It’s every pet owner’s nightmare: your dog or cat slips out of the yard and takes off through the neighborhood. The panic of not knowing where they’ve gone is overwhelming, and it’s a situation most of us can unfortunately relate to. Over the past few years, GPS pet collars have gained traction in the pet community. Fast forward to 2024, and the leaps in GPS technology for pets have transformed how we protect our furry friends.
GPS pet collars are now safer, more reliable, and incredibly effective. Whether it’s a curious dog chasing a squirrel or an adventurous cat slipping through an open door, these collars ensure you can track your pet quickly and bring them home safely. As we reevaluate these advancements, we’re also diving into the benefits of GPS cat collars to give every pet owner peace of mind.
How Do GPS Pet Collars Work?
GPS Pet collars have many reliable features – making them a popular choice among pet owners to keep their pets as safe as possible. Keeping track of your pet in a busy area like Dallas and Austin, Texas, is vital, especially if you get separated. Let’s take a look at these important features in more detail:
1. GPS Tracking Technology
GPS pet collars uses a built-in GPS receiver to gather location data from satellites orbiting Earth. The system can accurately pinpoint your pet’s exact location by triangulating the collar’s position.
2. Connectivity
Most GPS pet collars use cellular networks, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth to send location data to your smartphone or a designated tracking device. Some models also feature hybrid technology, switching between networks for better coverage. 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.
3. Mobile Apps
A dedicated app on your phone provides an easy-to-read map interface showing your pet’s real-time location. Many apps also include features like geofencing, which lets you set safe zones for your pet. You’ll receive an instant alert if your dog or cat leaves the designated area.
4. 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 sleep patterns, providing valuable insights into their overall health and well-being.
With these features, GPS collars are a reliable tool to ensure your pet’s safety and give you peace of mind.
Which GPS Pet Collar Should I Buy?
With many options on the market, deciding which GPS Pet Collar is best for you and your pet can take time. Luckily, we have created a list of some of the most popular and highly-rated GPS collars for dogs and cats to help you make an informed decision. Let’s explore the best options on the market today.
Fi Smart Dog Collar
Cost: Starting at $99 for subscription plans
Pros:
- GPS and LTE-M network for accurate and long-range location tracking
- Long-lasting battery (up to 3 months) and wireless charging
- Activity tracking to monitor your pet’s exercise, sleep patterns and overall health
- Durable and waterproof for those avid summer swimmers
- A variety of sizes to suit your unique pup
Cons:
- Subscription needed for GPS tracking
- The most expensive option is bi-annual, costing $339 every two years
- One-time activation fee of $20
Whistle GO Explore
Cost: $149 + subscription plan starting at $99.95/year
Pros:
- Real-time location tracking utilizing AT&T 4G LTE-M Network, Wi-Fi, and cellular technology
- Health tracking measures distances walked, and calories burned
- Weekly activity reports and monthly statistics
- Long battery life (up to 20 days)
- Waterproof and durable design
- Geofencing capabilities with instant alerts
- User-Friendly app
Cons:
- Requires a subscription for full functionality
Pawtrack GPS Collar
Cost: $99.95 for the tracker + subscription plan, starting at $9.95/month
Pros:
- 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
- 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
- Clips onto the collar, so there is a risk of it breaking if your pet is very active
Weenect
Cost: $69.99 + subscription plan ($3.75/month)
Pros:
- 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
- Easy to attach to any collar
Cons:
- Subscription required for tracking service
- Battery life lasts about one week with continuous usage
What About Apple AirTags?
While they may be a cheaper, accessible option, Apple AirTags aren’t the best for tracking your pet. Consider the following reasons:
AirTags are designed to track objects like keys or bags, not living creatures that move around. This makes it easy for the Airtag to fall off and get lost, which defeats the purpose of its intended use. They also lack features tailored for pet safety and tracking.
In addition, AirTags have a very limited range. They rely on the presence of other Apple devices to relay their location, which means they are unreliable in remote or less populated areas.
Unlike dedicated GPS dog and cat collars, AirTags do not provide real-time tracking. The location updates depend on nearby Apple devices’ networks, leading to potential delays.
AirTags do not offer any health monitoring features which are beneficial in tracking your pet’s activity and well-being.
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.
Alternatives to Pet GPS Collars
Microchipping
A microchip is a small electronic device(about the size of a grain of rice) inserted into your pet’s shoulder area. 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. This is an excellent option for pet owners as it is inexpensive and stays with your pet forever.
One important thing to remember about having your pet microchipped is to ensure you keep your information up to date in the database.
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. They are available online and in your local pet stores. These tags typically include your pet’s name and your contact information.
Pay close attention to the condition of these tags, especially if you have a very active pup. If you notice your information is becoming harder to read, replace the tag immediately.
We hope this blog sheds some light on your options regarding pet safety and tracking should you get separated from your beloved pet. If you and your pet love taking big adventures together, then considering GPS tracking collars may be a good investment. However, if you don’t believe that will be a good option, consider alternatives like microchipping or pet ID tags.
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