My pet has a microchip. Do I still need A pet GPS tracker?

Microchip vs pet GPS tracker

If you got a puppy or adopted a dog, then most likely you can see from their documents, that they are microchipped. Just by seeing this, you feel safer. But then ads for GPS trackers catch your eye: “Never lose your dog again”, “Track your pet in real time”. And then it makes you wonder Do I really need a pet GPS tracker if my dog already has a microchip?

The short answer is - yes. But let’s dive into it and see how they differ from one another and why you might want to consider having both.

Microchip - what it does and doesn’t do?

You might have a general idea of how a microchip works, but let’s go over some facts, its strengths and where it might fall short.

• Microchip facts:

  • a tiny radio frequency identification device;

  • usually implanted between shoulder blades;

  • every microchip has a unique ID code;

  • it can be scanned with a special microchip scanner;

  • it’s passive - doesn’t have a battery, GPS and doesn’t transmit a signal.

• Strengths:

  • it is permanent - your pet cannot lose it;

  • you can register it under your name - can help resolve ownership disputes;

  • most shelters and vets have the microchip scanner to get the owners’ contact info;

  • when lost pet is found, through scanning the microchip, the owner can be found and contacted with (if you have added your info into the database).

• Where it falls short:

  • microchip won’t locate your dog;

  • it’s useful IF you have a scanner at hand and IF your registry info is up to date;

  • some (rare) places might not even know to scan your if it is an area where there are generally not many lost pets;

  • microchip companies can change or shut down, meaning you have to re-register your pet’s ID.

Pet GPS tracker

Most likely you already know at least a little bit of how a pet GPS tracker works, but let’s go over its core features, some strengths and limitations.

• Features:

  • geofencing and adding safe zones;

  • track your dog’s movements and see movement/ route history;

  • tracker attaches to collar or is built in a separate collar;

  • possibility of extra features (activity and health tracking, light features etc)

• Strengths:

  • real-time/live tracking;

  • getting notified the moment dog leaves the “safe zone”;

  • super helpful in environments that are unfamiliar (traveling, hiking in the woods etc)

• Limitations:

  • subscription aka extra monthly or annual cost;

  • the battery needs to be charged;

  • requires cellular signal;

  • possibility that the tracker might fall off the collar and gets lost.

So if you look at the info about both of them, then you can see pretty clearly that where one might lack, the other one complements it.

So it is pretty obvious that one cannot completely replace the other one, but both of them together can add a safety net for situations where thanks to one of them, you might be able to reunite with your dog.

Get maximum out of both

If your dog has a microchip, then it’s super important to keep your contact info up to date. It is like a little helper in situations, where your pet runs away and a vet or a shelter can look up the info and contact you.

The microchip is after all something that can’t get lost and will be your backup in case you don’t have a dog GPS tracker at all, it’s broken, lost or the battery has died.

When you’re choosing a pet GPS tracker, then keep in mind your lifestyle and your dog. Depending on that, you can choose the tracker with better battery-life, the coverage area, durability and extra features you might need.

We have been using a few different versions of Tractive dog GPS tracker for years and it does give us a piece of mind every time we have to go out with our dog.

If you want a Tractive dog GPS tracker yourself or update an older model, then check out this link for

But our dog also has a few extra backup options (QR-code ID tag, microchip, AirTag). So whatever the situation, there is always a chance that somehow we will be reunited with our dog.

Microchip AND a pet GPS tracker!?

Like you saw from the intro, our short answer if you should get a dog GPS tracker if you already have a microchip, was yes.

Of course, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your dog won’t ever run away or get lost. BUT it is not about that 110% certainty. It is more about building multiple layers of safety net. So when one layer will fall off, you have another one to help you out in need.

So yes, if your dog is microchipped then getting a good GPS tracker as well, is not overkill, but rather a little extra help to guide your dog back home after getting lost.

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