In the space of 24 hours, I have been contacted by two people with lost dogs. It is heartbreaking.

Bear was missing for 2 1/2 days in December 2011 and I remember how awful those days and nights were.

In response to that event, I bought two GPS tracking devices for him: TAGG’s pet tracker system and a Garmin system. I like them both. They each have their strengths and weaknesses.

Info on my Garmin experience is here.

I’ve had photos ready to document my experience, particularly recently with the TAGG system but have not made time. I decided to make time today so that I can send this link to area vets and rescue organizations. Maybe others will be proactive and in case of a lost dog incident…have a means to find their beloved pet ASAP.

The TAGG pet side of the unit attaches to a normal pet collar.

There is a base unit for recharging the pet side unit and additionally, the base unit contains the software that manages a perimeter for the pet unit.

Initially, i.e. in late 2011/early 2012, the location information was a bit iffy unless I was near a road/street address. I still felt the system was a good backup to the Garmin system as the TAGG stays on the collar all of the time, the unit “sleeps” when near the base and so battery life is good. This is in contrast to the Garmin which is a separate collar I put on when we go outside. The Garmin has good battery life and I am vigilant in recharging but the 2 units together provide signifigant redundant coverage. That said, the primary thing I count on is the bond between Bear and I and the training that we do on a daily basis.

When Bear was skunked in early summer 2012, I intended to replace the pet unit but then we got into the lameness, resting, surgeries and I delayed. But this Spring (2013) as we were resuming normal outdoor activity, I ordered a new unit and reactivated the TAGG service. The price of the TAGG unit varies depending on when they run specials but it is less than $100. There is a 7.95 per month service fee for their server maintenance. As an IT professional, I consider this a very fair price. I buy a year at a time and get a substantial discount for paying that way.

So.

2013 in rural Northwest Montana, albeit an area with 4G Verizon service (The TAGG system uses Verizon as do I!). What a difference a year makes. The information coming back re location is accurate in text and VERY accurate on the map.

On with the graphics…

The home zone.

After everything is activated – and I have had zero issues with activation of the 2 units I’ve owned – you set up the home area…yard or in my case an area that encompasses my 8 acres less the area closest to the road.

I’ll talk about the travelling later, but suffice to say that you can move the home zone or just allow the default proximity to the base unit to be the home zone when you travel. This is huge, in my opinion!

When Bear leaves the home zone, I get a text to that effect.

There are various options for notifications: text, email, text and email – all easily adjusted on the TAGG user site. Their site is easily navigated, easy to understand and works very well. I know, I know, I R an IT professional…still, I know a good site from a bad site and the TAGG site is very good.

Above is what the notification setup page looks like…pretty simple, eh???

I chose to have the urgent out of home zone alerts via text as the texts arrive super quick to my phone whereas the emails are updated on a 15 minute cycle and so a longer turnaround (that is a function of my phone, NOT the TAGG).

Following are some email notification examples:

Here are some notifications via phone text:

Taking Bob (and Bear along with) to Great Falls was our first travelling trip with the TAGG.

It was wonderfully enlightening.

Down the road, I typically have the motorhome generator running as it is good for the generator and also means that I can plug in whatever GPS I’m using, phone, etc. This trip, I also had the TAGG base unit plugged in. That meant that whenever Bear and I went for a walk, whether at a rest stop or a pullover or ??? – I was getting a text message if we ventured out of range of the base unit. And a map plot of Bear’s location. It is pretty much like Bear had his own cell phone with Emergency GPS.

Similarly, at a campground with shore power, the pet unit was “asleep” when Bear was near the Base, but “woke up” when we ventured out of the minimal “home” area…

The above texts are a capture from my phone when we were in Helena. I had similar texts from when we were in Great Falls. The TAGG is more of a find your pet system than a tracking system for walking about. TAGG is dependent on cell towers for position and communication. The Garmin is a real-time tracking system and operates directly off GPS satellites as well as direct communication between the pet unit and the handler/owner’s handset.

I believe the best system for any pet is training. But, oh boy, this TAGG system and the Garmin system – they give me some additional peace of mind whereever we go, whatever we do and whatever happens to us.

And by the way, there is a system called Locator made for very small dogs and cats. I intended to get one for Bob as soon as he got his balance back… Auggie will own one before he goes out off leash!

***Additionally, the TAGG folks customer service is OUTSTANDING !!! I’ve spoken and emailed and always, always been very happy with the professionalism, friendliness and technical ability of the TAGG personnel. I AM a happy TAGG client.

COMMENTS ARE OPEN FOR THIS POST…if you have any questions, please ask!!