With the advent of new technology and reduced hardware sizes, it was expected that GPS dog collars would be released to allow us to find our puppy in case it gets lost.
GPS for dogs are already a reality, there are many models already incorporated or that we can incorporate into our dog’s collar and that through a simple mobile or PC application will give us all the information we need.
This will help us know where our dog is, where it has been and will even send us an alarm if it leaves a pre-established area by us, a security perimeter. You want to know more? We explain everything to you in detail.
Index of contents
- 1 How does a GPS dog collar work?
- 2 What kind of dogs need to use a GPS locator on their collars?
- 3 How much does a GPS dog collar cost? Do I have to pay monthly fees to make it work?
- 4 What should I take into account when buying a GPS collar for my dog?
How does a GPS dog collar work?
This type of collars have a small device that carries a GPS signal receiver, which allows the collar to know the coordinates of the dog. The same necklace has a space inserted for a SIM card, that is, a mobile phone card
In this way, the necklace can collect the geographical coordinates of its position and also send them to us by phone or by SMS to our mobile terminal or manufacturer’s application.
So its operation is really simple, we put the dog the GPS collar with its corresponding SIM card activated and let it live normal life. From our mobile phone or desktop computer and thanks to a manufacturer application, we can see in real time where our dog is.
Also where it has been, since its necklace will allow us to know its position during the previous hours and days. Thanks to technology and type of collar or harness to name it, our dog will never be lost again.
What kind of dogs need to use a GPS locator on their collars?
Obviously this type of technology is not necessary for well-behaved domestic dogs that never run away…. The GPS collar is more focused on hunting dogs that can run large tracts of land and get lost, or on very mischievous dogs that often run away.
It is even a great invention for sheepdogs, which can not only tell us where they are thanks to the GPS device, but possibly tell us where the herd they care for is also.
A pet dog that behaves well and never runs away, used to taking his two or three walks a day or going for a run with his owner, visiting the dog park or playing close to home … he doesn’t really need this type of technology at all.
How much does a GPS dog collar cost? Do I have to pay monthly fees to make it work?
Unfortunately the price of GPS collars for dogs are somewhat high, also not all collars are the same, some have a smaller and discreet size, others have a much longer battery life, others are waterproof (very important), etc …
Depending on the quality we are looking for the necklace, we will pay more or less for it. From fifty euros for the most basic necklace to three hundred for the most complete. And also, to all this we must add the monthly fees of the SIM and the manufacturer’s APP service, that is, between ten and fifty euros per month more.
There are GPS collars for dogs with no monthly fees that work through radio frequency, obviously they are a more profitable option but with the drawback that from a certain distance, the range of the radio is lost. Thus, they only serve for perimeters of, for example, twenty or thirty kilometers.
What should I take into account when buying a GPS collar for my dog?
The most important points to remember are the following:
- GPS device size: If your dog is of medium or small breed, do not buy a brick…. It will be very uncomfortable for him.
- Coverage and Battery: As important as the coverage distance is the battery time, remember that GPS collars must be recharged just like mobile terminals.
- Device quality: The dogs are quite clumsy, they will give him goals and they will get him wet … try to buy a device that is waterproof and made of shock resistant materials.
- Price and fees: Do not be fooled by very cheap GPS collars that will later charge you exaggerated fees … find a balance. The best GPS is not the most expensive, do not forget.
- Compatibility: Not all GPS collars work in Spain, be sure to buy one that works in Spain and whose location application is in Spanish.