9 Best Pet GPS Trackers to Keep Track of Your Pet

I know how stressful it is when a pet slips out of sight. In this guide I looked across trackers that focus on accuracy, battery life, fit, and ecosystem compatibility so you can pick the right device for your pet’s size and lifestyle.

I’ll explain what each tracker does best and how it can help you recover a lost pet faster, reduce worry with escape alerts, or monitor daily activity for better care.

Top Picks

How I Picked These Trackers

I compared devices across the factors that matter most to pet owners: accuracy (GPS vs. Bluetooth), real-time update speed, battery life, physical size and attachment options, water resistance and durability, app usability, network coverage (community networks or cellular SIM), and ongoing costs such as subscriptions. I read hundreds of user reviews and product specs to understand common failure points (lost attachments, short battery life, poor app UX).

I prioritized options that balance reliable location updates with a comfortable fit for the pet and clear, usable alerts so you can act quickly if your pet wanders off.

I like the AirTag because it’s a tiny, no‑fuss tracker that simply works with the Find My app. I use it on keys, backpacks, luggage and even slipped into a pet’s collar when I’m just checking the yard — it’s unobtrusive and easy to attach. Daily use is straightforward: one‑tap setup, play a sound to locate nearby items, and Precision Finding on supported iPhones helps when something’s lost nearby. For travel or crowded places the Find My network can locate items far away, and the replaceable CR2032 battery lasts over a year so you’re not constantly charging.

Just know it’s not a standalone GPS — it relies on nearby Apple devices to update location, so it’s best if you and your area have lots of iPhones around. Overall, I recommend it for anyone who wants simple, reliable tracking for everyday stuff and occasional travel.

What People Say

Most customers say setup is effortless and praise how well the AirTag integrates with the Find My app. People frequently call out the Precision Finding feature, long battery life, and the huge network of Apple devices that helps locate items far away.

A common caveat is that it isn’t a standalone GPS device, so real‑time tracking away from other Apple devices can be limited.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Ease of Use

Safety Features

AirTag supports Lost Mode, anonymous encrypted communication via the Find My network, and is IP67 rated for water and dust resistance. Location data and history aren’t stored on the device, and you can share an AirTag’s location with trusted people when needed.

Solves

The AirTag is great for solving everyday worries like lost keys, misplaced bags, or keeping an eye on luggage while traveling. It’s less suited for real‑time tracking of pets or people over long distances because it doesn’t have its own cellular GPS — it relies on other Apple devices to update location.

In neighborhoods or cities with many Apple devices it performs much better.

Key Benefits

• Seamless set up with iPhone/iPad
• Precision Finding on compatible iPhones
• Works across the large Find My network
• Long‑lasting replaceable battery
• IP67 water and dust resistant

Current Price: $17.97

Rating: 4.7 (total: 46446+)

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I like the Tile Mate because it’s a simple, lightweight tracker that’s easy to live with. I toss one on my keys, clip it to a bag, and even slip it on a collar for quick yard checks — it’s unobtrusive and rings loudly enough to find things around the house. Setup is straightforward in the Tile app, and the Mate benefits from the community find network so items can be located even when you’re away from them.

It’s not a standalone GPS unit, so don’t expect real‑time cellular tracking, but for daily use and travel‑adjacent situations (lost luggage, misplaced bags) it’s a practical, budget‑friendly tool. I’d recommend it if you want a dependable everyday tracker without the fuss of subscriptions or bulky hardware.

What People Say

I’ve noticed customers often praise how easy the Mate is to set up and how reliable the ring and app are for finding items around the house. People appreciate the community find network for locating things farther away and call out the Life360 SOS option as a helpful safety add‑on. A few recurring concerns are the frequent app notifications for some users and the fact that the battery isn’t user‑replaceable.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Ease of Use

Safety Features

Tile Mate can be set up as an SOS button through Life360 to quietly alert your Circle in unsafe situations. The community find feature anonymously updates a Tile’s location when another Tile app user passes nearby, which helps recover lost items. Tile requires app/account setup and requests location access for full functionality; note the internal battery is not user‑replaceable, so long‑term replacement means swapping the unit.

Solves

This tracker solves everyday headaches like lost keys, misplaced bags, and keeping tabs on luggage when traveling. It’s handy for quick checks around the yard or crowded places because the ring and map make locating items fast.

It won’t act as a real‑time GPS collar for pets over long distances since it relies on Bluetooth and the Tile network rather than cellular tracking.

