Pet ownership is no walk in the park. Your pet can go missing, no matter how closely you keep an eye on them. Moreover, dogs and cats can become overweight, just like humans, particularly as they age. It's our duty to keep them happy, healthy, and safe, so if you're searching for technology to help you care for your furbaby, you've come to the right place. We've been reviewing pet tech for more than a decade to help you select the best pet tracker for your furry friend. Whether you want to track your pet's location, activity, sleep, or other health trends, you're sure to find a suitable model in our list below.
Overview
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![Fi Smart Dog Collar Series 3+]()
Most DurableFi Smart Dog Collar Series 3+
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![PetPace 3.0]()
Best for Canine Health TrackingPetPace 3.0
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![Tractive Dog 6 Smart Dog Tracker]()
Best Inexpensive GPS Pet TrackerTractive Dog 6 Smart Dog Tracker
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![Halo Collar 4]()
Best GPS Dog FenceHalo Collar 4
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![SpotOn GPS Dog Fence]()
Best Virtual Fence for Large PropertiesSpotOn GPS Dog Fence
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![Apple AirTag (2nd Gen)]()
Best Bluetooth Tracker for iPhone OwnersApple AirTag (2nd Gen)
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![Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2]()
Best Bluetooth Tracker for Galaxy Phone UsersSamsung Galaxy SmartTag 2
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![Tile Pro (2024)]()
Best Bluetooth Tracker for Android PhonesTile Pro (2024)
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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![Fi Smart Dog Collar Series 3+]()
Most DurableFi Smart Dog Collar Series 3+
Why We Picked It
The Fi Smart Dog Collar makes it easy to track your dog's location, activity, and sleep from your phone. Its small, light tracking module can accommodate tiny dogs, featuring a durable build that withstands over 400 pounds of resistance for chewers and leash pullers, as well as IP68-rated waterproofing. We reviewed the third-generation version and praised its easy setup, long battery life, and frequent location updates in the crucial Lost Dog Mode, even though escape alerts arrived a bit slowly. Although we haven't yet tested it, the updated Fi Series 3+ introduces AI-based behavior monitoring and Apple Watch integration.
Who It's For
Most dog owners: The Fi Series 3+ is the best GPS tracker for most dogs thanks to its durable build, long battery life, and reliable Lost Dog Mode. The extra-small size (for necks measuring 9.5 to 11 inches in circumference) is suitable for breeds like miniature dachshunds, maltese, pomeranians, toy poodles, and Yorkshire terriers, while the extra-large option (for necks between 20 and 30.5 inches in circumference) should suit breeds like great danes, bloodhounds, and mastiffs.
Learn More Fi Smart Dog Collar Series 3+ Review -
![PetPace 3.0]()
Best for Canine Health TrackingPetPace 3.0
Why We Picked It
The PetPace 3.0 is equipped with sensors to track nearly every aspect of your dog's wellness, including activity, sleep, pulse, respiration, and temperature. Its companion app makes it easy to see whether your pup's health metrics are in the normal range or if anything looks off. This collar is useful for managing a range of canine conditions like allergies, cancer, heart disease, infections, respiratory issues, and urological problems. We reviewed its predecessor, the PetPace 2.0, and found all this health data helpful for caring for your dog, though its location tracking lagged behind that of other pet trackers. The newest version introduces AI-powered pain monitoring, a beta-seizure detection feature, and 24/7 access to veterinarian telehealth services.
Who It's For
Health-focused dog owners: The PetPace 3.0 is ideal for those who are health-conscious or have a dog diagnosed with a serious condition.
Breeders and vets: Breeders may be interested in the collar's premium pregnancy-monitoring features, while PetPace offers a subscription option for veterinarians and pet hospitals to loan multiple collars for remote outpatient monitoring.
Learn More PetPace 3.0 Review -
![Tractive Dog 6 Smart Dog Tracker]()
Best Inexpensive GPS Pet TrackerTractive Dog 6 Smart Dog Tracker
Why We Picked It
At $69 with a $10 monthly subscription (billed annually, $7 per month if billed biannually), the Tractive Dog 6 is one of the least expensive dedicated GPS dog trackers you can get. It features GPS location tracking with escape alerts, as well as health and activity monitoring to keep an eye on your dog's well-being, even when they're out of sight. While we haven't tested the latest version, we reviewed the previous generation and found it to be very fast at sending escape alerts.
Who It's For
Budget-minded dog owners shopping for a GPS tracker: The Tractive Dog 6 is a good, inexpensive option for tracking your pooch's location. Meant for dogs weighing more than nine pounds, it's worth considering if you aren't interested in the AI-powered behavior and health-monitoring features offered by the pricier pet trackers.
