In Search of the Perfect GPS Dog Tracker

My family got a dog when I was about eight, a blue terrier we named Cleary. Already big when we got him, he was an energetic puppy, and only became more so as he reached his teenage years (which for him was at about nine months). We had a decently sized back yard, full of stuff for him to sniff and dig around in, but he still jumped our chain link fence one afternoon as easy as a horse jumping a hedge. 

Back then, the only option was to run after him. Once he’d disappeared into the woods on the other side of our little cul-de-sac, we got in the car and circled the neighborhood, calling his name, and growing more and more sure we’d seen the last of him. Four days later, someone found Cleary and drove him back home.

We were very lucky. Modern dog owners are fortunate that there’s a better way: electronic tracking. The hardest part may be finding the right device for your needs. 

Here are two options we’re considering.

The Easiest Solution: The AirTag Option

If you’re looking to use an AirTag or similar device to keep tabs on Fido, there’s no shortage of purpose-built collars and charms that can hold a Bluetooth-enabled device. AirTags and similar devices are lightweight, meaning they’re suitable for even small pets, and they are easy to use. Setup via Bluetooth is intuitive and can be done in just a few minutes. The lithium disk battery in a AirTag will eventually wear out, usually about after a year or so, but can be replaced. Using WiFi signals, your phone will be able to pinpoint the tag’s location quite precisely. Be careful, though. AirTags determine their location by pinging off nearby WiFi networks, and because they are dependent on active wireless infrastructure, this solution might not be ideal for situations where you’ll be far away from a steady signal, like hiking, in the country, or even in large urban parks, where connectivity might be in doubt. 

More Work, Better Results*: GPS and Cellular-Enabled Devices

A more universal option for dedicated pet location are devices that combine GPS and cellular tracking. Of the recommended devices, two stand out. Wirecutter recommends The Whistle Go Explore, as does Consumer Reports. People Magazine, on the other hand, prefers the Jiobit Smart Tag (which is technically marketed for parents with small children). Both of these lightweight devices offer precise tracking, both on the town and in the country, which gives you the added reassurance you’ll be able to locate a lost pet, wherever they are. The main drawback to both of these devices is that they have considerably more limited battery life, and require recharging every few days.

There’s Still Room to Grow

When our dog returned to us, it was thanks to a vigilant neighbor. It was a different kind of network, I guess, one no more or less optimized than an electronic device. 

As of this writing, we are still looking for an ideal solution, one that will keep your pet close, your mind at ease, and that also matches your sense of style. So far, no single unit does everything perfectly as a dog-loving neighbor.