Are GPS Pet Trackers and Fitness Trackers the Same Thing?
You’ve microchipped your dog and have a securely fenced yard, but there’s still that tiny, nagging fear… What if they get spooked by a sudden noise and slip out the front door? What if your dog slips away when travelling? Or maybe your concern isn’t about them getting lost at all, but about their health. Is your cat getting enough exercise? Is your puppy getting too much?
For a long time, we relied on observation and tried to communicate as accurately as possible with our veterinarians. But today, technology has given modern pet parents like you incredible tools to help in this aspect of your dog’s care.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the world of pet wearables, breaking down the difference between GPS trackers and fitness trackers, exploring how each of these products works, and highlighting their strengths. You’ll have all the information you need to help you decide which is the perfect tool for your pet’s needs.
What Are Pet GPS Trackers?
A pet GPS tracker is a small device, typically worn on your pet’s collar, that uses satellite technology to pinpoint their exact location in real-time. Think of it like a personal, portable GPS system just for your pet. This isn’t just a simple tag; it’s a sophisticated piece of technology designed to help pet parents answer one of the most urgent questions that may arise: “Where are they right now?” They were originally used for hunting dogs, but today they are growing in popularity for house pets.
The way a GPS tracker works is quite clever. The small unit on your pet’s collar receives signals from multiple satellites orbiting the Earth. By communicating with these satellites, they are able to calculate your cat’s precise position at any given moment. That position data is then sent to a server, where it can be accessed.
Most trackers rely on a cellular network, which is why they require a monthly subscription, making it essential to have a cell phone plan for the device. However, others use a more traditional GPS technology that doesn’t rely on cell networks, allowing them to work even where a cell connection isn’t available.
Once the information has been received by the network, it is then relayed directly to an app on your smartphone or a handheld receiver, giving you a live map of your pet’s location. This process allows for a virtually unlimited range, so whether your pet is a few blocks away or miles from home, you can see their location.
The true value of a pet GPS tracker lies in its key features, which are all centred on providing security and peace of mind. Depending on the product you purchase, this may include:
- Real-time Location Tracking: The primary and most critical feature. This allows you to see your pet’s location on a map at any moment, so you can track them down if they get lost.
- Geofencing: This powerful tool allows you to set up virtual safety zones, like your backyard or a local park. If your pet wanders outside of this predetermined area, you’ll receive an instant alert on your phone.
- Location History: Most apps keep a history of your pet’s movements, so you can see where they’ve been. This can be helpful in identifying common escape routes or understanding their roaming habits.
- Durability: These devices are built to withstand the elements, often being waterproof and rugged to handle even an adventurous pet’s lifestyle.
A GPS tracker is an invaluable tool for certain situations. It’s perfect for the adventurous pet who loves to roam, such as those who enjoy camping and hiking. If they become disoriented or lost in an unfamiliar environment, this will help you bring them home. They are also helpful for known escape artists who are always looking for (and somehow finding) a way out.
It’s important to remember that a GPS tracker is not the same as a microchip. A microchip is a form of permanent identification that can be scanned by a vet or animal shelter if your lost pet is found. It can’t actively track your pet’s location.
Similarly, it’s also important to note that a GPS tracker is far more reliable and has a greater range than a Bluetooth tracker (like an Apple AirTag), which only works when your pet is within a few dozen feet of your phone or someone else’s.
Some examples of highly recommended pet GPS trackers include:
- Tractive Smart GPS Tracker ( for cats and for dogs)
- Fi Series 3+ Smart Dog Tracker Collar
- Weenect GPS Collar ( for cats and for dogs)
- Halo Collar 3
- Garmin T 5X (my personal go-to)
Understanding Pet Fitness Trackers
A pet fitness tracker is a small device, usually attached to a collar or harness, that monitors your pet’s activity, rest, and overall behavior. Think of it like a Fitbit for your pet, designed to provide insights into their health and wellness. These devices are less about knowing your pet’s location (although some due have GPS capabilities) and more about understanding their lifestyle.
