Originally Posted on Addictive Tips by Alex Ion
Jul 30, 2022
No one wants their pet to get lost, which is why pet tracker products are becoming increasingly popular. Even the best-behaved dogs could run off or get stolen if they get distracted. So, the more ways you can protect your dog from that, the better! A GPS collar might be the best way to calm your worries.
How to Prevent Your Pet From Getting Lost
Sometimes, losing a pet is unavoidable. But in most cases, you can lessen the risk. Here are some tips for keeping your pet safe at home.
Identification Tag
The easiest way to help a lost dog find their way home is to keep identification tags on their collars or harnesses, especially when they’re outside. Keep your information updated because you never know when something could go wrong.
Microchip
Microchips are like more permanent identification tags, which is why they’re the perfect backup plans. Your dog’s collar could easily fall off or be taken off, making it harder for them to get home. But with a microchip, shelters and vets can scan them to return them to their families.
Spay/Neuter
Spaying and neutering is important for controlling the dog population, but did you know that it prevents dogs from getting lost too? Dogs who are unaltered are more likely to wander off in search of a mate. Plus, dogs who are spayed or neutered are also known to live longer.
Pet Tracker
While all the above are essential for keeping your dog safe, a pet tracker is another level of protection that you should consider. As long as your pup is wearing the GPS device, you’ll be able to see exactly where they’re located at any given time. Some pet trackers can also track your pet’s health and activity too, which can keep them healthy.
Best Pet Tracker Collars
Here are 12 great pet tracker products. Some are for location tracking, others are for health tracking, and a few are for both!
#1 – PetPace Smart Collar
The PetPace Smart Collar is designed to keep track of your dog’s health, but not so much their location. It monitors their activity, so you can see alerts on your phone. It monitors areas like temperature, pulse, respiration, heart rate, and calories.
Pros:
- It monitors your dog’s health.
- You will be alerted if there’s a concern.
- You can always access your dog’s health history.
- The information is transmitted wirelessly.
- It comes in three sizes.
Cons:
- It’s not made specifically for tracking.
- It won’t help if your dog gets lost.
- It’s expensive.
#2 – GIBI 2nd Gen Pet GPS Tracker
This collar is the opposite, focusing on location rather than health. It’s lightweight and waterproof with a long battery life. It will alert you if your dog exits a designated zone, and you can use Google Maps to find them.
Pros:
- It tracks your dog’s location.
- You can set safe zones.
- It’s waterproof.
- It will alert you when your dog exits a safe zone.
- You can see your dog’s location on Google Maps.
- It’s compatible with all smartphones.
Cons:
- It doesn’t track your dog’s health.
- You have to pay a subscription.
- It only comes in one size.
#3 – Dogtra Pathfinder TRX Blue
The Dogtra Pathfinderis another location tracker for your dog. It has a 9-mile range, and you can see where your dog is using Google Maps. It doesn’t use any correction when your dog runs off, it’s simply a way to see where they are.
Pros:
- It has a 9-mile range.
- You can see your dog’s location on Google Maps.
- There’s no additional fee for offline maps.
- It’s waterproof.
- It’s approved by the AKC, UKC, and PKC.
Cons:
- It doesn’t track your dog’s health.
- It only comes in one size.
- It’s expensive
#4 – Whistle Go Explore
Whistle Go Explore is everything you need in one. It doubles as a health and location tracker, and it has a 20-day battery life. It alerts you when your pet escapes, and then you can see their location on Google Maps. It also tracks activities, distance, and calories. It can also give health suggestions.
Pros:
- It tracks location and health.
- You can see your dog’s location on Google Maps.
- It gives health suggestions.
- It has a 20-day battery life.
- It has a night light.
- You can chat with an on-demand vet.
- It comes in three colors.
Cons:
- You have to pay a subscription.
- It only comes in one size.
- The signal randomly goes out sometimes.
#5 – Tractive LTE GPS Dog Tracker
Tractiveis a GPS Dog Tracker that follows your dog’s moves live. You can mark safe spaces so you’ll know when your dog leaves or enters those areas. It’s lightweight and waterproof. This product can be used all throughout the United States, Canada, and in 150 other countries. It also tracks calories burned and fitness goals.
Pros:
- It’s affordable.
- It’s waterproof.
- It tracks health and location.
- You can get alerts when your dog leaves safe spaces.
- It can be used around the world.
- It comes in two colors.
