Wi-Fi Tracking

Wi-Fi Tracking for Pets and Livestock

Animal Watch 365 has Wi-Fi Tracking in some of its products and systems. Animal Watch 365’s engineers, technical support, and technical sales staff have become experts in Wi-Fi Tracking.

Wi-Fi tracking for pet and livestock tracking is a technology that leverages Wi-Fi networks to monitor the location and activity of animals in real-time. This method is commonly used for both pets and livestock to ensure their safety, health, and whereabouts, particularly in environments like farms, ranches, or households. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how Wi-Fi tracking works and its key applications:

  • Pets: Pet owners can use Wi-Fi tracking to keep an eye on their pets, especially in homes with large yards or when pets are indoors for long periods. The tracker can help owners monitor their pet’s movement and ensure they stay within the safety of the home or yard.
  • Livestock: Farmers and ranchers use Wi-Fi tracking systems to monitor the location and health of livestock in real-time. This is particularly useful for ensuring that livestock are not straying from designated grazing areas and can be tracked for veterinary needs.
  • Wildlife Research: In some cases, Wi-Fi tracking can be used for monitoring wildlife in controlled environments such as wildlife reserves or zoos, where Wi-Fi networks are
  • Limited Range: The primary limitation of Wi-Fi-based tracking is that it requires proximity to a Wi-Fi Animals that wander outside the coverage area will not be tracked unless they enter a different Wi-Fi-enabled space.
  • Signal Interference: Wi-Fi signals can be affected by obstacles like walls, metal structures, or other environmental factors, which could reduce tracking accuracy or cause temporary loss of connection.
  • Dependency on Wi-Fi Infrastructure: For Wi-Fi tracking to be effective, a strong and reliable Wi-Fi network must be in In rural or remote areas with limited access to Wi-Fi infrastructure, other tracking technologies like GPS or cellular-based tracking might be more effective.
  • Battery Life: Although Wi-Fi trackers tend to consume less power than GPS-based devices, their battery life still depends on the frequency of location updates and the specific tracking technology Devices that offer frequent updates may require more frequent charging or maintenance.
  • Real-Time Location Monitoring: With Wi-Fi tracking, pet owners and farmers can track the real-time location of their animals from anywhere with internet access, ensuring they can respond quickly in case of an emergency.
  • Low Power Consumption: Compared to other GPS-based tracking systems, Wi-Fi trackers often consume less battery power, making them suitable for long-term The use of Wi-Fi instead of GPS reduces the frequency of location updates, conserving energy.
  • Cost-Effective for Enclosed Spaces: In environments with a dense Wi-Fi network (e.g., homes, barns, warehouses), Wi-Fi tracking can be a more affordable and practical solution compared to GPS-based trackers, which often require additional infrastructure or subscription
  • Enhanced Safety and Security: Wi-Fi tracking systems provide peace of mind by helping owners locate lost pets or monitor livestock, preventing theft, wandering, or The ability to set alerts for when animals leave designated areas adds another layer of protection.
  • Activity Monitoring: In addition to location tracking, some Wi-Fi trackers are equipped with sensors that monitor an animal’s activity levels, health indicators, and even temperature. This data can be used to track the animal’s well-being, helping owners detect signs of illness, stress, or fatigue.

Wi-Fi-based animal tracking typically involves the use of small, lightweight devices called trackers or tags, which are attached to the animal's collar or integrated into a wearable item. These devices communicate with existing Wi-Fi networks in the area to transmit data about the animal’s location, movements, and, in some cases, environmental conditions (such as temperature or humidity).

