Worried about losing your dog or cat? Heres everything you need to know to choose the right tracking system for your pet. Well also explain the main differences between a GPS chip and a microchip.
Has your dog disappeared or run away during the walk to catch a tempting smell? Your cat went out but didnt come back as planned? No worries, all you need to do is activate its GPS chip implant for dogs or its micro GPS chip for cats to geolocate it and find it back quickly and easily.
Sounds like an ideal scenario, doesnt it? Ideal yes, but for the moment its mostly fictional! Because in reality, the subcutaneous GPS chip is still only a myth, an invention that is only just at the idea stage. Neither the cat GPS chip implant nor the subcutaneous GPS chip for dogs exists for the simple reason that the GPS chip implant technology is not perfect yet. As a result, there are many challenges in terms of feasibility.
However, there are two alternatives to this dream product: the electronic microchip and the GPS chip for cats and dogs. After explaining why the GPS implant is not possible, we will detail how the electronic microchip and the GPS chip can prevent you from being separated from your pet as well as their main differences.
The Dream vs. Reality of Dog GPS Implants
Have you ever panicked when your furry best friend wandered off during a walk? Or maybe your escape artist of a dog has a talent for finding holes in your fence? If so, you’ve probably wondered: can you put a GPS chip in your dog?
The short answer No GPS implants for dogs do not currently exist – and they wouldn’t be safe or healthy even if they did.
Let me explain why this technology isn’t available yet and what alternatives you actually have to keep track of your four-legged friend
Understanding the Confusion: Microchips vs. GPS Trackers
Many pet parents confuse two different technologies:
- Microchips – tiny implantable devices used for identification
- GPS trackers – external devices that provide real-time location tracking
These technologies serve different purposes but both help keep your dog safe in their own way. Let’s break down the differences:
Microchips: What They Actually Do
Microchips are about the size of a grain of rice (approximately 12 x 2 mm) and weigh only 0.025 grams. These tiny devices can be safely implanted under your dog’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades.
But here’s the thing – microchips don’t contain any GPS technology! They’re simply identification tools that store a unique ID number linked to your contact information. If someone finds your lost dog and takes them to a vet or shelter, staff can scan the microchip to identify you as the owner.
Microchips:
- ✅ Can be implanted under the skin
- ✅ Are permanent
- ✅ Require no battery
- ✅ Have no ongoing costs
- ❌ Cannot actively track your dog’s location
- ❌ Require someone else to find your dog and scan the chip
GPS Trackers: How They Actually Work
GPS trackers, on the other hand, are much larger devices (around 71 x 29 x 17 mm) weighing approximately 39 grams. These devices attach to your dog’s collar and use Global Positioning System technology to determine their exact location.
A proper GPS tracker for dogs contains several essential components:
- GPS antenna
- GSM module (for cellular connectivity)
- Battery pack
- LED lights
- Speaker
- Other electronic components
With a GPS tracker, you can see your dog’s real-time location on your smartphone, set up virtual boundaries, and receive alerts if they wander off.
Why You Can’t Implant a GPS Tracker in Your Dog (Yet)
There are two major reasons why GPS implants for dogs don’t exist:
1. Size Issues
The current technology required for GPS tracking is simply too large to be safely implanted under your dog’s skin. Just imagine trying to implant something the size of a watch face under your dog’s skin – ouch! That would be painful and potentially dangerous.
By comparison, microchips are about the size of a grain of rice, which makes them safe for implantation. The difference in size is due to the different technologies and components involved.
2. Battery & Charging Problems
GPS trackers require regular recharging (usually every 7-10 days). If the tracker was implanted under your dog’s skin:
- How would you charge it? (Can’t exactly plug a USB cord into your dog!)
- What happens when the battery dies? Surgery to replace it?
- What about battery safety? Implanting a lithium-ion battery inside your dog would pose serious health risks.
These practical challenges make GPS implants for dogs unsafe and impractical with current technology.
The Smart Solution: External GPS Trackers
Instead of wishing for an implantable GPS that doesn’t exist, consider using an external GPS tracker designed specifically for dogs. These devices attach securely to your dog’s collar and provide all the tracking features you need.
Modern GPS trackers for dogs offer impressive features:
- Real-time location tracking – See exactly where your dog is at all times
- Virtual fence alerts – Get notified if your dog leaves a designated safe area
- Activity monitoring – Track your dog’s exercise and rest patterns
- Unlimited range – Track your dog anywhere with cellular coverage
- Waterproof design – Perfect for dogs who love swimming or playing in puddles
- Long battery life – Typically 7-10 days (or up to 30 days with some models)
Unlike microchips, which rely on someone finding your dog and scanning them, GPS trackers allow you to take an active role in locating your lost pet immediately.
