It finally happened. Your dog or cat managed to get out of the yard and is running free through the neighborhood. The anxiety of losing your best friend is overwhelming. It happens to just about every pet owner in the world. When we initially wrote this article in 2019, GPS dog collars were just starting to make waves in the pet community and Apple AirTags weren’t even on the market. Now in 2024, advancements in GPS technology for pets has prompted us to reevaluate the effectiveness of GPS dog collars and review GPS cat collars as well. These collars are safe and extremely useful. If your dog or cat manages to escape, the collar will help you track them quickly.
UNDERSTANDING HOW GPS PET COLLARS WORK
When we talk about GPS pet collars, we typically mean location tracking collars. There are also health trackers, too. However, for the sake of clarity, we’ll go over both in turn.
Location Trackers – A location-tracking GPS pet collar includes a mini-SIM card sewn directly into the collar. When your pet is lost, you can track the SIM card using your phone or laptop to find the exact location of your furry friend.
Health Trackers – A health-tracking GPS pet collar is ideal if your pet has health concerns, stemming from old age or disease. Most collars in this category include both heart rate monitoring and location monitoring, making them more expensive but comprehensive.
Improved Accuracy and Range
The latest GPS dog collars and cat trackers offer improved accuracy and range. Newer models utilize multiple satellite systems, including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, to provide precise tracking. This means you can locate your pet even in remote or densely wooded areas.
Real-Time Tracking
Modern collars now offer real-time tracking with updates every few seconds. This feature allows you to monitor your pet’s movements in real-time, giving you peace of mind and ensuring a swift recovery if they wander off.
Long Battery Life
Battery life has significantly improved in recent models. Many GPS dog collars and cat trackers now come with rechargeable batteries that can last up to several weeks on a single charge, depending on usage.
Enhanced Durability
New GPS dog collars and cat trackers are designed to withstand rough outdoor conditions. They are typically waterproof, dustproof, and built to endure various environmental challenges your pet might encounter during their adventures.
Geofencing Capabilities
Geofencing is a standout feature in modern GPS collars. You can set virtual boundaries around your yard or a specific area, and if your pet crosses these boundaries, you receive an instant alert on your smartphone.
Health Monitoring Integration
In addition to tracking location, the latest collars often include health monitoring features. These can track your pet’s activity levels, heart rate, and even sleep patterns, providing valuable insights into their overall health and well-being.
POPULAR GPS DOG COLLARS AND CAT COLLARS
Choosing the right GPS collar for your pet can be a daunting task given the myriad of options available. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the most popular and highly-rated GPS collars for both dogs and cats. These collars offer various features, including real-time tracking, health monitoring, and geofencing, ensuring your pet’s safety and your peace of mind. Let’s explore the best options on the market today.
Whistle GO Explore (For Dogs and Cats)
- Website: Whistle
- Features:
- Real-time location tracking with GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular technology
- Health and activity monitoring
- Long battery life (up to 20 days)
- Waterproof and durable design
- Geofencing capabilities with instant alerts
- Pros:
- Comprehensive health monitoring
- Excellent battery life
- User-friendly app
- Cons:
- Requires a subscription for full functionality
- Cost: $129.95 + subscription plan ($9.95/month or $99.95/year)
Fi Smart Dog Collar (For Dogs Only)
- Website: Fi
- Features:
- GPS and LTE-M network for accurate location tracking
- Long-lasting battery (up to 3 months)
- Activity tracking to monitor your pet’s exercise
- Durable and waterproof
- Pros:
- Impressive battery life
- Strong and durable design
- Easy to use
- Cons:
- Subscription needed for GPS tracking
- Cost: $149 + subscription plan ($9.95/month or $99/year)
Tractive GPS Pet Tracker (For Dogs and Cats)
- Website: Tractive
- Features:
- Real-time GPS tracking with unlimited range
- Activity monitoring
- Virtual fence alerts
- Waterproof and lightweight
- Pros:
- Affordable subscription plans
- Accurate real-time tracking
- Lightweight and comfortable for pets
- Cons:
- Shorter battery life compared to competitors
- Cost: $49.99 + subscription plan ($5/month)
Link AKC Smart Collar (For Dogs and Big Kitties)
- Website: Link AKC
- Features:
- GPS location tracking with AT&T network
- Temperature alerts to keep your pet safe
- Activity and adventure recording
- Stylish design with interchangeable bands
- Pros:
- Temperature alerts are a unique feature
- Stylish and customizable
- Comprehensive tracking
- Cons:
- Higher cost
- Requires a subscription for tracking
