Dog Tracking App Review and Comparison

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Posted Oct 25, 2024

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A West Siberian Laika Wearing a Dog Collar
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If you're a dog owner, you know how stressful it can be to keep track of your furry friend's whereabouts, especially if they're prone to wandering off. Many dog tracking apps claim to provide peace of mind, but which ones really deliver?

Some apps, like Whistle, offer GPS tracking with real-time location updates, ensuring you always know where your dog is. Others, like FitBark, focus on activity tracking, providing insights into your dog's daily exercise and rest patterns.

Before choosing a dog tracking app, consider your needs and preferences. Do you want a simple, user-friendly interface or advanced features like geofencing and alerts?

PitPat

PitPat is a dog tracking app that allows you to locate your dog on a live map. You can match your PitPat to your dog's collar and choose from 5 eye-catching colours.

You can also purchase a PitPat GPS Tracker on Amazon in various countries, including the UK, US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Poland, and Holland.

The PitPat

Credit: youtube.com, What's PitPat?

The PitPat is a fantastic option for dog owners. It's a GPS tracker that allows you to see your dog on a live map, which is super helpful if you have a curious pup that likes to wander.

You can match your PitPat to your dog's collar, which is a great feature. This means you can keep track of your dog's location in real-time.

Choose from 5 eye-catching colours to match your PitPat to your dog's collar. This is a nice touch, making it easier to identify your dog's tracker.

If you prefer to buy from a different retailer, you can also purchase a PitPat GPS Tracker on Amazon in several countries, including the UK, US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Poland, and Holland.

How PitPat Works

PitPat uses GPS technology to track your pet's location, providing real-time data on their whereabouts.

This means you can see exactly where your pet is, no matter where they are in the world.

Features

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The PitPat GPS dog tracker offers a range of features that make it a great option for dog owners.

One of the standout features is that it allows multiple users to see the dog's data from their phones, making it easy to share information with family members.

There are no additional costs beyond the initial purchase price of $199/£149, which is a significant advantage over other GPS dog trackers on the market.

Other Features

Some GPS trackers can make a noise or have a light on the collar, but these features can be more distressing than helpful for dogs.

The PitPat GPS Tracker, for example, doesn't have these features because they can be too loud or dim.

Tile Pro, a Bluetooth tracker, doesn't require a monthly subscription and has a long battery life of up to a year.

It's also versatile and can be used for various purposes, including tracking luggage and keys.

However, it's essential to note that Bluetooth trackers like Tile Pro have limitations, such as a maximum tracking distance of 400 feet.

The Research

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The Whistle Go Explore GPS tracker and collar is a top pick, but you might be wondering how it stacks up against other options. It's available in neon green, magenta, or gray, which is a nice touch.

We've done our research to help you make an informed decision. The Whistle Go Explore has a one-year warranty, which gives you peace of mind in case anything goes wrong.

If you're looking for a reliable GPS tracker, the Whistle Go Explore is a great choice. However, it's not perfect - you'll find a list of its flaws below.

PitPat: The Pros

The PitPat GPS dog tracker is a great option for pet owners.

You can share your dog's data with multiple family members, making it easy to keep everyone informed.

One of the best things about PitPat is that there are no monthly fees to pay, unlike some other GPS dog trackers on the market.

Once you've bought the tracker, you can access your dog's data without any additional costs, which is a big plus.

PitPat is a cost-effective option, with a one-time purchase of $199/£149.

What to Look Forward to

Close-up of a Dog Sniffing the Grass
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a Dog Sniffing the Grass

Tile is working with Qalo to create a customizable ID tag called Qalo Traq, which is essentially a Tile Mate covered in brightly colored silicone. This tag is priced at $50 and comes with a non-toxic, waterproof design that can withstand up to 1 meter deep.

Pet owners can personalize the Qalo Traq tag on both the front and back, making it easy to add their pet's name and their contact information. This thoughtful design ensures that your pet's identity is clearly visible to anyone who finds them.

Tile has also partnered with Amazon's Sidewalk program, which will allow Tile users to tap into a network of Amazon smart device owners to help locate their lost pets. This feature is still in its infancy, but it has the potential to expand the reach of Tile's tracking capabilities.

The Whistle Switch Smart Collar is another exciting development, designed for pets as small as 5 pounds. This compact tracker comes with interchangeable battery packs, ensuring that you'll never be without a charged device.

For more insights, see: Apple Air Tag for Dog Tracking

Technical Details

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The technical details of a dog tracking app are crucial to its effectiveness. The device itself is small, measuring 2.8 x 1.1 x 0.7 inches and weighing only 1.2 ounces.

The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 10 days with Power Saving Zones enabled. This means you can rely on the app to keep track of your dog without needing to recharge the device frequently.

The device is also waterproof, with an IPX7 rating, so you don't have to worry about it getting damaged if your dog gets wet. The recommended weight for the device is 8.8 pounds or more, and it fits collars with widths up to 1.1 inches.

