Just as we humans stack on the fitness trackers to measure our steps, devices like the FitBark and Whistle do the same for our pets. But cats and dogs have other stats worth tracking, too, like their whereabouts. Whether you have a cat that's prone to run off, or you just want to see what route the dog walker took, a GPS tracker can bring you some peace of mind. The $199 Pod GPS + WiFi Pet Tracker not only measures your pet's activity level, it also broadcasts its location on your phone via GPS. It's pricier than the Tagg Pet Tracker (which is now the Whistle GPS Pet Tracker) upfront, but it's actually less expensive in the long run, thanks to lower subscription fees. It could be worth it if it worked flawlessly, but it's not quite there yet. 

Pricing, Design, and Features

Let's start with price. The Pod 2 costs $199 and has no fees for first year. But because it talks to 2G networks (AT&T and T-Mobile in the US) like most GPS devices, it requires a subscription fee after the first year of service, to the tune of $49 per year. Compare that with the Whistle, which sells for $99.95 and has three service plans: $9.95 per month, $95.40 for one year, or $166.80 for two years. If you plan to use the device for at least a couple of years, and your pet doesn't pass away during that period, the Pod is less expensive in the long run.

The Pod 2 itself is a 2.0-by-0.9-inch black cylinder (HW). It weighs about 1 ounce. In addition to the tracker, two batteries, a proprietary USB dongle battery charger, and two rubberized attachment straps are included in the box.