Knowing what you need out of a pet GPS tracker might help you zero in on the ideal device. Trackers that provide accurate real-time location tracking and allow you to configure alerts and geofences are worth considering so that you can keep an eye on your pet whenever you want. Think about how long the tracker’s battery will last and how convenient it will be to charge it. Before buying, make sure you know how far the gadget can travel and if a data plan is needed.
We researched over fifty different pet trackers over a wide range of prices and capabilities, all designed for dogs and cats. Read on to learn more about the best trackers we considered. Our mission is to assist you in selecting the most suitable GPS tracker for your requirements.
Top 10 Best Dog and Cat GPS Trackers
#1 Whistle Go Explore Dog and Cat GPS Tracker
WHY WE LIKE IT: Whistle Go Explore is a high-tech pet locator that uses Google Maps for instantaneous real-time monitoring, perfect for keeping tabs on your dog or cat. The Whistle app is fantastic for tracking progress, gaining behavioral insights, and receiving health suggestions for your dog or cat.
Pros
- Automatic weekly wellness reports
- Fantastic battery life up to 20 days
- 3,000-mile tracking range
Cons
- No audible tone or sound feature
The Whistle Go Explore provides all the monitoring, health, nutrition, and activity level functions you want, and it does so with a sleek, simple appearance. AT&T and Google Maps fuel its near-instantaneous real-time tracking. When in “Track Mode,” the Whistle updates its location every 15 seconds to stay in close proximity to your pet. In addition, you may customize how often you get location updates. The wearable tracker may be attached safely to collars up to 1″ wide in a way that is pleasant for dogs and cats.
It is powered by a lithium-ion battery that can be charged and used for more than 20 days. The built-in night light on the tracker can be adjusted to one of three distinct flash modes (slow, high, or always on), making it ideal for use on evening strolls. The health, fitness, and wellness aspects available through the Whistle app are top-notch. Dogs and cats may have their activity levels, projected caloric expenditure, and other stats compared to the ideal ranges for their breed, age, and weight. The software may provide insight into activities like licking, scratching, and napping, and it provides weekly wellness reports.
#2 Garmin TT 15 Dog and Cat GPS Tracker
WHY WE LIKE IT: With its high-sensitivity GPS/GLONASS receiver and built-in antenna, the Garmin TT 15 is a great device to provide pet owners peace of mind. You may use the gadget to send vibrations and audio tones to your dog or cat to connect with them and train them.
Pros
- Includes extended-range antenna
- Water-resistant to 10 meters
- 3,000-mile tracking range
Cons
- 10-ounce weight may be too heavy for small dogs and cat
The TT 15 Dog and Cat Device from Garmin is a reliable pet tracker that can withstand the elements. The GPS/GLONASS receiver in the tracker is extremely sensitive, giving it a range of nine miles. It comes with a 1″ collar for mounting, but you may use any collar of the same width you desire. The device also has two antennas, one normal at 18.5″ and the other extended at 22.5″ in length. These not only increase the range across which you can track, but also make it such that you may continue to do so even while passing through dense foliage or other such obstacles.
This Garmin GPS pet collar can vibrate and play audible tones, making it handy in a variety of situations. The pets may be trained more effectively with the help of the vibrations, and they can be cued to come back to you as well. The audible tones can also serve as a signal in case your pet gets lost and you need to find it. The tracker also features built-in LED beacon lights, making it ideal for late-night strolls.
#3 FitBark Dog and Cat GPS Tracker
WHY WE LIKE IT: The FitBark, a tracker that manages to squeeze Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, and a 3-axis accelerometer into a device weighing in at about an ounce, will do all the heavy lifting for you. Your pet’s data is excellent, and you may sync with your favorite devices, including wearables.
Pros
- 24/7 activity and sleep monitoring
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular network enabled
- Notifications for behavioral changes
Cons
- No built-in light
When it comes to high-tech features, the FitBark Dog and Cat GPS seems to have everything you could want. The 3-axis accelerometer in FitBark allows you to keep tabs on your dog’s or cat’s movement, rest, whereabouts, health, and even their mood and behavior, round-the-clock. The information is then analyzed, and metrics like your pet’s sleep quality and health index are displayed in an app dashboard for your convenience.
The tracker may be synced with a wide variety of other devices, including smartphones and wearables, thanks to its built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular network connectivity options. You may track your pet’s activity levels and see how they compare to your own with the help of this gadget, which offers many monitoring and management choices. The gadget only weighs 0.60 ounces yet can run for 10-20 days on a single charge.
#4 Bartun Dog and Cat GPS Tracker
WHY WE LIKE IT: With limitless distance tracking and compatibility in over 150 countries, the Bartun Dog and Cat GPS Trackers provide you and your furry buddy the freedom to explore the globe together.
