Best GPS trackers for pets: 5 tried-and-tested options to track location and activity

There’s nothing scarier than losing your cat or dog, and if you find yourself in this situation, having one of the best GPS trackers for pets will make it much easier to be reunited with your animal.

Not only do these devices let you track your pet’s real-time location on a map, but they can also show you where they’ve previously been – and some models even offer health reports, voice commands for recall training, and alerts if your pet strays too far from home.

We know that GPS trackers aren’t the cheapest, so to save you time and money, the PetsRadar review panel has been busy testing them out – and the PitPat model scored top points. Below, you’ll find five of our recommendations, all of which have been rigorously tested on our cats and dogs and offer a range of price points and features.

The quick list

• Back to the top ⤴

The best GPS trackers for pets we recommend

Why you can trust PetsRadar Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Best GPS tracker for dogs

Image 1 of 2

WHAT'S GOOD: My favorite thing about this pet tracker? It’s 100% subscription-free, so you don’t have to worry about pesky payments coming out of your account each month. I’ve trolled through pages and pages of trackers, and it’s very rare to find one that doesn’t require this commitment.

We gave this to Sophie Cheeseman, art editor at our sister publication Horse and Hound, to try out on her whippets, Frank and Bluebell. After losing Frank on a walk during testing, she was relieved that she could track him to a specific point on a road and call a family member to retrieve him, saving a lot of stress. Sophie praised its accuracy and says it shows you exactly where your dog is.

This tracker is the lightest model we’ve tested, weighing just 0.37 oz – similar to two sheets of printer paper – and it easily attaches to your dog’s collar without them even noticing. You won’t need to worry about it falling off either; the straps use parachute-grade Velcro, which Sophie says is “strong” and “fits neatly.”

Perfect for adventures, the device has an IP67 waterproof rating, meaning it can withstand swimming, diving, hydrotherapy, and watersports – you name it! Frank and Bluebell went for a 30-minute dip in meter-high water, and Sophie confirmed it worked perfectly fine afterward. You can also monitor your pet’s activity, including how far they walk, play, and rest, as well as feeding recommendations based on their weight and activity levels.

Pet trackers might seem a little daunting to set up, but Sophie reassures that the instructions were clear to follow and the device is easy to use – it even notifies you when the battery is getting low.

WHAT'S NOT SO GOOD: This might be the most expensive option in the guide, costing $199.99 (or £169.99), but it’s well worth the cost considering you don’t have to fork out each month for a subscription.

However, if you’re not quite ready for such a big lump sum, PitPat also offers a subscription-based model to UK customers for £12 a month, with the tracker coming free.

Sophie says that the tracker does take a few minutes to locate the dog, but once it’s up and running, it offers excellent accuracy on their whereabouts. It’s also worth noting that you won’t be able to track your dog if they go underground or indoors – it’s mainly built for outdoor use.

While we’re yet to find a model that works underground, the Tractive GPS Dog XL Tracker and Weenect Dog GPS Tracker can be used inside (though they might not be as accurate).

• Back to the top ⤴

Best GPS tracker for cats

Image 1 of 4

WHAT'S GOOD: Tractive's Cat Mini lets you monitor your feline's location from anywhere in the world, offering an unlimited tracking range and live updates. PetsRadar editor Georgia Guerin and I have both tested this little gadget on our cats and were seriously impressed with how easy it was to install – I had it up and running in around five minutes.

I've always been curious about where my cats go every day, so I've had so much fun tracking their whereabouts using the app – you can see them moving in real time on a map, which is fascinating to watch. As well as keeping tabs on their live location, you can also get an understanding of how far they roam, thanks to the territory feature that lets you see previous routes and their favorite spots to hang out in.

If you're concerned about your cat venturing too far, you can set up a virtual fence, and if they cross that boundary, you'll be alerted instantly and able to watch where they go next. The tracker also gives you useful insights into your cat's activity levels, including how long they slept and exercised each day, which can tell you a lot about their health. It alerts you to any unusual changes, which could potentially help spot concerns early.

One of my favorite things about this tracker is that your cat will be added to a leaderboard, where cats wearing the Tractive tracker compete based on how much activity they’ve done. You can add a name and profile picture for your pet, and it’s interesting to see what’s normal.

