GPS for Pets Update

This has always been a popular subject here at the GPS Tracking ROI blog.  Every week there are searches for GPS trackers for pets and I’ve even had phone calls from far away lands from folks looking for ways to track Fido. (by the way, I always like to talk with readers, so you can comment on the posts, email me at davestarr(at) gmail (dot) com or call me on 1-719-423-8872 (sorry, no 1-800 number anymore).

One of the devices I’m looking at today seems new on the market and the other is an update on an old favorite.

First up is the Stealth PetTracker from A.I.Inc. simply fastens to the pets existing collar.  No need for a custom collar, use your own favorite.  The Pet Tracking system is the newest addition to the Stealth line of Tracking units. At only 5 ounces and the small size of 3″ x 2″ x 1″, makes it the smallest GPS unit on the market today. Track you pet on our password protected website.

Overview

The device has a self contained battery (different battery options are available) that can be recharged. Device can operate in 2 modes: Standard/Walk and Geofence. In Standard mode, if your pet gets away, you can get notifications on the website, phone, or via a pet locator specialist. In Geofence mode, you specify the containment area radius, and if the pet wanders from that containment area, you will be notified.   Specs:

• 12 - channel parallel design
• Split Second reacquisition time
• High Sensitivity, low power draw
• Unit is housed in a single enclosure
• antenna is internal
• Powered internal battery with a L-iIon charger pack (sold separately)

This device is unique because the collar seems to connect with your home’s WiFi Access Point (if you have a WiFi access point, that is).  In some cases this would be a good solution because even if you have to run down to BestBuy or some other supplier and pick up a WAP, the will be no monthly costs … and you can conceivably drive around the neighborhood with your laptop and pick up Fido’s signal if he roams.  But for any pet that frequently runs off this seem downright stupid, because you would have to know where the rascal is before you can get a fix on him.  My recommendation:  Not ready for prime time.

Next up is the GlobalPetFinder by GPSTracks LLC.  It works like this:

Globalpetfinder Members can build a virtual fence of ANY size within which your pet can freely roam simply by logging into the command center and following the instructions for ‘create a fence’. The command center will prompt you to enter a name , address and size for your fence. That’s it! Your fence is automatically downloaded to the memory of your globalpetfinder. Up to 5 fence locations can be stored at once.

If your pet wanders outside the boundary you have determined, you will be alerted immediately and sent the continuously updated location of your pet, to the 2-way wireless device of your choice; cell phone, PDA, computer ,etc.

If the pet goes outside the geofenced location, you’ll get an alarm on your cell phone, PDA or pager.  You can check on your pets’ location at any time by dialing F-O-U-N-D from the two way device you’ve chosen, your pet will respond with their position.

My thoughts:  Some nice features but strictly limited to specific cell phone carrier service areas.  Absolutely useless if the pet strays outside cell phone range.  Also could be very problematical if you are in a rural area where street addresses are spares, since the location message is a textual address of the pet’s current location … rather than what would be much more intelligent .. a map.

Recommendation: useful device if you fit within the distinct system limitations.