Thursday, May 12, 2011

Are All GPS Dog Collars the Same?



GPS Pet Tracking Collars are the latest popular items with pet owners all over the country. If you have a dog and you worry about him getting lost or running away, there is no better alternative available than a GPS dog collar to track and locate missing pets. These pet collars all work on the same principle of alerting you when your pet goes astray using the latest in Global Positioning Satellite technology. Yes – the same technology that provides your car with directions can now help you find your beloved pet. Over the course of the last few months, the market has been flooded with many different types of GPS dog collars. Be aware that not all of these are on the same footing as each other or offer the same services or assurances. When choosing the perfect GPS collar for your dog, make sure that you do your homework, as all GPS dog collars are definitely not the same!

First, in terms of comparisons is the price factor. GPS dog collars are available in break-the-bank options to middle of the range to budget-friendly versions. And while the choice might seem obvious, don’t automatically reach for the cheaper versions. The slightly pricier collars often have many more handy add-ons and inclusions that justify their expense in the long run. The old adage is true when purchasing a GPS pet collar for your pet, you get what you pay for!

In terms of range covered, some dogs collars work well both indoors and outside while others are limited by the cell service they are linked with. Check with the service provider and ask around about coverage before making a final decision. In much the same vein, some tracking collars can only track your dog within a one mile radius while others offer a range of up to ten miles in all directions. The best GPS pet collars do not have range limitations.

Size is another factor, as most of the GPS dog collars in the market today are suitable only for dogs thirty pounds and heavier. So, look around for the lightest and most durable model for long-term comfort and security. Battery life varies from model to model. Most are rechargeable but there are significant differences in the lasting power of each brand. Some providers also offer alerts if the collar’s batteries are low or need recharging.

How you receive your alerts is another area of discrepancy. Budget versions of the GPS collars send you alerts via email or cell phone. Some offer access to a 24/7-customer service helpline. Others provide you with your very own hand-held receiver that can guide you to your lost dog. There are GPS tracking systems, which also provide you with a seven-day history of your dog’s movements and patterns. The more sophisticated among the models will alert you if your dog is moving over a certain speed limit, indicating that he might be stolen and being carried away in a vehicle. All these additions are invaluable in keeping your pet safe in the long run.

One of the most popular GPS dog tracking collars today is the SpotLight GPS Pet Locator. SpotLight attaches to the collar of your dog and is rugged, durable, and has a removable and rechargeable battery. With a SpotLight GPS Pet Locator, you can pre-determine certain SafeSpots or zones that your pet can roam freely within (such as your yard or local dog park). If your dog leaves these virtual zones, you are notified through email and/or text alerts. SpotLight then gives you detailed directions on how to reach your dog. SpotLight is the only GPS Pet Locator that offers 24/7 recovery service through its alliance with American Kennel Club Companion Animal Recovery (AKC CAR). Professional recovery specialists are always on call to talk you through locating your missing pet and will offer you assistance and support while the search is on.

The SpotLight GPS Pet Locator also comes with several different plans and payment options, making it affordable and a value for money option to keep your pet safe at all times. Visit www.spotlightgps.com for more information.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Canine Tracking Systems – General Information You Need to Know


Your pet can be your companion, your playmate, your assistant, your bodyguard, and your best friend! As an owner, there is nothing you would not do for your beloved pet, and of primary importance is keeping him safe. As technology has developed, there are several new ways of keeping track of your animal and making sure that he is safe at all times. Canine tracking systems such as GPS pet collars are now available and offer the most effective way to monitor your dog's activities throughout the day. These tracking systems can be used on the job (while hunting or performing search and rescue) or even on a daily basis when you need to know the location of your dog and how to find him.


Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are now being applied to pet tracking systems by way of two main components – the dog collar with the transmitter and the receiver. The transmitter is worn attached to the collar at all times and transmits information to the owner via the receiver or through email or text alerts. It really is that simple, but there are several factors to take into consideration before buying such a tracking system for your pet. Some of these include:


Coverage: From how far away can the signal on the collar be detected? When choosing a GPS dog collar, ask about the range of the system. Some may only pick up signals within a one-mile radius while others might be effective only in flat, unobstructed terrain.


