Ultrasonic Tracking for Pets and Livestock

Ultrasonic Tracking

Ultrasonic Tracking for Pets and Livestock

Animal Watch 365 has integrated Ultrasonic Tracking into some of its products and systems. Its engineers, technical support, and sales teams are now experts in Ultrasonic Tracking.

Ultrasonic tracking is a technique used to monitor the movement of pets, livestock, or other animals in real-time by using sound waves at frequencies above the range of human hearing (typically above 20 kHz). This method can provide precise location tracking without requiring GPS or other wireless communication systems. Ultrasonic tracking systems have a number of applications, especially in agriculture and animal care, offering a range of benefits for monitoring and ensuring the safety and well-being of animals.

Limited Range: Ultrasonic tracking systems have a relatively limited range compared to GPS. This means they are best suited for smaller areas, like farms or homes, rather than large- scale outdoor tracking.
Obstructions: While ultrasonic waves can penetrate some obstacles, they are still susceptible to interference from thick walls, dense trees, or other materials that may block or distort
Receiver Density: To ensure accuracy, the system may require a relatively dense network of receiver stations, which could be expensive and require maintenance.
Tag Maintenance: Ultrasonic tags, like any wearable technology, may need regular checks for battery life and wear and tear.

Ultrasonic Tags (Transmitters): These are small devices that are attached to the animal. They emit ultrasonic signals at regular Depending on the system, the tags can be worn as collars, harnesses, or attached to livestock in a way that doesn’t cause discomfort.
Receiver Stations (Sensors): These sensors are installed in specific locations, such as barns, fields, or paddocks. They detect the ultrasonic signals emitted by the tags. The receivers are typically positioned at strategic points to triangulate the animal’s location.
Processing Unit/Software: The data from the receiver stations are sent to a central processing unit, which uses algorithms to calculate the animal's exact position based on the time of arrival and signal strength of the ultrasonic waves. This data is then presented through specialized tracking software, often in real-time.
Power Source: The ultrasonic transmitters typically have a battery or a small power source, designed to last for months or even years. Some systems may have energy-saving modes to conserve battery life.

Signal Emission: The ultrasonic tags on the animal emit periodic sound waves at a frequency that is not audible to humans but detectable by specialized receivers.
Signal Reception and Triangulation: When the ultrasonic waves are received by multiple receiver stations, the system uses the time difference or signal strength to determine the position of the Triangulation is often used to calculate the exact position by measuring the angle and distance between the tag and multiple receivers.
Location Calculation and Display: The software combines the data from all receivers to pinpoint the location of the The system can track the movement continuously, offering a real-time map of the animal’s whereabouts.
Feedback and Alerts: Depending on the system's capabilities, alerts or notifications can be triggered if the animal leaves a designated area (like a fence boundary) or enters a restricted zone. This is particularly useful for managing livestock in large fields or monitoring pets that may be at risk of wandering.

Non-Invasive: Ultrasonic tracking systems are usually non-invasive and do not require any surgery or implanting of devices, making them comfortable for animals.
High Precision: Ultrasonic tracking can provide very accurate positioning, especially when compared to GPS systems that may be less effective in certain environments, such as areas with dense tree cover or in indoor settings.

Low Interference: Unlike radio-frequency (RF) or GPS signals, ultrasonic waves can penetrate certain obstacles (like walls or foliage) better, leading to fewer disruptions in signal
Minimal Power Consumption: Ultrasonic transmitters tend to consume less power than GPS tags, allowing for longer-lasting batteries.
No Need for Global Satellite Infrastructure: Since the tracking is based on local receivers and not satellite signals, ultrasonic systems can be more reliable in areas where satellite reception is poor or unreliable.

