When you allow your pets to roam outdoors, it plays a vital role in their well-being. On the other hand, it can be stressful, too, as you’ll usually be unaware of where they are. GPS tracking of pets has become more prevalent in the US to overcome this issue. It is one of the best ways to locate your pets if they take off or go missing.
You might be wondering why your furry babies will go missing. Well, your dog or cat can run away for numerous reasons, from boredom to simply their basic hunting instinct. This blog is your sign to consider investing in a GPS-tracking device for your dog and cat. Our pets are our most beloved and none of us can imagine losing them, and that’s exactly where tracking collars come in handy. Let’s find out the best GPS-enabled tracking collars for your pet dogs and cats!
Best Cat and Dog GPS Tracking Collars in 2024
When you use these wearable collars, make sure that your cat or dog is protected as well as healthy. Here are some of the best GPS-tracking collars for your furry friends:
1. Whistle Explore
Whistle Go Explore has undoubtedly been an impressive tracking collar for dogs and cats. It is equipped with accurate geo-location and user-friendly apps in their latest model. One of the best parts about these trackers is their ability to attach to our furry friend’s neckwear. Whistle Go is standing out from the current market for several reasons. Most importantly, it ensures reliability, accuracy, and durability to keep your four-legged companion safe and sound.
Pros
- Monitors sleep, exercise and rest schedule
- Equipped with a safe zone feature
- Nationwide Coverage
- Live GPS tracking 24/7
Cons
- Subscription is required
- Spotty in rural coverage
2. Apple Air Tags
It is noteworthy that Apple has never marketed their product as a cat or dog-tracking device. However, a number of people are using them for their cat or dog tracking purposes. Apple Air tags are somewhat limited due to their compatibility with only iPhones or iPads. Apart from this drawback, Apple Air Tags are incredibly making its place in the pet tracking industry.
All you have to do is convert your Air Tag into a pet tracker. You might be wondering how to do this. Well, just attach it to your pet’s collar. You can also use silicone collars like Air Tag Cat Collar Holder. These holders easily hold it properly and eliminate the risk of dangling the GPS tracker.
Pros:
- High level of accuracy and reliability
- Perfect for directional cues
- Contains replaceable battery
- Send location from a distance
Cons:
- Not compatible with Android
- No hole for a keyring or even a lanyard
- Limited anti-stalking features
3. JioBit Smart Tag
Jiobit Smart Tag is one of cats and dogs’ best GPS tracking devices. But why so? It uses secure cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connections, and GPS trackers. This is done for some real-time location tracking. These features make it more reliable than any other GPS tracking device.
Additionally, its GPS trackers were tested and proven to be one of the extraordinarily accurate location data, even in a remote location. This exceeds its performance. Jiobit guarantees their devices can last more than 20 days on a single charge. A no-contract plan costs $14.99 monthly, but six-month and two-year contract plans are more affordable at $12.99 and $8.99 monthly, respectively. If price is not a concern and you value accuracy above all else, this is among your most versatile options.
Pros:
- Dependable tracking with high accuracy
- It comeswith a variety of accessories
- Rugged design that is compact and lightweight
- Doubles as a proximity leash and GPS tracker
Cons:
- Battery life is relativelyshort
4. Tractive GPS Tracking for Dogs
With over 1 million users, the Tractive GPS tracker promises peace of mind for pet owners and adventurous pups alike. Get tracking ASAP with a simple charging process, app download, and code entry. Attach the tracker securely to your dog’s collar using the rubber clip.
Now, you can let your pets be an explorer without any worry of them getting lost. Tractive tracks your cats or pups accurately on walks, even off the beaten track. Choose from standard, satellite, or live tracking modes with updates every 2-3 seconds. Moreover, Tractive’s FIND mode uses an LED light and buzzer to locate your dog in low-visibility situations.
Tractive allows you to have a set-up with safe zones. It gets you notified if your dog wanders off. Analyse your dog’s activity levels and sleep patterns and compare them to local leaderboards with the sophisticated health monitoring system. For subscription options, you can choose from Basic or Premium plans. Premium adds family/friend sharing and worldwide coverage – handy for globetrotting pups! Plans range from 1 to 60 months.
