Not only people experience separation anxiety: leaving your fur child alone at home can be stressful, especially if they have a tendency to roam or misbehave in your absence. Luckily, there is a range of new gadgets and tech on the market to help you keep track of your pet – and see that they don’t get up to any mischief while you’re away. Here are the latest solutions to suit your needs:
1. Smart move
A smart tag acts as an ‘anti-lost’ alarm to help you look for missing valuables – and what is more precious than your canine companion? If your dog wanders off during a walk, simply use the app to activate the tag’s alarm (it works within a 30m radius). If he has strayed out of range, the app will drop a pin on the map of his last recorded location, guiding you in the right direction to find him.
2. Micromanagement
A microchip is one of the cheapest ways to ensure that your pet will always find his way back to you. It can’t be tracked like a GPS, but rather acts as an electronic ID for your pet. In the event that an animal gets lost, a vet or the SPCA can scan the chip and get the make and number. They can then access the database of the relevant microchip company to locate its owner. Unlike a collar, the chip cannot break or fall off, and it lasts a lifetime.
Available for R250 at the SPCA or from R350 at your local vet
3. Track record
Cats have a reputation for being curious, but what happens when they explore too far from home? That’s where the AlleyCat GPS Tracker comes in. This lightweight device allows you to watch their activity on your phone. The tracker is waterproof and has unlimited range, as well as an accuracy of up to 1m. The battery life depends on how often you check your pet’s location, but can last from six to 10 days on the lowest frequency. It needs a SIM card, as the GPS runs on data, but the peace of mind it brings is definitely worth the extra cost.
4. Dogged pursuit
Curious about what your pet gets up to when you’re away? The Dog Monitor app allows you to keep an eye on your fur child through a live video stream. All you need are two devices (one for your pet and one for yourself) and you can watch – and even speak to – them at any time. The activity log records whether they have been noisy in your absence and you can even discipline them with prerecorded commands.
Dog Monitor app R84,99, Google Play and the App Store
PHOTO: iStock/Goran Jakus Photography
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