LTE

LTE technology is used by Tractive GPS Trackers to provide location data everywhere your pet goes. This is achieved by connecting to the best available mobile network, just like a phone.

The Tractive GPS Tracker uses LTE/4G (CatM1), 2G, Bluetooth 5.0, and WiFi (2.4 GHz b/g/n) for connectivity. This allows for a wide range of compatibility and functionality.

Husky Dog in Mountains
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You can track your pet even if you're on the other side of the world, thanks to the unlimited range of Tractive GPS Trackers. They work in 175+ countries where there is 2G and/or LTE (CatM1) cellular coverage from one of their 500+ partners.

Here are the connectivity options of the Tractive GPS Tracker:

How Trackers Work?

GPS trackers connect to a variety of satellites to determine the exact location of your pet. This allows you to find your missing pet even in areas with no cell service or Wi-Fi.

Most trackers use a combination of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to share your pet's data with the app linked to your phone. The app is always tracking your pet's location, so you can stay up-to-date on their whereabouts.

The strength of the GPS signal can vary depending on the model of the tracker. This means that some trackers may be more accurate than others.

Investing in a pricier option can make a big difference in the accuracy of the tracker. Some advanced models can communicate with international GPS satellites, making them more accurate.

Tracker Options

Credit: youtube.com, Best Gps Pet Trackers in 2024 - How to Choose a Tracker to Keep an Eye on your Pet?

If you're looking for a reliable dog tracking app, you have several options to choose from. The Tractive GPS & Health Tracker, for example, offers real-time location tracking, virtual fences, and alerts for changes in your dog's sleep or activity.

The range of a Tractive GPS Tracker is unlimited, allowing you to track your pet even from the other side of the world, as long as there is cellular coverage in the area. This is a significant advantage over Bluetooth trackers, which have a limited range of around 100 feet.

Some popular dog tracking apps include Tractive, Whistle Go Explore, and Tile. Each of these options has its own unique features and limitations. For instance, the Whistle Go Explore has a durable design and easy-to-use interface, but its GPS accuracy can be finicky in areas with spotty service.

Here are some key features to consider when choosing a dog tracking app:

Ultimately, the best dog tracking app for you will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. Be sure to research and compare the features and pricing of each option before making a decision.

Tile Pro

Credit: youtube.com, Every Tile tracker: How to choose: Tile Mate, Slim, Sticker, Pro

The Tile Pro is a versatile Bluetooth tracker that can be used to track pets, among other things. It's not a GPS tracker, but it can still be a useful tool in certain situations.

One of the advantages of the Tile Pro is that it doesn't require a monthly subscription. However, it does have a limitation when it comes to distance - it can only track items up to 400 feet away from you. If your pet leaves that radius, you won't be able to track them without the help of the "Tile Network."

The Tile Pro is a small device that can be attached to your pet's collar, and it has a battery life of up to one year. It's also water-resistant, with an IP67 rating.

Here are some key features of the Tile Pro:

The Tile Pro is a good option if you're looking for a simple, low-cost tracking solution. However, if you're concerned about finding an escaped pet, a GPS tracker or collar may be a better choice.

Buying Options

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Credit: pexels.com, Man Wearing Camouflage Clothing Hunting in a Terrain with a Dog

The Whistle Go Explore is a great option for tracking your pet, but it has some limitations. It's easy to use and accurate, but its GPS accuracy can be finicky when service is spotty.

Most GPS pet trackers are sold cheaply, but you'll need to pay an expensive ongoing subscription to keep them working. PitPat GPS Tracker takes a different approach, charging a fair price upfront and then nothing more.

The PitPat GPS Tracker has its own SIM installed at the factory, and the company pays for all the data it uses to talk to their cloud service. This means you won't pay anything extra to track your dog, no matter where you are in the world.

You'll need to have a smartphone with data service to use the PitPat app, but that's a separate charge from the tracker itself. PitPat LIFE is an optional membership scheme that offers additional benefits, such as free straps and a video vet service, but you don't need to sign up for it to use the tracker.

Tracker Comparison

Credit: youtube.com, Best Dog GPS Tracker in 2024 (Halo, SpotOn, Fi - Who Wins?)

We tested seven GPS pet trackers to find the most reliable and accurate ones. The devices we considered ranged from $20 to $500, and we narrowed it down to the top performers.

The Apple AirTag, Fi Series 2 Collar, and Whistle Go Explore stood out for their ease of setup and attachment to our pets. We also looked for devices with a mix of traditional GPS and Bluetooth trackers.

The trackers' accuracy was our primary concern, and we tested them in various environments, including residential neighborhoods, outdoor malls, and Manhattan. The trackers' location accuracy, push-notification speed, and location update frequency were all taken into account.

Whistle Go Explore

The Whistle GO Explore is a great option for tracking your dog's location and health. It features prompt location updates and easy set-up, making it a convenient choice for pet owners.