Key Benefits

• Loud ring for quick nearby finds
• Easy pairing and simple app controls
• Works with Tile’s community find network
• Double‑press to find your phone
• Life360 SOS integration for safety
• Long battery life (about 3 years)

Current Price: $14.99

Rating: 4.4 (total: 9103+)

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I like the SmartTag2 because it feels like a no-fuss way to keep tabs on the stuff I worry about: keys, a carry‑on, or even clipped to a pet’s collar for quick yard checks. It pairs smoothly with Samsung phones via the SmartThings Find app, offers a loud ring and a Search Nearby compass to guide you when it’s close, and can tap into the wider Galaxy Find Network when it’s out of Bluetooth range. Some Galaxy phones with UWB can get even more precise direction finding, and the replaceable CR2032 battery means it won’t be dead in a few months. It’s not a cellular GPS tracker, so I wouldn’t rely on it for real‑time tracking across long distances unless other Galaxy devices are nearby, but for day‑to‑day and travel uses it’s a solid, lightweight option — especially if you’re already in the Samsung ecosystem.

What People Say

Customers frequently mention how simple the setup is and how well the tag pairs with Samsung phones. People appreciate the louder speaker and long battery life, plus the usefulness of the Galaxy Find Network when items go out of Bluetooth range.

A common caveat is that features work best inside the Samsung ecosystem, and a few users report occasional issues with initial units or regional tracking limitations.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Ease of Use

Safety Features

The SmartTag2 can emit an audible alert to help you find items quickly and uses the Galaxy Find Network to anonymously report locations when other Samsung devices are nearby. It’s IP67 rated for short water exposure and can trigger up to two preset SmartThings routines for basic automation.

Note that full functionality requires a Samsung account, the SmartThings Find app, and opt‑in network access.

Solves

This little tracker handles everyday problems like misplaced keys, lost luggage and quick pet checks around the yard. Its ring, Search Nearby guidance and map history speed up searches at home or in busy places. It won’t replace a cellular GPS collar for pets that roam far, since tracking relies on Bluetooth and other Galaxy devices, but it’s a great tool for daily peace of mind.

Key Benefits

• Works with SmartThings Find and Galaxy Find Network
• Ultra‑wideband (UWB) direction finding on compatible Samsung phones
• Long battery life with replaceable CR2032
• IP67 water and dust resistance
• Loud audible ring and Search Nearby compass
• Compact, easy to attach to keys, bags or a collar

Current Price: $15.89

Rating: 4.3 (total: 9936+)

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I like Tracki because it’s a straightforward way to keep tabs on a curious dog without overcomplicating things. It gives near real‑time location (there’s a Chase Mode with 5‑second updates), lets you set Geo‑Fence safe zones, and pushes smart alerts for movement, speed and low battery.

It’s small and pretty light so I can clip it to a collar or use it for travel days, hikes, or when a sitter is watching the dog. The built‑in SIM offers wide coverage and the app handles multiple pets, though you’ll need a subscription (plans start at $3.99/month or $9.95/month for flexible options). For everyday peace of mind and quick recoveries, I’d recommend it as a sensible GPS option if you don’t mind the ongoing fee.

What People Say

I’ve noticed reviewers commonly praise how accurate and fast the real‑time tracking feels, and many appreciate the Geo‑Fence alerts that notify them the moment a pet leaves a zone. People also like the small form factor and the fact it’s waterproof and easy to attach, while mentions of the app’s user friendliness come up often. On the flip side, battery life and the required subscription are recurring concerns, and a few customers report issues with attachments or setup hiccups.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Ease of Use

Safety Features

Tracki offers smart alerts (movement, speed, low battery), Geo‑Fence notifications, and the ability to assign trusted contacts for emergency alerts. The device is IP67 rated for water resistance and uses cellular networks for wider coverage beyond Bluetooth.

These features make it easier to act fast if a pet wanders off.

Solves

This tracker solves the common worry of a dog slipping out of the yard or bolting during walks by delivering near real‑time location updates and fence breach alerts. It’s handy for checking on pets during travel or outdoor adventures and for coordinating recovery with neighbors via its community/contacts options. It won’t replace a collarless, always‑connected solution if you need unlimited runtime without a subscription, but it’s very useful for most day‑to‑day and emergency scenarios.

