Different Types of Pet Trackers
There are three types of pet trackers, and each has distinct properties and characteristics that make them unique. Understanding how different types of pet trackers work is crucial when trying to decide which device to purchase. In this review, we first discuss the mechanisms of each type of tracker and then display a table with five of the best trackers on the market. A list of features for each pet tracker is in its corresponding cell of the graph. Next, we summarize each of the five trackers in a short paragraph following the table.
Note: We list and discuss five pet trackers even though there are only three types of pet trackers. Some GPS trackers require a contract while others do not, and two trackers are designed to use radio frequency where the difference in tracking range is significant.
GPS Pet Trackers
A Global Positioning System (GPS) is a navigation technology that utilizes satellites that orbit the earth. The satellites transmit microwave signals to GPS devices during communication to detect the position of devices. Pet trackers that are designed to implement GPS usually come with a SIM card, an App, and a module that clips on to the pet's collar. A pet can be located by downloading the App that comes with the pet tracker, entering the modules identification number, and then requesting data from the App.
Radio Frequency Pet Trackers
A radio frequency pet tracker is designed with a transmitter that attaches to the pet's collar and receiver for the pet's owner to carry while monitoring the pet. The receiver must be pointed in the direction of the pet to determine location. Once the receiver connects with the transmitter, the pet owner follows the path to where the pet is located. The receiver will either blink, beep, or do both as the pet owner gets closer to the pet.
Bluetooth Pet Trackers
Pet trackers equipped with Bluetooth technology emit a radio wave that communicates with an App on the pet owner's smartphone. Bluetooth devices are limited in distance due to the low-frequency signal emitted. The upside is that they can direct an owner to within a few feet of a lost pet. However, there must be a clear line of sight between the module attached to the pet's collar and the App on the smartphone for the components to communicate.
Best Pet Trackers
| No Contract | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Communication Method | Radio Frequency | SIMs Included | SIMs - 2g, 3g, 4g | Bluetooth | Radio Frequency |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Location Distance | 200 ft | 164 ft | 175 ft | 7 ft | 150 ft |
| Monthly Cost | $0 | $4 - $7 | $4 - $6 | $0 | $0 |
| Virtual Fence | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 12 Hours | 2 - 5 Days | 2 - 5 Days | 6 - 9 Months | 30 Days |
| Pet Capacity | 3 | 1 | 5 | 12 | 4 |
| Activity Monitor | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Purchase Price | $120 - $160 | $35 - $50 | $40 - $65 | $18 - $30 | $60 - $90 |
| Tracking Range | 3 Miles | Unlimited | Unlimited | 300 ft | 1600 ft |
Findster Duo
The Finster Duo pet tracker can locate a pet that is within a three-mile radius. When searching for a pet, the owner is directed to approximately 200 ft of the pet's location. It comes with a virtual fence that will send an alert when the pet is out of range. The device can also monitor and record a pet's activity to ensure the pet gets enough exercise. A disadvantage is that it has a short battery life and is a little more expensive than other pet trackers. Still, there is no contract, monthly fee, or SIM card to be concerned with, which makes it appealing.
Tractive GPS
Tractive GPS Pet Tracker has a monthly fee, and a contract must be signed to activate the device. Also, there is a fee for each additional tracker introduced into the network. An attractive feature is that it comes with a SIM card, which saves time and money during the activation process. A pet's position can be determined anywhere there is cellular coverage, and the location of a lost pet can be narrowed down to about 164 ft. The battery lasts about two to five days, it has an activity monitor, the device is waterproof, and it comes with a virtual fence.
BARTUN Mini Tracker
There is no contract to sign with the BARTUN Mini Pet Tracker, and additional pets can enter the network for no extra charge. The monthly cost is depended upon which SIM card the pet owner purchases. However, it is recommended by the developer of the device to use GPS Tracker SIM by SpeedTalk GSM Mobile, which is a reasonably priced SIM card. The device is waterproof and includes a virtual fence. Also, the battery lasts for two to five days, and can narrow a lost pet's location to about 15 ft. Tracking range is unlimited because the device utilizes GPS. The App is user-friendly but does not have an activity monitor.
Pawscout Pet Tracker
The Pawscout Pet Tracker only has a 300 ft range, but the location distance increases if other pet owners in the area are also using Pawscout and its App. When a pet is lost, the system sends out an alert with the pet's photo to all users in the network. A pet owner can track a lost pet that is within the 300 ft range by following the indicators on the App. The device has a battery that lasts for months, its waterproof, and dozens of pets can be monitored with one smartphone. Pawscout is one of the more affordable pet trackers.
Girafus Pet Tracker
Girafus Pet Tracker uses radio frequency technology to locate pets and is user-friendly. The device comes with a transmitter that clips on the pet's collar and a receiver the owner uses while monitoring the pet. There is no App, Sim card, or complicated instructions to follow. It does not have a virtual fence or an activity monitor, but the battery lasts for 30 days, and four pets can be tracked with one device. The tracking perimeter is 1600 ft considering no obstacles block line of sight between the components. It is possible to narrow a lost pet's location down to 150 ft of the receiver.
How to Decide Which Type of Pet Tracker to Buy
Each of the pet trackers we described are unique and will perform according to its description. A pet owner trying to decide which type of pet tracker to purchase should identify the device that has the most desirable features. Simply weigh the pros and cons listed in the comprehensive table we have created. Also, once you have an idea of what types of pet trackers are available, you can perform a search to find a tracker we may not have listed. There are hundreds of pet trackers on the market—we hope this review saves you time and prevents a lost pet scenario.
Findster Duo Tracker
Tractive GPS Tracker
BARTUN Mini Tracker
Pawscout Pet Tracker
Girafus Pet Tracker
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