GPS Pet Trackers vs Microchips: What Each Does and Why Many Owners Use Both
Microchips prove who a lost pet belongs to once someone scans them. GPS trackers help you find a pet in real time. Here is how they differ.
A microchip is a tiny, permanent ID implanted under your pet’s skin. It has no battery and cannot show where your pet is; it only works when a vet or shelter scans it and looks up your contact details in a registry. A GPS tracker is a device on the collar or harness that can show your pet’s location on your phone, but it needs charging, can fall off, and most models need a paid subscription. They solve different problems, so many owners use both.
Side-by-side comparison
| Microchip | GPS tracker | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Stores a unique ID number linked to your details in a registry | Reports your pet’s location to an app |
| Shows location? | No | Yes, when it has power and a signal |
| Power | None needed | Rechargeable battery; life varies by model and settings |
| Can it fall off or be removed? | No, it is under the skin | Yes, along with the collar |
| Ongoing cost | Usually none; some registries charge for extra services | Often a monthly or yearly subscription for cellular models |
| Who uses it | Vets, shelters and animal control scan for chips | You, via your phone |
| Legal requirement | Required for dogs and cats in England; required for some international travel | Not required |
How microchips work
A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is usually implanted between the shoulder blades with a needle, in a quick procedure similar to a vaccination. When a scanner passes over it, the chip transmits its ID number. The person scanning then looks up which registry holds the number and contacts the owner.
Registration is what makes it work
A chip with no registered details, or with an old phone number, is close to useless. The AVMA notes that wrong or disconnected contact information is a leading reason chipped pets are not returned, and encourages owners to check their pet’s chip details regularly.
- Ask your vet or shelter for your pet’s chip number, or have them scan your pet.
- In the US, enter the number into the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup to see which registry holds it. The tool shows registries, not owner details.
- Contact that registry to register or update your name, address and phone numbers.
- Update the registry every time you move or change numbers.
- Ask your vet to scan the chip at annual checkups to make sure it still reads.
Our guide to microchipping your pet covers the procedure and registration in more detail.
Chip standards and scanners
Many countries use chips that meet the ISO 11784/11785 standard (15-digit numbers, 134.2 kHz). In the US, some older chips use other frequencies, so shelters and vets often use universal scanners that read several types. If you plan to travel abroad, check whether your pet’s chip meets the destination’s rules.
Microchip rules in England
In England, dogs must be microchipped and registered by 8 weeks old, and since June 2024 cats must be chipped and registered by 20 weeks old, with fines for owners who do not comply after a warning. Keepers must keep their details up to date on an approved database. See GOV.UK for the current rules. Requirements in the US vary by state, city and shelter.
How GPS trackers work
Most pet trackers use satellite positioning to work out where the device is, then send that location to your phone, usually over a cellular network. That is why most need a subscription. Common features include:
- Live tracking when your pet is missing.
- Virtual fences (geofences) that alert you if your pet leaves a set area.
- Activity tracking, such as steps or rest time.
- Location history of walks or wanderings.
GPS vs Bluetooth tags
Small Bluetooth tags designed for keys are not GPS trackers. They rely on nearby phones in a crowd-sourced network to report their position, so they may work in a busy city but often not in rural areas. They also usually are not designed for pets, so check the manufacturer’s guidance before using one.
Limitations
- Battery life varies widely and drops with frequent live tracking. A dead tracker cannot help.
- Coverage: cellular trackers need network coverage, and location accuracy can drop indoors, in dense cities or under heavy tree cover.
- Collars come off. A tracker is only useful while it is attached.
- Weight and size: some devices are too heavy for small dogs or cats. Check the maker’s minimum weight guidance.
- Subscriptions and network changes: plans can change price, and older devices can stop working when a mobile network is retired. Check what network a device uses and the terms before buying.
Trackers for cats
If you put any collar on a cat, use a breakaway (quick-release) collar so it can open if it snags, and fit it so you can slide two fingers under it but the cat cannot get a leg through. A breakaway collar can come off with the tracker attached, so a registered microchip is still the essential backup. Choose a lightweight device made for cats.
Which do you need?
- Every pet: a registered microchip with current details, plus a collar ID tag with your phone number where practical. A tag lets a neighbor call you without visiting a vet.
- Add a tracker if: your dog is an escape artist, has a strong prey drive or is off-leash on hikes, your cat roams outdoors, or you live near busy roads or open country.
- A tracker does not replace secure fences, recall training or supervision.
If your pet does go missing, act quickly: see how to find a lost pet for a step-by-step plan.
Bottom line
A microchip is permanent proof of ownership but only helps once your pet is scanned and only if your details are current. A GPS tracker can help you find your pet fast but depends on battery, signal, a subscription and the collar staying on. For most owners, the safest setup is a registered chip, an ID tag, and a tracker for pets who are likely to wander.
FAQ
Can a microchip track my pet’s location?
No. Microchips have no battery and no GPS. They only provide an ID number when scanned.
Does a microchip hurt my pet?
It is implanted with a needle in a quick procedure, similar to a vaccination. Serious problems are uncommon; ask your vet about any concerns.
How do I find out which registry my pet’s chip is with?
In the US, enter the chip number in the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup. In the UK, contact one of the approved databases or ask your vet.
Do GPS trackers work everywhere?
No. They need satellite reception for location and, for most models, cellular coverage to send it to you. Check coverage maps for where you live and walk.