From trackers with SIM to Bluetooth, up to geofences and habit monitoring: a practical guide to understand which devices are really useful and how to find the right one for your pet
From “niche” to billion-dollar market. GPS trackers for dogs and cats are no longer just a technological gadget, but are increasingly popular tools. Knowing where your pet is, receiving an alert in the event of an escape and monitoring its habits over time is an increasingly widespread need. And so the dog and cat tracking sector is running fast, like the pet economy and is estimated to reach 3.5 billion dollars by 2033. In Italy, where according to Istat 4 out of 10 families live with at least one pet, demand is growing. But how useful are these devices really and how to choose them? Kippy (a company specializing in tracking devices for pets) has made a practical guide, which compares tracking technologies and gives advice to pet owners on how to orient themselves.
GPS trackers for pets: what they are and why they are becoming indispensable
THE GPS trackers they are devices applied to the collar that allow you to locate the animal and monitor its movements through an app. Not only that. In recent years they are no longer limited to indicating only a position, but collect data on physical activity, habits and behaviors. According to industry operators, the real value lies not in constant control, but in the ability to prevent critical situations. But there are two variants: GPS tracker with integrated SIM and Bluetooth devices. The latter work at short range and depend on the presence of other devices nearby. In practice, beyond 10-30 meters the connection is lost, making them ineffective if the animal moves further away and into isolated areas. GPS trackers with an integrated SIM, on the other hand, use the cellular network and allow potentially unlimited distance localization. This means being able to follow your pet even miles from home, receiving updates directly on your smartphone and reconstructing its movements over time. How to choose? The choice depends on the context of use and the habits of the animal.
The myth of “live tracking” of pets: what to really expect
Many owners expect absolute precision and continuous updates, similar to those of a navigator. Actually, this expectation must be scaled down. “Live” mode exists, but it has a significant impact on the battery: a device can last up to 15 days in standard mode, but only a few hours with continuous updates. Accuracy also varies: outdoors, the margin of error is generally between 5 and 15 meters, while indoors it can be up to 50 meters. The quality of the GPS signal and the coverage of the cellular network have an impact.
Beyond location: security, data and animal welfare
Regardless of the position there are more and more advanced functions on tracking devices. Among these is the Alert and geofence, which allows you to set a safe area and receive immediate notifications if the animal crosses it. Then there is the movement history and heat maps, which help you understand your pet’s habits. Knowing where a cat spends more time or what routes a dog prefers allows you to quickly spot any changes and take action. Monitoring physical activity also plays a key role: changes in movement levels or sleep patterns can be early signs of health problems.
How to choose the right GPS tracker for dogs and cats: technology, costs and real needs
According to experts, it is essential to ask yourself some questions before purchasing. Does the animal live mainly indoors or outdoors? What is his weight and age? Is the area where you live well covered by the cellular network? Are the differences between GPS with SIM and Bluetooth tracker clear? And then you have to think about what your pet can tolerate best. For cats, for example, not everyone tolerates the collar, and for this reason it is important to choose light devices, with anti-choke release, and introduce them gradually. Finally, the overall cost must be considered: in addition to the price of the device, models with an integrated SIM often include a subscription. “The objective is not to keep your pet under constant surveillance, but to have the serenity of knowing that, if something changes, a signal arrives immediately. Knowing the normal habits of a dog or cat, receiving an alert when they leave the safe area, monitoring activity over time, these are the functions useful to owners and which transform a technological device into a daily care tool”, explains Iacopo Buccarelli, Brand Reputation & Retention at Kippy.
