Shelters and vets have access to microchip scanners and frequently use the microchips to identify lost animals and get them home. They will be able to scan a lost microchipped dog and they can keep an eye out for dogs matching your pet’s description.
Find out the facts to keep your dog safe, including whether there is a dog tracking microchip and what exactly microchips and GPS trackers can do.
Let’s be honest: There are a lot of myths about the products that are available for our furry friends. Specifically, regarding GPS tracking devices and microchips for dogs.
There are two widespread myths: 1) that dogs and other pets can have GPS trackers implanted; and 2) that it is possible to buy microchips with GPS tracking capabilities. These are myths, as we will see in this article, and we will also make clear the key differences between GPS dog trackers and pet microchips.
Locating a Lost Pet Using Its Microchip
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Put the pet’s microchip number into an online universal registry to find a lost pet using it. If your pet is taken to a veterinarian or animal shelter, they will scan it to determine whether it has a microchip. If so, they will be able to access your contact information and inform you of the location of your lost pet. If you have a rescue animal, check with the shelter to see if it has a chip and let them know you want them back if they find out. A microchip is not a GPS tracker, so you must wait until your pet’s chip is scanned at a veterinarian or animal shelter. Continue reading to find out how to microchip your pet!
What is a Microchip?
You must understand how microchips function in detail if you want to know how to use one to locate a lost dog. Permanent identification tags called microchips are injected under the skin of dogs’ shoulders. These are tiny technological devices, about the size of a rice grain, that can be read by a scanner. A quick trip to the veterinarian is all it takes to have your dog microchipped. Make sure a veterinarian or someone with the necessary training injects the microchip into the animal. Microchips are battery-free and will function for the entirety of your dog’s life.
5 Ways To Track A Lost Dog
In addition to using microchips, there are several other tracking methods for lost dogs that are distinct from the microchip technology. They include:
One of the best tools and the quickest way to find a lost pet is a GPS tracking device. You can get the dog’s location and readings in real-time as long as the GPS tracker is inside. Despite their high cost, GPS tracking devices are a great investment. In a dog’s collar, a GPS tracking device is typically pre-installed. It is also very practical to insert it into the animal’s existing collar. Every dog wears a collar after all. Don’t forget to replace the battery when it gets low because most GPS trackers use batteries.
With the aid of a tiny gadget called a motion detector, it is possible to follow a pet from a distance. When movement is detected above a certain threshold, an alarm is generated. It is useful in big, busy places where lots of animals are roaming around.
You can also use hidden cameras around your home to track a lost pet within your immediate surroundings. With home security cameras, the pet owner can see the dog’s movements around the house, yard, and, depending on the coverage, the immediate surroundings. The footage can give insight into how the pet left home, likely areas to look for, and the next step.
FAQ
Can I track my dog with a microchip?
Pet microchips do not have GPS technology. Instead, they employ Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, which can be used to scan for data, such as the contact details of the pet owner. This means that while microchips cannot pinpoint the location of your lost pet, they can help with their safe return when they are discovered.
Can dog chips track location?
Put the pet’s microchip number into an online universal registry to find a lost pet using it. If your pet is taken to a veterinarian or animal shelter, they will scan it to determine whether it has a microchip. If so, they will be able to access your contact information and inform you of the location of your lost pet.