Keeping your dog safe has never been easier with today’s smart GPS trackers and collars. Whether you’re watching your pup roam the backyard or explore off-leash trails, these devices help you stay connected in real time. From Apple’s sleek AirTag setup to advanced health-tracking collars like Tractive and Fi, each option brings something unique to the table. Plus, many now include features like virtual fences, activity monitoring, and sharing access with family members. Let’s look at some of the best pet trackers that combine peace of mind with cutting-edge technology.
How do I choose a good pet tracker?
There are lots of pet trackers on the market, so before you make your choice, make sure the one you’re purchasing has all of these features.
- Does it offer live GPS tracking? If you’re not able to check the location of a dog or a cat 24/7, it may not come in handy in the moments you most need it.
- Is it durable? We all know our furry loved ones aren’t as worried about outside conditions as we are, and you want to make sure you’re using a tracker that can stay put on their collar through anything.
- Are you able to connect to the tracker with a smartphone? This will let you utilize the features at all times if your pet were to go missing.
To help you narrow your search, here are my top 5 best pet tracking picks:
1) Apple AirTag & Holder
Credit: Apple
Credit: Pup Control
One of the best parts of using a tracker like an Apple AirTag is that you can turn on Lost Mode, and if someone else were to scan the AirTag, you can set up a message about contacting you. That’s why the Apple AirTag is my top pick for a pet tracker this year. Plus, you can pair it with the Pup Culture AirTag Dog Collar Holder.
It slides right onto the collar, so it’s not dangling around your pet’s neck. That’s an important instruction to follow as there have been reports of pet owners saying their pooch has swallowed the coin-shaped AirTag tracker. Be mindful to use attachments to the collar that are strong and do not allow your dog or cat to reach it with their mouth.
The AirTag itself is extremely durable, and you get to use all the great features of an AirTag while knowing it’s safely attached to your pet. And now with iOS18.2, you can share your AirTag with others who may help you look for a lost pet.
Get the Pup Culture AirTag Dog Collar Holder
2) Tractive XL Smart Dog GPS Tracker
Keep your adventurous dog safe and healthy with the Tractive XL Smart Dog GPS Tracker. It’s designed for large dogs weighing 50 pounds or more. This rugged and waterproof tracker delivers real-time GPS updates every few seconds. As a result, you can follow your pet’s every move anywhere in the world. Beyond location tracking, Tractive also monitors your dog’s vital signs. It keeps tabs on heart and respiratory rates to help you spot health issues early. In addition, you can set up virtual fences for instant alerts if your dog leaves a safe zone. The app also tracks activity, sleep, and overall wellness right from your phone. Built for long adventures, the Tractive XL lasts up to one month on a single charge. Therefore, your dog stays connected wherever they roam. A subscription plan covers unlimited data and global SIM access starting at just $5 per month. Finally, it’s perfect for active pet parents who want peace of mind with smart tracking and health insights in one sleek device.
Get Tractive XL Smart Dog GPS Tracker
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3) Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar
The Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar is a highly durable, waterproof GPS tracker and health monitor designed for dogs, featuring a sleek, lightweight design that is 50% smaller than its predecessor. It offers real-time location tracking with nationwide LTE-M cellular coverage, enhanced by connectivity to multiple satellite constellations for precise positioning within a 6-foot radius. The collar includes escape alerts, LED lights for nighttime visibility, and tracks activity and health metrics such as steps and sleep. With a battery life lasting up to 3 months per charge and a stainless steel frame that withstands up to 400 lbs of force, it combines rugged durability with advanced smart features, all accessible via a user-friendly app requiring a subscription for cellular service.
Get Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar
4) CUBE GPS Tracker
Credit: CUBE
The CUBE GPS Tracker is great for tracking your kids, your car, and your pets. Cube uses GPS, WiFi, cell tower triangulation, and Bluetooth to give you the most precise and efficient location information. Cube’s battery life lasts anywhere from 10 to 60 days, and it allows you to share the location of the device across multiple accounts. You’ll need a monthly or annual subscription to use it. At the time of publishing, this product had nearly 500 reviews with 51% giving it 5 stars.
5) Tracki GPS Tracker
Credit: Tracki
The Tracki GPS Tracker has unlimited distance real-time tracking with full USA and worldwide coverage. An international SIM card is also included. It is small and lightweight with a rechargeable battery life that lasts up to 5 days. It works with GPS satellites when being used outdoors as primary tracking technology and when indoors with Wi-Fi as secondary backup tracking. You will need to pay a monthly subscription fee to use the tracker.
Related Links:
- Best Pet Tech Gift Guide
- How to outsmart a thief using AirTags
- Pet problems solved: A guide to dealing with difficult dogs and cats
Kurt’s key takeaways
Choosing the right pet tracker depends on your dog’s size and activity level. It also depends on how much data you prefer to track. Apple’s AirTag offers a simple and affordable way to locate your pet. However, Tractive and Fi go further with precise GPS tracking and built-in health insights. In addition, Cube and Tracki stand out for their flexible use on pets or personal items. Therefore, no matter which one you choose, these trackers provide lasting peace of mind. Finally, your best friend’s safety stays close, even when they wander.
Have you ever had to rely on a pet tracker in an emergency? What was that experience like? Let us know in the comments below.
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