How to stop losing your dog

A few simple measures greatly reduce the risk of losing your dog and increase your chances of finding it quickly if it ever happens.

🏷️ Get your dog identified with a microchip or a tattoo, if this has not been done yet. This identification is what allows a veterinarian, a pound or a shelter to contact you if it is found.
📞 Keep your contact details up to date (address, phone number...) in your country's identification database, especially after moving or changing your number.
🏢 If you live in an apartment, install a protective net on your windows and on your balconies or terraces.
📍 Equip your dog with a GPS tracker so you can locate it in real time: see the different options below.

GPS collars

A microchip cannot geolocate your dog: it only contains an identification number, which makes it possible to find you as the owner when the animal is scanned by a veterinarian, a pound or a shelter.
A GPS collar is a small device that you attach to your pet's collar. It then lets you geolocate your pet on your computer or phone.

There are different types of trackers:

📡 GPS/GSM collars

They work anywhere with standard mobile network coverage, and the geolocation is very accurate regardless of the environment. They are the most effective, but usually require a subscription.

Brands:

Tractive Trustpilot rating: 4,7/5 (60883 reviews).
Weenect Trustpilot rating: 4,7/5 (24 164 reviews).

📶 GPS/LoRaWAN collars

They use the LoRaWAN network to transmit your pet's location. This network is less dense than the standard mobile network, but consumes less energy. Check in advance that your area is well covered.

🔗 Bluetooth tags

They don't contain GPS, but allow you to locate a pet when it is in the immediate vicinity of other users with a compatible phone. Less effective than GPS collars, they may be sufficient in densely populated urban areas. They are inexpensive and their battery lasts a long time.

Brands:

Apple AirTag
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag
Tile