Chipolo Tracker For Pets: Why It’s Not The Best Solution
Despite its perks, the Chipolo tracker - by the company's own admission - wasn't built with pets in mind. Here's why you're better off strapping one to your wallet, keys, or bike - and go for a dedicated pet GPS tracker instead.
You’ve seen it making the rounds on Amazon or the tech gurus reviewing it’s compatibility with Google’s Find My Device network. And you know, you wouldn’t be the first pet parent to wonder if you could strap a Chipolo tracker to your dog or cat’s collar – and keep tabs on their location throughout the day. But by their own admission, Chipolo trackers aren’t built for all pets. (And we’d say any pets at all.) In fact, here’s what they’ve officially shared on their own website:
“We would recommend using (the tracker) to find and track in-house pets like house-trained cats and smaller dogs…
…but would not recommend its use on larger dog breeds and outdoor cats.“1
Here’s why a tracker that’s actually built for pets – and loved by pet parents around the world – is an investment that’s built for your peace of mind.
Find out where your cat spends their time.
Read moreWhere a Chipolo tracker would work – and where it might not
If you’re in the habit of scrambling around for your keys on a busy morning or doing the Macarena trying to fish out your wallet, a Chipolo tracker would actually be a great option for you.
| Tracking | These trackers are built on Bluetooth 4.0, meaning they connect to your phone’s built-in capabilities via the Chipolo app. (Available on both Android and iOS devices.) |
| Design | They’re lightweight in design, about the size of a coin – so easy to attach to a keychain or backpack strap. |
| Water resistance | The Chipolo ONE and Chipolo CARD models are IPX5 water-resistant. However, the CHIPOLO Classic and older models are not waterproof. |
| Battery | Chipolo trackers also come with 1-2-year replaceable batteries. |
| Pricing | They’re also generally on the affordable side, priced at $25-$105, depending on whether you’re buying a one-off product or a pack. |
| Ongoing costs | Chipolo trackers also usually don’t include a monthly subscription fee. Just a one-off purchase. |
In a nutshell, Chipolo trackers are…
👍 Built for non-moving physical items
So if you’ve, say, attached a Chipolo tracker to your backpack – and then left it at your office or campus – you can use the app to guide you to your tracker (and backpack) as you move closer to its location.
- Your app picks up on the tracker using Bluetooth signals – and then uses your device to update the tracker’s location.
- You can then trigger a ringing sound from your tracker to help you locate it audibly.
Image source: Quality Logo Products
But that’s also where you’ll find your tracker…
👎 Generally limited in range
Your Chipolo tracker will generally work best only if you’re within Bluetooth range of your item. In this case, that’s around 200 feet/60 meters. Aka, a better option for non-moving physical objects that don’t tend to move around by themselves.
With a Chipolo tracker attached to your pet’s collar – you’ll have to be monitoring them 24/7. And just for reference:
- Cats can wander within 5 miles (8 km) away before someone notices they’re missing.2
- Even small dogs can run off up to a half mile (~1 km) – simply because they’re bored.3
- Bigger dogs can cover even longer distances – up to 5 miles/8 km!
🏡 Of course, it’s a different story if your pets don’t tend to sneak past your front door.
But unless you’re confining them indoors all day, that doesn’t say much about how they might react while out on a walk or out in nature or around other dogs, people, and in new places. (Where even the best-trained dogs – and cats – can fall prey to their own “flight” instinct.) And if they escape past a certain range, a Bluetooth tracker will be useless for the most part.
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That said, Chipolo does have a “Community Search” option to widen its range.
But even then, you’ll find yourself…
👎 Limited to a network of devices
Even with 200 feet/60 meters of range, your Chipolo tracker still includes a “Community Search” option. Meaning, if your tracker is now out of range, it still sends out its Bluetooth signal to other Chipolo users around you. So when one of these Chipolo users passes by your backpack (and tracker), your app will update with the last known location of your tracker.
⚠️ But that’s only if a fellow Chipolo, iPhone, or Android user is nearby to pick up on your tracker’s signal. On a run, hike, or camp out in nature with your pets where you’re unlikely to run into another smartphone user – you’ll find yourself wishing you’d gone for a dedicated pet GPS tracker instead.
