Abstract: A system for animal caretaking with an animal-mounted audio playback device, a sensing device for sensing the proximity of the playback device with respect to a specific location, a smartphone with a GPS receiver, one or more wireless communication systems connecting the playback device, the location sensing device, and the smartphone, and a smartphone app with a user interface for specifying various parameters for controlling the playback device such that when the caretaker moves a specified distance from the location of the animal, a sound chosen by the caretaker will be emitted from the playback device, and when the animal moves within a specified distance from the location sensing device, a deterrent sound is emitted from the playback device.

Abstract: A system for communicating information between a handler at a first location and an animal at a second location includes a local communication unit operated by the handler, and a remote communication unit mounted to the animal. The handler initiates messages, which can be visual or auditory (for example live or pre-recorded voice or tones), or in other forms, and transmits signals corresponding to these messages to the animal, or a person, such as a rescuee, in the vicinity of the animal. In this manner the handler gains communication access to locations the animal has reached, which locations may otherwise be inaccessible to the handler. The remote unit may also be configured to provide information back to the handler, such location information and visual and/or sound information of the environment to which the wearing animal has transported the remote unit. Such information is useful for facilitating a rescue effort, identifying dangerous conditions, and so forth.