Unlike the Fi collar, the microchip is not a GPS device and cannot track a lost dog or provide you with the dog's current location.
A microchip is a small, electronic chip implanted just below the surface your dog’s skin that, when scanned, transmits an identification number. This identification number is then used to lookup your contact information that's linked to the microchip’s manufacturer's registry.
A microchip is a reactive method when it comes to finding your lost dog. If your pup is microchipped and gets lost, the dog must be found and then taken to a vet or shelter with the right model of microchip scanner (corresponding to the manufacturer of the chip itself,) in order to access your contact information.
The Fi collar with a GPS subscription is a proactive method of finding your lost dog. Fi will alert you if your pup leaves any of your designated Safe Zones - allowing you to catch your escape artist right away. It uses GPS on AT&T’s LTE-M network to allow you to track your dog’s location and movement at anytime.
Finding a lost, microchipped dog could take days, weeks, months, or, unfortunately, may never happen. Relying on a microchip to find your dog leaves you powerless - just hoping that someone will find your pup and take them to a safe environment before anything happens to them.
If your dog is lost wearing the Fi collar and you have an active subscription, you’ll have the ability to locate them in minutes.
To learn more about common microchip misconceptions and the differences between microchips and the Fi collar, you can check out this article from our veterinary expert, Dr. Jeff!