WHAT'S NOT SO GOOD: Since the tracker is fitted with a built-in SIM card, you’ll need to pay a monthly subscription fee to cover those costs, which starts from $5/month (or £4.50/month) for the basic plan. If you want to access family sharing, 365-day location history, and worldwide coverage, you'll need to upgrade to the premium option. However, this can be paused at any time (and I can confirm they won't charge you!)

Once my cat had gotten used to the tracker on his collar, he didn't show any signs of discomfort. However, it does look a little bit bulky, so it's not something I would choose to keep on him 24/7 – I personally only use it when I'm feeling curious or when I go on vacation.

Georgia also noted that, in comparison to the Weenect Cat GPS Tracker, it didn't stay on her cat's collar quite as well. However, I didn't experience a problem with it falling off, so it might be a personal thing depending on what your cat gets up to.

• Back to the top ⤴

Best GPS tracker for cats who like to remove their collar

Image 1 of 1

WHAT'S GOOD: Does your cat have a tendency to remove their collar? If the answer is yes, I'd recommend choosing the Weenect Cat GPS Tracker, which was tested and approved by Georgia.

She was impressed with how well this tracker stayed on her cat's collar compared to the Tractive Cat Mini, which she also tested. It features a secure buckle to keep it in place, along with a curved design that prevents it from getting caught on trees and branches – helping to keep your cat safe.

Once you've attached it to your cat, you'll be able to track their live location from anywhere in the world, with GPS updates every second and an unlimited range. If you want to see what your cat has been up to in the past, you can view their route history and discover which territories they spend the most time in.

The tracker also includes a recall feature, where you can train your cat to come back when it rings and vibrates – whether that’s for mealtimes or out of worry. You can also monitor their activity, which helps you keep an eye on their health and fitness and could be life-saving if it detects early signs of illness.

Battery life is around two to three days when left on 24/7 without using Wi-Fi zones, but it can last longer if you do. This tracker is small and lightweight, weighing just under an ounce – in fact, Georgia’s cat didn’t even notice it was on!

The tracker comes with a collar to attach it to, and there's a built-in light too, making it easier to find your cat when it gets dark outside.

WHAT'S NOT SO GOOD: This tracker might be moderately priced upfront, but it's worth bearing in mind that you'll have to pay a monthly subscription fee, starting from $5.56/month (£4.16/month) in the UK.

This tracker is still impressively small, but if you're looking for the tiniest option possible, go for the Tractive Cat Mini instead.

• Back to the top ⤴

Best GPS tracker for large dogs

Image 1 of 2

WHAT'S GOOD: If you have a large dog, I'd recommend choosing the Tractive GPS Dog XL Tracker, which is made specifically for pups over 50 lbs with an extra-strong, bite-proof design.

It offers GPS tracking with an unlimited range, helping you keep a close eye on your dog's whereabouts from anywhere in the world. For dogs that are prone to escaping, you can set up a virtual fence – if they cross that boundary, you'll be alerted to their location right away.

Our tester, Emily, said that compared to other trackers she tried, this one was very secure and stayed in place much better – even during active walks in the woods! It might look like quite a bulky design, but Emily reassures us that her dog wasn't bothered by it. She also praised the live tracking feature, which is great for directing you to your dog.

Like the other Tractive devices in this guide, this tracker has loads of cool features, like sleep and activity monitoring, which can be very useful for spotting changes in health and detecting any problems early.

You can keep an eye on their heart rate and respiratory rate, as well as how long they've slept and been active – painting a useful picture of their baseline health to refer back to if you have concerns. Emily says: "I found it really easy to set up; it's clear how you're meant to get it all started and how to program it to your dog."

WHAT'S NOT SO GOOD: The biggest downside to this pet tracker is that if you lose signal, it's not going to work so well – but this is pretty standard for most trackers that rely on a GPS signal. Unlike the PitPat model, the device can be used indoors, but it won't work if your dog goes underground – which is worth bearing in mind.

You'll need to pay a monthly subscription, which starts at $5 a month in the US or £4.50 a month in the UK (which is pretty average from my research).