Pet Tracking: Ultrasonic tags can be attached to collars for pet owners to monitor their pets' whereabouts, especially in large properties or rural areas where traditional GPS may not work
Livestock Monitoring: Farmers can use ultrasonic tracking to monitor the location of cattle, sheep, goats, or other livestock. This helps in preventing animals from straying away, facilitates pasture management, and can assist in locating animals during calving or lambing
Wildlife Monitoring: Conservationists and wildlife researchers can use ultrasonic tags to track animal movements in natural habitats. This helps in studying migration patterns, territorial behavior, and ecological impacts without disrupting the animal’s natural
Zoo Animal Management: Zoos can use ultrasonic tracking to ensure the safety and well- being of the animals within the Real-time monitoring can help keep track of an animal’s health, interactions, and environment.

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Applications of Ultrasonic Tracking for Pet and Livestock

Ultrasonic tracking technology uses sound waves at frequencies higher than the human ear can detect to track pets and livestock. Below are several applications of ultrasonic tracking for both pets and livestock:

Lost Pet Recovery: Ultrasonic tracking devices can help locate lost By attaching a small ultrasonic transmitter to the pet's collar, pet owners can track their pets in real-time using a receiver or mobile application.
Geofencing: Ultrasonic tracking can create virtual boundaries around certain areas, alerting pet owners when their pets move out of safe zones, such as a yard or neighborhood.

Health Monitoring: Some ultrasonic tracking systems can track pets' movements and activity levels, providing data on their physical health and behavior, which can help with early detection of health issues.

Herd Monitoring: Ultrasonic trackers can be used to monitor the location and movement of livestock within a farm or This can help farmers or ranchers locate animals that might be lost, injured, or isolated from the herd.
Breeding and Reproductive Monitoring: Ultrasonic tracking can help track the movement and behavior of animals during breeding seasons, ensuring that they are paired appropriately and that reproductive cycles are monitored effectively.
Environmental Monitoring: Farmers can track livestock behavior to study their interaction with different environmental factors, such as grazing patterns, access to water, and shelter.
Tracking Health and Behavior: Sensors can track and analyze the health, feeding habits, and general activity of This data can help detect diseases or malnutrition early on.

Migration and Habitat Tracking: Ultrasonic tracking is useful for monitoring the movement of wildlife, helping scientists track migration patterns, and understand the animals' habitat preferences. This helps in the conservation of endangered species.
Anti-poaching: Ultrasonic tags attached to animals can alert authorities when animals enter restricted or poaching-prone areas, allowing for swift intervention.

Automatic Herding: Ultrasonic devices can be integrated into automated systems to herd animals in a specific direction, making it easier for farmers to control the movement of
Feeding and Watering Systems: Ultrasonic tags can be used to ensure that animals are directed to feeding or watering stations, ensuring that every animal in the herd gets proper
Stress and Welfare Monitoring: By monitoring the movement patterns of livestock, farmers can detect unusual behavior that may indicate stress, illness, or injury. This helps improve overall welfare and reduces the need for direct handling, reducing the risk of harm to

Post-Surgery Monitoring: Ultrasonic tracking is beneficial for monitoring pets or livestock post-surgery. It helps ensure that the animal doesn't wander too far from a specific area or engage in strenuous activity.
Diagnostic Tools: Ultrasonic devices are also used in diagnostics, as they provide real-time movement data that can help veterinarians assess an animal’s condition.

Behavioral Studies: Researchers can use ultrasonic tracking to observe the behavior of both wild and domestic animals in their natural environments. It helps gather data on feeding habits, interaction with other animals, and social behaviors.

Movement Ecology Studies: Studying the movement patterns of animals in different habitats or environments can provide valuable insights into their survival strategies and ecological

Search and Rescue: Ultrasonic tracking can be crucial in search and rescue operations for pets that are lost or trapped, especially in hard-to-reach or dangerous areas.

Ultrasonic tracking is valuable for both practical applications in animal management and research into animal behaviors and conservation, offering more precise and humane solutions for pet and livestock monitoring.

