Pet collars and wearable tracking devices continue to gain popularity, particularly for pet owners who are tired of their pets disappearing without any trace. A tracking device has become a must-have device for any pet owner who wants to provide their dogs or cats with the freedom to explore the neighborhood. In this buying guide, we help pet owners find a perfect fit for their pups as we have reviewed the best pet trackers for cats and dogs in the market.
Why Best Pet Trackers are Important
- Safe outdoor exploring. Many pet trackers have a designated safe zone that alerts the owner when the pet crosses the path.
- Pet trackers monitor your pet’s activity and also give you an inside look at what their pets do and where they go.
- Some pet trackers provide in-depth data about your pet’s physical wellness and health.
- Helps you track the whereabouts of your pet when they don’t return home.
8 Best Pet Trackers for Cats and Dogs
With a reliable tracking device, you will always feel at ease when it comes to the safety of your pets. With so many pet tracking devices available on the market today, we have selected the best trackers for dogs and cats to ease the search of finding a suitable device for your best friend. Let’s have a look at the factors to consider before buying a pet tracker.
#1) Tractive 3G Dog GPS Tracker
Tractive 3G Dog GPS Tracker is one of the best dog’s tracking devices which is relatively affordable and offers a wide range of location tracking and operates by communicating with cellphone towers. With an affordable monthly subscription, you get to keep track of your pet 24/7. With this tracking device, you get to define a safe area by creating a virtual fence which you get a notification if your pets get to strays too far.
Furthermore, this tracker has a battery life that will last for a whole 2-5 days. What’s more is that the batter also recharges quickly and within two hours, the battery is full. This tracking device is crafted with durable and sturdy materials to withstand normal wear and tear. It also comes with a shockproof case to withstand the harsh impacts that the pet puts it through. Lastly, this device is fully waterproof, therefore you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged if your pet takes a quick swim or gets rained on.
Key Features
- Simply reliable and relatively affordable.
- Virtual fence with instant notification.
- Fully Waterproof.
- Long-lasting and rechargeable battery.
- Durable and sturdy construction.
- Worldwide tracking capabilities.
- Relatively affordable monthly subscription included.
#2) Loc8tor Tabcat Pet Tracker
Loc8tor Tabcat Pet Tracker is a wireless kitten pet tracker that’s not only intuitive and easy to use but also more accurate than GPS. With this tracking device, you get to track your cat to a range of up to 122meters in a clear line of sight and guide you right into where the cat is. What’s more, that this tracker also enables you to train your cat to come back home on its accord. That sounds great.
Besides, the feature cements the Loc8tor Tabcat pet tracker as a solid choice for the best pet trackers for cats and dogs. With just a little initial training, the cat will associate with the beep that comes after you have pressed the locate button and it will get back home on its own accord. Another good thing about this device is that it is lightweight and the cat won’t even realize that he is wearing it.
Moreover, the Radio Frequency based technology enables you to accurately find where the cat might be hiding inside the house or in the neighboring garden as well.
Key Features
- Most accurate directional cat tracking device.
- Highly effective and greatly reliable.
- Small, lightweight, and easily attach to your pet’s collar.
- Enables you to train the cat how to come home on its own accord.
- Wide tracking range of up to 122 meters.
- Protective Silicone Splash proof case makes the device shockproof.
- Contains no monthly payments.
#3) Findster Duo + Pet Tracker
A healthy pet brings happiness to him and his owner. With Findster Duo + Pet Tracker, you can make sure that your dog or cat is not only safe but also healthy. This tracking device lets you keep track of your pet’s location in real-time using GPS. You get to track your pet even without any cellular network.
You also get to customize safe areas for your pet and receive instant alerts if the pet strays past the safe area. Knowing your pet’s whereabouts gives you peace of mind wherever you are. Dependability and accuracy make the Findster device one of the best pet trackers for cats and dogs.
What’s more is that with this tracker, you get to track and record your pet’s activity levels and compare them with others. You also get to revisit walks and past locations where your pet has been and get to know what they are up to.
Another good thing about this tracking device is that small lightweight and easily attaches to your pet’s collar. That’s not all, this tracker is sturdy, durable, and waterproof up to 3 feet. You, therefore, don’t have to worry about it getting damaged if your dog takes a quick swim or gets rained on.
Key Features
- Completely waterproof up to 3 feet.
- Sturdy and durable.
- Small-sized, lightweight, and easily attaches to your pet’s collar.
- Tracks your pet’s location in real-time using GPS.
- Customize safe areas and receive instant notification.
- Tracks and records your pet’s activity records.
- Records your pet’s past locations.