  • Tracker/Tag Device: The animal wears a collar or tag embedded with a Wi-Fi-enabled GPS module, which gathers data about the animal's location. These trackers use signals from nearby Wi-Fi routers to estimate the position of the animal in the coverage area. Some advanced models may also incorporate other technologies like GPS, Bluetooth, or cellular connectivity to enhance accuracy.
  • Wi-Fi Network Integration: The tracker communicates with a Wi-Fi router or access point within range. By measuring the signal strength from multiple routers or access points, the system can estimate the animal's position with a fair degree of accuracy. This is especially useful in large, enclosed areas where GPS signals might be weak or unreliable (e.g., barns, stables, or indoor spaces).
  • Data Transmission: The tracking device continuously transmits data (location, movement, and sometimes health metrics) to a central server or cloud-based The user, such as a pet owner or farmer, can access the data in real-time through a mobile app or web interface.
  • Geofencing and Alerts: Wi-Fi tracking systems often come with geofencing capabilities, which allow the user to set virtual boundaries for the animal. If the animal crosses a predefined perimeter, the system sends an alert to the This feature is particularly useful for preventing animals from wandering too far from a safe area or for monitoring the movement of livestock.

As technology evolves, we can expect improvements in the accuracy and functionality of Wi-Fi tracking systems. Integration with other Internet of Things (IoT) devices and AI-powered analytics could further enhance the capabilities of these systems, providing more detailed insights into the behavior and health of animals.

Overall, Wi-Fi tracking offers a promising solution for real-time monitoring of pets and livestock, particularly in areas with good Wi-Fi coverage. It is an effective tool for pet owners and farmers who prioritize the safety, security, and well-being of their animals.

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Applications of Wi-Fi Tracking for Pets and Livestock

  • Pet Tracking: Wi-Fi-enabled collars and tags can help track pets within a specific range of Wi-Fi networks. This helps pet owners know the exact location of their pets when they are inside homes, parks, or other Wi-Fi-enabled spaces.
  • Livestock Tracking: Farmers can place Wi-Fi-enabled devices on livestock to monitor their movements within the farm, even if they are in remote areas covered by Wi-Fi hotspots or mesh networks.
  • Pet Behavior: By tracking a pet’s movements, owners can gain insights into their pets' daily routines, including their favorite resting spots, feeding times, and activity This data can also help detect behavioral changes, potentially indicating health issues.

 

  • Livestock Behavior: Wi-Fi trackers on livestock can record behaviors such as grazing patterns, walking routes, or social interactions, offering insights into animal well-being and helping detect early signs of illness or distress.
  • Pet Safety: Using Wi-Fi geofencing, pet owners can create virtual boundaries (e.g., the perimeter of their yard or house) and receive alerts if the pet leaves the designated area, helping prevent pets from getting lost or wandering too far.
  • Livestock Management: For livestock, geofencing can be used to monitor the movements of cattle, sheep, or other animals, ensuring they stay within the safe boundaries of a grazing area or pasture.
  • Pet Health: Wi-Fi trackers equipped with sensors can monitor physical activity and other health metrics like heart rate or body This data can be transmitted to the owner’s smartphone or a veterinary clinic for ongoing monitoring.
  • Livestock Health: Farmers can use Wi-Fi-enabled collars to track health indicators such as body temperature, respiration, or even early signs of disease or This can be crucial in preventing the spread of illness within herds.
  • Pet Monitoring: Owners can receive immediate alerts if their pet’s Wi-Fi tracker detects unusual behavior (e.g., abnormal activity levels or a pet leaving a designated area). This allows quick action, such as finding a lost pet or ensuring it’s safe.
  • Livestock Alerts: Farmers can be alerted about abnormal animal behavior or when livestock moves outside their designated zones, enabling them to act fast in case of an emergency or prevent potential issues like escapes or fights between animals.
  • Pets in Complex Environments: Wi-Fi tracking is useful in areas with many obstacles like tall grass, dense woods, or urban areas where GPS signals may not work effectively. Wi-Fi can help keep track of pets in environments where traditional GPS tracking is limited.
  • Livestock in Remote Areas: Wi-Fi hotspots can be deployed in remote grazing areas to help farmers track livestock, even in locations where cellular or satellite coverage might be
  • Pets and Smart Homes: Wi-Fi pet trackers can be integrated with smart home systems to automate certain actions, like adjusting the pet’s feeding schedule or triggering an alarm if the pet enters a restricted area.
  • Livestock and Farm Automation: Farmers can integrate livestock tracking systems with automated systems to manage feeding, water, or shelter needs based on real-time data from the trackers.
  • Livestock Management: Wi-Fi tracking allows farmers to monitor the collective movement of animals, ensuring that herds stay together. This can be especially important for managing grazing patterns and preventing strays.
  • Pet Group Monitoring: In cases where multiple pets are present (e.g., dog walkers, pet shelters), Wi-Fi tracking helps ensure all animals are accounted for and grouped appropriately, reducing the chances of a lost pet.
  • Pet Security: Wi-Fi trackers can act as security devices, especially when pets are left home alone. Owners can monitor their pets’ location and activities and be notified if the pet’s environment is tampered with.
  • Livestock Security: For valuable or high-risk livestock, Wi-Fi trackers can help ensure animals are safe from theft or unauthorized Alerts can notify farmers of any suspicious activity.
  • Farm Efficiency: Collecting data from Wi-Fi trackers can provide actionable insights to optimize farm Understanding animal movement, health, and behavior can help in resource allocation, like adjusting feed times, water access, and pasture usage.
  • Pet Care Optimization: For pet owners, data from Wi-Fi trackers can help optimize pet care routines, ensuring pets are getting enough exercise, social interaction, and care according to their behavior patterns.

