Is A GPS Tracker Without a SIM Card Best For Your Pets?

When it comes to preventing your pets from running away, it can get confusing with all your tracking options out there. And scrolling through Amazon, you might’ve wondered: why do some GPS trackers need SIM cards? And is there a GPS tracker without SIM out there?

Well, in a nutshell: if you’ve gone for a GPS tracker that includes a built-in SIM card:

• You’ll now be able to track your dog or cat in real-time when they’re off on a romp outdoors.
• This SIM card also helps your GPS tracker connect to mobile networks around the world – so you can track your pet via your phone even while on vacation.

But are there any GPS trackers that don’t require a SIM card or subscription plan? Could they be an option for tracking down an escape artist dog or cat?

You probably have tons of questions. Luckily, we have tons of answers. So let’s dive right into these, one by one – so you can pick what’s best for you and your buddies.

Quick summary: Is there a GPS tracker without a SIM card? 

Yes, GPS trackers without SIM cards do exist – they’re called GPS loggers and typically only record GPS data. Meaning they don’t actively track your dog or cat in real-time – only coordinates based on where your pet might’ve wandered.

GPS loggers are generally simpler, less technically advanced devices. You can download and view the GPS data by connecting the logger to your computer.

And then you’ll have to painstakingly go through your pet’s data yourself to locate your dog or cat. (Precious time that could make all the difference between finding them safe and sound – or potentially never again.)

⚠️ This is why GPS loggers are best recommended for objects like cars. Not living, moving animals. While they’re a cost-effective solution, it’s generally not advisable using a GPS logger to track your pets.

Why do GPS trackers need a SIM card?

In a nutshell: the SIM card helps send GPS location from your tracker to your phone. (The data gets sent by SMS from your tracker to your phone, all thanks to its SIM card.)

💡 Which also means: GPS trackers with SIM cards can help you take a more active role in finding your missing dog or cat.

• Most GPS trackers need to send location data to another device, for example, so you can view the coordinates on your phone or computer in real time.
• The most common way of transmitting this information is via the cellular network using a SIM card.

For this reason, most GPS trackers using a SIM card also need a monthly service fee to be paid. (So they can continue to connect to cellular networks around the world.)

The benefit? SIM cards generally make it possible to track something in real-time, over any distance.

⚠️ Which, in a world where dognapping is on the rise, can make all the difference when it comes to ensuring your pet’s safety.

Read more: Dognapping: Pet Kidnapping And How To Keep Your Dog Safe From Dog Thieves

“Your Tractive device’s GPS module receives signals from several GPS satellites. This helps it better and more accurately calculate your pet’s position. These satellites then forward their location to the Tractive servers with the help of the network module. (Which also includes a SIM card.)

Once the Tractive servers receive this information, you can quickly and easily check your pet’s location when you open the Tractive app.”

– Ivelin Nenkov, Embedded Systems Engineer at Tractive since 2016

Now with all this said, what’s GPS tracking all about anyway?

What is a GPS tracker?

A GPS tracking device (or GPS tracker) is a device that uses GPS and other technologies to pinpoint location. Often used by companies to track vehicles and cargo – and let you see where your delivery is – though it’s also loved by outdoorsy athletes and farmers who want to keep an eye on their animals.

Oh, and of course, pet parents around the world – just like you.

With all the reasons why dogs run away and why cats run away, Tractive pet parents around the world are using our life-saving technology to stay on top of their pet’s safety.

A GPS tracker is a device that tracks and records the movements of something or someone, using the Global Positioning System (GPS). Your Tractive device picks up on these GPS signals via its connection to local mobile networks.

So how does a SIM card play a role here?

In most cases, your GPS tracker needs a cellular network (GSM/LTE), radio, or satellite modem to send location data to your phone or tablet. For this, your GPS tracker needs:

• Cell service
• A SIM card

(Basically, a bit like a smartphone.)

And in the case of your Tractive device, it’s how you can track your pet’s location in real-time.

What are the different types of GPS trackers?

There are many different kinds of GPS trackers. For example, small, wearable GPS trackers. These include trackers for pets, hikers or hunters that prevent them (or their furry friends) from getting lost, as well as devices which can share live location in case of emergency.

Larger GPS trackers – like a car navigation system – often have a screen, and can help with finding directions. Asset trackers, on the other hand, mean business, and help companies follow trucks, boats, containers and more.

⚠️ Beware of “fake” GPS trackers – a.k.a. Bluetooth tracking devices – that are sold as GPS units even though they don’t have GPS technology. Many item-finding Bluetooth devices like Tile or the Apple AirTag weren’t built with pets in mind and may even create health hazards for your pet.