Unlike GPS trackers, which use satellites, fitness trackers rely on an internal sensor called an accelerometer. This sensor detects and measures movement. The device’s software then translates this movement into meaningful data points, such as steps taken, distance traveled, active minutes, and calories burned. This information is typically synced to your smartphone app via Bluetooth, meaning there is no need for a monthly cellular subscription.
The true benefit of a fitness tracker lies in the health data it provides:
- Activity Monitoring: Tracks your pet’s daily steps, distance, and time spent being active versus resting. This helps you ensure they’re meeting their exercise needs.
- Behavioral Insights: Some advanced models can monitor scratching, shaking, or changes in sleep patterns. This data can be a subtle but important early indicator of discomfort or health issues that you might not otherwise notice.
- Goal Setting and Benchmarking: The app allows you to set daily activity goals based on your pet’s breed, age, and weight. You can also compare your pet’s activity to other pets of the same breed and age, giving you a better understanding of what a healthy activity level looks like.
- Health Reports: Over time, the data creates a comprehensive picture of your pet’s activity and rest trends, which you can share with your veterinarian during checkups.
A fitness tracker is an excellent tool if your main concern is your pet’s health. It’s ideal for managing a pet’s weight, as it provides data to help you create and stick to a weight loss plan. It’s also invaluable for monitoring recovery after an injury or surgery, as it allows you to see gradual improvements in activity.
For aging pets, a fitness tracker can help you track mobility and identify potential signs of conditions like arthritis. Ultimately, it’s for any pet parent who wants to be more proactive about their pet’s long-term well-being and ensure they are getting a balanced, healthy life.
Some examples of helpful pet fitness trackers include:
GPS or Fitness Tracker: Which is Right for You?
Now that you have a better understanding of what each of these devices does, let’s put them side by side. While some modern devices now combine both functions, it’s helpful to know the core purpose of each to decide what’s most important for your pet.
The best choice depends on your specific needs and your pet’s lifestyle. If your primary concern is the fear of your pet getting lost, a GPS tracker is the clear solution. It’s an investment in peace of mind. For those who adventure in more rural or backcountry areas, this investment is likely going to come with an even stronger price tag due to the lack of cellphone signal.
However, if you are a meticulous planner focused on preventative care and ensuring your pet is getting enough exercise, a fitness tracker is a more beneficial tool. It’s an investment in long-term health.
The All-in-One Solution: The Best of Both Worlds
In recent years, the lines between pet GPS trackers and fitness trackers have blurred significantly. Many brands now offer devices that are a hybrid of both, including many that I listed above. They are designed to be the complete package, offering both robust location tracking and detailed health monitoring from a single unit attached to our pet’s collar. They provide pet parents with the ultimate peace of mind.
These combination trackers work by integrating both cellular/GPS technology and an accelerometer into one compact design. This means they can serve two crucial purposes:
- Safety: You can get the benefit of real-time GPS tracking and geofence alerts to ensure your pet’s security, whether they’re in the backyard or on an off-leash hike.
- Health: The device continuously collects data on your pet’s activity levels, sleep patterns, and other behaviors, all of which are accessible through a single, easy-to-use app.
While these all-in-one solutions often require a subscription plan to support the GPS and cellular data features, the value they provide is undeniable. They eliminate the need to choose between your pet’s safety and health, giving you a holistic view of their well-being.
By tracking everything in one place, you can make more informed decisions about their exercise routine, diet, and overall care. This data can be a game-changer, especially for pets with specific health concerns, older animals, or those on a weight management program. At the same time, you’re increasing the chances of being able to bring your pet home if they become lost.
They are the perfect tool for the modern, dedicated pet parent who wants to be proactive about their furry family member’s life.
The Future of Pet Well-Being
Ultimately, the choice between a GPS tracker and a fitness tracker, or a combination of both, comes down to your unique needs as a pet parent. These devices are more than just gadgets; they are powerful tools that offer a window into your pet’s world, providing security, health insights, and unparalleled peace of mind.
By understanding what each technology offers, you’re not just buying a product; you’re making an active investment in your pet’s safety and longevity. Taking a proactive role in their well-being is the truest expression of love. With the help of these tools, you can ensure your pet lives their life to the absolute fullest.
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Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 3 cats – Pippen, Jinx, and Theia. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.
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