Technology we like: GPS pet locator helps owners find their lost animals

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With pets come worries: sickness, injury, and worst of all, a possible disappearance. That’s where the Spotlight GPS pet locator comes in. For $200, owners can now know where their pooches are at all times. Developed by PAW (Position Animals Worldwide) and released in conjunction with the American Kennel Club’s Companion Animal Recovery program, Spotlight is a GPS tracking system created specifically for dogs.

The GPS locator comes with a 2.5-ounce, water-resistant collar tag with a unique ID number that fits securely on the pet’s collar. If the animal leaves its configurable home boundary (also known as a SafeSpot), a text message or email is sent to the owner alerting them that their pet has fled. Subsequently, the owner is sent a real-time location and turn-by-turn directions to the animal’s location. The AKC provides 24/7 recovery services to administer additional support.

‘Our mission is simple: Provide the market with products and services to reduce the number of lost pets. With an estimate of one-third of all dogs going missing at least once in their lifetime, SpotLight will help reduce this number significantly,’ said Chris Newton, PAW’s chief executive. ‘Through our partnership with AKC CAR, we are able to offer owners a simple solution that gives them peace of mind knowing that their dogs are safe at home or, should they escape, be quickly returned.’

The tag also comes with a bright LED for nighttime flights. By sending a text message to Spotlight with the note ‘Spot light on,’ the LED light is activated and one can see their pet from over 100 yards away. The process is easy, quick and requires no calls to the authorities.

Despite the hefty amount, Spotlight is one step closer to assuring owners their pets are never too far away. And, let’s face it, you can’t put a price on the ones you love, especially your dog.

-- Sarah Ardalani