News Beat
I tracked my dog on her walk using GPS
If you own an enthusiastic puppy, or a four-legged Houdini of any age or species, a pet tracker can provide peace of mind when your animal takes themselves off for an unscheduled walk. Trackers are available in different sizes, making them suitable for dogs, cats, and any other outdoor animals who might vanish unexpectedly.
The tracker you should get depends on where you live and your pet’s personality or behaviour. Dogs who are desperate to jump into open water, for example, will need a waterproof tracker. If you have a working dog in a remote rural setting, a GPS tracker relying on a mobile signal will be as much use as a quad bike with no petrol.
I’m a dog sitter, and this is my round-up of the best pet trackers, with brands including Tractive, Pawfit and PitPat. If you’re short of time, you can see my at-a-glance recommendations below, followed by the full reviews and answers to frequently asked questions about pet trackers.
The best pet trackers of 2026: At a glance
How to choose the best pet tracker
When it comes to choosing a dog tracker, you’ll need to consider the size of your pet, their activity level and your location. You should also decide whether you want to pay a monthly subscription and if you want extra features, such as health information and missing pet alerts.
While pet trackers are popular with first-time owners, they’re also worth considering if you’ve got a “rescue with an unknown history, a sighthound, husky or other high-drive breed,” says Harley Gacke, an IMDT-qualified and accredited dog trainer and the owner of Pampered Pooches Training. She also suggests fitting GPS trackers on older dogs who have begun “to wander or become disorientated.”
A tracker should be lightweight, unobtrusive and attached securely, Gacke says. “[If the tracker] bounces during movement, alters [your pet’s] gait, causes rubbing or pressure, or is distracting or uncomfortable, it is not appropriate,” she warns.
