Keep on Trackin'!

nicky733
Apr 24
3 min read

Updated: Aug 28

OK, it's confusing! So let's track those trackers. How do they work and what do I need?

Some trackers use just Bluetooth, others GPS, or both. Others use the Apple and or Google crowdsourced Bluetooth networks, which run on low-energy blue tooth from nearby compatible devices, plus the ‘Find My’ app. AirTag isn't sold for dog tracking, and they warn against it but if Milo had worn one - he would have been found, and they get used anyway by people that find they do work for them, in their location.

Some are cheap to buy, especially Bluetooth-only trackers, but have a subscription fee, others are free to use once you’ve bought them. You will find plenty of reviews online, but we’re here to clarify what each type offers.

Key Considerations

• Signal:

Any tracker is only as good as the signal available. Blue tooth relies on phone coverage, is short range at best. GPS uses satellites, obviously, but also phone networks to get the information to your app, so in areas of poor reception it won’t be perfect. Air tags use low- energy Bluetooth and the apple phone network. Signal can be great, but may not work at all, especially while on the move.Battery Life: A missing dog could be out and about for some time, so battery life is crucial. Check the reviews. An older device will need replacing at some point. Live tracking sucks up the power quickly, so use it sparingly. Our co-founder, and mum of lost Doris now swears by the Pebblebee tracker for her dogs. She finds the range and accuracy impressive – her dogs are always “there” on her phone when she checks, giving her real peace of mind. The rechargeable battery lasts for a year or so between charges, which she loves. Pebblebee works by bouncing off Apple and Google’s crowdsourced Bluetooth networks rather than GPS– but in practice that still makes it highly effective. In fact, its Bluetooth range is significantly better than AirTag, which is why she finds it such a reliable everyday tracker, with no subscription.

• Durability and Design:

It’s trickiest to find the right one for very small dogs. Most are waterproof, but check this. You need a solid connection with the collar/harness

• Subscription Costs:

Don’t dismiss the subscription models. What is your dog’s safety worth? Having said that, many swear by models that are free to use. Tractive is around £40 but costs £144 a year. Pitpat, a very similar and highly regarded tracker, works in the same way. It costs £140-170 to buy but has no subscription. Pebblebee costs £32, no ongoing fee.. Your choice. For what it’s worth, I change my Tractive devices every couple of years because battery life diminishes with time on any device, so that works best for us. Some have a free trial period and free returns.

• Additional Features:

Some trackers offer extra features like activity monitoring, health data, and custom safety zones, which can be useful for some owners.

• Bluetooth, GPS - which technology?

On the whole, Bluetooth is good for short-range, within-building use, while GPS trackers offer superior real-time, long-distance tracking, making them better for the real outdoors. My view is, get GPS, or a device that uses both. GPS does uses more battery life than Bluetooth, which is a disadvantage for a dog that's missing for more than a day or two. Tractive, which I use, is one of those that uses Bluetooth as well to save power. Julia loves Pebblebee, which has much better Bluetooth range than Air Tag, so is a really viable option with very long battery life. Others may prefer other devices, but we can only tell you of our own experience.

• What about Air Tags?

Air tags, in my view, can be a great back-up. They really aren’t right for live tracking, and may not give a signal at all, as they rely on bouncing off nearby apple devices. I can see my sister’s dog from 100 miles away, but not always one of my dogs in my garden! The reason I have air tags, in special air tag collars, on my dogs, remembering that the trauma of losing Milo is still very real. is in case they were missing after their tracker battery runs out. Air tag batteries last up to a couple of years. Friends swear by their air tags, however, and we've mentioned Pebblebee or maybe Chipolo that use the same system with better range, plus the ‘Find My’ app.

So, hoping that helps, check out some reviews, ask people locally and decide. But please, get a tracker.