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  Would you Lojack your dog?
 November 4th, 2009I would. In a heartbeat. A GPS device is a great solution for those of us whose pets have a way of breaking loose and getting themselves into trouble.
Though it’ll never replace the lowly ID tag or the now-standard microchip, a collar with a GPS locator can now be had for a reasonable fee. But then, I guess that all depends on what you consider reasonable. For example, if it were significantly more reasonable than the $300 most of these devices currently cost, I’d have bought a couple by now.
Nevertheless, these devices are attractive. After all, we all want to keep our dogs safe and secure. And should they roam, we want to know where to find them.
But that’s not all the modern doggie GPS’s can do. Some can also tell you when "Bruno" has broken out of his enclosure. You can program it for an enclosure as small as eleven square feet, or for a huge yard. And as soon as he breaks through the gate, you will be alerted by cell phone directly to let you know.
Cool, right?
I guess that’s why FastCompany Magazine included the PAW SpotLight GPS Pet Locator on a top ten cool products for pets list. Here’s what they say about this fantabulous device:
"Your cell phone can be a tracking device with this service ($250 plus $20 a month). If your dog -- who has to wear a business-card-size device -- exits one of the zones you've designated, a text message is sent to your phone. Live-updating turn-by-turn directions for finding the pooch will then be available on the phone. Or you can call AKC CAR, a 24/7 recovery service that has teamed with PAW."
It’s kind of neat … but still too rich for my homebody dogs' blood. But, if they were the roaming type, I’d be coughing up the cash. Promise.
Dr. Patty Khuly
2
Yeah, but... by PJBoosinger on 11/04/2009 03:10pm
Non-lethal electro shock devices sounded good on paper to many but... Lojacking cars sounded good until the government decided to use them and the ancillary ability to "kill" engines for law enforcement purposes (and not always so legal purposes either). Microchips, lojack, electronic devices generally open the door for enforcement and abuses by governments. I think I'll stick to good fencing and better training for the foreseeable future. 3
If my dog WERE the roaming type, then maybe I'd get it. by Storm Dogs on 11/05/2009 10:02am
My dog never tries to get out. But if he did, this would be very useful. I think it's a good idea. But I'm going to stick to training and good fencing. :) 4
Want this for cats by Annette on 12/05/2009 04:28pm
I am just waiting for them to become smaller so I can use it for my cats !! 5
The Cost of Being Respsonsible for Your Pet's Life by BellaJ2000 on 02/03/2010 12:26pm
A friend mine had her dog get out of her yard a couple of weeks ago. The dog only had the standard collar. Two days later she saw that a dog matching her dog's description was killed about a block or two from where she lived. Sadly, the shelter cremated the dog so quickly that she couldn't confirm 100% it was her dog but in all likelihood, it was. I know she would give anything right now to have her dog back. Yes the price is high. My dog is a cherished member of my family and I would most certainly pay it if my dog was prone to roam. She's chipped and I have pet insurance. Costly? Sure. But I feel these things are the least I do for her to thank her for being such a wonderful part of my life. 
 Patty Khuly VMD, MBA is a small animal veterinarian in Miami, Florida where she practices medicine at Sunset Animal Clinic. She is a graduate of Wellesley College, the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and The Wharton School of Business.  Pet Sites You Love... Inquiring minds want to know … which are your favorite pet-related websites?
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I too am just waiting for the cost to come down. This sounds like a FABULOUS idea! Especially since we travel with our dogs a lot - losing a pet in an unfamiliar area is a particular nightmare of mine.