5 Best Pet Trackers and GPS Dog Collars 2026 in Australia

Buying Guide: The Best Pet Trackers and GPS Dog Collars

How Pet Trackers Connect

In our extensive testing, all the trackers showcased rely on user-friendly apps for Android or iOS devices, providing a seamless interface to interpret the data they collect. Some go the extra mile, offering a web interface for added convenience.

Various models employ base stations to establish a robust line of communication between the tracker and your smartphone. These base stations, versatile in shapes and sizes, often double as convenient battery chargers. Utilizing Bluetooth technology, trackers establish a connection with your smartphone and their base station/charger. As long as your pet remains within range, they are presumed to be in a safe zone. Alerts are triggered only when your pet ventures out of this safe zone. For those with spacious homes, consider the potential need for multiple base stations to ensure comprehensive coverage.

The Whistle Go Explore takes a unique approach, eliminating the need for a separate base station. Instead, it incorporates a built-in Wi-Fi radio, utilizing your home router to create its own base station. The third-generation Fi comes equipped with a Bluetooth-enabled charging base and supports Wi-Fi, boasting the ability to connect to up to six networks simultaneously.

Can You Track Your Pet's Activity?

Pet trackers have evolved beyond simple location monitoring, with many doubling as fitness trackers for pets. The concept of "Fitbits for pets" still rings true for most trackers we've tested.

Some, like PetPace, have delved deep into the activity-tracking realm. PetPace, focusing on dog health in collaboration with vets, generates comprehensive fitness reports. These reports showcase various movement levels, from resting to high activity, along with pulse and respiration rates.

While most trackers primarily focus on activity and location, some aspire to monitor additional parameters. Temperature tracking, in particular, addresses the crucial issue of pets being left in hot cars. However, we've observed temperature readings to be somewhat inaccurate, occasionally resembling a "kid-who-cried-wolf" scenario.

How to Find Your Pet Via GPS

GPS location tracking stands as a fundamental feature of pet trackers. It's imperative to recognize that trackers complement, rather than substitute, microchips in pets. Most vets charge less than $50 for a rice-sized permanent chip, a nearly foolproof method for reuniting with a missing pet. Virtually all shelters and vet clinics possess scanners for these microchips.

In areas with coverage, the tracker transmits your pet's whereabouts to its companion app. Although not always instantaneous, there might be a slight delay before the device detects your pet's departure from the safe zone. This delay, though brief, provides a window for swift pets to explore beyond the boundaries. Nevertheless, it's a far superior situation compared to being unaware that your furry friend has ventured away.

It's essential to note that GPS tracking usually involves monthly or annual fees, detailed in our comprehensive reviews.

Do Pet Trackers Work for Cats?

The market offers an array of devices, but some may be impractical for our feline friends due to their size or algorithms not accounting for the graceful movements of cats. In our chart below, we've highlighted devices that prove effective for cats, taking into consideration the size and weight of the tracker for different breeds.

Can You Use Bluetooth Trackers for Pets?

The popularity of Bluetooth trackers from Apple, Samsung, and Tile has extended to pet tracking. While Apple suggests that AirTags aren't intended for pets, many users still find them effective. Tile, on the other hand, encourages pet owners to attach the Mate and Pro to their pets. A Bluetooth tracker, designed for general purposes, serves as an excellent entry point before opting for a pet-specific model.

As you embark on the journey of selecting the ideal pet tracker or GPS dog collar, our detailed guide aims to equip you with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision. Your pet's safety and well-being deserve nothing but the best, and with the right technology, you can enhance their quality of life. For a deeper dive into pet care, explore our recommendations for the best dog NDA testing kits.