We’ve all been there—that heart-pounding moment when you realize your pet is gone. My dog Buddy, a seasoned escape artist, has given me more than a few scares. It’s that same sinking feeling that inspired the creation of GPS pet trackers.

If your dog or cat ever goes missing, a GPS tracker can turn a frantic search into a guided reunion. No more wandering the neighborhood shaking a treat bag. With the right device, you get real-time location updates and peace of mind when it matters most.

But not all GPS trackers are created equal. The best ones connect quickly, deliver precise location data, and have batteries that last long enough to bring your pet home. Still, it’s important to remember that this technology isn’t foolproof. Performance depends on everything from satellite signals and cellular coverage to app stability—and even the weather. It’s impressive how well they work, all things considered. And if you’re willing to share some location data, these devices can seriously speed up your search.

After months of real-world testing with pets of all sizes and temperaments, we’re confident the CoreSmart Cloud GPS Tracker for Dogs is the most reliable pick for pet parents who need certainty in a crisis.

The GPS tracker for pet collar wins with its lightning-fast GPS connection – the quickest we tested. When you’re in a crisis, you get immediate location data instead of staring at a loading screen. It also uses 2G+3G+4G networks instead of just one, meaning far fewer dead zones.

It also has an anti-tamper function, which makes it less likely to fall off.

The built-in LED light makes your pet visible at night, so you can spot them easily. And with the improved ring-to-find feature, locating them is as simple as pressing a button on your phone.

Cats need protection too, just in a smaller package. The other cat GPS tracker for pet collar gives cats the same fast GPS connection and accurate tracking as the dog version, but in a lighter, more compact design that won’t bother your feline explorer.