Key Benefits

• Real‑time GPS tracking with 5‑second Chase Mode
• Geo‑Fence alerts for instant escape notifications
• Compact, lightweight design fits most collars
• IP67 waterproof protection for short submersion
• Built‑in SIM with international roaming and cellular coverage
• Works on iOS, Android and web app; multiple pets supported

Current Price: $18.88

Rating: 4.0 (total: 807+)

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I like this tracker because it keeps things simple: it gives live GPS location (when there’s cellular coverage) and tracks daily activity so you can see if your dog is getting enough exercise. It’s lightweight, waterproof and clips to any collar or harness, so it works great for everyday walks, park visits, travel days and when a sitter is watching the dog.

The battery lasting up to 30 days means less fuss charging between adventures. There is a $9.99/month subscription to enable live tracking and full data access, but between the long battery life, durable build and the 90‑day trial, it’s an easy pick if you want straightforward tracking and activity insights.

What People Say

Customers often praise the long battery life, durable waterproof build and the app’s straightforward setup. Many say the GPS is reliable when there’s good cellular coverage and that the activity tracking helps them tune their dog’s exercise.

Recurring notes include the required $9.99/month subscription and occasional slow fixes indoors or delays when first locating the pet.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Ease of Use

Safety Features

Real‑time GPS (with cellular coverage), accelerometer-based activity sensing, and SOS/real-time tracking features help you quickly locate a pet. The tracker is waterproof and durable, so it holds up during outdoor play and bad weather.

Note that live features require the monthly subscription.

Solves

This tracker handles the common worry of a dog slipping away by giving a quick way to find their live location and showing daily activity trends so you can spot changes in behavior. It’s useful on hikes, at the dog park, during travel or when someone else is watching your dog. It’s not a zero‑cost solution — the subscription and occasional indoor locating delays are the tradeoffs.

Key Benefits

• Live GPS location tracking with cellular connectivity
• Activity monitoring with personalized goals
• Up to 30 days battery life between charges
• Lightweight, waterproof design fits any collar or harness
• 90‑day risk‑free trial and 1‑year limited warranty

Current Price: $20.99

Rating: 4.3 (total: 53+)

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I like this tracker because it feels built for active dogs and owners who want real peace of mind. It gives near‑real‑time GPS updates (every 2–3 seconds), lets you set virtual fences with escape alerts, and even monitors heart and respiratory rates so you can spot changes in health. For everyday use it’s great on walks, at the dog park or when a sitter is watching, and for trips or hikes it takes the worry out of letting a curious dog explore. The battery life—up to a month in low‑power modes—means less time fussing with chargers, and the device is waterproof and rugged for muddy or snowy adventures.

There is a subscription for the built‑in SIM (plans from $5/month) and a 30‑day risk‑free trial, but between the app, alerts and durable build, I’d recommend it if you want reliable live tracking and health insights for a larger dog.

What People Say

People commonly praise the reliable real‑time tracking, long battery life and the waterproof, rugged design that stands up to outdoor use. Many reviewers also mention the app’s helpful features—virtual fences, location history and activity tracking—while noting the subscription is required and a few customers have had issues with the rubber attachment or spotty signal in very dense cover or underground.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Ease of Use

Safety Features

I appreciate the combination of features: real‑time GPS with frequent updates, virtual fences with instant escape alerts, and vitals monitoring to flag unusual heart or breathing changes. The tracker is waterproof and rugged, so it keeps working through wet and rough play. Keep in mind live tracking requires the subscription.

Solves

This tracker solves the common fear of a dog running off by giving fast location updates and alerts when they leave a safe zone. It’s useful for hikes, travel, busy driveways, or when someone else is watching your dog, and the activity and vitals data help you spot health or behavior changes early. The tradeoffs are the subscription cost and occasional signal limitations in very dense cover or underground.

Key Benefits

• Live GPS tracking with updates every 2–3 seconds
• Virtual fences and escape alerts for quick notifications
• Vital signs monitoring (heart and respiratory rates)
• Durable, waterproof design and long battery life (up to 1 month)
• Built‑in SIM with subscription plans starting at $5/month and a 30‑day trial

Current Price: $41.40

Rating: 4.2 (total: 3176+)

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I like this tracker because it packs a lot of useful features into a tiny package made for curious cats. It gives near‑real‑time location updates every 2–3 seconds so I can follow a roaming cat quickly, and the app lets me set virtual fences and get alerts if they slip out of a safe zone. For everyday life it’s great for letting an outdoor cat explore the yard or neighborhood while I keep tabs from my phone; for trips, sitters or short hikes it cuts the worry when my cat wanders a bit farther than usual. The tracker is lightweight, waterproof and comes with a breakaway collar, battery stretches up to about five days with power‑saving zones, and the built‑in SIM needs a subscription (plans start at $5/month with a 30‑day trial).

