X Marks Spot

Dog owners worried about losing their Houdini-like hounds can now track their wayward pets via global positioning system (GPS) technology from a variety of vendors. New York-based GlobalPetFinder lets dog owners create virtual fences of any size with GPS software. Airtight Inc. in Maryland markets a GPS Stealth PetTracker, which owners fasten to pets' collars to track their location. Canada's Global Security Solutions offers a radio frequency (RF) Pet Tracker, a lightweight collar that comes with a radio transmitter.

The GlobalPetFinder is a GPS device on the pet's collar that will pinpoint his location. When "Spot" crosses the virtual fence, the device issues an alert to the owner's e-mail account and up to two cell phones.

If pets wearing the Steal PetTracker get away, owners receive notifications via e-mail or phone. Owners can specify a containment area radius, and the tracker notifies them if their pet wanders.

Global Security Solutions' RF Pet Tracker collar comes in different sizes to fit small cats to big dogs. A transmitter remotely controls a battery indicator on the collar.

For more information, contact Jennifer Durst at ask@globalpetfinder.com, William Buckley at Airtight Inc. (800) 369-4779, or Global Security Solutions at sales@global-security-solutions.com.