GPS Tracking Collar for Service Dogs Leave a comment

As humans became obsessed with the cutting-edge technology offered in the market, it is inevitable that we would also want it also for pets especially for service dogs. The GPS tracking collar allows the family of the handler with disabilities to locate both the dog and the handler. Service dogs are used in helping persons with disabilities or a medical condition like diabetes, seizure disorder, dementia, psychiatric disabilities, and more.

Collars equipped with GPS trackers are the modern version of its contemporary collars with radio trackers. The latter uses a technology that had been used for quite some time and does not require a monthly subscription. However, the coverage area of the radio tracking collar for animals is limited to the range capacity of the radio.

On the other hand, the GPS tracking collar for service dogs offers the latest technology, and allows the concerned people to track the dog’s location in real time. Are you worried that your father with dementia might not find his way home from a quick walk to the park? Stop worrying! You now have the option to get a GPS tracking collar for the service dog that could accompany your loved ones.

Uses

Like the smart watch technology, the GPS tracking collar for service dogs have different functions depending on the features equipped by the manufacturer. The common uses of GPS Tracking Collar for Service Dogs are the following:

• Setting an invisible virtual fence

This feature is quite useful because it allows you to set a perimeter that you deem safe for the dog and the handler. In case that both wander beyond the preset safe zone, an alert will be sent on mobile via an email or SMS. Yes, this means that this GPS tracker uses a sim card with a subscription that will let you use its full features. For more convenience, manufacturers are offering the compatibility of this feature both in the iOS and Android devices. However, there are other companies that offer GPS tracking and remote training collar in offline mode.

• Real-time tracking

The reliability of the GPS or the Global Positioning System had been proven by many studies. According to the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, the said technology had shown its usefulness in tracking since the mid of 1990’s. If that is the case, we are sure that it has gone numerous modifications to make sure that it can function to its fullest. With real-time tracking, you are sure that the dog and its handler are in the exact location pointed by the GPS at that moment.

• Monitoring the service dog’s health

Other features of the GPS tracking collar are to track and analyze the dog’s physiology and behavior. As published by the United States Dog Registry, a service dog is not a pet and is trained specifically to help the handler with a disability. As such, it is important to make sure that the dog is always in good health. If the tracker shows that the canine has been hyperactive for some time, it is an indication that something might be wrong with it.

Benefits

• Easy tracking of your loved ones

A service animal may be trained to help a person with a disability, but its functions are limited. There are instances when a human help might be needed. The GPS tracking device is a great tool to help you easily locate your loved ones in case an emergency arises.

• Reliable equipment

The good quality GPS canine tracker collar is sturdy and waterproof. Handlers and trainers could be at ease that the device they bought could be used for long term. You are rest assured that the equipment will not cause an electric shock to the dog and the handler in case it accidentally comes in contact with liquid substances. Service dogs serve as medical equipment of disabled people so it is crucial to make sure that they are safe.

Challenges

• Big design

Most service canine breeds are Labrador and retriever or the crossbreed of the two, but there are also smaller service dogs. The common GPS collar design for service pooch are a bit too large for those who are below 20 pounds.

• Frequent battery recharging or replacement

A power supply is needed to make the device function. This proves to be a challenge as available products in the market need a regular change or charge of the battery.

• The better the quality, the more expensive it is

The correlation between the quality and the price is common in almost all products including the GPS collar tracker for the service canine. While it is good to get the water-proof device, it may come at a price hence, some settle with a water-resistant feature instead.