Among the various pet trackers on the market, pet GPS trackers stand out for their reliability, extensive coverage, and the ability to communicate over long distances. They are also compact and lightweight, making them an ideal choice for most cats and dogs. However, comprehending how these devices operate is crucial before acquiring one for your pet.
This article aims to demystify the workings of pet GPS trackers broadly and to delineate the distinctions between the two primary categories of these trackers.
Operational Basics of Pet GPS Trackers
Common to all pet GPS trackers is their utilization of GPS technology for pinpointing a pet’s location. These devices are outfitted with GPS chips, facilitating communication with GPS satellites.
Typically, a tracking unit, affixed to the pet’s collar or harness, persistently monitors the pet’s position by linking with at least four GPS satellites. This unit receives coordinates from the satellites and conveys this data to the pet owner.
Pet GPS trackers incorporate a minimum of two different technologies for operation. While all trackers acquire locational data through GPS, the method of conveying this information to the pet owner varies, classifying the trackers into two main types: cellular pet GPS trackers and mixed or multi-technology pet GPS trackers.
Cellular Pet GPS Trackers
Equipped with SIM cards, cellular pet GPS trackers transmit locational data to the owner’s smartphone using cellular networks. This data is accessible through a dedicated application, typically provided at no extra cost, featuring a map for easily viewing your and your pet’s locations, as well as the distance between the two.
The functionality of cellular pet GPS trackers is dependent on cellular network coverage. They may operate on a single or multiple networks and are capable of functioning within one or several countries globally.
Their primary advantage is their capacity to operate over unlimited distances, provided there is available cellular network coverage and the tracker can establish connections with GPS satellites.
Mixed or Multi-Technology Pet GPS Trackers
Alternatively, mixed or multi-technology pet GPS trackers transfer locational data using proprietary technologies and Bluetooth, rather than cellular networks. This data, too, is accessible via a smartphone app, which features an interactive map for locating your pet.
The operational range of mixed or multi-technology pet trackers is generally restricted to a few miles. However, their significant benefit lies in their global operational capability, as they are not reliant on cellular network coverage.
The Findster Duo+, recognized as one of the premier pet trackers globally, falls within this category. It offers global tracking capabilities, with an average communication range of 3 miles and a maximum of 5 miles in open areas.
Conclusion
In essence, pet GPS trackers are devices that leverage GPS technology for gathering locational data on pets. They connect with GPS satellites through GPS chips and furnish pet owners with precise locational updates.
There are two principal categories of pet GPS trackers: cellular and mixed or multi-technology. Cellular trackers use cellular networks for data transmission, whereas mixed or multi-technology trackers employ proprietary technologies and Bluetooth. They vary in coverage and communication range, with cellular trackers providing a wider range but mixed or multi-technology trackers offering global coverage.
Regardless of the type of pet GPS tracker chosen, owners can effortlessly track their pets using a specialized app, which displays locational information on an intuitive map.