Case Examples

Pet Location Monitoring in Rural Areas

Wi-Fi tracking technology can be used to monitor the location of pets in rural or remote areas where traditional GPS may not work well due to limited satellite visibility. Pet owners can install Wi-Fi enabled tags on their pets' collars, and as long as the pet stays within range of Wi-Fi hotspots, the system can track its movements. This system is particularly useful in large properties or farms where pets may roam freely.

Pet Recovery Services in Urban Environments

In urban areas, Wi-Fi tracking systems can be used in conjunction with pet recovery services. In the event a pet goes missing, their Wi-Fi enabled collar can send out a signal to nearby Wi- Fi hotspots. Pet recovery services can use this data to pinpoint the location of the animal quickly, improving the chances of a fast recovery, especially in crowded cities where pets may get lost.

Tracking Dogs for Search and Rescue Missions

In Canada, Wi-Fi tracking is being used in search and rescue operations for dogs that are trained to locate missing persons or detect hazards. Wi-Fi-enabled tracking collars allow handlers to keep track of the dogs' movements, especially in remote or dense forest areas where traditional GPS may not work. This application ensures that rescue dogs are monitored and can be quickly located, improving response times in emergency situations.

Real-time Livestock Tracking for Movement and Grazing

For livestock grazing management, Wi-Fi tracking can provide real-time data on animal movements within a farm or ranch. This data helps farmers manage their herds more effectively, ensuring that they move between pastures in a controlled manner, preventing overgrazing in certain areas and maintaining optimal land usage for grazing.

Livestock Health Monitoring

Livestock farms can implement Wi-Fi tracking solutions to monitor cattle and other livestock's location, health, and well-being. Sensors attached to the animals can transmit data via Wi-Fi to a centralized monitoring system, allowing farmers to track movements, detect abnormal behavior, and monitor feeding and hydration patterns to ensure the livestock’s health.

Animal Watch 365’s Products Related to Wi-Fi Tracking for Pets and Livestock Comply with

Wi-Fi tracking products for pets and livestock in the U.S. must comply with several regulations to ensure they are safe, effective, and respect privacy rights. Some of the key regulatory areas include:

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Regulations

  • FCC Part 15: Devices that emit radiofrequency (RF) signals, like Wi-Fi trackers, must meet FCC guidelines to avoid interference with other electronic devices. Compliance with these standards ensures that the device’s emissions fall within acceptable limits and don’t cause harmful interference to communication networks.