Pros
- Can be used in over 150 countries
- Durable waterproof and shockproof design
- Convenient magnetic charging system
Cons
- May be too small to fit very large dogs
The Barun GPS Tracker is ideal for any sort of trip you and your pet could take. The device’s range is theoretically infinite, and it may be used to do real-time tracking. A SIM card is available that may be used to provide tracking capabilities in more than 150 different countries. Its lightweight, portable form makes it perfect for traveling with and comfortably attaching to the collar of your dog or cat. The smartphone has a quick-charging magnetic charging method that takes less than two hours to fully charge, and it also sends helpful notifications when the battery is getting low.
The Bartun tracker is useful for keeping tabs on pets who like to roam around the house, since users can keep track of their movements in real time and set up geofences to be notified if their pet leaves a certain area. This little tracker is built to last thanks to its waterproof and shockproof IP67-certified shell.
#5 Whistle 3 Dog and Cat GPS Tracker
WHY WE LIKE IT: Using the data gleaned from the Whistle 3 tracker and the accompanying mobile app, you can rest certain that your dog or cat is in a secure and healthy environment. If the app detects a problem with your health, it will notify you immediately.
Pros
- Monitors problematic behaviors
- Set custom health and fitness goals
- Chat with vets through the app
Cons
- Battery life can vary depending on usage
If you’re as concerned about your pet’s well-being as you are about its whereabouts, the Whistle 3 Tracker’s companion smartphone app includes excellent health and activity tracking tools. Your pet’s daily activity may be tracked just like with a human GPS device. However, Whistle goes a step further by providing information on how long a user has been inactive and how long they have been active. From there, you may establish fitness objectives for your pet and work toward them. Additionally, you can use Whistle to see how your pet’s health rates in relation to others of the same breed and age. It may even suggest serving sizes for your dish!
As an added feature, the Whistle pet tracker has an accelerometer built in to record actions like licking, scratching, and drinking. This can be a useful tool for determining the cause of various allergic reactions. Any changes in your pet’s behavior that might indicate a health problem will trigger an alarm on the app. If an emergency arises, you may consult with a veterinarian right through the app and receive their thoughts before making an in-person appointment.
#6 Findster Duo+ Dog GPS Tracker
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Findster Duo+ is an appealing and well-designed device that provides free, permanent access to real-time GPS tracking and radar guiding. You can track up to three dogs and keep tabs on their whereabouts, plus you receive the benefits of GPS tracking for your health and activities at no ongoing cost.
Pros
- Lightweight, attractive tag design
- No subscription or data plan needed
- Real-time tracking and location alerts
Cons
- Magnetic charging cord can be finicky
The Findster Duo+ is a GPS tracker with all the features you’d expect, plus a host of new ones, yet it doesn’t cost a dime to use. Through a specialized smartphone app, you may monitor your vehicle’s location in real time and receive notifications at any interval that suits you. If you have a dog walker or are going to leave your dog with a friend for the weekend, you can give them access to the tracking feature so that they can see where your pet is at all times.
There’s a built-in radar tool on Findster that can assist you find your dog by displaying your location in relation to the dog. Access a summary of your dog’s activity and a timeline of its whereabouts with ease. Time spent walking, distance traveled, time spent resting, and “paws walked” (the canine equivalent of “steps taken”) are all recorded by the device. Again, there are no hidden fees or monthly minimums, and no mobile data plan is required.
#7 Garmin T5 Dog and Cat GPS Tracker
WHY WE LIKE IT: This rugged Garmin device is a top pick for the best dog tracker when it comes to outdoor activities like hiking, camping, hunting, and the like since it is designed for pets who spend time in the great outdoors. It can tolerate high amounts of pressure, falls without breaking, and wet conditions.
Pros
- High-sensitivity GPS technology
- Withstands pressures up to 1 ATM
- Includes extended range antenna
Cons
- Heavy 9.3-ounces with collar
The tough Garmin T 5 Dog and Cat Tracking Device can withstand water depths of up to 10 meters and is shockproof, making it ideal for the active pet. To achieve a tracking range of nine miles, Garmin employs a very sensitive GPS/GLONASS receiver. A shorter antenna is included for regular range, while a larger one is included for maximum range. Even if this isn’t infinite, it’ll come in handy if you ever find yourself in the middle of a forest.
It has a removable, 40-hour lithium-ion battery that can be charged and used several times. The USB charging port makes recharging the device a breeze. Activating and controlling the tracker’s built-in LED beacon lights is done via remote. These lights are bright enough to be seen from up to 100 yards away, making it simple to know where your pet is at all times, even when it’s dark outside. In the event of an emergency, you can activate the tracker’s Rescue Mode from a distance.
#8 Tractive Dog GPS Tracker
WHY WE LIKE IT: At a great price, Tractive offers a GPS tracker that is both well-designed and dependable, with all of the essential tracking and safety functions. Particularly striking, particularly in comparison to more costly versions, is its real-time tracking speed.