I’d recommend it for pet parents who want accurate live tracking and health/activity insights without bulky hardware.

What People Say

I’ve noticed customers most often praise the accuracy of live tracking, the convenience of virtual fences, and the app’s activity and health summaries. People also like how small and waterproof the unit is, though several users mention variable battery life depending on how often they use Live mode and a few have called out wear issues with the rubber holder and the relatively quiet alarm.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Ease of Use

Safety Features

I like that the tracker combines frequent live GPS updates with virtual fences and instant alerts when a cat leaves a safe zone. The device is waterproof and comes with a breakaway collar for safety, and location history/territory maps help you understand roaming habits.

Keep in mind live tracking and the SIM service require the subscription.

Solves

This tracker solves the common worry of a lost or wandering cat by offering fast location updates and escape alerts, making it easier to find them quickly. It’s useful for daily outdoor time, visits to sitters, or short trips where you want monitoring and health/activity insight; tradeoffs include the subscription cost and occasional signal limits in very dense cover or underground spots.

Key Benefits

• Live GPS updates every 2–3 seconds for fast location
• Virtual fences and instant escape alerts
• Activity, sleep and wellness monitoring
• Lightweight, waterproof design with breakaway collar
• Built‑in SIM with plans from $5/month and a 30‑day trial

Current Price: $29.40

Rating: 3.9 (total: 3463+)

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I like this little tracker because it promises real‑time location without the hassle of a SIM card or monthly fees. It’s tiny enough to tuck into a collar, backpack or bag and the app links to Google Maps so finding a wandering pet or misplaced bag is straightforward. For everyday use I rely on it to keep tabs on my dog during backyard adventures or to check in on a parked car; for travel or when someone’s watching the pet, it’s a handy peace‑of‑mind tool.

Battery life is impressive on paper (up to a year standby), but in practice you’ll want to check updates and charge as needed. I’d recommend it if you want a low‑cost, subscription‑free option and you’re okay with potential quirks in build quality and app behavior.

What People Say

I can see customers are split but common praise goes to the idea of no subscription and the device’s small size and long advertised battery life. People also often mention that setup is usually straightforward and the app shows locations on a familiar map.

On the flip side many buyers report spotty accuracy, infrequent updates at times, and concerns about the plastic casing or clasp breaking.

Overall Sentiment: Mixed

Ease of Use

Safety Features

The tracker is waterproof and dustproof, which helps when pets get wet or dirty. No SIM/subscription also means fewer ongoing privacy surprises.

It provides location dots and heading on the map, but keep in mind update frequency and accuracy can vary, so I wouldn’t rely on it as the sole safety measure in high‑risk situations.

Solves

This device addresses the basic worry of knowing where a pet or item is without paying monthly fees—great for casual tracking and quick checks. However, inconsistent location updates, occasional inaccuracy and some durability complaints mean it’s best for light use rather than critical, time‑sensitive recovery.

Key Benefits

• No SIM card or monthly subscription—one-time purchase
• Compact, lightweight design fits collars, bags and luggage
• Long standby battery (advertised up to 365 days)
• Works with iOS and Android app and integrates with Google Maps
• Waterproof and dustproof for outdoor use

Current Price: $32.66

Rating: 2.9 (total: 28+)

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I like the Fi Mini because it packs a lot into a tiny, lightweight package that actually suits small dogs and adventurous cats. In day‑to‑day life I use it to get instant escape alerts when my pet slips out the door and to check where they’ve wandered during backyard or neighborhood outings.

For longer trips or hikes the live GPS (backed by LTE‑M) makes it straightforward to locate a pet that’s gone farther than expected, and the activity and sleep tracking give useful data I can share with our vet. It’s waterproof and rugged enough for rainy walks, and the slip‑on design keeps the profile low so it doesn’t bother smaller collars. I’d recommend it if you want reliable real‑time tracking plus health insights, but be aware you may need to pay attention to how it’s attached and plan for occasional charging and case wear.

What People Say

Most customers like how small and accurate the tracker is, and they frequently praise the live tracking and geofence alerts for giving quick peace of mind. People also appreciate the activity and sleep data the app provides, saying it’s useful for vet visits or tracking recovery.