Low-maintenance pet parents: The Tractive Dog 6 battery can last up to two weeks between charges when Power Saving Zones are enabled.
Learn More Tractive Dog 6 Smart Dog Tracker Review -
![Halo Collar 4]()
Best GPS Dog FenceHalo Collar 4
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Halo Collar 4 uses sound, vibration, and optional static feedback to keep dogs within the invisible boundaries you set. It supports Bluetooth, GPS, and Wi-Fi technology and works with a user-friendly companion app that makes it easy to set up virtual fences. The collar also tracks basic activity statistics when your dog is wearing it, including walks and rest periods.
Who It's For
Owners of trained, or trainable, dogs: If you're a patient and involved dog owner and want your pup to be able to roam safely within a certain area, a virtual fence like the Halo Collar 4 is a great way to bring yourself some peace of mind. Just keep in mind that training is an absolute necessity, and the complete Halo training program takes 21 days. Your success with the product (or lack thereof) will depend on your dog's temperament and your effort to train them. It isn't the best option for real-time tracking or escape alerts, though.
Specs & Configurations
Activity Tracking GPS Location Tracking Requires Service Plan Water Resistant Weight 6.55 Learn More Halo Collar 4 Review -
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![SpotOn GPS Dog Fence]()
Best Virtual Fence for Large PropertiesSpotOn GPS Dog Fence
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The SpotOn collar offers several feedback options to keep your dog within the virtual GPS boundary you create, including sounds, vibration, and optional static (shock). It comes at a hefty up-front cost, but it offers excellent GPS fencing and doesn't require a subscription unless you need to actively track your dog's location. Just remember that any virtual GPS fence requires extensive training; without it, pups won’t truly benefit from the protection the collar provides.
Who It's For
Owners of large properties: This is an excellent option if you want to give your dog the freedom to safely roam a wide-open space. It doesn't require a subscription, and lets you set up unlimited virtual fences at no additional cost. Moreover, with the SpotOn system, your boundaries can overlap, allowing you to create keep-out zones within safe areas. It's meant for dogs weighing 15 pounds or more, and like the Halo system, it may require weeks of training.
Specs & Configurations
GPS Location Tracking Water Resistant Weight 8 Learn More SpotOn GPS Dog Fence Review -
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![Apple AirTag (2nd Gen)]()
Best Bluetooth Tracker for iPhone OwnersApple AirTag (2nd Gen)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The AirTag tells your other Apple devices exactly where to find your lost objects (or pets), even if they're miles away. To locate the AirTag via your iPhone or iPad, you can instruct it to emit a short beep or play a game of hot-and-cold based on distance. If AirTags are more than 30 feet from your phone, they leverage Bluetooth connections with strangers' iPhones to determine their location. Apple doesn't recommend using it for pets, but that doesn't mean you can't.
Who It's For
Apple users: The AirTag is compatible with any iPhone or iPad running iOS or iPadOS 14.5 or later. It's essential to note the limitations of the AirTag: It's not a true GPS tracker, as it relies on being within 30 feet of someone's iPhone to transmit its location to the network. This works well in densely populated cities with a high concentration of iPhone users.
Learn More Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) Review -
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![Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2]()
Best Bluetooth Tracker for Galaxy Phone UsersSamsung Galaxy SmartTag 2
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 easily clips to your pet's collar via a larger, metal-reinforced cutout and uses Bluetooth Low Energy and ultra-wideband tech to help you locate them. Its durable IP67 rating (an improvement from the original SmartTag's IP53) makes it a good fit as a pet tracker.
Who It's For
Samsung users: This tracker is designed exclusively for Samsung users, as it is compatible only with Galaxy devices and Samsung's SmartThings Find network. If you're in that camp, the SmartTag 2 is a solid, affordable option for tracking your pet.
Specs & Configurations
Water Resistant Weight 0.49 Works With Cats Learn More Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 Review -
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![Tile Pro (2024)]()
Best Bluetooth Tracker for Android PhonesTile Pro (2024)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Tile Pro has a 500-foot Bluetooth range, the longest of any Tile tracker, and beyond that, it taps into the Tile Network to provide updates on your pet's location. It features a durable steel frame and an IP68 rating, ensuring it is both dustproof and waterproof. We also appreciate its user-replaceable battery and easy-to-use app. Moreover, it's easy to attach to your pet's collar, with a cutout in one corner large enough to accommodate keychains or lanyards.
