You can hunt down a misplaced iPhone or a complicated address using GPS—why not a lost dog or cat? You could use an electronic dog tag. It isn't just for dogs, there is GPS for cats too.
We tested four devices for keeping track of pets. Each uses GPS in some way. In testing, our “pet” was often an engineer who wandered around our headquarters while another tester tried to find him.
The absolute best value was the "FinderTAG for Pets" found at www.findertag.com. This unit was only $44.99 and their was no monthly or recurring fees. If you want a dog tag that can recover your lost pet this is it. This unit uses an iPhone or Android app along with a Bluetooth ID TAG. If your pet goes missing his pet tag will broadcast a signal over 350 feet so your phone will alert you if you get near him. You can also report him missing with the app or on their website. This will put all the other phones with the app on the look out so you will have thousands of other people out there scanning for him although they won't even realize it. The nice thing is that FinderTAG also sells a Bluetooth key finder that uses the same app so all those people are scanning in the background too. There is no need to charge the battery as it lasts over 400 days.
In a way this is similiar to the microchips people use on their dogs except it doesn't require a special reader. If a person finds a lost pet they can see the phone number and the website (www.findertag.com) on the pet id tag. Then they can call or go to the website to help recover the pet. But this micro chip alternative is superior because all smart phones with the app are continuosly scanning for lost pets and if your lost petfinder tag is scanned by some other user you will automatically receive a text message and an email that shows where you pet is on a map. All without the person with the phone even knowing it. Unless you offer a reward, then their phone will alert them with the reward amount and your phone number. There is also a lost pet database where you can register your lost pet. This is free for anyone, even if they don't have a lost pet dog tag. It's a great way to use gps to track your dog.
The Garmin and Tagg devices link to a cell-phone system, and info is accessed on a smart phone or computer. The PetTronix communicates through radio waves with a handset used by the owner. All require GPS communication, so when GPS isn’t available, they don’t work.
PetTronix RoamEO, $200
How it works. Rubber collar with GPS unit and battery compartment communicates by radio with the owner’s handset, which has its own GPS and compass. Handset displays distance and direction to the collar, updating continually. Display can be backlit for night use. This device doesn’t require separate service.
Pluses. When it worked, it worked well, easily tracking a moving target. Use doesn’t require cell-phone coverage or any other subscription.
Minuses. The range depends on the terrain and is at most half a mile. Battery charge lasted about 24 hours, and the two batteries must be recharged separately. So if you leave the collar on your pet because you never know when it will wander, you’ll recharge the batteries a lot. The collar is bulky, so it’s best for medium or big dogs.
Garmin GTU 10, $200
How it works. Zipped nylon case attaches to pet collar with Velcro. Uses AT&T network to communicate and can be tracked from a browser or app on a smart phone. Up to 10 “geofences” can be configured as virtual boundaries. If the pet crosses one, the owner gets an e-mailed warning. This device includes a year of service; there's a $50 annual renewal fee.
Pluses. Unlimited range. Case stayed securely connected. Geofences were easy to configure. Deluxe plan ($4.99 extra per month) allows tracking kids or cars, too.
Minuses. Battery life can be short, and location info updates slowly in the mode that yields the longest battery life.
Tagg Pet Tracker, $100
How it works. Clips to collar. Uses Verizon network and can be tracked from a browser or a smart-phone app. Communication can also be through text messages. One “Tagg Zone” geofence can be configured around the charging station. This device includes one month of service; there's a $7.95 monthly renewal fee.
Pluses. Unlimited range. Tagg and clip stayed secure. Tracking was quick and easy. Tagg Zone was easy to configure.
Minuses. Battery life can be short when the device isn’t near base station. Tagg Zone’s minimum size is about 4 acres—useless if your desired pet area is small.
However, if you have a FinderTAG stolen car recovery unit on your car then every other person with the app will BOLO for your car. They won't even know it though. Read more: http://www.finderTAG.com/autos.shtml