Common downsides mentioned are attachment security, how the case wears over time, and mixed notes about battery life depending on usage.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Ease of Use

Safety Features

Fi Mini offers real‑time GPS location, LTE connectivity and customizable geofence/escape alerts so you get notified if your pet leaves a safe zone. It’s built to IP68 waterproof standards and is rugged for outdoor use.

Keep in mind update frequency and collar attachment affect performance, so use it alongside good collar security and supervision.

Solves

This tracker solves the common worry of not knowing where a roaming pet is by offering instant alerts and pinpoint locations when you switch to GPS mode. It also helps monitor activity and sleep patterns for health checks.

Limitations include attachment security, occasional accuracy or notification delays in tight yards, and the need to remove the unit for charging, so it’s best used as a strong aid rather than the only safety measure.

Key Benefits

• Live GPS tracking with LTE‑M for remote areas
• Escape alerts and customizable geofences
• Compact, 80% lighter design ideal for small pets
• Activity and sleep monitoring for health insights
• IP68 waterproof rating for messy outdoor use

Current Price: $85.00

Rating: 4.2 (total: 44+)

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FAQ

What Is The Difference Between Bluetooth Trackers And GPS Trackers For Pets?

I explain this to pet owners all the time: Bluetooth trackers like the Apple AirTag ($17.97), Tile Mate ($14.99) and Samsung SmartTag2 ($15.89) use short-range Bluetooth and rely on nearby phones to update a lost item’s location, so they are best for finding items or pets that stay near populated areas. By contrast, true GPS/cellular trackers such as Tracki ($18.88), Tractive ($41.40), Tractive Cat ($29.40), Petivity ($20.99) and Fi Mini ($85.00) use GPS plus a cellular connection to give real-time location over long distances and in rural areas.

The trade-offs are clear: Bluetooth tags are cheaper, often have longer passive battery life and usually don’t require a subscription, but they can’t provide continuous live tracking; GPS trackers give continuous updates and better range but typically use more power and often require a monthly plan.

Will I Need A Monthly Subscription And How Much Will It Cost?

I always check subscription details before I buy because they add to the long-term cost. Many GPS trackers require a subscription for maps, live mode and roaming: Tracki advertises plans starting at $3.99/month or $9.95/month for more flexible options, Tractive’s plans commonly start around $5/month, and some Petivity users refer to $9.99/month for full GPS features. Bluetooth tags such as Apple AirTag use the Find My network for free and don’t need a subscription, while Tile and Samsung offer optional premium features behind paid tiers.

There are also some marketed devices that claim no subscription is required, but I recommend verifying real-world coverage and reliability before relying on them. My tip is to add at least 12 months of subscription cost into your purchase decision and compare the annual total against the peace of mind you expect to get.

How Should I Attach And Use A Tracker Safely So My Pet Is Comfortable And Secure?

I treat attachment and setup as equally important to the tracker choice. Make sure the tracker is appropriate for your pet’s size and weight and that it fits the collar snugly but not tightly; for cats I always prefer a breakaway collar or a collar with a quick-release and a lightweight tracker option. Test the mounting hardware because some users report fragile clips or rubbed-through rubber housings on certain models; if the included holder feels weak I replace it with a more secure case or ask the manufacturer for a replacement. Check the IP rating for water resistance and follow charging instructions so the unit stays functional, and keep firmware and the companion app up to date.

I also set up geofences and escape alerts in the app, test live tracking in the areas where my pet usually roams, and confirm network coverage or community network density (Apple/Tile/Samsung networks help Bluetooth trackers work farther away). Finally, I limit app permissions to what I need, share access only with trusted contacts, and keep my contact info current so a finder can reach me if the device is recovered.

Customer Favorites

We typically prioritize ecosystem compatibility—AirTag for iPhone users (precision finding via Apples Find My), Galaxy SmartTag2 for Samsung users with SmartThings and UWB-enabled phones, and Tile Mate when we want a cross-platform, budget-friendly option. We also weigh network size and community finding, battery life and replaceability, form factor and attachment options, plus price and any subscription or smart‑home features.

Wrapping Up

After reviewing trackers across ecosystems and use cases, I landed on a few clear trade-offs: AirTag is my top pick for iPhone owners because of precision and the Find My network; if you need true GPS with live updates and global coverage, the Tracki Dog and Tractive devices are built for that but often require a subscription; the Fi Mini and Petivity add activity and health monitoring if you want more than location; and if you need a low-cost Bluetooth helper, Tile Mate is an effective, affordable choice. I recommend matching the tracker to your pet’s size, how far they roam, and whether you need instant GPS updates or just a quick way to find things around the house.