Case Examples

Tracking & Herd Management for Cattle Ranches

In Canada, particularly in the vast rural areas where cattle ranching is prominent, ultrasonic tracking is used to track the movement of herds. This technology helps ranchers ensure the health and safety of their cattle, especially in remote areas where manual checking is difficult. Ultrasonic devices on cattle collars provide real-time location data to farmers, allowing them to quickly locate and manage their herds, which is crucial for breeding and health monitoring.

Livestock Monitoring on Large Farms

On large-scale farms, ultrasonic tracking is used to monitor the location and movement of livestock. This helps farmers track animals, especially in herding situations or when livestock are spread across vast areas. It ensures that animals are safe and can be easily located in case of an emergency or for routine veterinary checks.

Pet Wearables for Health Monitoring

Ultrasonic tracking is incorporated into wearable devices for pets, which not only track their location but also monitor vital signs like heart rate or body temperature. This helps owners keep tabs on the health and activity of their pets, especially older pets or those with health issues.

Pet Recovery Systems

Ultrasonic tracking is used to help locate lost pets. Small ultrasonic transmitters are attached to pet collars, and owners can track the location of their pets using handheld receivers. This technology has been particularly useful in urban areas where pets may wander off and get lost.

Wildlife Conservation

Ultrasonic tracking is used by conservationists to monitor the movement of wildlife, such as wild deer or other large animals, in national parks or other protected areas. By attaching ultrasonic transmitters to the animals, they can track their movement patterns, monitor their health, and prevent poaching.

Animal Watch 365’s Products Related to Ultrasonic Tracking for Pets and Livestock Comply with

Animal Watch 365’s ultrasonic tracking products for pets and livestock are designed to comply with key federal and state regulatory requirements in the United States. These regulations ensure the responsible use of tracking technologies while supporting animal identification, welfare, and traceability objectives. The relevant regulations include:

USDA Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) Regulations

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires official identification for livestock moved across state lines under the Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) framework. As of November 5, 2024, all official ear tags for cattle and bison must be both visually and electronically readable (e.g., RFID). These tags must be tamper-resistant, have a high retention rate, and begin with the U.S. country code “840.”
Although ultrasonic tracking devices are not recognized as official forms of identification under ADT, they may be used to complement compliant RFID tags for enhanced tracking, health monitoring, and livestock management.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance

Ultrasonic or radiofrequency-based tracking devices must comply with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules concerning the use of radiofrequency spectrum. Devices must:
Operate within designated frequency bands
Adhere to power output limitations
Avoid interference with other electronic equipment

All devices must obtain FCC equipment authorization before being marketed or distributed in the U.S.

American Kennel Club (AKC) Guidelines for Tracking Collars

For pet tracking in the context of AKC-sanctioned events (e.g., field trials, hunting tests), devices must meet specific AKC requirements:

Only AKC-approved tracking collars may be used during events
Devices must remain unaltered from their manufacturer’s specifications, aside from non- functional accessories such as nameplates
Tracking data may only be accessed after a dog is no longer under active judging These standards ensure fairness in competition while allowing for animal safety and State-Specific Animal Identification Regulations

Many states enforce their own animal identification and movement requirements, particularly for livestock. These may include:

Additional documentation for interstate movement
State-approved identification methods
Species-specific health certification requirements

It is essential for Animal Watch 365 and its customers to consult state animal health authorities to ensure compliance with jurisdiction-specific laws.

Animal Watch 365’s ultrasonic tracking products for pets and livestock must comply with several Canadian regulations to ensure lawful operation and market acceptance. These regulations encompass both livestock traceability and electronic device standards.

Health of Animals Regulations (Part XV – Animal Identification)

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) mandates that livestock such as cattle, bison, sheep, pigs, and farmed wild boars be identified with approved indicators (e.g., ear tags or electronic chips) before leaving their farm of origin. These indicators must bear a unique identification number, be tamper-resistant, difficult to counterfeit, and designed for retention by the animal. The Minister considers these criteria when approving tags or indicators for animal identification.