Pros:
- Easy setup and use
- Reliable tracking, even off-road
- Find function for low-visibility situations
- Smart features like safe zones and health monitoring
- Color options and good battery life from a trusted brand
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive monthly subscription compared to other trackers
5. FI Smart Dog Collar
Fi’s Smart Dog Collar lets you track your pets anywhere with GPS and LTE-M network. It boasts a 3-month battery life, lost dog mode, sleep tracking for health insights, and comes in stylish colors. Fi keeps you connected whether you’re exploring off-leash or just want peace of mind. Fi offers advanced tracking and health features, but the subscription and larger size might not be for everyone.
Pros:
- Accurate long-range tracking
- Sleep monitoring for Dog Health Insights
- Multiple sizes for all breeds
- Durable and stylish
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Requires a subscription
- It maynot fit small dogs
- Pricier than some trackers
6. Tractive Mini GPS Tracker for Cats
Tractive’s Mini GPS Tracker keeps tabs on your curious kitty like a hawk. Using multiple cell networks, it updates your cat’s location every few seconds, even if they explore far from your house. Set up safe zones and get alerts if your feline friend strays beyond them. Bonus: it’s tiny and waterproof, lasting up to 5 days on a single charge!
Pros:
- Real-time location updates and an unlimited range
- Safe zones and escape notifications for peace of mind
- Long battery life, waterproof, and super lightweight
- Tracks sleep and activity patterns for feline health insights
Cons:
- Requires a subscription (starting at $13/month)
- Multiple-person tracking and data export are only available with the Premium plan
- It maytake some getting used to for your cat due to the size
TabCat Cat Tracker V2
TabCat’s Cat Tracker v2 ditches the subscription fees and GPS for a trusty radio frequency system. No more monthly bills, just two beepers and a handset pinpointing your kitty’s location within inches, even indoors! Simply press a button and follow the color-coded lights – red when far, amber when close, and green when you’ve almost reached your furry friend. If you’re looking for a simple, subscription-free way to track your indoor-outdoor adventurer, TabCat’s v2 might be the answer.
Pros:
- No subscription is needed, saving you money
- Works indoors and outdoors with pinpoint accuracy
- Easy to use with color-coded direction indicators
- Long battery life (up to 1 year) and lightweight for feline comfort
Cons:
- Not water-resistant (except when in the case)
- Cannot differentiate between multiple cats
- No app tracking or fancy features like sleep monitoring
Comparison Table
Company | Whistle Go Explore | Apple AirTag | JioBit Smart Tag | Tractive GPS Tracker | Fi Smart Dog Collar | Tractive Mini GPS Tracker | TabCat Cat Tracker V2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Compatibility | All devices | iPhone/iPad only | All devices | All devices | All devices | All devices | N/A |
Tracking type | GPS | Bluetooth/UWB | Cellular/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/GPS | GPS | GPS/LTE-M | GPS | RF |
Accuracy | Good | High | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
Range | Nationwide | Limited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Subscription | Required | N/A | Required | Required | Required | Required | N/A |
Battery life | Up to 7 days | Replaceable CR2032 | 20+ days | Up to 7 days | Up to 3 months | Up to 5 days | Up to 1 year |
Features | Safe zones, activity/sleep tracking, virtual fence | Lost mode, directional cues | Safe zones, virtual fence, activity/sleep tracking | Safe zones, activity/sleep tracking, health monitoring, FIND mode | Activity/sleep tracking, Lost Dog Mode, health monitoring | Safe zones, escape notifications, sleep/activity tracking | Indoor/outdoor tracking, color-coded direction indicators |
Pros | Accurate, sleep/activity tracking, safe zones | Affordable, high accuracy, directional cues | Excellent accuracy, long battery life, versatile | Easy setup, reliable monitoring, and health monitoring | Long battery life, sleep monitoring, multiple sizes | Real-time updates, long battery life, lightweight | No subscription, works indoors/outdoors, accurate |
Cons | Subscription required, spotty in Rural areas | Not compatible with Android, limited feature | Expensive, short battery life | Slightly expensive subscription | Requires subscription, may not fit small dogs | Requires subscription, not ideal for and and multiple cats | Not water-resistant, no app tracking |
How to Find a Perfect GPS Tracking Device for Your Dogs and Cats
A GPS tracking device essentially helps you as a pet owner to keep track of your four-legged friends who wander off from your location. Many GPS tracking devices are also used to monitor pet activity levels, or you can even create a “Virtual Fence” in your garden. Here are some of the key features that you should look for in a GPS tracking device for your dogs and cats:
Battery Life
When it comes to GPS trackers for your pets, having one that’s easy to recharge is great, but a decent battery life makes life even more accessible. Imagine not having to charge it daily, especially in a busy family household. This convenience not only benefits you but also improves your pet’s safety. With a longer battery life, you’re less likely to forget to put the tracker on before a walk, reducing the chance of losing your cat or dog.