Size: Collars available in the market are generally more suited for dogs weighing thirty pounds and over. Check for comfort and safety before making a purchase. Remember, your pet has to wear the collar at all times, so ensure that the choice is a practical one.


Price: There are collars that charge a monthly fee for the services provided and there are those that have a one-time fee. These are normally more high-end and offer a host of other services as well. It might be prudent to work out the long-term costs before making any decision. The budget GPS collars may not have the option that certain more expensive models do of being connected to tracking specialists and support staff who will assist you in searching for your lost pet. High-end models may also inform you when the collar's batteries are running low and need to be recharged. This is especially important as low batteries could result in a low signal and create problems in tracking and locating your missing pet.


Safe Zones: Most providers will allow you to create specific virtual safe zones where your pet can roam freely without being alerted. For example, your backyard or the local park can all be created as virtual safe spots. If, however, you dog wanders away from these zones you will alerted. Check with the service provider about the possibility of setting up multiple safe zones and how you will be alerted if an emergency arises.


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/canine-tracking-systems-general-information-you-need-to-know-2397923.html


About the Author

This article is Co-authored by Chris Newton & Lewis Sheats, from Securus, Inc. For more information about GPS Pet Tracking System, visit http://www.spotlightgps.com/.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

SpotLight GPS Versus Traditional Pet Safety methods



There was a time when the options available to keep your dog safe and secure were very limited and not very effective. A few decades ago, the only devices available were ID tags/microchip, straps and dog collars. However, these were only meant for identification purpose if your dog is lost. Restricting a dog's movements was another practice which was used to keep dogs safe. As technology progressed, dog owners started using electric collars and electric fences, but all these have their own limitations.

Recently, progress has been made in the field of dog safety. The latest development in the market is pet GPS and GPS canine collars for dogs, such as SpotLight and its value-priced counterpart, SpotLite GPS Pet Locators.

For further details read this article

Monday, January 10, 2011

SpotLite GPS is Here!

AKC CAR is very proud to recommend and offer the SpotLite GPS Pet Locator, the newest GPS pet protections system from our partner, Securus, Inc. SpotLite includes all they key features of Securus’ award winning SpotLight GPS Pet Locator, but at a significantly reduced price. To learn more about SpotLite, click here.

More Information
SpotLight and SpotLite contain the newest GPS pet tracking technology and are the only products that couple the tracking services provided through GPS technology with the recovery services of AKC CAR.
SpotLITE GPS Pet Locator
Additional features of SpotLite include:
  • Simple set up: designate your "Safe Spot" from your computer by clicking on a satellite image
  • Small and lightweight: SpotLite attaches to your dog’s existing collar for universal and easy wear
  • Rechargeable battery for hassle free protection and safety around the clock
  • Rescue "If Found" button connects lost dog with AKC CAR’s Recovery Team and the owner
  • Unique collar tag identification
  • Recovery assistance: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year from AKC CAR
SpotLite GPS requires an activation fee, a monthly service plan and an internet connection to activate and use the device. The service plan will be activated through Securus. The service plan will cost $14.99 per month.


Thursday, December 16, 2010

GPS Dog Tracking for hunting dogs

Breeds such as hounds and beagles and are specially trained for hunting because of their keen sense of smell and foraging instinct. Hunting can be a profession or a hobby and most hunters need a dog to help in this process.

Hunting dogs chase the animal or prey and start barking for their masters once they have found the animal to let their masters know of their location. But there have been several cases in which hunters have lost track of their hunting dogs in a dense forest or heavily wooded area where sound cannot travel. In such situations, a GPS Pet Tracking Device would be very useful. Read this article to learn how SpotLite & SpotLight GPS Pet Locators are useful for hunting dogs.

Article Source: http://pettracking.wordpress.com/

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

SpotLight GPS Dog Locator Device Demo

Securus, Inc., the maker of SpotLite and SpotLight GPS Dog Locators, is dedicated to giving pet owners complete peace of mind through the most advanced technologies for pet tracking and through our partner AKC CAR (AKC Companion Animal Recovery) for recovery services. This combination of support ensures owners are always connected to their pets and supports our mission to achieve a single ultimate goal: no missing pet will ever go unfound.

SpotLight GPS Dog Locator Demo:




For more information about SpotLight GPS Dog Locator, visit http://www.spotlightgps.com/