Additionally, the CFIA outlines specific requirements for livestock producers, including the necessity to identify animals with approved tags before they leave their farm of origin.

It’s important to note that these regulations primarily pertain to livestock. For pets, such as dogs and cats, there are no specific federal identification requirements under the Health of Animals Regulations.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) – Radio Equipment Regulations

Ultrasonic tracking devices that emit radio frequencies must comply with ISED’s Radio Standards Specifications (RSS). Devices must operate on frequencies designated for public use in Canada and must be certified to ensure they do not cause interference with other radio services. For instance, tracking collar systems that utilize frequencies other than those specified by ISED cannot be operated in Canada.

Manufacturers must ensure their devices are tested and certified according to ISED standards before marketing them in Canada.

Provincial Premises Identification Requirements

While not directly related to the devices themselves, livestock producers are often required to register their premises with provincial authorities. This registration provides a Premises Identification Number (PID), which is essential for traceability programs. For example, in Ontario, livestock primary producers must have a valid and up-to-date PID for the business location where the project is to take place.

Manufacturers like Animal Watch 365 should be aware of these requirements, as their products may need to integrate with systems that utilize PID numbers for tracking and traceability.

Animal Watch 365’s ultrasonic tracking solutions for pet and livestock tracking adhere to several internationally recognized standards to ensure safety, performance, interoperability, and environmental compliance. These include:

ISO 11785:1996 – Radio-frequency identification of animals Although primarily for RFID, this standard outlines principles applicable to electronic identification devices for animals, which may be relevant if ultrasonic tracking is used in conjunction with RFID.
ISO/IEC 17025 – General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories .Ensures that any testing of ultrasonic devices for accuracy, frequency output, and environmental resilience is performed by accredited labs.
IEC 62368-1 – Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment – Safety requirements Applicable to devices that emit ultrasonic signals, ensuring the safety of electrical and electronic components in tracking devices.

ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems. Ensures that the design, manufacturing, and testing processes of ultrasonic tracking devices follow rigorous quality management practices.

IEC 60601-1 – Medical Electrical Equipment (if applicable to pet health tracking) If the ultrasonic device has any health-monitoring function, this standard ensures electrical safety and performance for medical devices.

ICNIRP Guidelines – Exposure to Ultrasound Compliance with the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) ensures the safe levels of ultrasonic exposure for humans and animals.

REACH and RoHS (EU)- Ensures environmental compliance by restricting hazardous substances and promoting safe chemical usage in electronics.

FCC Part 15 (USA) / ETSI EN 300 440 (EU)-Covers the radio-frequency aspects of the devices, including any unintentional emissions from electronic components operating in the ultrasonic or RF ranges.

ISO 24631-1 to 3 – Performance evaluation of animal identification systems

While originally intended for RFID systems, aspects of these standards apply to tracking accuracy, reliability, and identification performance.

Animal Watch 365 has developed strong expertise in Ultrasonic Tracking for pet and livestock monitoring, a technology also known by several alternative names such as Ultrasonic Positioning, Ultrasonic Location Tracking, Ultrasonic Tagging, and Acoustic Tracking Systems. Other commonly used terms include High-Frequency Sound Tracking, Sound-Based Animal Tracking, Ultrasonic Signal Navigation, Echo-Based Tracking Technology, and Ultrasonic Proximity Detection. These names all refer to systems that utilize high-frequency sound waves to accurately track and monitor the movement and location of animals.

Customers can use Animal Watch 365’s products such as

Animal Watch 365 offers expedited shipping for its products to various destinations across the U.S. and Canada, operating from our hub in San Francisco Bay Area, CA. We encourage you to reach out if you wish to explore our product offerings or discuss potential partnerships. You can get in touch by completing the inquiry-form or contacting us via email.