#4) Whistle Go Explore
If you are looking for a well-made and reliable GPS pet tracker that has been technologically advanced to keep your pet safe, then the Whistle Go Explore GPS Pet Tracker should be your ideal Pet Tracker. The tracking device utilizes AT and T nationwide network and Google Maps to provide live location tracking.
This tracker also features proactive pet alerts that notify several owners through text or email when the pet leaves its designated safe space. Another impressive feature of this device is its ability to keep your pet healthy. This is made possible by the proactive health monitor which analyzes and monitors behaviors such as sleeping, scratching, and licking.
Aside from its impressive tracking capabilities, this tracker also tracks your pet’s activity and allows you to set goals based on breed, age, and weight. Although this tracker isn’t the cheapest on the market, it is fairly priced considering the wide range of features that it has to offer.
What’s more is that this tracker includes a built-in night light, a battery with a long life of up to 20 days, and a rugged design that is not only lightweight but also waterproof. What more can a pet parent ask from a pet tracker? The reliability and technological advances of the Whistle Go Explore make it one of the best pet trackers for cats and dogs.
Key Features
- Live location tracking.
- Lightweight, small-sized, and easily attaches to your pet’s collar.
- Fully waterproof.
- Wide range of important features at a relatively affordable price.
- Health and activity monitoring.
- Battery life of up to 20 days.
- Tough and remotely controlled night light.
- 4G LTE wireless service through AT and T.
- Best in-class support.
#5) PetFon Pet GPS Tracker
PetFon enables every pet owner to monitor their pet’s location at all times via a mobile app. You get to set a secure range fence that if crossed, you get an instant notification before the pet strays too far. You also get to set a dangerous zone in advance and once the pet enters there, the tracker will automatically alarm.
With this device, you get to monitor your pet’s history information and keep track of his activities. Furthermore, PetFon GPS tracker is easy to install and use. It has a tracking range of up to 0.65miles in dense space and up to 3.5 miles in an open space. Without a doubt, this pet tracker is one of the best pet trackers for cats and dogs.
What’s more is that with this tracker, you get to switch on the colorful lights and locate your pet easily in dim light or at night time. You can also record voice commands and store them on the tracker to communicate with him remotely.
Another great feature of this tracking device is how small and lightweight it is. It is also fully waterproof, an important feature that keeps it intact if your pet gets caught up in the rain. Lastly, the PetFon GPS tracker’s battery lasts up to 8-16 hours and it comes with a compact charging station that recharges the device multiple times.
Key Features
- Optimized to let you track the pet during walks.
- Keeps track of your pet’s activities.
- Lightweight, small-sized, and easily attaches to your pet’s collar.
- Fully waterproof.
- Long standby battery.
- No monthly subscription.
- Long-range tracking.
- Intuitive to use and easy to install.
- Multi-color lights for easy location in dim light or at night time.
#6) Tractive LTE GPS Dog Tracker
The Fi Small Dog Collar is technologically advanced and well designed to enable you to track your dog wherever they are. The device is definitely one the best pet trackers for cats and dogs. This pet tracker is not only stylish but also boasts a ton of features that enable pet owners to keep track of their dogs in a simple and stress-free manner.
This pet tracker uses the most advanced real-time GPS tracking technology and the LTE-M cellular network to provide you with accurate and fast insights about the whereabouts of your dog, no matter the distance.
The tracking technology also gives you the ability to create your geofence around your home and yard, and get an instant alert when they go past it. With a fitness tracker included, you can examine if your dog is getting enough exercise per day as well as monitor behaviors such as sleeping, scratching, and licking.
The pet tracker is also IP68 waterproof rated, therefore you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged if your dog takes a quick swim. It is made from ultra-durable armored aluminum to stand the test of time. With so many reliable features, we believe that this tracking device is worth its price
Key Features
- IP68 waterproof ratings.
- Ultra-durable armored aluminum construction.
- Long standby battery life
- Built-in LED night light.
- Technologically advanced for accurate and reliable tracking records.
- Fitness tracker included.
- Variety of stylish collar designs to choose from.
- Nice and streamlined design.
#7) Jiobit Location Tracker
No matter how far your pet wanders, you can get them this real-time tracker and get to monitor where they are all the time. Jiobit tracker features advanced beaconing technology that combines cellular, GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth to monitor your pet’s location. Undoubtedly it is one of the best pet trackers for cats and dogs.
Suitable for both indoors and outdoors, the Jiobit tracker will provide you great reliability and accuracy. With its accompanying mobile app, this device provides an unlimited range of tracking backed by a long-lasting battery.
The tracker is not only lightweight but also waterproof, therefore you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged if your pet takes a quick swim or gets rained on. It is also very tiny and discreet such that the pet won’t even realize that they are wearing it.
