GPS pet tracking options March 1, 2007
Posted by Rich in : GPS pet tracking , trackbackSounds like a great idea doesn’t it? GPS tracking of your dog or cat, which is prone to wandering. Unfortunately, your options are a little limited, for the time being anyway. Before
we get to our GPS pet tracking recommendations, lets look at the two main types of tracking and the products currently available:
GPS pet tracking via cell phone carrier
The first two devices transmit location data via cell phone transmission. One advantage of this is that you can track your pet via the Internet, cell phone, etc. These devices will not work in areas without cell coverage. There is typically an ongoing service charge with these devices.
UPDATE: I’ve also posted detailed information on the Zoombak GPS dog collar.
Stealth PetTracker
The Stealth PetTracker is relatively small (3″ x 2″ x 1″) and has a water-resistant case. The site claims that the Li-ion battery can last up to several days on a single charge; a low-battery alert option is available. Tracking can be done by email, internet, pager, cell phone, or web site. The collar’s weight is not listed. $599.
GlobalPetFinder
Global Pet Finder
GPS pet tracking via radio waves
The next two devices transmit signals via radio waves. Generally, there is no ongoing service charge, but the transmission range is limited. Data is transmitted to a handheld receiver.
Garmin Astro 220
Slated to become available in June of 2007, the Garmin Astro 220
RoamEO
The RoamEO comes with a separate handheld unit, allowing you to monitor a dog wearing the tracking collar at a distance of up to one-mile (under ideal conditions). Both the collar and the handheld utilize rechargeable batteries. The collar is designed to be submersed in water for up to 30 minutes. The collar weight is listed as 3.7 ounces. $499.
GPS pet tracking recommendations
When buying a pet tracking device, take into account battery life, weight, the coverage area or transmission range, any ongoing service fees, and whether or not the unit is waterproof, not just water resistant.
Unfortunately, these units are too bulky for a cat, so their use is limited to dogs at this time. Remember too, anytime you attach something to a collar, you increase the risk of your pet getting hung up on something.
Finally, if you can wait, you may find dramatically improved (and smaller) units available by the end of 2007. The technology is getting better all the time, and someone is going to tap into market demand with a superior device.
Comments»
[…] A new entry in the GPS pet tracking market turned up this week — the Zoombak, and while its not on store shelves yet, it is winding its way through the FCC clearance process. You can check out a PDF version of the owners manual here. No word yet on street date, cost of the device or service fees. It appears that the collar device will report locations back via cell carrier. […]
[…] entry into the GPS dog tracking market has appeared — The Hear Now. What makes The Hear Now’s products unique is the […]
hi does the garmin astro 220 work in australia thanks andrew
Andrew, the Astro uses five MURS radio frequencies from 151.82 to 154.60 MHz. If these frequencies are legal to use in Australia, without licensing, I see no reason it shouldn’t work there.
Andrew,
I am also in Australia - no .. these frequencies are not legal for the public to use, and the fines are huge if you get caught using it.
It really is quite silly, given that with a minor change they could make a compatible Aussie frequency model.
I personally know of 6 Garmin astro sales they have lost out on, including mine and all of them would have bought multiple receivers.
Hi - may I suggest having alook at a UK site www.pawtrax.co.uk
They are soon releasing a GPS collar that looks like a collar. Not a plastic box in sight.
I am told it will be on sale soon at around 125GBP with no ongoing monthly fees.
1. Australian use is much more complex than the frequency, and yes the frequencies are not legal in Australia.
2. The second issue is the level of power output, which is 2 W, for most devices in Australia the output needs to be around 100 mW or less!!
3. Even if it met those conditions it is illegal for a foreign dealer to seel into Australia as it needs to be an Australian national entity that certifies its compliance with Australian radio regulations and applies the Australian approval label. That holds them legally liable for its compliance. You cannot sue a non resident product manufacturer easily!!
Hi,
having read the posts above with interest regarding use in Australia, does anyone know if this product would be allowed in the UK?
Hi,
there is a german? company that creates GPS transmitters for cats which looks promising… though I am guessing that they are using the wrong frequency etc for Australian use…
Does anyone know if any of these products are available/or if anyone is looking at getting these products into Australia??? I’d imagine the market would be sizeable for domestic animal locators…
http://www.pointersolutions.com/eng/pet_transmitters.htm
The Hear-Now is in Calgary finally, and is as good as they say. The version II will be better, but for now the finder button does what’s needed when Rover is missing.
is there any gps tracking device for dogs available in or for Australia
is the gps garmin a good device for aussie conditions or is there a better system.
hi
will the gps collar work with any gps handheld unit, or do you have to buy the gps unit also?
Sorry, to be specific - the garmin astro units
Trish,
It only works with the Astro GPS unit.
Can anyone give me information on remotely tracking an Australian Cell Phone. For example website which specilise in this service, software and what is required. Thanks
Another player in the UK market has just enetered the scene in terms of Pet Tracking.
Check out www.wearaboutz.com for more information.
It looks more suited to larger dogs but enables tracking through their online software.
I am using a Boost Mobile i425 phone. It’s very light, has built-in gps, and costs $40. The ongoing costs are negligable as long as I avoid using the phone for voice…costs $10 every 3 months to keep the account active.
The map server was really designed for tracking kids and cars, but it is really quite good for pets. You can create a geofence and you will get an SMS alert if the dog leaves the fence. You can also track your pet with a cellphone (handy for chasing my dog down). As of this writing personal use accounts are free:
http://www.geocities.com/prestonsystems/mytracking
The downside: battery wont last more than 1 day, and it took awhile to find a pouch that fits and is waterproof (she loves to swim).
I am for information about what systems are available in Italy?
What other systmes out there other then the garmin and romeo allow for real time tracking with a hand held. And I dont me a cell phone.
THanks