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

  • The CPSC oversees the safety of consumer products. Any hardware or electronic devices, including pet and livestock trackers, must meet CPSC standards to ensure that they are safe for consumers, animals, and the environment. This includes any risks associated with batteries, chargers, and potential choking hazards.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

  • Advertising and Labeling: The FTC ensures that products are marketed truthfully and not misleadingly. Any claims made by the product, such as tracking accuracy or durability, must be substantiated to avoid consumer deception.
  • Privacy Regulations: If the tracking device collects and processes data, it must comply with privacy For instance, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) applies if the product collects personal data from children under 13, requiring parental consent.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) (If Applicable)

  • While not typically related to tracking pets or livestock, if the tracking system gathers any health-related data, such as for veterinary purposes, it may need to comply with HIPAA, which governs the protection of sensitive health information.

State-Specific Regulations

  • Some states, like California, have specific laws related to the collection of personal data (e.g., California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)), and may require compliance if the product tracks personal data or geolocation information. Each state may have different regulations regarding the protection of consumer information and data security.

Animal Welfare Act (AWA)

  • If the product is used to track livestock for farming or animal welfare purposes, it may be subject to standards outlined in the Animal Welfare Act, which establishes regulations for the humane treatment of animals. This would mainly apply to tracking devices used in farming and agriculture to ensure that the technology does not harm the animals in any way.

Wireless Device Regulations

  • If the device operates on any specific frequency bands or uses certain technologies (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi), there are regulations governing the use of these frequencies. Compliance with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is required to ensure that the wireless technology used in the trackers doesn’t cause interference or violate government communication protocols.

Data Protection and Cybersecurity

  • With increasing concerns over data privacy, products that collect location data, animal health metrics, or other sensitive information may need to comply with various cybersecurity and data protection laws. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) might apply if the product is sold in multiple countries, although it is an EU regulation, it could be relevant for U.S. companies handling data on an international level.

In Canada, the regulations that Wi-Fi tracking products for pets and livestock need to comply with include a combination of federal and provincial laws relating to privacy, wireless communications, and animal welfare. Below are some of the key regulatory frameworks:

Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)

  • What it covers: This federal law governs how private sector organizations collect, use, and disclose personal data in the course of commercial activities. If the tracking system collects personal information, like pet owners’ data or location-based services tied to a person, it must comply with PIPEDA.
  • Compliance requirement: Organizations must obtain informed consent for data collection, store data securely, and ensure users’ privacy is respected.

Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) Regulations

  • What it covers: CRTC regulates telecommunications in Canada, including the use of wireless devices. If the Wi-Fi-based tracking system involves communication technologies that operate on licensed or unlicensed radio frequencies (e.g., Wi-Fi signals), it must comply with these regulations.
  • Compliance requirement: Products must meet technical standards for radiofrequency emissions and avoid interference with other communications services.

Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act

  • What it covers: This act regulates the spectrum used for wireless communication in Canada, including consumer devices. Wi-Fi tracking products should adhere to technical standards related to signal emissions, interference, and health and safety of radiofrequency exposure.
  • Compliance requirement: The devices need to be certified to operate on authorized frequencies and must not pose a risk to public safety or interfere with critical communication services.

Animal Welfare Regulations (Federal and Provincial)

  • What it covers: Various animal welfare laws apply to the humane treatment of pets and livestock. While these regulations focus on ensuring the well-being of animals, they can be relevant for animal tracking devices in terms of ensuring they don’t harm the animal or impact its natural behavior.
  • Compliance requirement: The devices should be safe, comfortable, and non-invasive for the animals, with no potential to cause injury or stress.

Health Canada: Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA)

  • What it covers: This Act regulates the safety of consumer products. If the Wi-Fi tracking device is classified as a consumer product, it must meet the safety standards under this
  • Compliance requirement: The product must be free from defects that could pose a risk to users, whether it’s the pet, livestock, or their owners.

Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Standards

  • What it covers: CSA sets standards for product safety and performance in Canada, which may include any electronics or consumer devices, including pet tracking systems.
  • Compliance requirement: Compliance with CSA’s product standards ensures the product is safe for use and meets electrical and functional specifications.