Who It's For
Android and cross-platform device users: This is a top Bluetooth pet tracker for those outside the Apple and Samsung Galaxy ecosystems. Its cross-platform versatility makes it a good option for those who own a mix of Apple and Android devices. That said, you may prefer an Apple or Samsung tracker if you have a compatible phone, as these devices offer ultra-wideband support, which makes it easier to locate things from a distance.
Specs & Configurations
Water Resistant Weight 0.4 Works With Cats Learn More Tile Pro (2024) Review -
Compare Specs
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4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.5 Outstanding |
3.5 Good |
3.5 Good | ||||||
Best For | Most Durable | Best for Canine Health Tracking | Best Inexpensive GPS Pet Tracker | Best GPS Dog Fence | Best Virtual Fence for Large Properties | Best Bluetooth Tracker for iPhone Owners | Best Bluetooth Tracker for Galaxy Phone Users | Best Bluetooth Tracker for Android Phones | Most Durable | Best for Canine Health Tracking | Best Inexpensive GPS Pet Tracker |
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Weight | 6.55 | 8 | 0.49 | 0.4 |
Buying Guide: The Best Pet Trackers and GPS Dog Collars for 2026
How Pet Trackers Connect
All the trackers we've tested use apps for Android and/or iOS devices that give you a quick read on the data they collect. Some also provide a web interface.
Certain models use a base station to establish a connection between the tracker and your phone. These base stations come in various shapes and sizes, and sometimes serve as battery chargers. Trackers typically use Bluetooth to communicate with your smartphone and their base station/charger. As long as it's within range of either, your pet is likely in a safe zone. It isn't until your pet wanders out of range that the alerts arrive. Keep in mind that if you have a large house, you may need multiple base stations to ensure adequate coverage.
Some pet trackers use a built-in Wi-Fi radio and your home router to establish their own base station, eliminating the need for a separate hub. The third-generation Fi comes with a Bluetooth-enabled charging base and also supports Wi-Fi, allowing it to connect to up to six networks simultaneously.
As a lower-tech option, home security camera maker Ring offers a $10 QR code pet tag that, when scanned, will display information about your pet.
Can You Track Your Pet's Activity?
The very first pet trackers were activity trackers, similar to fitness trackers—we viewed them as "Fitbits for pets," and that description still largely holds true. Most of the trackers we test quantify activity to varying degrees. Some generate fitness reports showing various movement levels from rest to high activity, as well as pulse and respiration rates.
A few of these devices try to track more than just activity and location. Temperature comes up a lot because hot cars are killers. Don't leave your dog or cat inside a car, even with the windows down! That said, we've found temperature readings to be fairly inaccurate, whether from dogs sitting close to wood-fired stoves on a cold day, lying in the sun by the window, or simply folding the tracker up into their neck while they sleep. It might not be a bad feature, but the warnings sometimes take on a 'kid who cried wolf' aspect.
How to Find Your Pet Via GPS
GPS location is a primary reason for getting a tracker. Note that you should use trackers in conjunction with microchips in a pet, not as a substitute for them. Most veterinarians charge less than $50 to implant a rice-sized permanent chip inside a pet, and nearly all shelters and veterinary clinics have scanners. It's nearly foolproof for ensuring you can reunite with a pet if it ever goes missing.
Recommended by Our Editors
If you're in an area with coverage, the tracker sends your pet's whereabouts to its companion app. It's not always instantaneous—there may be a slight delay before the device realizes your pet has left the safe zone. That's enough time for a fast pet to make a getaway, but that's still better than not knowing at all that Fido jumped the fence.
Note that GPS tracking typically involves monthly or annual fees, which we break down in each of our reviews.
Do Pet Trackers Work for Cats?
Many of the devices available on the market are a bit too big to work effectively on cats, or their algorithms simply don't account for the slinky movements of felines the way they do those of more docile, lumbering canines. We've highlighted which devices work for cats in the chart below. Be sure to consider the tracker's size and weight for different breeds.
Can You Use Bluetooth Trackers for Pets?
Bluetooth trackers from Apple, Samsung, and Tile are becoming increasingly popular for locating lost keys, phones, remotes, wallets, and other items that are easy to misplace. And in some cases, that applies to pets.
As mentioned above, Apple says that AirTags aren't intended for pets. That statement ultimately seems to be for liability reasons more than anything else, since many people still use them for this purpose. Tile, on the other hand, encourages pet owners to attach the Mate and Pro to their creatures. "Many people have had great success using Tile as a Bluetooth pet tracker to help them locate dogs, cats, bunnies, and even tortoises!" Tile says.
A general-purpose Bluetooth tracker is a good way to test the waters before purchasing a pet-specific model, so we've included our favorites here.
Finally, for more on taking care of your furry little friends, check out our picks for the best dog DNA testing kits.