Read more: Why A Find My Device Network Isn’t Built For Pets
Last, when it comes to pets and safety concerns, you’ll find your Chipolo tracker…
👎 Easy to swallow
Much like the Apple Airtag – which itself has both a well-documented swallow hazard and is also not recommended for use on pets. Chipolo trackers’ small size and lightweight design make it an excellent choice for dangling off a keychain or bag strap.
But on your pet’s collar, you’ll most likely find yourself dealing with a hefty vet bill from getting it extracted from your pet’s stomach, if they swallow it. (Since it’s small enough to get dislodged – and swallowed – within seconds.) If swallowed, the chemicals from the tracker’s built-in battery pack can be fatally toxic to your pet.
Image source: Quality Logo Products
💡Tractive GPS trackers, on the other hand, were actually built for pets. Meaning, they’re actually safe for pets. For example, Tractive CAT MINI trackers come equipped with a breakaway safety collar that’s built for cats of all shapes and sizes. While DOG XL Adventure trackers come with bite-proof, fiberglass-reinforced casing – for the most rough and tumble adventures outdoors.
What you can expect using a tracker that’s…you know, actually built for pets
Losing your wallet, bag, or keys can be a pain. But not a single one of these items compares to what it’s like coming home to find your dog or cat missing. So why cut corners when it comes to your pet? Rather, when you strap a Tractive GPS to their collars instead, you can now…
✅ Track your pet’s every move – as they make their every move
When it comes to a “missing pet” situation – every second counts. Meaning in these situations, everything you’ve done to plan ahead for an emergency can make all the difference between finding your pet safe and sound – or potentially never seeing them again.
💡So what can you expect if you’ve got a missing pet that’s lucky enough to have a Tractive GPS strapped to their collars? Just a push of the “LIVE” button – so you can track your pet in real-time and intercept them in no time.
⚠️ Bluetooth trackers – including Chipolo – don’t include any real-time tracking functions.
Meaning in an emergency, you’ll have to pray your dog or cat hasn’t wandered too far away – because your Bluetooth tracker will only help you track them to a couple of feet or meters, at best.
That’s why pet GPS trackers come with unlimited range. Meaning, an entire sky full of satellites guiding you to your buddy – every step of the way.
✅ Locate your indoor pet in no time
Your Tractive GPS doesn’t just work with GPS. It also includes close-range Bluetooth tracking to help you find your pets in areas where GPS isn’t the most helpful – like indoors! (Plus, you can always trigger your Tractive device’s “Sound” function to let out a high-pitched melody – and locate your hiding dog or cat audibly.)
So you can have the best of both worlds – all in one device.
Wrapping up: How Chipolo might compare to an actual pet tracker
A Chipolo tracker is hands-down the better choice for tracking down a missing personal object – like your bag or a pair of keys. Their close-range tracking, lightweight design, and affordable pricing make for easy item tracking on a budget.
But if the “object” in question is a living, moving animal…you’re better off using a tracker that’s actually built for pets instead. Specifically, one that comes with real-time tracking, worldwide coverage, and a ton of perks meant for your peace of mind as a pet parent.
(None of which you’ll find with Bluetooth trackers in general.)
 Chipolo Bluetooth Tracker |  Tractive GPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Tracking items: keys, bags, etc. | Tracking runaway dogs & cats |
| Price | $25-$105 depending on the model | $49.99-$99.99 + subscription fees |
| Subscription Plan | Not included | $5-$13 a month – aka, lower than your monthly Netflix subscription |
| Range | 200 feet/60 meters | Unlimited |
| Battery | 1-2 year battery life, replaceable | Up to 7-30 days battery life, rechargable |
| Water Durability | Water-resistant | 100% Waterproof (IP68-standard) |
| Location History |  | |
| Last Known Coordinates | | |
| GPS |  | |
| LIVE Tracking | | |
| Virtual Fence / Safe Zone | | |
| Activity Tracking | | |
| Sleep Tracking | | |
| Health Alerts | | |
| Wifi / Home Power Saving Zone | | |
| Shock Resistant & Adventure-proof | | |
Light & Sound | Sound only | |
Keep your pets healthy & safe
Get real-time location information, wherever they go. See how much – or how little – activity they’re getting. And get Health Alerts if something might be wrong.
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.
