There are advantages and disadvantages to most everything. Here is a rundown of the GPS products that I described in my last post.
Garmin GTU 10
What I like:
You can track via cellular/smartphone or via computer (internet)
As long as the receiver is within the AT&T network towers, a dog can be tracked throughout the nation
Allows you to set up virtual enclosure zones (they call it a “Geo Fence”) which allows boundary coordinates to be set so that the unit will automatically activate and notify you if your dog leaves that preconfigured zone
While in sleep mode, battery lasts 3 to 4 weeks
What I don’t like:
Pricey at around $199
Annual charge of $49.99
If you choose the deluxe plan you pay an additional $4.99 monthly
Shortest battery life while it is in search mode (3 to 4 hours)
Weighs 1.71 oz. so it is not recommended for dogs lighter than 10 lbs.
Spot Lite 2.0
What I like:
At $119.99, it is one of the less expensive units
You can track via cellular/smartphone or via computer (internet)
As long as the receiver is within the T-Mobile network towers, a dog can be tracked throughout the nation
Allows you to set up virtual enclosure zones (they call it a “Safe Zones”) which allows boundary coordinates to be set so that the unit will automatically activate and notify you if your dog leaves that preconfigured zone
Battery life is 1 to 4 days depending on usage
What I don’t like:
The monthly plan is $12.99 to $19.99 depending upon the plan you choose
It weighs in at close to 3 oz. so it’s the second heaviest unit of the bunch
Unlike the other systems, the Spot Lite 2.0 does not indicate the speed of the dog’s movement
PocketFinder
What I like:
You can track via cellular/smartphone or via computer (internet)
As long as the receiver is within the T-Mobile network towers, a dog can be tracked throughout the nation
Allows you to set up virtual enclosure zones (they call it a “Geo Fence”) which allows boundary coordinates to be set so that the unit will automatically activate and notify you if your dog leaves that preconfigured zone
Battery life of 7 days is very good
It’s one of the lightest units
It’s the smallest unit of the bunch
What I don’t like:
The monthly plan is $12.95
It is not recommended for dogs weighing less than 10 pounds
Petronix Petsafe RoamEO
What I like:
No monthly plan cost
Can locate a dog up to 9 feet away which is the closest target distance of the group
No cellular phone necessary so no dependency on cellular network towers that might not cover some areas
No computer necessary
What I don’t like:
The range is only .78 miles of the receiver so if your dog wanders beyond, the unit will be useless
Alerts are sent to the receiver to monitor where your dog is so you need to carry it around with you
Dependent upon terrain – If the area has caves and mountains the unit will not work accurately
It is the heaviest bulkiest of these units (6.5 oz.) so the manufacturer suggests that it is suitable only dogs over 20 pounds
It has the shortest battery life (24 hours) so requires more frequent charging
Tagg Pet Tracker
What I like:
At $99.95, the price is most reasonable
You can track via cellular/smartphone or via computer (internet)
As long as the receiver is within the Verizon network towers, a dog can be tracked throughout the nation
Allows you to set up virtual enclosure zones (they call it a “Tagg Zones”) which allows boundary coordinates to be set so that the unit will automatically activate and notify you if your dog leaves that preconfigured zone.
Battery life is 1 to 4 days depending on usage
With a battery life of up to 30 days (depending on usage patterns) which is the longest of the bunch
At 1.16 oz. it is the lightest unit of the bunch
What I don’t like:
There is a monthly charge, but at $7.95 it is not so bad.
The Tagg Pet Tracker will lead you up to 25 feet of your dog which is the furthest distance of the bunch
It is not recommended for dogs weighing less than 10 pounds
Notes:
The prices shown are those found on the manufacturer’s websites.
Some manufacturers claim that their units are “waterproof,” but technology is not waterproof. In other words, if you dropped one of these “waterproof” units into a body of water that is 1,000 feet deep and 18 degrees in temperature and left it there for 30 years it would be unlikely that it would survive. Even diving watches have written specifications. By stating that their products are “water resistant” Garmin and Tagg have not misrepresented their products.
