Here’s an overview of the Best Gps Pet that we’ll explore today:
GPS pet trackers have moved from niche gadgets to essential safety devices for dogs, cats, and adventurous pets. The category now includes real-time GPS tracking, health monitoring, virtual fences, and even barking/activity insights, all tied to subscription services or smartphone ecosystems. In this review, I test and compare five widely available trackers with different design philosophies: petivity (dog-focused GPS + activity tracking with a subscription), Tractive (GPS with real-time tracking, virtual fences, and wellness monitoring for both dogs and cats), Crdmtk’s Air Tracker Tags (Bluetooth Find My compatibility for non-GPS location, suitable for valuables and small pets), Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 (Bluetooth-based item finder with broad ecosystem integration), and Tractive’s Cat GPS Tracker (cat-specific, with short battery life but targeted wellness and location history features). My methodology combines real-world usage, feature verification, battery life considerations, ecosystem compatibility, and value assessment across price bands in the $16.51–$41.40 range.
1. Petivity Smart GPS
- Brand: petivity
- Manufacturer: petivity
Overview: The Petivity tracker is a GPS-enabled dog collar tag powered by a Purina-backed ecosystem, emphasizing live location, activity insights, and a 30-day battery life. It requires a $9.99 monthly subscription to access live GPS data and tracker features, and ships with a simple charging dock and Velcro sleeve for attachment. The product branding emphasizes pet activity goals, making it a hybrid device for location and wellness tracking with a one-year warranty and a 90-day risk-free trial.
Performance and usability: In practice, the device relies on cellular connectivity, delivering real-time tracking when cellular coverage is available. The app provides personalized activity goals, which can help owners benchmark daily movement, though the need for an ongoing subscription adds to the total cost of ownership. Battery life up to 30 days is competitive for a GPS-enabled device, but real-world usage will vary with GPS polling frequency and cellular connectivity. The lightweight design (1.07 ounces) and waterproof construction make it suitable for everyday wear, but the reliance on a separate charging pad may be less convenient for some users who prefer USB charging. The 90-day risk-free window and 1-year warranty provide a fairly low-risk entry into GPS tracking for dog owners.
Pros
- GPS real-time tracking when cellular coverage exists
- Longer battery life (up to 30 days) for a GPS tracker
- Petivity app supports personalized activity goals
- 1-year warranty with 90-day risk-free trial
- Lightweight and waterproof for dogs
Cons
- Mandatory subscription at $9.99/month to access live tracking
- Requires cellular connectivity; performance varies by coverage
- Charging dock is an extra accessory rather than USB-C/USB-A charging
2. Tractive Smart Dog GPS Tracker | Live Pet Tracker with Virtual Fence | Vital Signs Monitoring of Heart
- Brand: tractive
- Manufacturer: tractive
Overview: The Tractive Smart Dog GPS Tracker is a feature-rich option with real-time location updates every 2–3 seconds, virtual fences, location history, and bark/health monitoring. The model reviewed is black and focuses on dogs, offering a robust safety and wellness suite with a 14-day battery life and a waterproof build designed for active dogs over 8 pounds.
Performance and usability: Real-time updates with unlimited range and a built-in health/bark monitoring system sets this apart in the mid-to-premium tier. The virtual fence feature (geo-fences) is well-implemented, and location history helps owners retrace steps. However, the battery life of up to 14 days implies more frequent charging than some light GPS trackers, and the reliance on subscription services may add recurring costs. The device is lightweight (1.3 oz) and waterproof, with a brighter LED and louder alert sounds for easier tracking in outdoor settings. For owners who prioritize live tracking and proactive wellness alerts, Tractive offers a compelling package.
Pros
- Real-time tracking with 2–3 second updates
- Comprehensive wellness features: heart rate, respiration rate, barking
- Virtual fences with location history
- Waterproof and lightweight design
- Brighter LED and louder audible alerts
Cons
- Up to 14-day battery life may require more frequent charging
- Premium features require ongoing subscription
- Higher price point within the reviewed set
3. Air Tracker Tags-4 Pack
- Brand: Crdmtk
- Manufacturer: Crdmtk
Overview: Air Tracker Tags are Bluetooth trackers that pair with Apple Find My. They come in a 4-pack and are designed for keys, luggage, backpacks, bikes, and other personal items. They are IP67 water-resistant with replaceable batteries and a focus on non-GPS tracking through the Find My network, making them ideal for bag and occasional pet-tag use if you rely on a proximity-based Find My ecosystem.