Comparing Microchips and GPS Trackers: A Detailed Look
| Feature | Microchip | GPS Tracker |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 12 x 2 mm (grain of rice) | 71 x 29 x 17 mm |
| Weight | 0.025 g | 39 g |
| Implantable | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Waterproof | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Battery life | No battery needed | 7-10 days (up to 30 days for some models) |
| Upfront cost | ~85 € | ~50 € |
| Ongoing costs | None | Monthly subscription fee |
| Location tracking | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Real-time updates | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Legal requirement | Varies by country | No |
| Theft deterrent | Limited | ✅ Yes |
| Worldwide operation | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Escape alerts | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Activity tracking | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Weight requirements | None | Usually 4+ kg (9+ lbs) |
The Best of Both Worlds: Why You Need Both
We strongly recommend using BOTH technologies together for maximum protection:
- Implanted microchip – For permanent identification if your dog is found by someone else
- GPS tracker on collar – For active tracking and immediate location of your lost pet
This dual approach ensures you have the best chance of being reunited with your dog if they ever get lost. The microchip serves as a backup identification method if the GPS tracker gets damaged or removed.
Will GPS Implants Ever Be Possible?
While there’s no safe GPS implant for dogs available today, technology is always advancing. In the distant future, we might see miniaturized GPS technology that could potentially be safely implanted.
However, even with miniaturization, significant challenges remain:
- Power supply/battery issues
- Potential health risks
- Surgical considerations
- Signal strength from under the skin
For now, the combination of a microchip and external GPS tracker provides the best protection available.
My Experience with Dog Tracking
As a dog parent myself, I’ve tried various solutions for keeping track of my escape-prone Border Collie. After she went missing for several heart-stopping hours last summer, I invested in both a microchip and a GPS tracker.
The peace of mind is worth every penny of the monthly subscription. Just last month, I got an alert that she’d left our yard while I was at work. Thanks to the real-time tracking, I found her exploring a neighbor’s garden just a few blocks away – crisis averted!
Final Thoughts: Safety First
When it comes to keeping your furry family member safe, it’s better to use proven technologies rather than wait for futuristic solutions. A combination of microchipping and external GPS tracking gives your dog the best protection available today.
Remember:
- Microchips help others return your dog to you
- GPS trackers help you find your dog yourself
- Both technologies serve different but complementary purposes
So while the answer to “can you put a GPS chip in your dog?” is currently no, you still have excellent options for keeping track of your beloved pet.
Have you had an experience where a GPS tracker or microchip helped reunite you with your dog? Share your story in the comments below!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before making decisions about your pet’s health and safety.
Summary of the article:
The chances are that if this had been possible, the GPS chip implant would already be telling us the real-time location of our loved ones. However, even though mans mastery of miniaturisation is getting better and better, there are still some constraints that are difficult to overcome.
Unsolvable power supply problems
Assuming that GPS technology can integrate into a subcutaneous implant, there is still a significant difficulty. How to power the subcutaneous GPS chip? As we have seen, a battery has to power the GPS chip and must recharge regularly. However, a cat GPS chip under the skin is difficult to reach, so how do you attain it to feed it?
Moreover, if the battery life lasts for about five years, this means that it must be replaced at least once in the animals life. However, in this specific case, changing the battery would imply a new operation for the animal and additional costs for its owner.
Can You Track Your Dog With A Microchip?
FAQ
Can I put a GPS chip in my dog?
No, you cannot get a GPS chip implanted in a dog, as an implantable GPS device is not possible due to size, power, and technological constraints. Instead, dog owners can use two different technologies for pet safety: a small, permanent microchip implanted under the skin for permanent ID and a wearable GPS tracker attached to a collar for real-time location monitoring.
How much does it cost to put a GPS chip in a dog?
The cost of microchipping a dog averages $25 to $60. But you may be able to access free or low-cost microchipping at a public animal shelter or adoption center. Or if you have a pet insurance plan, the procedure may be covered under a preventive or wellness rider.
Do GPS microchips exist?
No, microchips do not have GPS; instead, they are radio-frequency identification (RFID) implants that provide a unique identification number, not a real-time location, when scanned by a veterinarian or shelter. GPS tracking requires a larger device with a power source to communicate with satellites, which is not feasible for the small, passive chips used for pets. For real-time location tracking, a separate, wearable GPS device is needed.
How much will it cost to get a dog chipped?
Prices range from £10 up to £30, so it pays to do your research. This fee pays for the implantation of the microchip and initial registration. There are also three charities in the UK that offer free microchipping for dogs: Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.