Do Pet GPS Trackers Need a Subscription?

Most live GPS trackers do. If a tracker shows your pet's location on a map in real time, wherever you are, it almost always needs a subscription. It helps to know what you're paying for before you buy.

What the subscription pays for

A GPS tracker works out its position from satellites, but it still has to send that position to your phone. To do that, it has a built-in mobile SIM and uses a mobile network, like a basic phone. The monthly or yearly plan covers that connection, plus the maker's app and servers. Without a plan, most trackers stop showing a live location.

When comparing trackers, look at:

• The plan price, monthly and yearly, as yearly or multi-year plans are often cheaper per month.
• What's included, such as location history, escape alerts, virtual fences and activity tracking.
• Coverage, especially if you travel abroad with your pet.

Add the plan to the price of the device when you work out the real cost over a year or two.

Bluetooth tags are different

Small tags such as phone-finder tags don't need a subscription, but they aren't GPS trackers. They rely on nearby phones to report where they are, so they work well in towns but can go quiet in fields and woods, and they don't give a reliable live trail. Some tag makers say their tags aren't designed for tracking pets. For a dog that might run off on a walk, or a cat that roams, a GPS tracker gives more dependable information.

A tracker doesn't replace a microchip

Microchipping is a legal requirement for dogs in the UK, and in England for cats too. A microchip doesn't track anything. It stores a number that a vet or rescue centre can scan to find your contact details. A GPS tracker on a collar is an extra layer, but collars can come off, so keep the microchip details up to date as well.

Extra points for cats

• Weight. Choose a tracker made for cats and check the maker's minimum weight.
• Breakaway collar. Cat collars should release if they snag. Many cat trackers come with one.
• Battery life. Smaller trackers need charging more often, so build it into your routine.

Extra points for dogs

• Size and fit. Make sure it suits your dog's size and doesn't hang awkwardly on the collar.
• Waterproofing. Check the rating if your dog swims or rolls in puddles.
• Escape alerts. A virtual fence that alerts you when your dog leaves the garden is often the most useful feature.

See smart cat products, smart dog products, or our wider guide to smart pet gadgets.