• Back to the top ⤴

Best GPS tracker for small dogs

Image 1 of 1

WHAT'S GOOD: The Weenect XS is the smallest dog tracker in this guide, about the size of a standard AA battery and weighing roughly the same as a tablespoon of peanut butter. This compact size makes it perfect for small dog breeds – they'll probably forget it's even on their collar!

You can track your dog’s location via an app, with live updates every second so you’re never out of the loop. If you want to ensure your dog stays within a certain parameter (e.g., no further than your yard), you can set up a virtual fence and be alerted when they cross your set boundaries, which is great for peace of mind.

Not only can you keep an eye on your pet's whereabouts, but the device also offers activity monitoring, providing a report on their behavior – helpful for flagging any potential health concerns.

And if you want to brush up on your dog's recall, the tracker has a remote ring or vibrate feature, which you can train them to respond to. It also comes with a built-in flashlight so you can find them more easily in the dark, and it has a waterproof design that can withstand up to 1.5 meters of water for 60 minutes.

On top of all that, the battery life is super impressive – offering up to 10 days of power while in Wi-Fi zones or three days with continuous tracking. It's perfect for people like me who always forget to charge their devices!

WHAT'S NOT SO GOOD: While the initial cost isn't too expensive, you'll need to be prepared for monthly payments, as this tracker requires a subscription starting from $5.56/month (or £4.16/month). If that's a dealbreaker, choose the PitPat Tracker, which is completely free once you've bought the device.

• Back to the top ⤴

Other GPS trackers for pets to consider

Tractive GPS Dog Tracker

This waterproof tracker has unlimited range and monitors your dog's location, sleep, activity levels, and changes in behavior. However, when our tester tried it out, she was disappointed by how slow it was to update her dog's location and found it unreliable in areas with poor signal.

How we tested the best GPS trackers for pets

Your pet's safety is our number one priority – we understand how precious they are and how awful it feels to lose them, even if it's just for a split second. That's why we've put the best GPS trackers for pets through rigorous testing to help you choose the right one.

After researching the top models on the market, reading reviews, and assessing specs, our testers followed these criteria:

User-friendly: Was the tracker quick to set-up and easy to use? Were the instructions clear to follow?

Adventure-proof: Is the tracker durable? Is it really waterproof?

Fit for purpose: Did the tracker actually work when put to the test? And even more importantly, did the pet want to wear it?

Bonus features: Does the tracker have any cool features, like health monitoring or virtual fence alarms? If so, are they worthwhile?

Hidden costs: You might not expect a pet tracker to have subscription costs, so we made it clear if they do. That way, there's no unwanted surprises for you later down the line.

For more information, read our dedicated page on how we test.

Who tested the best GPS trackers for pets

Wondering who's behind these reviews? Meet our testing team below:

Image 1 of 3

Sophie Cheeseman, Deputy Art Editor

Sophie tested the PitPat GPS Tracker for Dogs.

Georgia Guerin, Editor

Georgia tested tested the Tractive Cat Mini and Weenect Cat GPS Tracker.

Megan Milstead, Staff Writer

I tested the Tractive Cat Mini.

How to choose the best GPS trackers for pets

The breed and species of your pet will be a big driver in choosing a particular tracker over another; larger breeds can easily accommodate larger trackers – and they're often the breeds you'll want to use them on anyway – whereas smaller dogs or cats might look a little silly with a large tracking module around their necks.

A good pet-safe collar is a must, so your pet will need to be used to wearing a collar at all times if you want constant tracking. There's not much that can be done about this. People sometimes think a pet tracker can be injected or embedded, in the same manner as a traditional microchip ID. That's just not the case; they need complex electronics and batteries.

Bear in mind that attaching these to a safe collar – one that will break should your pet's neck get snagged- means the possibility of losing the tracker. Luckily, GPS trackers do, by their nature, have tracking built in, so they're relatively easy to find again if they get dropped.

One final point: the pet tracker market is, shall we say, a little volatile. More than one tracker has come along and rather abruptly disappeared, meaning it's well worth considering the likely longevity of not only the tracking hardware but the software backing connected models up.