GPS Tracker Comparison

To help you get your head around the different types of GPS tracking devices out there, we’ll be comparing four categories. GPS trackers and satellites or iridium trackers which contain a SIM card, and GPS loggers and navigation systems which do not require a SIM card.

Satellite or Iridium Tracker

– Adventure and rescue tracker: best for extremely remote areas, as it can provide potentially life-saving communication where there’s no cell service
– Uses satellite communication systems (such as Globestar)
– SIM card might be required, depending on the tracker
– Unlimited range, worldwide coverage & real-time tracking
– High cost of $100 to $600 and a monthly subscription fee of about $15
– Popular brand: Spot

Built for pets? No.

GPS Logger

– Only records route, which can be viewed on your computer after a hike or walk is over. Used by bikers, hikers and skiers.
– No active tracking, only passive. No protection against theft.
– No SIM card required. The route is not sent to a phone.
– Exact positioning, worldwide coverage
– Costs around $50 – $150
– Popular brand: Renkforce

Built for pets? No.

GPS Navigation System

– Used in cars and vehicles for navigation purposes.
– Built-in monitor or screen which displays location
– No SIM card required, route is not sent to a separate device
– Costs between $100 – $350
– Popular brand: Garmin

Built for pets? No.

GPS Tracker

– Small, personal GPS tracker, used to track pets, vehicles and people
– Able to track pet’s health and wellness indicators through activity & sleep tracking
– Real-time, live tracking
– Virtual geofencing options, with “safe zones” and “no go zones”
– SIM card required, connects to best network available
– Unlimited range, worldwide coverage
– Low cost ($50) and a small monthly subscription fee
– Popular brand: Tractive

Built for pets? Yes.

How do these GPS trackers without SIM cards work?

So, like in the examples above, SIM-less GPS trackers do exist. These trackers, however, are mainly used when real-time tracking between devices is not necessary.

Here’s a quick summary how the examples we’ve just shared work:

What about Bluetooth trackers? Most Bluetooth trackers do not use GPS technology, so their range is very limited. However, some combination GPS and Bluetooth trackers do exist, like Tractive.

Read more: GPS vs Bluetooth Trackers: What’s Best For Pets?

Do all GPS trackers need a SIM card?

So do all GPS trackers need a SIM card to work? Technically, no. As mentioned above, there are some types of GPS tracker that contain SIM cards, as well as SIM-less GPS trackers.

On the other hand, the average dog or cat GPS tracker contains a SIM card in order to make real-time tracking possible.

• Among GPS trackers with a SIM card, some are exchangeable and some are non-exchangeable.
• But in general, we’d always recommend you choose a GPS tracker that lets you track your dog or cat in real-time.
• Or notifies you immediately if they’ve snuck past a “safe zone” – so you can better keep them safe.

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How do I choose the right GPS tracker for me?

When it comes to getting a GPS tracker, the first thing to do is think about what you need it for. A GPS tracker for a puppy will have totally different requirements than a GPS tracker used to track a company truck.

After that, you can look into the factors below.

Battery Life & Durability

How long should the battery last on one charge? 24 hours? 7 days? Or one year? Don’t forget, longer battery life often comes with the trade-off of less features, or higher prices.

Besides, should your tracker be waterproof? Shock-proof? Chew-resistant? If you’ve been scrolling endlessly through Amazon, we’ve got you covered.

Tractive’s DOG XL Adventure Edition comes equipped with a 30-day battery life as well as extra-tough, bite-proof, fiberglass-reinforced casing.

So your dog can happily (and safely) chew on it with zero damage to their teeth or your device.

Always know where your dog is

Follow every step in real-time with unlimited range. Get alerts if they wander too far. Keep them happy & healthy with Wellness Monitoring. And let others – like walkers or sitters – keep an eye on your dog too.

Adventure With Tractive

Range & Coverage

Over which distance should the tracker work? Is unlimited range important, or is it enough that it works in your backyard? Will you be using it in the city, or in the countryside?

💡 Tractive’s GPS range is unlimited – so you can track your dog or cat no matter how far they’ve wandered off to.

Besides, it connects with mobile networks across 175 countries, so you can stay on top of your pet’s location, even while you’re on vacation.

Size & Weight

How big should the tracker be? Does it need to be small and lightweight? For pet parents with smaller dogs or cats, this might be an important question.

For example, Tractive’s CAT Mini comes with a weight-adjustable collar to fit cats of all breeds and sizes.

