PetCell helps locate and recover lost dogs

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

United Press

By Chris Barylick Dec 28, 2005, 19:37 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC, United States (UPI) -- On the Rock Creek Parkway running trail in the heart of Washington, D.C., a steady stream of joggers runs past a tabbed flier attached to a utility pole describing Peaches, a missing parakeet, and offers a reward for its return.

Odds are that Peaches is gone with no hope of return.

For anyone who`s been in this situation, even for a few hours, the feeling is unmistakable. The owner has no idea if the pet is all right, alive, has been taken or is merely lost. And even if the pet has simply wandered off a few blocks only to be found being patted by friendly children, the owner has been worried sick with the thought of what might have happened.

This might be about to change. PetsMobility, a wireless communications company focused on the pet industry, is set to release its upcoming PetCell communications unit this March. Measuring 3 inches in length and equipped with GPS, cellular and optional video technologies, the product has been called 'Fido`s first cell phone' and is meant to serve as a communications gateway for when a pet goes missing.

The bone-shaped unit, which attaches to a dog`s collar (but is a little too unwieldy for cats), can be utilized in several ways. Should a dog go missing, owners can activate the PetCell`s GPS and A-GPS (a global positioning variant that allows for views of indoor environments) tracking and then follow the signal via a voice-enabled call center or through any Web-enabled device such as a PDA or a computer. Users can also open voice links to their pets via the device, which also features a 'Call Owner' button that can be used if someone finds the pet and wants to report its location.

A GeoFence option, which functions similarly to wireless fence technology, can be ordered for the PetCell to inform owners if their pet has wandered beyond a set parameter, while onboard temperature sensors let the owner know if their pet is too hot or too cold.

Finally, the PetCell will support a small wireless camera, which allows owners to observe their pet`s surroundings and behavior and makes the device attractive to emergency teams looking to train canines for search-and-rescue and tactical work. The unit is waterproof and shock-resistant to allow it to handle whatever its canine wearer throws at it.

'We are definitely for responsible dog owners to be able to find their pets, however their gadget promotes the idea that you can call your pet ... we think that`s irresponsible, especially considering leash laws,' said Lisa Peterson, director of Club Communications for the American Kennel Club, a not-for-profit firm that maintains an active pet registry and sponsors events and training.

'The device should be used for locating a pet, not letting a pet wander and roam unsupervised,' said Peterson, who pointed out that more permanent forms of identification such as small tattoos or surgically implanted microchips can lead to better chances of recovery.

'I just think the gadget goes to show pet owners are looking to fill a high-tech bond between them and their pets,' said Peterson. They need to see that they`re doing it in the spirit of being a good dog owner.'

'It sounds to me like they`ve covered all the bases in that you can access it remotely on your own equipment or have a service wired in to track it for you. Being able to have your pet hear you and provide reassurance to your pet is a good idea' said Jean Skeffington, a long-time dog owner and University of Pittsburgh doctoral student.

''If the pet`s gotten away and is skittish, it might be the kind of thing to put them at ease with the sound of your voice,' said Skeffington with regard to PetCell`s two-way voice communication feature that allows the owner to 'call' a missing pet, which has raised a few eyebrows and been politely joked about.

The PetCell is due for release to the market in March 2006 and will retail between $350 and $400. It will join a U.S. marketplace that spent $35.9 billion on pets in 2005 according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. Whether it will make an enormous difference in the long run has yet to be seen, but for pet owners seeking additional peace of mind, a new tool has fallen into their hands.

[DoozyDog]

I have the microchip on both of my dogs and recently Montana dug a hole under the fence and decided to take Hank for a stroll through the neighborhood. One of my neighbors called animal control (which is what I would I prefer) and caught Montana but couldn't catch Hank a toy Chihuahua. Hank got scared and ran home and animal control took Montana in.

What makes me upset about this is that animal control never contacted us that they had picked up Montana, I thought the whole point of the chip was for them to identify the owners of the animal. Animal Control said they scanned and found the chip but no action was taken.

When we went to pick up Montana they charged us the full price of $55.00. When they implated the chip they said all owners of dogs with chips would receive a discount if they happen to pick the dog up. When we asked them why we aren't receiving a discount they replied that they wouldn't give us a discount, and refused to elaberate on why.

So I think that this device might have saved me an hour or so looking through-out the neighborhood for Montana, but I don't think it is ready for my dogs just yet. I would like the size of the device to be smaller than three inches, three inched is pretty large to be worn all the time. Also the price of $400.00 dollars is rather steep.

I like the fact that you can track the animal, and tell it's temperature, but do you really need to talk to the animal. I think I should maybe spend the $400.00 dollars upgrading the fence so they can't get out anymore.

[jeanniequan]

I was just debating about having my puppy chipped also. My vet told me it would cost $30 to have it done. Then it would cost $19 to have it registered with a national register. I am still pondering the pros & cons of having it done. I'm not real crazy about having some foreign object imbedded into the dog. Comments from others would be appreciated.

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

All of my dogs are microchipped and I wouldn't have it any other way. Its a shame Doozy that your shelter isn't living up to their end of things and being responsible.

Most shelters that are equipped with scanners are more than happy to call owners when they find that chip as well as give a discount when you pick the dog up. It saves them having one more dog to try and place and saves you from possibly having your pet put down because there wasn't enough room at the shelter.