Pros
- Live location updates every two seconds
- IPX7 waterproof and shock-resistant
- Secure, adjustable collar clasp
Cons
- Uses less efficient lithium polymer battery
The notion that GPS technology needs to be extremely costly has been abandoned by Tractive. Its GPS dog tracker is competitively priced while yet providing useful features like real-time tracking, location history, and activity monitoring. Despite being our most cost-effective choice, Tractive’s tracker provides accurate updates on your dog’s whereabouts as frequently as every two to three seconds in real time. Your dog’s daily routine may be better understood with the help of Tractive’s heatmap visualization and location history storage.
One additional safety feature is the option to set up a digital barrier around your property. If your dog wanders outside those boundaries, you’ll be notified. The lithium-polymer battery within the device can keep it going for up to five days on a single charge and can be recharged in as little as two hours. It has a sturdy, adjustable clasp and measures under 3 inches in length, so it won’t be too bulky for even the tiniest dogs.
#9 PetFon Dog GPS Tracker
WHY WE LIKE IT: By recording your voice into the PetFon Dog GPS Tracker and playing those recordings from the specialized app when necessary, you have the unique ability to speak with your dog even when it is out of hearing range.
Pros
- Convenient, portable charging case
- Play voice commands on the tracker
- Built-in color LED lights
Cons
- Battery life can be short with heavy use
The GPS tracker from PetFon is distinguished by its many special features. It uses satellite positioning systems (GPS), wireless local area networks (Wi-Fi), and Bluetooth to pinpoint your pet’s whereabouts. A portable charging box, a controller, and the tracker are the three primary parts. Both the controller and the tracker are tiny and light, fitting in at just more than 1.5 by 1.5 inches. While the pet’s owner is responsible for keeping the tracker on them, you have complete access to all features via the PetFon app on your mobile device. There is no subscription or monthly charge required with this system.
Depending on the surrounding population, the tracker can detect a target up to 3.5 miles away. This tracking device’s ability to save pre-recorded voice instructions is one of its finest features. To make sure your dog always hears you, the app allows you to activate the tracker’s high-definition speaker from afar and play the audio you’ve recorded. To communicate with your pet from a distance, this tool is invaluable. In addition, the tracker incorporates built-in LED lights for further visibility.
#10 Link AKC Plus Dog and Cat GPS Tracker
WHY WE LIKE IT: The leather body of the Link AKC Plus Smart Tracker gives it a unique and attractive design that sets it apart from other trackers. You don’t have to give up form for function, as you may gain valuable health insights from it like temperature tracking and vet record storage.
Pros
- Device clicks seamlessly onto matching collar
- Remote sound and LED light feature
- High-quality, waterproof leather
Cons
- May be bulky for small pet
The Link AKC Plus pet tracker looks great on both dogs and cats thanks to its leather covering and minimalist design. Both the actual monitoring gadget and its matching collar are made out of the same high-quality brown leather by Link. With its rounded design, the tracker blends in with the collar as if it were always there. Waterproofing the leather ensures it will not be damaged no matter what your pet gets into.
With its companion mobile app, this tracker is more than meets the eye. It allows for real-time tracking, activity monitoring, and the establishment of targets. The temperature is also recorded by the tracker to prevent your pet from being exposed to extreme conditions. The app may also be used to keep track of your pets’ medical history, including vaccination and checkup dates and times.
Best Dog GPS Tracker Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
GPS Technology
When shopping for a tracker, the GPS module and its accuracy should be your first priority. As GPS triangulates the device’s position and movement using a constellation of satellites, trackers often have a huge coverage area. But knowing a tracker’s range is still crucial. Most GPS trackers also need a monthly subscription or data plan to connect to the network that enables position monitoring. Subscription services are offered by a wide variety of businesses. Make sure you’re comfortable with the mobile phone carrier the plan requires, and that you’re familiar with the specifications of the plan.
Battery
Battery life is one of the most varied aspects of GPS trackers for pets. A common lithium-ion rechargeable battery powers most electronic gadgets. Battery life is affected by several variables, such as the device’s size, its power requirements, how it’s used and what features it has, as well as the surrounding temperature and humidity. Think about how you plan on using the device and pick a battery life that will accommodate that. Look for battery management options in the device’s mobile app that provide remote control of settings if you wish to keep tabs on and regulate battery use. Battery replacement is simple if your tracker is the type that allows you to remove the battery to charge it.
Activity and Health Monitoring
As a result, many pet trackers on the market now also provide useful extras like activity and health monitoring. Modern trackers, like iPhones, have an accelerometer sensor to capture this information. Dashboards in the tracker’s mobile app give daily data on your pet’s movement, rest, and even insight into habits like scratching for those who invest in trackers with activity and health monitoring. It’s not uncommon for them to double as a canine fitness tracker, allowing you to monitor your dog’s health and fitness levels via a mobile app.