Coverage
Picking a tracker with good coverage may not seem like a big deal initially, but it can save you a lot of headaches later on. If your tracker offers full coverage in the UK, you won’t have to worry about keeping tabs on your pet when you visit family or venture beyond your usual walking route. While Bluetooth trackers are popular for not requiring a subscription, they often have a limited range of about 10 meters from a paired device, making them less effective if your pet goes missing.
Durability
Dogs and cats love to explore because of their natural instincts . A durable tracker is essential to ensure it stays put even if your pet manages to escape, whether sniffing in the bushes or digging in the garden.
Look for a weatherproof tracker that can handle all your pet’s adventures, providing peace of mind that they’re always covered, no matter how mischievous they get.
Cost:
Your pet’s safety is a top priority, but that doesn’t mean you should overspend on a tracker.
Most GPS trackers require a SIM card and come with a monthly subscription.
Before purchasing, check the contract length and monthly fees. Opt for a tracker with minimal tie-ins to avoid unnecessary costs. Balancing safety and affordability ensures a reliable tracker without breaking the bank.
Activity & Health
Are you concerned about your pet’s health and well-being? A GPS tracker can be a real asset, helping you monitor their activity levels. Using the accompanying app and tracker, you can easily keep track of your pet’s distance travelled and more.
This feature is handy if you have an active pet that requires plenty of exercise. It adds extra care to ensure your furry friend stays healthy and happy.
Ease Of Use
While evaluating GPS tracking options, ease of use should be a priority, especially regarding tracking apps. If your pet goes missing, you’ll want to locate them quickly and easily.
Choosing a tracker with a user-friendly app can make a significant difference under pressure. Take a close look at the app’s features to ensure it’s straightforward and can be navigated effortlessly. When every moment counts, a simple and intuitive tracker could be the key to finding your pet swiftly.
Wrapping Up:
If you plan to invest in a GPS-tracking device for your beloved dogs and cats in 2024, go for it! It’s a wise decision for their safety and your peace of mind. The market offers a variety of options, each with its unique features.
You have many options, from Whistle Go Explore’s reliability to Apple Air Tags’ versatility, Jiobit’s precision, Tractive’s comprehensive tracking, Fi Smart Dog Collar’s connectivity, and TabCat’s simplicity. They are equipped with all the solutions for every pet owner. When choosing, consider the factors mentioned above when investing in a long-lasting device. The right tracker can ensure your furry companions stay protected and healthy, even during their outdoor adventures.
FAQs
Here are some of our clients’ and consumers’ frequently asked questions:
The charging frequency depends on the tracker, but most have a decent battery life and don’t require daily charging. Expect to recharge it every few days to a week.
Yes, GPS trackers are designed for both cats and dogs. However, make sure that you choose a size-appropriate and comfortable tracker for your pet’s specific needs.
Yes, GPS trackers usually have monthly subscription fees as they require a SIM card to function. Check the terms to understand the length of the contract and the monthly costs involved.