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GPS Pet Tracking
updated: Sep 24, 2012, 3:39 PM

By Edhat Subscriber

Does anyone have experience using GPS pet tracking systems like Tagg? My worst fear is that my dog could get lost. Fortunately, this has never happened but I would sure feel better knowing that I could track him it the unthinkable did happen. Any input would be greatly appreciated?

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

COMMENT 323653	2012-09-24 03:42 PM
that is awesome that that is your worst fear! I wish that was my worst fear. Can you clarify how your dog could get lost? (I'm not a dog owner)
COMMENT 323654	2012-09-24 03:46 PM
never hear of tagg. You need a chip inplanted. All the vets and shelters can read the chip and return the dog to you. You have to keep the chip information up to date if you move.
COMMENT 323656P	2012-09-24 03:51 PM
655P here again. The chip is a good idea (654's suggestion), but it doesn't lead you to them if they get lost. It only helps if the animal ends up at a shelter or vet clinic where they scan for chips. That's still a huge help, of course, but it doesn't tell you where they are when you're searching.
COMMENT 323657P	2012-09-24 03:53 PM
The Tagg thing looks pretty cool! They're getting smaller, too. Haven't tried it, but here's the web site: http://www.pettracker.com/pet-gps/tagg-dog-gps-specifications
COMMENT 323677	2012-09-24 04:29 PM
655P I'm not certain why the hostility towards 653. I am a pet owner and I am certainly jealous that the OPs worst fear is that their animal would get lost. The first step OP is to make sure you have a well trained dog. If your dog runs out the door or gate if it is left open or does not come to you immediately when you call it you have some more work to do in this area. The next step is the tracker. There have been great advances in this area but I have not seen a GPS implant yet. Your best bet for peace of mind is a GPS collar and a backup chip that most kennels will scan if the dog is found.
COMMENT 323687	2012-09-24 04:40 PM
@MSSB. I like your style. All dog owners must train their dog to have excellent recall (come when they're called). Any dog can lose its way, but if you have your dog off-leash and it takes off for parts unknown . . . that is you being irresponsible, at best. A tracker sounds great, but I sure as heck hope you aren't expecting such a device to protect your dog from vehicles or wildlife (mountain lions come to mind).
COMMENT 323775P	2012-09-24 08:13 PM
I read a great, positive article about people using a GPS system for their dogs in a recent issue of either BARK magazine or The Whole Dog Journal, but can't find the article right now. The system or systems used were actually designed for hunting dogs, but were quite adaptable for other dogs.
COMMENT 323784	2012-09-24 08:56 PM
Our daughter rescued an abused schnauzer and worried that he would somehow get away before he learned his new name and became attached to her. We gave her the Tagg system and she has loved it! She keeps the collar on Gus until bedtime, is notified on her cell phone anytime he leaves the home base with his dog walker, complete with a map of his location. Then she's notified when he returns to the "home base." If he did somehow get lost she could use her computer to track him. It's not inexpensive but works beautifully and affords us some peace of mind. We would be heartbroken if anything happened to Gus!
COMMENT 323809P	2012-09-25 12:49 AM
What great ideas here. The Tagg system sounds worth it. I don't understand how people can lose their pets, anyway. Correct training, lots of attention and love, regular feedings, walking only with leash, unless at beach or open area, no abuse-ever, daily playtime etc. If you can't do all this, you shouldn't own a dog. So many people go by our house with dogs off-leash. The dogs run into my yard-after the cats-pisses me off-I can't build a fence cause the landlord won't let us. One more thing. Please dog-owners...don't run your dogs long distance with you-esp. on hot days! Don't go anywhere without lots of water and shade for them. Their bodies are horizontal and often with dark coloring-SO they absorb heat much faster than YOU do. This summer we saw many overheated/distressed dogs...tongues hanging out. Where is your compassion? And don't even think about leaving them in the car AT ALL-not even for 5 minutes-PLEASE. If I see this, I will and have been instructed by the shelter to call the police -they will free the dog from the car any way possible (that is what I was told). Thank YOU!
COMMENT 323839	2012-09-25 08:06 AM
My rescue was a known escape artist at the shelter and even destroyed a kennel at the Humane Society when they kept him for a while. He is very strong and can basically get through or over any fence except something the City would not allow me to build anyway. But once he figured out that he was home at a place where he would get regular exercise, the only bust-outs he has done was to go visit the neighbor to get some attention. But that GPS thing sounds pretty cool, maybe we should all wear one!
COMMENT 323931	2012-09-25 11:24 AM
Remember it's battery powered so the device only works when it can transmit.... ie. is powered.

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