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GPS Trackers for Pets: Never Lose Your Dog or Cat Again
As for all of us as pet owners, your pet isn’t just an animal, they’re part of our family. With over 10 million pets lost in the United States every year (as an example), the “lost pet” flyer is a reality no one wants to face. While microchips are a vital safety net, they are passive. To truly protect your pet in real-time across suburbs, city parks, or hiking trails, a smart GPS tracker for pets is the gold standard in modern pet care.
Why Every Pet Owner Needs Real-Time Tracking
Most pet disappearances happen when a gate is left open or a dog gets spooked by neighborhood fireworks or even thunder. A pet GPS tracker allows you to set a “Virtual Fence” or “Safe Zone” around your property. If your pet breaches that boundary, your phone alerts you immediately. In a country as vast as the US, having the ability to track your pet across cellular networks like Verizon or AT&T can be the difference between a quick recovery and a long, stressful search.
Critical Features for Pet GPS Trackers
When selecting a tracker for your dog or cat, focus on these specific requirements:
- Nationwide LTE Coverage: Ensure the device uses 4G/5G LTE-M technology. This ensures that whether you are in a dense city or a rural trail, the tracker stays connected to the strongest available carrier.
- Subscription Transparency: Most top-tier GPS pet trackers require a monthly subscription to cover the cellular data costs. Look for “All-in” plans that include the SIM cost to avoid hidden fees.
- Battery Life for Travelers: If you take your pet on road trips or camping, look for a battery that lasts at least 7 days. This gives you a massive buffer if you are away from a charging port.
- Waterproofing (IPX7+): From the rainy Pacific Northwest to the humid Southeast, your tracker needs to handle the elements. A high IP rating ensures the tech survives puddles, lakes, and heavy downpours.
Tailoring the Tech: Dogs vs. Cats
It is vital to choose a device designed for your specific pet’s anatomy. Dog GPS trackers are built for durability. They are often integrated into heavy-duty collars and include features like “Escape Alerts” and fitness tracking to monitor your dog’s caloric burn, like the Tractive GPS Tracker for Dogs.
GPS Trackers for Dogs – ✨ Our Top Picks
Aorkuler RF Tracker for Dogs
No subscription fees
Battery life ± 15days
Usually Priced Around: $250.00
Petcube GPS Tracker
Activity monitor
Set up safe zones & get alerts
LED light & buzzer
Up to 30 days of battery life
Usually Priced Around: $40.00
Pawfit 3 GPS Tracker
Voice record feature for recalling
Activity monitor
Set safe zones & get alerts
Battery lasts up to ±15 days
Usually Priced Around: $60.00
Tractive Dog 6 GPS Tracker
Set up safe zones & get alerts
Health monitor
Behavior change alerts
Battery lasts up to 14 days
Worldwide coverage
Usually Priced Around: $70.00
(Product prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon or any partner site at the time of purchase will apply.)
👉Learn more in our guide on the top GPS trackers for dogs.
GPS Trackers for Cats – ✨ Our Top Picks
Cat GPS trackers are a different breed. Because cats are agile and often squeeze through tight gaps, their trackers must be ultra-light (often under 1 ounce) and feature a “breakaway” mechanism to prevent the tracker from becoming a snag hazard during their climbs, such as the Tractive CAT Mini.
LootPaw GPS Tracker
Real-time tracking
24/7 virtual vet access
Geofencing & alerts
Usually Priced Around: $85.00
TabCat V2 RF Tracker
No subscription costs
3-12 months battery life
Track up to 4 cats
Includes 2 tags
4-tag option available
Usually Priced Around: $110.00 (2 tags) or $160.00 (4 tags)
Weenect GPS Tracker
Recall training tool feature
LED Flashlight
Activity tracking
Location history
3-10 days battery life
Usually Priced Around: $50.00
Tractive CAT Mini
Set up safe zones with alerts
Activity monitoring
Worldwide coverage
5 days battery life
Location history
Family sharing feature
Usually Priced Around: $50.00
👉Read our guide on our top picks of GPS trackers for cats.
GPS Tracker for Hunting Dogs
For the sporting dog owner, a standard GPS tracker often isn’t enough. When you are out in the brush, in the mountains, or across dense wetlands, cellular signals can be non-existent. This is where VHF (Very High Frequency) tracking comes into play. Unlike typical smart collars that “ping” a cell tower, professional hunting trackers, like the Dogtra Pathfinder, uses radio frequencies to communicate directly with a handheld device.
These hunting dog trackers are built to withstand the “extreme” side of pet ownership. They feature reinforced collars, high-gain antennas, and topographic mapping that allows you to track up to 20 dogs simultaneously across miles of terrain. If your dog is a high-drive retriever or a pointer that covers significant ground, investing in a specialized hunting GPS ensures you never lose contact, even in the most remote corners of the American wilderness.
👉 Learn more about the best GPS tracker for hunting dogs.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon or any other retailer’s website at the time of purchase will apply.