One Tech Tip: No more lost cats and dogs. Use tech to track your pet

In London, the question ‘Have you seen the cats?’ is a familiar one in many households, especially for pet owners like myself with free-roaming felines like Maple and Juniper. These cats, equipped with microchips, explore the neighborhood freely, but their adventures can sometimes lead to anxiety for their owners. Fortunately, advancements in pet technology offer solutions to keep track of our furry friends. Pet trackers, such as those from Tractive, Jiobit, and Pawfit, use GPS and 4G or Wi-Fi signals to relay the animal’s location to a smartphone app. These devices, tailored for both dogs and cats, allow owners to set safe zones and receive alerts if their pets wander beyond these boundaries. While the cost of these devices is generally under $100, subscription fees for cellular service can add up, but many find the peace of mind worth the expense. Battery life varies, with most lasting two to three days, though signal strength can impact this. Beyond location tracking, these apps offer health and activity monitoring, similar to fitness watches for humans. However, it’s important to note that these trackers won’t physically restrain pets; they merely alert owners when pets leave designated areas. For those who prefer alternatives, Bluetooth trackers like Apple’s Air Tags or Samsung’s SmartTags offer another option, though they are not specifically designed for pets and have limited range. Ultimately, whether through GPS trackers or microchips, technology is providing pet owners with innovative ways to ensure their pets’ safety and well-being.