Trying to find a lost pet is a gut-wrenching experience, and nothing short of a nightmare. But thanks to the many advances in technology today, investing in a GPS pet tracker helps you keep better track of your furry friends and eases worries about their whereabouts.
Like so many other technology products on the market, there's a slew of options, ranging in features, pricing, and specs to choose from. Most models offer the ability to notify you when your pet leaves a designated space. More advanced trackers give you a full timeline of places your pet has been, which comes in handy for keeping tabs on your dog walker. A handful of models even double as activity trackers that pair with smartphone apps, making it easy to set fitness goals for your pet based on their breed, age, and weight.
Best GPS Pet Trackers
What to Consider
It may seem like a given, but the first thing you should consider when shopping for a GPS pet tracker is your pet's size. If you have a small cat or toy dog breed, the tracker might be too large to affix to your pet's collar. Fortunately, many trackers come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. For models that include a collar, most manufacturers sell different sizes that'll fit your pet perfectly.
You should also pay attention to which wireless tech the GPS tracker uses to keep tabs on your pet. Most of our picks use LTE-M, which is a cellular network technology that uses less power, while still offering users real-time tracking capabilities. Some Bluetooth trackers like the Tile only offer a range of 400 feet, making them less than ideal if your pet goes missing. Models that use GPS satellites offer coverage in remote areas, but trackers like these can cost upwards of $1,000. Some collars are even equipped with RADAR, but these collars are extremely bulky and will only work with larger breeds.
It's worth mentioning that practically every GPS pet tracker requires a monthly subscription to make full use of it. Just as you pay a bill for your phone, you'll need to pay a fee for keeping the GPS tracker connected to a network. For pet owners on a budget, I included a couple of options that don't require a monthly fee.
How We Chose
I compared 28 different GPS pet trackers to find the eight best options on the market. To narrow our candidate pool, I dismissed options that rely on older, previous-generation 2G and 3G networks for their cellular signal, which are starting to phase out. Few GPS trackers rely on 4G LTE or 5G networks — the same signals your smartphone uses — since the signal causes more strain on the trackers' batteries.
To find the best GPS pet trackers, I scoured the internet reading editorial reviews of trackers from editors at sites like Wired, Wirecutter, and Mashable. I also read hundreds of consumer reviews from pet owners that have been published on online retailers like Chewy and Amazon. I wanted to include something for everyone, so our list features trackers that vary in size, shape, network capability, and total range.
Shop our favorite GPS pet trackers below to give you some peace of mind, always knowing where your furry friend is.
1
Best Overall
Go Explore GPS Pet Tracker & Activity Monitor
- Excellent battery life
- Night light for visual cues
- Large size is awkward-looking on small- and medium-sized dogs
Key Specs
- Plan Price: Between $7.99 and $12.99 each month
- Size: 25 pounds and up
- Battery Life: 3 days
- Connectivity: AT&T 4G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS
In addition to offering live GPS tracking of pets, the Whistle Go Explore can send text and email alerts to its users, as well as medication reminders if necessary. Shock-resistant and waterproof, this gadget will also monitor your pet's activity to ensure they get enough exercise for their age and breed. It's important to note, though, that this GPS pet tracker works best with pets that weigh 8 pounds and up.
The device's rechargeable battery can last up to 3 days at a time. Whistle requires a subscription plan that costs between $7 and $10 each month.
More: This Door Stopper Is Perfect for Pet Owners
2
Best Bluetooth Tracker
AirTag
- No app required to use
- Apple's Find My network has millions of users
- You'll need to buy an accessory to attach it to your pet
Key Specs
- Plan Price: N/A
- Size: 8 pounds and up
- Battery Life: 1 year
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Ultra-Wideband, NFC
AirTags have a leg up on most other Bluetooth trackers like Tile since they use new and more precise ultra wideband positioning tech.
After testing the AirTags, I found them to be more intuitive, reliable, and easier to use than Tile trackers. In the event the AirTag is beyond the Bluetooth range of your iPhone, it uses Apple’s crowdsourced Find My network that consists of nearly a billion devices. Once the AirTag comes close to another Apple gadget, it’ll update the tracker’s whereabouts on your app. That way, you can hopefully find Fido.
Given the fact that the AirTag is a small puck shape without any holes, you’ll need to invest in (or make) a key ring, loop, or AirTag-ready collar to stow the tracker. Some options include the FollowPaw AirTag collar, the Studio Proper DogTag, or Case-Mate’s glow-in-the-dark collar mount.
Even though Apple says AirTags were designed to track items, not pets, they still work well at keeping an eye on your pet’s whereabouts. They are also significantly better than other Bluetooth trackers, given how expansive Apple’s device network is.
Read More: AirTag Accessory Reviews This Way!
3
Best Smart Collar
Switch Smart Collar GPS Pet Tracker
- App offers more features than the competition
- Fits even the smallest pets
- Expensive compared to the competition
- Not many colors to choose from
Key Specs
- Plan Price: Between $7.99 and $12.99 each month
- Size: 5 pounds and up
- Battery Life: Up to 20 days
- Connectivity: AT&T 4G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS
The Whistle Switch is one of the most advanced pet collars you can buy. Not only does this offering allow you to monitor your pet’s location 24/7, but it also helps you keep tabs on their health and fitness levels. The collar even uses algorithms to determine if your pet is licking, scratching, drinking, or sleeping too frequently.
The waterproof collar, which comes in yellow or black, is available in three different sizes, so it’ll fit pets as small as 5 pounds or as large as 75 pounds. It comes with two interchangeable, rechargeable batteries, and pairs with an easy-to-use app.