Track Your Cat In Real-Time

Features built for pets & pet parents alike

What extras would you like your from your GPS tracker? With Tractive GPS & Health Trackers, for example, you can get:

• Escape alerts if your cat or dog leaves a safe space
• Check their location history to figure out where to look first if they’re missing
• Let family, friends or pet-sitters track with you
• Keep your buddy fit and in shape with built-in activity monitoring.

Here’s one of the key features you can use if your pet likes to sneak out of your house – a Virtual Fence.

So no need to build a physical fence – with just 5 minutes of setup time, your trusty Tractive device monitors your pet’s location for you. (And alerts you the minute they try sneaking past a “safe zone.”)

Set Up A Virtual Fence

Even more perks of investing in a GPS tracker with a SIM card

Now you might be turned off by the subscription fee that often comes with the price tag of a GPS tracker. But by doing so, you’re going to miss out on the benefits that come with a GPS tracking service.

And in the long run, all these benefits can make all the difference between a pet who’s safe and sound at home – or out missing instead.

Track your pets with just a glance at your phone

The advantage of a built-in SIM card in your tracker is that it’s connected to the local mobile network. That means it can communicate with other devices.

Say you put a GPS tracker on your outdoor cat’s collar, to help track their backyard adventures and ensure they don’t wander off. The tracker’s SIM card lets it forward location data to your phone.

So with a SIM card in your GPS tracker, you can track your dog or cat with just a glance at your phone. (Because of the connection between your pet’s tracker and your device.)

Follow your pets’ every step – in real-time

It bears repeating – but there’s no substitute for the relief of being able to follow your missing pet’s every step in real-time once you find them missing.

With Tractive, you can switch to LIVE Mode in an emergency – so you can get your pet’s location updates every couple of seconds. So you have that extra layer of security knowing your cat or dog is safe and sound.

All this is made possible by the tracker’s integrated SIM card.

Without a SIM card in the GPS tracker, these benefits would normally not be possible. Which, when you’re tracking your dog or cat, can endanger their safety.

Because if your pet has wandered somewhere dangerous outdoors and you only get a notification later on, it might be too late for you to intervene. (As compared to if you’re tracking them live.)

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How does the Tractive GPS tracker work with a SIM card?

Here’s what’s going on inside a Tractive GPS tracker with a SIM card. Your Tractive device contains:

• a GPS and network module
• a SIM card
• a WIFI module
• a Bluetooth module
• a speaker
• an LED
• an accelerometer

Tractive uses multiple local satellites to calculate your dog or cat’s GPS positions. It then gathers this information and forwards it to the GSM module.

The GSM module then connects to the mobile network – and you (usually via a smartphone, tablet, or computer).

Now with your Tractive GPS app, you can quickly and easily read your pet’s GPS live location data by visualizing it on a map – like this:

Can I use a GPS tracker without cell service?

Yes, in the case of your Tractive GPS, your device continues logging in your pet’s locations – even if they’ve wandered into an area without cell service.

Your tracker’s Location History logs in your dog or cat’s positions continuously. (Yes, even if they’ve ended up in a super remote area.)

When can you see this data logged back on your phone or tablet? When your dog or cat shifts back to GPS range. (Kind of like when you find network or a cell connection.)

“If you want to pinpoint your pet’s location or store their Location History, you don’t actually need a cellular connection.

So once you’ve equipped your Tractive GPS, there’s no need to worry if your device loses coverage for a little while.

Your tracker stores your pet’s positions securely. So you’ll be able to see where they’ve been even if you’re offline.”

– Ivelin Nenkov, Embedded Systems Engineer at Tractive since 2016

Most GPS trackers are capable of recording GPS data without cell service – that’s the essential function of a GPS receiver. The big question is, how would you like to view the location data?

• A GPS logger can help you record GPS coordinates (without cell service) which you can look at later on a computer.
• Similarly, a navigation system displays location on the tracking device itself, meaning it doesn’t need cell service.

For real-time tracking however, you will need cell service so the tracker can actively send location data to your phone (or tablet, or computer) in real-time.

(Ensuring you just need to check your phone to know where your pet is.)

💡 Besides, even without cell service, you can still make use of Tractive’s other features – like Radar Mode, which can help you locate your pet via Bluetooth instead.

Tractive’s Heat Map & Location History in action – saving lives around the world

Both cats and dogs tend to frequent familiar environments – so one of the features of the Tractive GPS is a Heat Map. Which shows you where your pet might end up wandering to most often. So now, in an emergency (like if they’re missing), you know where to look first.