If the manufacturer pulls the plug, which is always a risk, that nifty collar accessory could turn into nothing more than a plastic pendant. Tractive is a strong choice for us because it's been around for a while, for example.

You’ll also need to keep up with the subscription fees on connected trackers; they’re typically not super-high, but tracking a household full of pets could make GPS trackers rather expensive to run.

GPS vs Bluetooth pet trackers

Broadly speaking, there are two main tracking technologies that the best pet trackers use; GPS and Bluetooth. But what is the difference between these two technologies, and which is the best choice for you?

GPS

GPS is the main type of pet tracker, and it stands for Global Positioning System. These trackers use a network of 30+ navigation satellites orbiting the Earth, which constantly send out signals. GPS trackers pick up these signals and use them to determine a location by comparing the time it takes each signal to approximate the device’s location, typically within three to five meters.

The advantage of a GPS device is that it doesn’t require an internet connection, instead it uses a mobile network connection for tracking. That’s also the main downside too though – since they require a mobile network, they almost always come with a monthly cost to pay for the network usage, much like a cell phone.

Bluetooth

The other main option you’ll find is Bluetooth trackers. These devices send out a secure Bluetooth signal that can be picked up by devices within range. This means they’re much more limited in range than GPS trackers, as they need to be within range of a compatible device to be picked up.

The upside is that they’re cheaper, don’t require subscription plans, and have much longer battery lives – some last several years. They’re also much more accurate, giving you your pet's exact location instead of the roughly 10-meter radius that you’ll get from GPS.

Which is better?

Both types of devices have their pros and cons. If you’re pretty sure your pet isn’t going to gallop off into the wilderness, then Bluetooth trackers are a great budget option, but GPS trackers are the more comprehensive option for ultimate peace of mind. You’ll need to weigh up the costs and risks to decide which option is best for you.

Is AirTag better than GPS tracker for pets?

No, Apple AirTags are not better than GPS trackers for pets – here’s why:

• Unreliable: Since AirTags rely on the Find My network, you can't track your pet if there are no nearby Apple devices.
• No live tracking: AirTags won’t show second-by-second updates of your pet’s location, unlike pet GPS trackers.
• No alerts: You won’t be notified if your pet escapes or ventures too far, as it doesn’t offer virtual fence features.

Is there a pet GPS tracker without a monthly fee?

Yes, PitPat GPS Tracker for Dogs is subscription-free (and can also be used on cats).

Do vets recommend GPS trackers for pets?

Do vets recommend pet GPS trackers? I asked Dr Rebecca MacMillan to find out.

She says: "I definitely think GPS trackers are a good idea for pets, especially ones that tend to wander off! GPS trackers give a real-time location, meaning that pets can be more readily reunited with their owners.

"They are especially useful for easily distracted dogs with variable recall training. A good example is working dogs with a high prey drive who will chase off after a scent. A quality tracker will help you quickly find and retrieve your pet. Trackers are not a replacement for training, however, but they are a useful aid.

"GPS trackers can also give cat owners peace of mind as to their pet’s whereabouts. Some trackers even have a geofencing option, so that an alert can be sent when your cat strays too far from home. The main disadvantage is that cats are more liable to lose their tracker.

“Your cat must wear a safety or breakaway collar when out and about in case they get snagged on something like a branch. If their collar comes off, then so does the tracker. So, this is worth bearing in mind when deciding how much to spend. Trackers will also not protect your cat or dog against theft, as the tracker can easily be removed and discarded."

Read next: How to find a lost dog or how far cats roam

Curated by

Curated by

Megan Milstead

Megan Milstead has been a Staff Writer at PetsRadar since 2023, covering everything from buying guides and reviews to features and deals. As a lifelong pet parent, she knows how scary it can be when a pet goes missing – and how valuable the best pet trackers are for finding them. Megan holds a Journalism degree from the University of Westminster and an extended diploma from West Herts College. If you have any questions about the products featured in this guide, her emails are always open!

Expert advice from

Expert advice from

Dr. Rebecca MacMillan

Rebecca is a veterinary surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. Rebecca enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation).

Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis De Leaver.