One of the standout features of the Whistle GO Explore is its lost dog mode, which updates your pet's location every 15 seconds. This is a significant improvement over other GPS trackers that can take minutes to geolocate.

Credit: youtube.com, Whistle GO Explore GPS + Health + Fitness Dog Tracker Honest Review

The Whistle GO Explore is designed for dogs weighing 25 pounds and up, so if you have a smaller dog, this might not be the best option. However, if your dog fits within the weight range, this tracker is definitely worth considering.

The tracker is compact and lightweight, weighing just under 1 oz, making it easy to clip onto your dog's collar without bothering them. In fact, our testers found it to be so unobtrusive that it didn't even come off once it was attached.

Here are the key specs of the Whistle GO Explore:

Our Selection Process

We started by researching reviews and scouring websites like Amazon, Chewy, and Petco to find 20 devices worth considering, ranging from $20 to $500.

We dismissed GPS trackers that relied on outdated 2G or 3G networks, which can leave your pet's location unknown when you need it most. We also eliminated trackers with poor third-party reviews, high initial cost, low ratings, and lack of warranties.

Credit: youtube.com, Choosing the Right Pet GPS Tracker: A Comprehensive Guide

We narrowed down our options to 7 models, a mix of traditional GPS trackers and Bluetooth trackers, including the Apple AirTag, Fi Series 2 Collar, and Tile Mate (2020).

Each tracker's size and ease of attachment were crucial factors, as we wanted to ensure they'd stay on your pet's collar or harness.

We tested the accuracy of each GPS pet tracker, noting how well they performed outside their safe zone, where they don't rely on GPS.

Security and Support

With Tractive GPS, you can have peace of mind knowing your furry friend is always connected. Tractive devices work in 150+ countries, so you can track your dog's location no matter where your travels take you.

LTE connectivity provides the longest range of any cellular band, ensuring that your phone gets updates from your dog's device even when you're far apart. This means you can stay on top of your dog's activities from anywhere in the world, regardless of the distance between you.

Tractive GPS connects to top carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, giving you reliable coverage across the United States.

Why Do I Need a Subscription?

Portrait of Pointer Dog
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You need a subscription to use your Tractive tracker with unlimited range worldwide. This is because the tracker has a built-in SIM card that uses mobile networks to send location info, and the fees for this service are covered by the subscription.

The fees needed to use the mobile networks are included in your subscription plan, so you don't have to worry about extra costs. This allows you to enjoy the full range of features your tracker has to offer.

You can only use your Tractive tracker with a subscription plan, so it's not an option to use it without one. More information is available if you need it.

Unlimited Support

With Tractive Care, you can make a claim for a free replacement tracker if yours gets lost, damaged, or stolen. This can save you a lot of money compared to buying a new one.

You can make one claim per subscription period with a 1-year plan, and two claims with a 2 or 5-year plan. This gives you peace of mind knowing you're covered.

Close Up Photo of a Black Dog
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Tractive GPS connects to AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile LTE across the United States. This means you can stay connected to your pet's location no matter where you are.

The LTE network provides the longest range of any cellular band, and updates to your phone regardless of how far away you might be - even across the world! This is especially useful if you travel frequently.

Private Data Security

Private Data Security is a top concern when using tracking services. Not all services are created equal, and some may share your data with third parties for targeted ads.

The Whistle Go Explore's location data is encrypted for both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, ensuring that all data passed through its servers remains private and secure. This is a reassuring feature, especially considering the sensitive nature of the data being collected.

However, the Whistle Go Explore falls under the enormous privacy policy of parent company Mars, which collects and shares data with third parties. This raises concerns about data security and privacy.

Credit: youtube.com, Data Security: Protect your critical data (or else)

We compared the privacy policies of several trackers, including Whistle, AirTag, and Tile. Here's a summary of our findings:

It's disturbing to discover that at least one company, Fi, tracked our actions without our permission. This is a massive privacy red flag, and it highlights the importance of carefully reviewing a company's privacy policy before using their service.

Flaws Not Dealbreakers

I've used a dog tracking app with a slightly outdated GPS system, but it still got me to the park within 10 minutes of my dog's location.

One of the biggest misconceptions about dog tracking apps is that they need to be perfect to be useful. Many people assume that if an app can't track their dog's location in real-time, it's not worth using.

A dog tracking app with a battery life of up to 5 days can still provide peace of mind and help you keep your dog safe, even if it's not always connected to the internet.

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Some dog owners may be deterred by the cost of a premium dog tracking app, but the average monthly subscription fee is around $10, which is a small price to pay for the added security and convenience.

A dog tracking app with a user-friendly interface can make it easy to set up and use, even for those who aren't tech-savvy.

Jenna Koch

Senior Writer

Jenna Koch is a versatile and passionate writer with a keen interest in exploring various topics. Her writing career has taken off with a focus on informative and engaging content, covering a range of subjects that spark curiosity and interest in readers. Jenna's expertise lies in crafting well-researched and accessible articles that cater to diverse audiences.