With the included attachment options, attaching this tracker is quick and fast. Plus, with its durable construction, this product is capable of withstanding whatever a pet gets into.
Key Features
- Intuitive to use and easy to attach.
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
- Durable and shockproof.
- Long-lasting battery life.
- Small context notification.
- Lightweight and small in size.
- Fully waterproof.
- Portable charging box included.
#8) Link plus Smart Dog Tracker
Suitable for dogs of all sizes, link plus dog tracker is one of the best pet trackers for cats and dogs. Link plus is compatible with any standard collar between ¾” to 1” in width. The device is not only stylish but also naturally curved to fit the contours of your dog comfortably.
You also get to choose between two styles which are classic leather style and sports collar. The tracker features fast and accurate GPS location tracking. This GPS tracker is designed to be highly practical in a variety of ways.
You get to record special memories with your dog, monitor your dog’s health, and store the important vet records. You also get to know if your dog is in an environment that’s neither too hot nor too cold to affect his comfort. Plus, it is constructed from sturdy and durable materials, therefore you can trust that it will stand the test of time. It is also waterproof and even comes with a built-in LED light that makes night walks a complete breeze.
Key Features
- Vet record storage.
- IP67 waterproof rating.
- Adventure recording and sharing.
- Variety of collar designs to choose from.
- Built-in LED light.
- Fast and accurate GPS location tracking.
- Temperature alert feature.
- Activity monitoring and soundtracking.
Related Post Best GPS Pet Trackers
Best Pet Trackers Buying Guide & FAQs
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Pet Trackers for Cats and Dogs
With multiple pet trackers on the market today, below are the important features to pay keen attention to to get your pet a tracking device that both of you will appreciate.
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Weatherproofing
A GPS tracker with all-weather reliability properties is a must-have for outdoor pets. Before you finally decide to settle on a specific tracker, the tracker must be waterproof, shockproof and dustproof as well. With a waterproof tracker, you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged if your pet takes a quick swim or gets rained on.
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Quality
A pet tracking device is one of the best investments you will ever make. The material used in making a pet tracking device will have a direct impact on how durable and sturdy it will be. Pet tracking devices can be made of a considerable amount of plastic which not only reduces that cost but also minimizes any pain or discomfort to your pet. Make sure that the pet tracker that you choose to buy is built to last. The tracker should also be made to withstand the environment more as well as withstand the playful nature found in most pets.
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Battery Life
You will notice a huge difference in battery life when it comes to GPS pet trackers. Some require to be charged now and then, some need to be charged weekly and others can last up to 20 days. If you are always busy such that you end up forgetting to charge your gadgets, then a tracker with a longer battery life will be your best choice.
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Pet Tracker Options
With multiple pet trackers to choose from, you will find one with fitness and health features included. With such an important feature, you get to track your pet’s activity levels, just as you monitor your fitness levels. This enables you to customize your plan of activities for your pet, including their playtime and diet.
It is also important that the GPS tracking device comes equipped with a system that enables you to define a safe zone for your pet. If your pet leaves the safe zone, you get to receive an alert via your email or smartphone and cat him before he strays too much. You should also look for a tracker that allows you to add additional contacts which means multiple people will receive an alert.
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Size
The size of the tracking tag is going to depend on your pet’s size and age. If the tracking unit is already embedded into the smart collar, then the right size should be a collar size that fits snugly around your pet’s neck without being too tight to strangle it or too loose to slip off over the head. The best pet tracker should also be small, lightweight, and easy to attach to your pet’s collar.
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Notification and Alert System
The best tracker is one that sends instant notifications when your pet leaves their safe zone before they stray too far. When choosing the best tracking device for your pet, go for one that enables you to receive notifications on multiple devices. Don’t be satisfied with receiving notifications on your smartphone only. The more avenues upon which notifications and alerts can be sent through, the better for you and your pet.
FAQs about Best Pet Trackers for Cats and Dogs
Q: How Do You Attach a Pet Tracking Device?
A: Different manufacturers design their trackers to be attached in a variety of ways. However, most of the GPS pet trackers are designed in a manner that they are attached to the pet’s collar. Some of the collars even come with a GPS device embedded right into the design of the collar. Some designs resemble tags or pet IDs.
Q: How Many Pets Can I Track With a Tracking Device?
A: Since a device can only be placed on one animal, then you can only track this animal. However, if you have several animals that you want to track, you should get them all a tracking device of their own then connect them to your personal computer or smartphone.
Conclusion
Which pet tracker from today’s post are you going to try first? Pet trackers provide peace of mind about the pet’s location, with options to alert the owner when they trespass their designated safe zone. We have reviewed the best trackers for dogs and cats and we hope that you get to love them too.