Blog: Microchips vs. GPS Tracking: Keeping your Furry Friend Safe

As responsible pet owners, we’re always looking for ways to protect our beloved companions.

1 in 3 pets will become lost during their lifetime and over 10 million pets are lost every year in the U.S. alone.

Two popular technologies—microchips and GPS tracking devices—protect pets all over the world, but many owners don’t understand their distinct purposes and capabilities. Let’s take a look at the differences of each.

Microchips: your pet’s permanent ID

A microchip is a tiny, rice-sized electronic chip implanted under your pet’s skin by a veterinarian. Unlike popular misconceptions, it’s not a tracking device. Instead, it’s a permanent identification method for the lifetime of the pet.

• Stores a unique identification number linked to your contact information
• Helps reunite lost pets with their owners when scanned by shelters, veterinarians, or animal control
• Provides lifelong identification that can’t be lost like a collar tag
• Lifetime microchip registration from PetLink costs just $29.95. There are no ongoing annual payments.

Only 22% of lost pets without a microchip are returned to their owners, compared to 52% with a microchip.

GPS tracking devices give real-time location monitoring

GPS pet trackers are external devices, usually attached to the pet’s collar, giving you real-time tracking so you can see their location straight from an app on your phone. To conserve battery the devices use a combination of Bluetooth and wifi when indoors or in close proximity to your phone. Outside they can switch to live tracking at any time when needed.

GPS trackers are frequently used to track lost pets after natural disasters or emergencies, for example in the LA wildfires.

• Real time tracking so you can re-unite quickly, before they can run too far
• Set a geo-fence around your property so you are alerted if they escape the back yard
• Often include activity monitoring so you can keep up with their step count
• Work best in areas with cellular coverage and will require ongoing GPS subscription fees
• Need regular battery charging

PetLink are the leaders in GPS pet tracking, with over 35 years experience helping owners reunite with their lost pets. Find out more here.

Our recommendation for responsible pet owners – use both for your dog’s safety and your peace of mind

The most comprehensive pet protection strategy involves using both technologies. A microchip provides permanent identification when scanned – this should be your ‘baseline’ pet safety, while a GPS tracker offers on-the-go active location monitoring.

PetLink Tips:

• Keep your microchip registration updated with current contact information
• Choose a GPS tracker compatible with your lifestyle and local cellular coverage
• Consult your veterinarian about the best microchipping and tracking options for your specific pet

Protecting our pets is about layers of security. Microchips and GPS trackers aren’t competing technologies—they’re complementary in creating a multi-layered safety net to keep your furry family members safe.