Cons:
- It requires a subscription plan.
- The GPS isn’t always reliable.
- The tracking could be delayed.
#6 – Tile Pro 2020 1-Pack
The Tile Pro is a keychain that can be put on your dog’s collar. So, it fits no matter your pet’s size. Using an app, you can see the keychain’s location if it’s within 400 feet. However, even if your dog ventures further, the Tile network can still track them down for you.
Pros:
- It’s small enough for dogs of all sizes.
- It’s affordable.
- You can use the app to see your dog’s location.
- The Tile network can help you locate lost dogs.
- It’s waterproof.
- It also works for keys, phones, and other objects.
Cons:
- It doesn’t track your pet’s health.
- You might need to upgrade to get all the features.
- The battery might not last long.
#7 – Samsung Galaxy SmartTag Bluetooth Tracker
This is another location tracking tagthat can be used for anything from pets to keys to luggage. If your pet gets lost, you can open the app to see their location. It’s small and lightweight, so it’s perfect for pets of all sizes.
Pros:
- It’s affordable.
- It works for pets of all sizes.
- It comes in two colors.
- The app shows your pet’s location.
- It can be used for keys, luggage, and other objects too.
Cons:
- It doesn’t track your pet’s health.
- It might not be waterproof.
- It might not work for all phones.
#8 – Four Pack Smart Key Finder Locator
This product comes with four tags, each with a different color. You can use it for keys, phones, and pets of all sizes. You can see the location on your phone or you can press a button to make the tag beep. It has a long battery life, and it takes replaceable batteries.
Pros:
- It’s very affordable.
- It comes in a set of four.
- It works for pets of all sizes.
- You can see the location on your phone.
- You can choose a beeping mode.
- It can be used for phones, keys, and other objects too.
Cons:
- It doesn’t track your pet’s health.
- The tag sometimes beeps for no reason.
- It doesn’t have a large range.
#9 – Simjar Key Finder with Extra Transmitter
TheSimjar Key Finderis another deal, with four tags and two transmitters. Instead of relying on your phone, you can look at the transmitters to locate your lost pets. It can find any pets within 131 feet.
Pros:
- It’s affordable.
- It works for pets of all sizes.
- It comes with four tags.
- It comes with two transmitters.
- It has a beeping mode.
- It also works for keys, wallets, and other objects.
Cons:
- It doesn’t track your pet’s health.
- They might not last long.
- It could arrive damaged.
#10 – FitBark GPS Dog Tracker
FitBark is a location-tracking product that can slide onto most dog collars. It’s lightweight and notifies you when your dog escapes. It also monitors your dog’s activity levels, sleep quality, and overall health. You can set goals for your dog’s health too.
Pros:
- It tracks location and health.
- It’s waterproof.
- It fits on most collars.
- It alerts you when your dog escapes.
- You can set goals for your dog’s health.
Cons:
- You need to pay a subscription.
- The location tracking is sometimes delayed.
- The battery might not last long.
#11 – PetFon Pet GPS Tracker
This is another small GPS trackerthat can clip onto most dog collars. It doesn’t have any monthly fees, but it’s still able to track your pet’s location in real time. Plus, it’s lightweight and rain-proof.
Pros:
- It tracks your pet’s location in real time.
- It’s rain-proof.
- It has a customizable voice command.
- It can fit dogs of all sizes.
- It has a long battery life.
Cons:
- It’s expensive.
- It doesn’t track your pet’s health.
- Its distance will be affected by surroundings.
#12 – Pawscout Smarter Pet Tag
Finally, the Pawscout Smarter Pet Tagis another location device that can slide onto most dog collars. It can reach 300 feet in all directions with no monthly fees. It doesn’t give exact locations, but it will let you know if your lost pet is nearby.
Pros:
- It’s affordable.
- You can create a full digital profile for your pet.
- It will alert you when your pet exits the safety zone.
- It works for dogs of all sizes.
- It fits on most collars.
Cons:
- It doesn’t track your pet’s health.
- It doesn’t show exact locations.
- The app isn’t always reliable.
Does Your Dog Need a Pet Tracker?
While a pet tracker might not be an essential supply for a new puppy, it’s still a popular option for pet parents. The more things you do to prevent your dog from getting lost, the safer they’ll be. So, your dog should have a pet tracker if you want to ensure that they never get lost or if you want to stay on top of their health. Luckily, there are lots of excellent products to choose from.
