Even the thought of our beloved pets being alone and confused can evoke a wide range of emotions, including sadness, anxiety, and guilt. From open gates and doors to inadequate restraints and a lack of supervision, human error is almost always a contributing factor when pets go missing. The good news is that we are living in the Age of Technology, which has enhanced pet safety with microchips, security cameras, and smart collars, some with real-time GPS tracking capabilities. There are a variety of pet trackers available, each offering different features designed to keep outdoor pets safe. In recognition of July as Lost Pet Prevention Month, we have curated a list of seven trackers to help keep your pet safe and give you peace of mind.
TabCat Tracker
Tabcat trackers use radio frequency (RF) technology.
©Courtesy of us.tabcat.com
The Tabcat tracker, introduced in 2013, uses radio frequency (RF) technology to keep your cat safe. A small, lightweight tag attaches to your cat’s collar and pairs with a handset about the size of a credit card. Unlike GPS trackers, Tabcat trackers do not rely on satellites or cellular networks. RF technology can be more effective than GPS at very short ranges and can penetrate obstacles, such as walls, that may block GPS signals. However, GPS technology is generally more precise for long-range location tracking. RF technology has a range of approximately 100 feet and does not provide real-time location updates. While the Tabcat tracker, $99.99, is designed for cats, it can also be used for small dogs.
Pawscout: The Smarter Pet Tag
An economical solution for pet safety, Pawscout, founded in 2016, uses Bluetooth technology.
©Courtesy of pawscout.com
The Pawscout works by emitting a low-power Bluetooth signal that is sent to the Pawscout app on your smartphone. The signal has a range of 300 feet. When a Pawscout pet goes missing, the app will notify all users who are within range of the tag. This creates a community network that can help locate a lost pet quickly. Pet guardians can create profiles for their pets, including the pet’s name, photos, medical details, and contact information. The Pawscout pet tag is $19.95. Add a custom nameplate for $9.95.
PitPat Tracker
This pet tracker uses a GPS tracker and an activity monitor to keep up with your dog.
©Courtesy of pitpat.com
PitPat, founded in 2014, has designed a pet tracker that monitors both your pet’s location and activity. The GPS tracker uses satellite signals to determine your dog’s location, which it transmits to the PitPat app. The device uses a 3-axis accelerometer to track your pet’s movements, such as walking, running, and resting. The tracker stores up to 10 days of data, which can be transferred to the free PitPat app for analysis and long-term storage. Check out the PitPat tracker, $169, which has garnered over 2000 five-star reviews.
Cube GPS Pet Tracker
The Cube pet tracker pairs with your smartphone and requires a monthly subscription.
©Courtesy of cubetracker.com
Cubitech, the company behind Cube GPS trackers, has been in business since 2001, but only recently introduced a Cube tracker specifically designed for pets. Cube GPS trackers use a combination of GPS, WiFi, cellular, and Bluetooth technologies to keep your pet safe, with GPS as the primary method for determining your pet’s location. The location data is sent to your smartphone via cellular data. Users can set up virtual boundaries with Cube’s geofencing feature. See the Cube GPS pet tracker, $74.99 plus $16.50 per month.
Petcube GPS Tracker
Located in Kyiv, Ukraine, Petcube initially offered pet cameras, beginning in 2012.
©Courtesy of petcube.com
The Petcube GPS tracker utilizes GPS and cellular technology to provide real-time location updates. This tracker also monitors a variety of activity metrics, including distance walked, time spent walking, and calories burned. The Petcube tracker also features virtual fences, allowing users to create boundaries for their pets and receive alerts when the pet strays outside the designated safe zone. Petcube’s tracker includes a light and beeper mode to help you find your pet after dark or when they are hiding. Some models of the Petcube tracker include access to Vet Chat, which provides 24/7 access to veterinary professionals. The Petcube tracker, $29.99, requires a subscription, which can cost as little as $5 per month.
Tractive GPS Tracker
Keep up with your pet’s whereabouts and their health with the Tractive GPS tracker and health monitor.
©Courtesy of tractive.com
The Tractive GPS tracker is packed with features. From real-time GPS tracking to health monitoring, the Tractive smart collar does it all. This tracker has a Safe Zone feature that sets defined boundaries in which pets are allowed to roam. When the pet strays from the area, the guardian receives an alert via SMS. The Tractive collar also monitors your pet’s activity levels and sleep patterns. With Robert Irwin’s endorsement and over 24,000 five-star customer reviews, you can feel confident choosing a Tractive smart collar for your cat ($49) or your dog ($69). This tracker does require a subscription, which is $13 when billed monthly or $8 when billed annually.
Fi Smart Dog Collar
This smart collar company was founded in 2017 to address existing limits in the pet tracking industry.
©Courtesy of tryfi.com
Fi’s founders wanted to give dogs more freedom without compromising their safety. The Fi smart collar uses a combination of GPS and LTE-M cellular technology to track your pet’s location, as well as to monitor their health, activity level, and sleep patterns. The Fi collar also features an LED light that can be activated remotely to help you find your dog after dark. Explore all the features the Fi smart collar offers, starting at $149. Fi collars require a monthly subscription of $19 or a one-time payment of $599 for lifetime coverage.
