Should You Microchip, Tag, or GPS Track for Long-Term Travel?

Traveling or relocating with a pet to another country is challenging. They might be scared of a new and unknown environment, so the risk of escape is higher. Make this stage of your life easier with location monitoring tools.

There are several options, namely a GPS tracker like https://petloc8.com/, a microchip, or a tag. All those options can help you to detect the location of your furry friend, but they all have their pros and cons. So, let’s take a closer look at which of them is better.

Choosing the Right Pet Location Method for Travel

Microchips, tags, and GPS trackers all have unique functions, but they all allow their owners to track their cats’ and dogs’ locations. Thus, they can get insights into their furry friend’s habits and behavior. Still, not all of those tools are good for those pet owners who plan a trip. Let’s explore all the options and their pros and cons.

Microchip: The Global Standard

While this option is quite rare, as there are not so many pet owners ready to microchip their pets, it is still an effective method of identification. Thus, having a microchip is a permanent thing, and it is tamper-proof. Therefore, your little friend cannot lose it. Moreover, it is required in many countries, and it is often checked during border crossing. So, depending on your destination, you might need to do it anyway. 

At the same time, some drawbacks might discourage you from using microchipping as the main means of identification. Their list includes;

• absence of real-time tracking;
• a special scanner is needed for reading data;
• it doesn’t help locate a lost pet until it is found.

Thus, it does not help you much if you go to another country, and your furry friend gets lost. Yet, microchipping is excellent for reuniting pets once they are found, if we speak about shelter pets.

Tag: The Classic Companion

While tags might be useful in finding a lost dog or cat, they are still best for familiar environments and small areas. They are highly visible and inexpensive, so they display direct contact information for quick reunification. Yet it is not highly effective if you live in a big city or have just arrived in a new country. The probability that someone would find your cat or dog and call you is much lower.

Moreover, tags are not that reliable. They can break, fade, or fall off during transit. It offers no digital tracking or added security, which is highly important in the modern world.

GPS Tracker: Smart & Travel-Ready

Out of the three, GPS trackers are the most convenient and backed by technology. Here are some of the reasons that might convince you to get a GPS tracker for your furry friend, like those offered by Petloc8:

• real-time location updates via mobile app;
• remote monitoring from anywhere with cellular coverage;
• community support for lost pets.

GPS-based location monitoring tools for pets often offer health tracking, activity logs, and geofencing alerts. These are essential for your little friend’s well-being. 

At the same time, it requires a charging and active data plan or subscription. Some models may also need setup adjustments for international compatibility.

Also check: The Apple Teleport

Expert Travel Tech Tips for Pet Safety

Thus, out of those location-showing methods, getting a GPS tracker seems to be a smart option. Here’s how to ensure their GPS tracker performs at its best regardless of the selected destination:

1. Opt for trackers ready for an international trip. They should contain global SIM card support or Bluetooth fallback to stay connected across borders.
2. Choose weatherproof designs, keeping in mind that you might go hiking or traveling on a rainy day.
3. Sync with health-monitoring apps, and having this function means you can track behavioral shifts, activity levels, and patterns during travel for early wellness insights.
4. Activate battery-saving travel modes. Great that most trustworthy gadgets have “travel mode” to conserve power during long flights or transitions while keeping key features active.
5. Run a pre-trip “Sync & Signal” test to ensure the device works correctly. Ensure that the tracker is fully charged and connects with your mobile app without errors.

Always take your buddy for a short walk to confirm reliable location tracking before departure.

Conclusion

Thus, the choice between microchip, tag, or GPS tracker depends on the purpose. However, when traveling abroad and preferring to have 24/7 access to the real-time location of your cat or dog, there are no alternatives to GPS trackers. They come with a different set of functions and styles to cater to any budget and lifestyle. 

Given this, whenever you plan a long-term trip, this modern device is no longer an option, but a must-have accessory to ensure that your furry friend will not get lost. Thus, you will be able to focus more on your journey with a pleasant piece of mind and no background stress about potential escapes of your pet.