Tracking Devices for Pets: Health Risk Assessment for Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields

Abstract

Overview

Every year, approximately 3% of cats and dogs are lost, leading many pet owners to use radiofrequency tracking devices for monitoring their pets. This study evaluates the health risks associated with these devices.

Findings

• The study reviewed 21 commercially available tracking devices, out of which 14 use mobile networks like 2G, 3G, or 4G, while others rely on public frequencies, WLAN, Bluetooth, etc.
• The assessment covered exposure from ambient environments (radios, TVs, and mobile network base stations), indoor devices (DECT, WLAN, Bluetooth), and the tracking devices themselves.
• All recorded exposure levels were below the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) reference levels, which aim to protect from adverse health effects.
• Significant uncertainty exists in exposure estimates particularly from indoor RF-emitting devices such as WLAN and DECT.

Conclusion

Although overall RF-EMF exposure to pets is below harmful reference limits, the study advocates for minimizing exposure from tracking devices and indoor RF devices by reducing exposure time and increasing the distance from these sources to further safeguard pet health.