better, their devices are one of the smallest and lightest on the market, as well as being completely waterproof, dustproof and adventure-proof.
Are there any implantable GPS devices on the market?
Due to the current technology behind GPS, even the most hi-tech hardware is still too large and complex to fit into a device that would be small enough to be implanted in the same way that a microchip is. But at the rate technology is progressing, we wouldn’t rule this out as a possibility for the future.
Learn more about and compare the benefits of our identialert & identifind services here