GPS vs. Microchips: What’s the Real Difference?

As pet owners, one of our top priorities is keeping our beloved animals safe. With technology evolving rapidly, more tools than ever are available to help us protect them. Two of the most common technologies used for pet safety and identification are microchips and GPS trackers. While both serve important but very different purposes, confusion between the two is still widespread. Let’s break down what each technology does, how they work, and how they can be used together to give you the most peace of mind.

Understanding Microchips: Permanent Identification

Microchips are tiny devices-roughly the size of a grain of rice-that are implanted just under your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. These chips serve as a permanent form of identification. They do not use batteries or GPS technology. Instead, they contain a unique identification number that can be read with a microchip scanner.

How Microchips Work

• Passive RFID: Microchips use radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. They are “passive” devices, meaning they do not emit any signals or contain power sources.
• Scanning: When a shelter or veterinarian scans your pet, the chip transmits its ID number. This number is then used to look up your contact details in a microchip registry database.
• Permanent: Microchips are designed to last the entire lifetime of your pet and cannot be removed easily or fall off.

Limitations of Microchips

• No Tracking Capabilities: A microchip cannot tell you where your pet is; it only helps if your pet is found and taken to a facility with microchip scanners.
• Dependent on Registries: For a microchip to be effective, it must be registered and kept up to date. Many pets are microchipped but not properly registered, rendering the chip virtually useless in reuniting lost animals with their owners.

Understanding GPS Trackers: Real-Time Location

GPS pet trackers are devices that use satellite technology to pinpoint your pet’s real-time location. These are usually attached to your pet’s collar and require a power source like a rechargeable battery. They are ideal for pets who are adventurous or prone to escaping.

How GPS Trackers Work

• Global Positioning System (GPS): GPS devices receive signals from satellites to triangulate the exact location of the device.
• Cellular Connectivity: Most pet GPS trackers use cellular networks to send location data to your smartphone or computer in real time.
• Apps and Alerts: Many GPS trackers come with mobile apps that allow you to set up “safe zones” or geofences and receive alerts if your pet leaves these areas.

Limitations of GPS Trackers

• Battery Life: Because they rely on GPS and cellular connectivity, these trackers typically require frequent charging – anywhere from every day to once a week, depending on the model.
• Size and Comfort: Some GPS units may be bulky for small pets and can cause discomfort if not designed appropriately.
• Subscription Fees: Most GPS trackers require a monthly subscription for cellular service, adding to ongoing costs.

Why Use Both: Maximizing Pet Safety

Using both a microchip and a GPS tracker leverages the strengths of each technology, providing multiple layers of protection for your pet.

The Ideal Combination

• Microchip for Permanent ID: Offers a lifetime of identification that cannot be altered or removed, ideal if your pet gets picked up and taken to a shelter or vet clinic.
• GPS for Real-Time Location: Allows you to immediately locate your pet if they wander off or get lost in unfamiliar surroundings.

In the event that your GPS device battery dies, falls off, or loses signal – as can happen in remote or densely-built areas – your pet’s microchip still acts as a backup form of identification. Likewise, a microchip can’t help you actively search for a lost pet, but a GPS tracker gives you that full control in real time.

Best Practices for Pet Owners

To get the most out of both technologies, consider the following best practices:

• Register the Microchip: Immediately after getting your pet microchipped, register the ID number online with your full contact information. Keep this information up to date with any changes.
• Choose the Right GPS Tracker: Look for GPS units that match your pet’s size and activity level. Check battery life and whether the device offers live tracking, location history, or activity monitoring.
• Maintain the Devices: Charge your GPS tracker regularly and check your chip registration annually to ensure all your info is current.

Conclusion

While both microchips and GPS trackers serve to protect your pet, they function in entirely different ways. A microchip is a lifelong form of identification that helps reunite you with your pet if they are found by someone else. A GPS tracker lets you take immediate action when your pet is lost by showing you exactly where they are. For optimal safety, the combination of a GPS tracker and a registered microchip gives you the best chance of recovering your pet quickly and safely, no matter the circumstance.

By understanding and utilizing both tools, you empower yourself to act fast and effectively in keeping your pet safe and close to home.