GlobalPetFinder

Tech options growing, evolving to keep children safe from dogs and other predators

Date published: 1/12/2006

By MICHAEL ZITZ

Tuesday's dog mauling of a Spotsylvania County 3-year-old is likely to send area parents scrambling for ways to make sure young children don't get out of the house without Mom and Dad's knowledge.

It's probably causing many dog owners to become more concerned about keeping track of their pets, too.

Applied Digital Solutions Inc. of Palm Beach, Fla., has come up with the VeriChip, a subdermal microchip the size of a grain of rice that can be comfortably implanted just beneath the skin of a child, adult or pet. The chips can be removed without scarring.

That science will soon be combined with satellite Global Positioning System technology to produce a system that can locate anyone, anywhere, anytime.

The "Big Brother" implications are troubling to some, but parents--as well as the adult children of elderly people suffering from dementia--may jump at the chance for increased peace of mind.

The Global PetFiner, available for $400 and a $18 per month service fee that will do the same thing if snapped onto a dog's collar. There's a $35 activation fee.

The device weighs about 5 ounces--most of that from three AAA batteries.

It combines satellite and wireless technology. And allows users to access information via cell phones, computers and other mobile devices. Concerns about safety are causing more parents to look into this kind of technology.

Shannon Gotthelf of GlobalPetFinder LLC in Jericho, N.Y., told The Free Lance-Star yesterday pet owners can set boundaries through a Web site.

When the pet leaves the preset boundaries, the user is alerted on his or her cell phone, PDA or pager.

The cell phone, pager or computer will ring or beep and provide the pet's location, updated every few seconds.

GPS Track's Jennifer Durst, a mother of two, invented the GlobalPetFinder. It spurred interest among parents when she talked about it on television.

Boundaries may be set for five locations. Settings can be established for home, school, the park and other locations.

Users may check on the location of their child or pet with the device at any time from their mobile device or computer.

It can set for "Walk" so that it doesn't go off when children or pets are allowed to leave set areas.

Digital Angel Corp. of St. Paul, Minn., offers a similar system involving a wristwatch and a pocket GPS locator device for $400 and a $30 monthly fee.

ADT Security Services, Inc., has a simpler option. Kelli Blankenberg of ADT in Jacksonville, Fla., said Safewatch 3000 ($249 and up)--a talking system or tone system--announces, "Front door open," and "Back door open" or beeps when it has been turned on.

And tiny, simple new children's cell phones like the Cingular Wireless Firefly and Verizon Wireless Migo allow toddlers in trouble to call their parents with the push of a single key--and call 911 for help with a panic button. The panic button allows authorities to pinpoint the child's location within 150 feet.

Staff librarian Craig Schulin contributed to this story.

To reach MICHAEL ZITZ: 540/374-5408
Email: mikez@freelancestar.com

Date published: 1/12/2006