GPS Tracking Devices

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Does anyone have a GPS tracking device for your Doodle?  I'm thinking seriously of getting one for Guinness and Murph just as a safeguard when we take them on our off leash hikes.  The pricing on these units has come down drastically, and you can now get them for under $100.  The problem is there are a few to choose from online, and I'm totally confused about which one would be best.  There are reviews on line, but I'm not sure I trust those.  So, if anyone is using one, could you please share which model you're using and your thoughts on how effective they are.  Thanks!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

SCREAMING HERE!   I can't see to type through all the tears.  And, I actually believe this is true

[Bonnie and Kona]

Donna, You are killing me! Some of these are absolutely true because I've been the victim of this insanity. My DH thought he was helping entertain the children while I shopped! Yikes.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Donna, This is priceless! Jane is probably going to kill us for hijacking this post. I hope someone can direct her to the right GPS. LOL

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

No way, Laurie.  This is totally hysterical Donna.

[F, Calla & Luca]

How did I miss this!!! OMD. Makes Laurie's, Nancie's and a lot of other DHs look like Prince Charming. Although it may have been Laurie herself in the clothing rack : )

[Rose Ann and Amante]

Love it!! I have find myiphone on my cell that I use to kept track of my familyLOL

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Jane, I think one of the best places to buy stuff is Amazon and they have user reviews that I always read and find very helpful. Plus, you can use the DK link.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Carol, this is a great idea. Quincy is not microchipped, I want to get him done but DH is against it. The GPS would be even better. I would be interested in what the range is and how well it actually works.

[Donna K & Quincy]

I have to apologize for two things, calling you Carol and hijacking your discussion. We may need that GPS to find the original post. Sorry, I really do think it is a great idea and actually saw a little blurb about it on TV recently. Here is some info I found on line. The two big issues I see are the battery and the fact that if the collar comes off it is useless.

 

Pet tracking GPS systems are getting better every day. If you've ever lost a pet, you'll know why GPS pet tracking is becoming so popular. As opposed to a chip implant, these pet tracking units will identify your pet's current location in real time allowing you to retrieve your pet. The chip implants require that the pet be found and taken to a facility that has a scanner in order to retrieve the owner information.

GPS pet tracking devices usually come with a collar for your pet with the GPS device attached. The pet tracking unit may then be queried and will respond with its' current location. When not queried they are in standby. Others start transmitting when turned on and continue to transmit their location until the unit is turned off or the battery runs low. This type of unit is usually used for hunting dogs.

Some units provide the ability to set up a virtual fence, which when the pet leaves that area, you are immediately notified. Notification can be by text message, cell phone, or email.

Usually the GPS pet tracking devices require that you subscribe to an online service which, when you log on to their web site, will display the location of your pet on a local map. Other units come with a personal location viewing unit (about the size of a PDA) and do not require that you subscribe to a service. The subscription based services allow tracking throughout the United States while the personal viewing units have a limited range.

As all these units are portable, they can, in many cases, be used for other tracking purposes. For instance, you could place one in your car glove box and track the movement of your vehicle. Or put one in you child's knapsack and track her movements.

How often the unit sends information varies with the unit as does the battery life. The chart below will give you the basics of each unit listed. For a more detailed explanation of what the unit will do, simply click on the unit and you will bring up the detail page for that particular GPS pet tracking device. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.



CHART DEFINITIONS:


•$: The manufacturer's suggested retail price. This is the price that the manufacturer lists for that product. Chances are very good you'll be able to purchase the unit for a better price than that listed.
•Plan: Some trackers require a subscription to their service. This column indicates if a plan is required and starting cost.
•Track Type: Some trackers use a handheld receiver and others are accessible online with your PC. This column will indicate which type is used for this model.
•Alert Method: This column indicates the method the tracker will use to alert you if your pet strays. Some contact by email, text message and phone while others (handheld units) have an audible tone.
•Geo Fence: This column indicates if you are able to create an electronic virtual fence for your pet.
•Pet Size: Indicates the minimum size of pet the GPS pet tracking unit will work with.
•Battery Life: Estimated time the battery will last between charges.
•Battery Type: Indicates if the unit uses a rechargeable battery (most come with Lithium Ion rechargeable batteries).
•Range: Indicates the maximum range you can expect the device to track your pet.


Garmin Portable GPS Comparison Table


Model $ Service
Plan Track
Type Alert
Method Geo
Fence Pet
Size Battery
Life Battery
type Range




Garmin
Astro220 $599 0 Handheld NA No 15 lbs 24 hrs 2-AA 7 miles




Zoombak
100 $99 $14.99/mo Online Yes Yes 15 lbs 5 days Rechrg US

Garmin
GTU 10 $199 Free
1st yr Online Text
email Yes 12lbs 4 days Rechrg
Li-ion US

RoamEO
Classic $399 0 Handheld Audio Yes All 18-30 hrs Rechrg 1-3 miles

Spotlite GPS $149 14.99/mo On line Text
email Yes 12 lbs 4-5 days Rechrg US

DogTracs GPS $189 12.50/mo On line Text
email Yes 12 lbs 5-6 days Rechrg US


RoamEO
PuPpod $299 0 Handheld Audio Yes All 18-30 hrs Rechrg 1-3 miles






Note: None of the units listed above require an activation fee.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Donna, not to worry.....I've been called way worse than "Carol".  Also don't be concerned about taking the discussion in a more "fun" direction!  Thanks for all this info.  I've been researching for the past couple of days, and am more confused than ever.  We are definitely going to do this....I'm just trying to figure out which is the best option.  I've heard there's one that works with your IPhone and doesn't require the online service...I'm trying to determine how that works.  I'll let everyone know what we decide.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Big Brother is watching you.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Interesting, I didn't even know you could get these...