Tractive’s Location History actually helped an LA-based animal rescue track and find a family of sick kittens. Bringing together an entire community – and also helping them find a happy, healthy forever home.

In another story, it ended up saving the life of Imogen, a high-energy Borzoi, who ran past her fence – and crashed through the ice into a nearby lake.

Luckily, her mum was able to rescue her from freezing and drowning just in time, with a little help from Imogen’s Location History.

Read more: Imogen The Dog Saved From Frozen Lake Thanks To GPS Tracker

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How about a GPS tracker without subscription?

You might be wondering if there is a GPS tracker without a subscription plan. Is it possible? Sure. Is it useful? Probably not.

After all, if you’re like us – you’d prefer being able to track your pets from the comfort of your couch, right? (Or, well, with your phone at hand, at least.)

And one of the best ways to make that happen is a SIM card and cell service. Plus, a subscription can come with a lot of peace of mind. (Real-time tracking and seamless connection to your phone being first and second on our list.)

For example, the SIM cards used in Tractive GPS trackers work with as many as 175 local cell networks around the world.

💡 That way, you don’t have to worry about losing coverage because you’re tied to a single provider.

Meaning you can track your pets, 100% stress-free, even if you’re on vacation, traveling – or no matter where you are. (Or where they are.)

All of that, for what comes to the price of a coffee and a cookie a month. (Or less than your monthly Netflix subscription.) Not bad, right?

Read more: Is A Pet GPS Tracker Without Subscription Worth It?

So…is a GPS tracker without a SIM card ideal for pets?

Nope, we wouldn’t recommend it. Most GPS trackers without SIM cards aren’t able to track a moving animal in real-time – which is one of their biggest disadvantages when it comes to keeping them safe.

Because in the precious minutes you lose calling out for your missing dog or cat, there’s no end to the dangers they might face outdoors. (From passing cars, other pets, predators, and more.)

💡 Rather, if you do choose to invest in a GPS tracker with a built-in, non-exchangeable SIM card, you can

• Automatically connect to the best network, so you can track your furry friend anywhere in the world.
• Save costs from not having to buy your own SIM card.
• Track your escape artist dog or cat in real-time

⚠️ Because when it comes to keeping your dog or cat safe, few experiences are as terrifying as finding them gone.

It’s the story of pet parents around the world (just like you) who’ve invested in their very own Tractive GPS trackers – SIM, subscription, and all.

Here’s a story from Michel and Anja, who found their adventurous outdoor cat, Nala, missing one evening – but tracked her down soon after in an abandoned house:

“We went into LIVE Mode and…ran towards the location Tractive GPS had pinpointed. We came to an empty house that was still under construction.

 At that point, we had already given up hope and thought that we were never going to be able to find her. So, out of desperation, I shouted out her name.“

“And she responded! Nala started screaming as soon as she heard our voices...our little furball managed to pull it together and we finally took her home.“

“We are both so very thankful that this day – after a few hiccups – had such a happy ending. The fact that Tractive GPS even worked inside that empty house completely saved us and really turned this thing around. 

I love Tractive for keeping our cats safe.“

For max security, invest in a GPS tracker with a SIM card

The bottom line: with the help of a SIM card, GPS trackers let you track your dog or cat in real time.

Without a SIM card, GPS trackers would most likely not be able to send GPS location data about your pet’s whereabouts to your phone. In other words, a SIM card can be a very valuable component of any GPS tracking device.

“Tractive is the #1 cat GPS tracker in the industry. And it’s the highest quality cat tracker you can find. I was able to set the safe zone as my house area and once my cat gets outside I get an alert right away.

In fact, it probably saved my cat’s life that time she chased a bird and got lost. She was scared and I was able to find her with the help of the GPS tracker. Tractive’s chip frequently calculates your cat’s location and is updated on the map every 2-3 seconds. Furthermore, the LED will help you guard your furry friend at night..”

– Clair Chesterman, Owner of CFA and CCA-registered cattery and fostering company, FluffyMeowPaws

Always know where your pets are

Follow every step in real-time with unlimited range. Get alerts if they wander too far. Keep them happy & healthy with Wellness Monitoring. And let others – like walkers or sitters – keep an eye on your pet too.

Discover Tractive GPS

Curious how the Tractive GPS works? Here’s everything you need to know – in just 2 minutes:

And if you’ve liked this post, share it with a fellow tech-savvy pet parent – and let’s help build a safer, kinder world for our furry friends together.