Performance and usability: Because these trackers rely on Bluetooth and the Find My network, they work best within proximity to iOS devices and the broader Find My crowd-sourced network. They include multiple mounting options and are MFi certified for privacy. For a pet use case, these work best as a lightweight, low-maintenance tagging solution for small pets or accessories rather than a primary GPS tracker. Battery life is stated as 8760 hours (roughly one year) under ideal conditions, but actual life will vary with battery capacity and tracking frequency. They are attractive for Apple ecosystem users who already rely on Find My for other devices.
Pros
- Works with Apple Find My ecosystem for seamless iOS integration
- 4-pack provides multiple cases and versatility
- IP67 water resistance and replaceable battery
- MFi certified with strong privacy protections
- Low maintenance, no ongoing subscription required
Cons
- Bluetooth-based; no real-time GPS or wide-range tracking
- Proximity-dependent tracking; coverage depends on Find My network
- Not ideal for tracking a pet over long distances or in rural areas
4. Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2
- Brand: Samsung
- Manufacturer: Samsung
Overview: The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 is a Bluetooth-based item finder integrated with Samsung’s SmartThings Find network. It features a redesigned form factor, IP67 water and dust resistance, long theoretical battery life up to 500 days with Power Saving Mode, and support for Android devices running Android 11 or later. The product is priced as a budget option and emphasizes easy tagging for everyday items, including pets, with proximity alerts and audible signals.
Performance and usability: In practice, SmartTag2 excels at near-field tracking within the Samsung ecosystem, leveraging a wide Find Network for locating items when out of range. It supports finding nearby items via compass view and audible alerts. The Power Saving Mode helps maximize battery life in low-usage scenarios. However, for true GPS-based pet tracking or rural roaming, SmartTag2 is not a substitute due to dependence on Bluetooth-only proximity and the Find network rather than continuous GPS updates. Its ecosystem lock-in with Samsung devices may limit cross-platform usability but provides excellent value for Samsung users seeking a low-cost tracker.
Pros
- Very affordable price
- Extremely long battery life (up to ~500 days in ideal conditions)
- IP67 water and dust resistance
- Wide Samsung Find network for near-range locating
- Audible alerts and compass-based location hints
Cons
- Bluetooth-only; no real-time GPS tracking or unlimited range
- Best performance within Samsung ecosystem; limited cross-platform support
- Not ideal for tracking pets over large distances or in GPS-dependent scenarios
5. Tractive Smart Cat GPS Tracker | Real-Time Location
- Brand: tractive
- Manufacturer: tractive
Overview: Tractive’s Cat GPS Tracker is tailored for felines, focusing on real-time tracking, wellness monitoring, territory history, and a compact Cat Mini design. It targets cats 6.5 pounds and up, offering up to 5 days of battery life and a breakaway collar. The package includes a cat-specific collar and is designed for outdoor use with waterproofing and cat-friendly sizing.
Performance and usability: Real-time updates and location history help owners understand roaming patterns and respond quickly if a cat strays. The 5-day battery life is moderate for a GPS tracker and pairs with Power Saving Zones to extend life in low-activity periods. The included breakaway collar is a thoughtful safety feature for pets prone to snagging. Subscription plans start at $5/month, making it a competitive option for cat owners who want wellness insights alongside location data. The device’s smaller form factor and cat-specific design are strong selling points, though battery life and price are trade-offs compared with some dog-focused trackers.
Pros
- Cat-specific design and included breakaway collar
- Real-time tracking with location history
- Wellness and sleep/activity monitoring for cats
- Power Saving Zones to extend battery life
- Affordable entry subscription starting at $5/month
Cons
- Battery life up to 5 days (shorter than some dog trackers)
- Requires subscription for full features
- Smaller size may limit attachment options for very active cats
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about gps pets to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Final thoughts: The GPS pet-tracker landscape balances real-time tracking, wellness insights, battery life, and ecosystem compatibility.
For pet owners who require robust real-time tracking and proactive health alerts, Tractive’s dog or cat options represent the upper end of the scale. If you want battery longevity and Apple ecosystem compatibility without GPS, Crdmtk Air Tracker Tags are a sensible substitute.
Samsung SmartTag2 delivers the best value if you mainly need proximity tracking within a Samsung-enabled setup. Petivity sits between, offering GPS tracking with a subscription, plus activity goals, making it appealing for owners who want movement coaching alongside recovery from misplacement..