- Cost: $179.99 + subscription plan ($9.95/month or $95.40/year)
Garmin Alpha 100 (For Dogs Only)
- Website: Garmin
- Features:
- Advanced GPS and GLONASS tracking
- Includes handheld device for tracking multiple pets
- Long-range tracking (up to 9 miles)
- Rugged and waterproof
- Pros:
- Extremely reliable for long-distance tracking
- Tracks multiple pets simultaneously
- Durable design
- Cons:
- Expensive
- More suited for outdoor use or large properties
- Cost: $799.99 (includes handheld device)
Pawtrack GPS Collar for Cats (For Cats Only)
- Website: Pawtrack
- Features:
- Specifically designed for cats with a comfortable and lightweight design
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Wi-Fi positioning for indoor tracking
- Activity monitoring to track your cat’s behavior and movements
- Secure fit with a breakaway mechanism for safety
- Pros:
- Cat-specific design ensures comfort and safety
- Indoor and outdoor tracking capabilities
- User-friendly app with detailed tracking history
- Cons:
- Requires a subscription for full functionality
- Battery life can be short if used constantly
- Cost: $150 + subscription plan ($6/month)
Weenect Cats 2 (For Cats Only)
- Website: Weenect
- Features:
- Real-time GPS tracking with no distance limit
- Activity monitoring and adventure tracking
- Safe zone alerts (geofencing)
- Small and lightweight design for comfort
- Waterproof and durable
- Pros:
- Unlimited range for tracking
- Comprehensive activity monitoring
- Easy to attach to any collar
- Cons:
- Subscription required for tracking service
- Battery life lasts about 2-4 days, depending on usage
- Cost: $69.99 + subscription plan ($3.75/month)
WHY APPLE AIRTAGS ARE NOT GREAT FOR PET TRACKING
Many pet owners have turned to Apple AirTags as a cheaper alternative for tracking their pets. However, there are several reasons why AirTags may not be the best option for your pet:
Designed for Objects, Not Pets: AirTags are designed to track objects like keys or bags, not living creatures that move around. They lack features tailored for pet safety and tracking.
Limited Range: AirTags rely on the presence of other Apple devices to relay their location, which means they are not reliable in remote or less populated areas.
No Real-Time Tracking: Unlike dedicated GPS dog collars and cat collars, AirTags do not provide real-time tracking. The location updates are dependent on the network of nearby Apple devices, leading to potential delays.
No Health Monitoring: AirTags do not offer any health monitoring features, which are beneficial in tracking your pet’s activity and well-being.
Not Waterproof: AirTags are not as durable or waterproof as most GPS pet collars, which can be an issue if your pet loves water or rough play.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MICROCHIPPING AND PET ID TAGS
While GPS collars are an excellent tool for tracking your pet, they should not be the only method of ensuring your pet’s safe return. Microchipping and pet ID tags are also crucial components of pet safety.
Microchipping
A microchip is a small, electronic chip enclosed in a glass cylinder that is about the size of a grain of rice. The chip is activated by a scanner that reads the unique ID number. This ID number is linked to your contact information in a pet recovery database. If your pet is found and taken to a vet or shelter, they can scan the chip and contact you.
Benefits of Microchipping:
- Permanent identification that can’t be removed or lost
- Widely used and accepted by shelters and veterinarians
- Quick and simple implantation procedure
Pet ID Tags
Pet ID tags are a simple and effective way to ensure your pet can be returned to you if they are found. These tags typically include your pet’s name and your contact information.
Benefits of Pet ID Tags:
- Immediate identification
- Easy to update with new information
- Inexpensive and widely available
BENEFITS OF GPS COLLARS FOR CATS
- Peace of Mind: Know where your cat is at all times, especially if they are outdoor or adventurous.
- Health Monitoring: Track your cat’s activity levels and ensure they are getting enough exercise.
- Quick Recovery: If your cat wanders off, GPS tracking can help you locate them quickly and safely.
Additional Safety Measures for Cats
- Microchipping: As with dogs, microchipping your cat provides a permanent form of identification that can help reunite you with your pet if they are found by a vet or shelter.
- Pet ID Tags: These tags provide immediate identification and contact information, increasing the chances of a quick recovery.
- Apple AirTags: While not ideal, some cat owners use AirTags as a supplementary tracking method. However, they lack real-time tracking and are not specifically designed for pets.
Investing in a GPS pet collar is worth the price for the peace of mind it provides. With advancements in technology, these collars have become more accurate, durable, and feature-rich, making them an essential tool for responsible pet owners. Combining a GPS collar with microchipping and a pet ID tag provides the best chance of recovering your lost pet quickly and safely.