#Middlebury #PawsCorner
By Sam Mazzotta
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I’m fine with microchipping my pets. I have a 2-year-old collie mix, Bard, and a 5-year-old cat, Millie, and both are chipped. But I worry that if they get out of the house and get lost, I’ll have to rely on strangers getting them to a veterinarian or shelter to have their chips scanned. I’d like to take finding my pets into my own hands. – Carl G., Madison, Wisconsin
DEAR CARL: With the rise of the smartphone and an increase in small, wearable technology, you can take a more active role in finding your pets. A microchip is an important component because unlike a collar, it won’t fall off, making it the best backup if your pet is lost.
However, advanced pet technology is out there, and a huge number of pet owners are taking advantage of it. The Los Angeles Times reported that 43 percent of dog owners now own an electronic tracking device, based on an APPA survey.
Tracking collars, like the LinkAPC, sync with a smartphone app and report your dog’s location on demand. It includes a fitness tracker. That collar will run you almost $150, but there are budget trackers like the TrackR Bravo, a small device that costs just under $30 and attaches to your dog’s collar.
Pet owner networking apps also are popular, allowing neighbors and friends to connect with each other through their pets. They can serve as places to ask for help in finding a lost pet, essentially sending out an APB to other owners and thereby reaching much farther than just posting “lost pet” fliers around the neighborhood.
Adding any of these products or apps can give you greater control over locating your pets should they get out.
Send your questions, comments and tips to ask@pawscorner.com.
(c) 2017 King Features Synd., Inc.