The app conveniently allows users to set reminders for vet visits and grooming appointments, and will tell you when it's time to administer medication. At the time of publishing, the app additionally gives you free access to a vet through chat, call, video, or email, so you can get advice without a trip to the vet's office.
4
Best Battery Life
Series 2 Smart GPS Pet Tracker Collar
- Waterproof design
- Easy setup
Key Specs
- Plan Price: Between $6.88 and $8.25 each month
- Size: 10 pounds and up
- Battery Life: Up to 3 months standby (2 days in Lost Dog Mode)
- Connectivity: AT&T LTE-M, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS
Fi is the first GPS collar that can last up to 3 months on one charge. That’s right — 3 months. Whether you have an escape artist as a dog or are just an extra cautious owner, Fi is the collar for you.
The Fi is the first smart collar on the LTE-M low-power cellular network. The smart collar leverages all Bluetooth Low Energy-enabled devices in its area to determine its location accurately and relay all tracking to the Fi app, so you can see your dog even when you're not the one walking them.
Like the Whistle Switch, the Fi also serves as a fitness tracker for your pet. However, our favorite thing about the Fi collar is that it’s the only collar that offers Lost Dog Mode, which gives you live location-tracking to find your dog as quickly as possible.
While the Fi is in Lost Dog Mode, you will receive notifications of your dog’s location every minute. It also activates a red pulsing LED light to make them easy to spot.
The Fi is waterproof, and comes in two colors and four sizes. For fashion-forward dog owners, be sure to check out Fi's wide selection of swappable bands that are compatible with the tracker.
5
Best for Cats
GPS Pet Tracker
- Small size and lightweight
- Accurate tracking data
- App isn't as intuitive as other trackers
Key Specs
- Plan Price: Between $8.99 and $14.99 each month
- Size: 8 pounds and up
- Battery Life: Up to 15 days
- Connectivity: 5G-compatible IoT cellular, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS
The Jiobit location-tracking platform uses Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, and GPS to keep tabs on your pet. What we like most about it is its incredibly small size, which makes it a good pick for cat moms and dads. This makes it easy to clip it discreetly to your fur baby's collar.
The device — which received high praise from Wired for its accuracy — pairs with your smartphone to deliver real-time location information. Like other options, it too requires a subscription plan. Depending on whether you opt for an annual or monthly plan, it costs between $9 and $15 each month. This is cheaper than the similar Cube GPS tracker.
6
The One With Training Tools
GPS Pet Tracker & Activity Monitor
- Accurate tracking
- Has a built-in remote-controlled flashlight
- Pinpointing location can occasionally take several minutes
Key Specs
- Plan Price: Between $7 and $10 each month
- Size: N/A (attaches to any collar)
- Battery Life: Up to 14 days
- Connectivity: Verizon 4G, GPS satellites, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
The Link is a lightweight pet tracker that not only helps you keep tabs on your pet’s location, but also their health and well-being. The tracker, which has a built-in flashlight and attaches to your pet’s collar, has a nifty smartphone app that’ll help you log your pup’s activity goals, manage their vet records, and set reminders for upcoming appointments.
Of course, you can open the app to access your pet's location in just a single tap. You can even designate safe zones and set boundaries, so you can be alerted if your pet leaves a certain area. Link even sells Bluetooth beacons for indoor use, so you'll be alerted if your pet leaves a specific area at home, too.
What sets the Link apart from other trackers is its set of integrated training tools that help encourage good behavior through positive reinforcement, using remotely controlled tones and vibrations. Another unique touch is the fact that you’ll be alerted if your pet’s ambient environment is too hot or cold.
If you're interested in purchasing the Link tracker, just make sure Verizon has service in your area, since it relies on the carrier's network!
7
Best for Outdoorsy Types
Trace GPS Pet Tracker
- Compact size
- Works where there isn't cellular service
Key Specs
- Plan Price: Between $9.95 and $12.50 each month
- Size: 8 pounds and up
- Battery Life: Up to a year
- Connectivity: GPS satellites
If you take your four-legged friend with you on hikes or while camping and are worried about getting separated, we recommend the Spot Trace tracker. It utilizes satellite-based tracking software to show you your pet's exact location. Plus, you can set the device to send instant text or email notifications when the tracker moves.
Spot is a company known for its two-way satellite messaging system, which offers a wider network range than cellular networks. So, you can feel confident in knowing its system will help you recover your lost pet. This option costs either $10 or $12.50 a month for service, depending on whether you enroll in a monthly or annual plan.
8
Best Budget GPS Tracker
LTE GPS Pet Tracker
- Much more inexpensive than other options
- Works with your existing collar
- Built-in light
- Short battery life
- Alarm is very shrill
Key Specs
Plan Price: Between $4.99 and $9.95 each month
Size: 9 pounds and up
Battery Life: 1 day
Connectivity: GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Cellular
This pet tracker by Tractive has both GPS and cellular network connectivity, but it’s nearly three times cheaper than the competition. Like more expensive trackers, the Tractive allows users to set a virtual fence for their pet, as well as receive a mobile alert if it wanders out of the designated safe area. It has a more versatile and streamlined build, and can easily be affixed to your pet's collar.
The waterproof gadget has activity tracking, a built-in light, and an alarm. This pet tracker requires a mobile app and service plan to live-track your pet and their location history. However, despite a claim of 5 days of battery life, based on user and editorial reviews, you can expect just one day of use before needing to recharge the Tractive's battery.
Brandon Carte
Senior Electronics Editor
Brandon Carte has been the technology editor at BestProducts.com since 2017, where he's been covering the latest gadgets and scouring the internet for the greatest deals; His tech reporting has been featured on TopTenReviews.com and USA Today.
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