Provincial and Municipal Regulations 

  • What it covers: Some provinces and municipalities may have additional regulations regarding animal tracking, safety, and electronic device usage that apply to specific
  • Compliance requirement: Depending on the province, there may be specific requirements related to animal welfare, the use of electronic collars, or other tracking devices.

If AnimalWatch365’s products for Wi-Fi tracking comply with these regulations, it will ensure the legality and safety of the devices while protecting user data and the welfare of animals. Compliance might also require additional certifications, labeling, and safety measures to meet all regulatory standards.

Wi-Fi tracking for pets and livestock, such as those developed by AnimalWatch365, would typically need to comply with a range of international standards to ensure safety, security, and interoperability. Some of the key international standards and regulations these products would need to meet include:

Radio Frequency (RF) Standards:

  • FCC (Federal Communications Commission) – USA: Ensures that devices operating on radio frequencies do not interfere with other communications systems.
  • CE Marking (Conformité Européenne) – Europe: Indicates compliance with EU regulations regarding electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and safety standards for wireless
  • IC (Industry Canada) Standards – Canada: Ensures compliance with Canada’s radiofrequency emissions and telecommunications standards.
  • RED (Radio Equipment Directive) – European Union: This directive ensures that all wireless communication devices sold in the EU meet the essential requirements for health, safety, and electromagnetic compatibility.

Data Protection and Privacy Standards:

  • GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) – European Union: Any data collection or tracking that involves personal information must comply with GDPR, ensuring data is collected, stored, and processed in a secure and privacy-respecting manner.
  • CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) – USA: Applicable if the device collects any personal information from users in California, ensuring privacy protection and data
  • ISO/IEC 27001 (Information Security Management): This standard relates to the information security management systems used by organizations to protect sensitive data, which is essential if tracking involves any personal data.

Wireless Communication Standards:

  • IEEE 11 (Wi-Fi Standards): These define the technical standards for wireless local area networks (WLAN), ensuring devices communicate effectively and securely over Wi-Fi.
  • Bluetooth SIG Standards: If the pet or livestock trackers use Bluetooth for communication, they need to meet the Bluetooth Special Interest Group’s standards.
  • ISO/IEC 24730 (Real-time Locating Systems – RTLS): Relevant for systems that are designed to track animals in real-time using wireless communication.

Safety and Environmental Standards:

  • ISO 13485 (Medical Devices – Quality Management Systems): If the pet or livestock tracking system is used in veterinary medicine or related environments, compliance with ISO 13485 may be necessary to ensure the safety of the device in health-related applications.
  • RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances): Ensures that products are free from hazardous materials that can pose a risk to human health or the environment.
  • WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment): Relates to the recycling and disposal of electronic devices, ensuring that end-of-life disposal is environmentally friendly.

Interoperability and Performance Standards:

  • ISO/IEC 11801 (Information Technology – Generic Cabling for Customer Premises): While primarily related to wired communication, aspects of this standard may be relevant in ensuring that devices maintain reliable and high-quality communication over Wi-Fi.
  • ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems): Ensures that products are manufactured under high-quality control systems, which is essential for ensuring product consistency and reliability.

Animal Welfare and Ethical Standards:

  • The International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG) Standards: While not mandatory, some animal tracking products must align with animal welfare standards, particularly if they are being used in livestock management where ethical considerations around tracking devices can be relevant.

These international standards help ensure that Wi-Fi pet and livestock tracking products meet safety, quality, privacy, and environmental requirements, creating a reliable and effective solution for users.

Animal Watch 365 specializes in Wi-Fi tracking technology for pet and livestock monitoring, which can also be referred to by various alternative terms such as wireless tracking, RF (radio frequency) tracking, location-based tracking, GPS-integrated Wi-Fi monitoring, wireless positioning system (WPS), smart tracking technology, or wireless pet/livestock locator. These terms emphasize the use of Wi-Fi or wireless technology to accurately monitor and track animals in real-time.

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 Seattle, WA. 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.