How Does The Tile Tag Compare To GPS – For Pets?
You might’ve used Tile to keep track of your bike, wallet, or keys - but how about your dog? Here’s what to expect when you use a Tile tag to find your buddy.
With so many pet trackers on the market, you might’ve wondered which might be the best fit for your dog or cat. Scrolling through Amazon, you might’ve come across the Tile tag – a Bluetooth-powered tracker built for keeping track of your personal items…which also looks small and lightweight enough to dangle off a pet’s collar.
But when it comes to a wandering dog or an outdoor cat – does a Bluetooth tracker make the most sense? (Especially if you’re both out in nature, or your pet tends to spend more time off-leash, by themselves outdoors, or is a bit of an escape artist.)
Here’s it from us in a nutshell: the Tile tag is an item tracker, full stop. You’re better off attaching one to your wallet, keys, or backpack. When it comes to a living, moving animal, your best choice is a dedicated pet GPS tracker.
Here’s why.
- GPS vs. Bluetooth tracking: A quick breakdown
- How does Tile work for tracking?
- Upsides to using a Tile tag for your pets
- Downsides to using a Tile tag for your pets
- Is a Tile tag the best choice to find your dog or cat?
- When a pet GPS tracker makes more sense
- Tile vs GPS trackers: Figuring out which one works for you
GPS vs. Bluetooth tracking: A quick breakdown
If you’ve Googled “pet tracking device,” you’ve likely come across a ton of options. And with all these, which one to pick? Here are some common types of pet trackers – and how they work in a nutshell:
GPS pet trackers
These devices use GPS (Global Positioning System) technology to quickly pick up your dog’s location. With the signals they receive from local satellites, they help visually guide you to where they are.
Bluetooth pet trackers
Like Tile and the Apple AirTag. These connect with Bluetooth networks on your phone and track your items as long as they’re within range. Once they pick up your dog’s location, they usually let out an alarm or a ringtone to guide you to them.
Bluetooth GPS pet trackers
Like the Tractive GPS. Combining the best of both worlds, these devices use both Bluetooth and GPS functionality to locate your dog virtually anywhere on the planet.
The Tractive GPS, for example, connects with mobile networks around the world – so you can track your pets no matter where you are.
Meanwhile, Tractive’s short-range, Bluetooth-powered Radar Mode helps you locate your dog at closer distances – like if they’re indoors. (Or in spots where GPS might not be the most helpful.)
We cover a detailed comparison of GPS and Bluetooth pet trackers to help you understand what best fits your needs.
Now let’s dive into how Tile tags work in action.
How does Tile work for tracking?
Tile is a small, Bluetooth-powered device that works in three simple steps. Here they are:
- Download the Tile app to your phone to connect it to your tracker via Bluetooth.
- Attach your Tile tag to one of your personal items – like your bike, a piece of luggage, or your backpack.
- From the app, tap the Tile paired with your item to trigger a loud tune and locate it more easily.
(Perfect for the next time you’re running late for work and just can’t find your car keys.)
If you’ve subscribed to Tile Premium, you can access a 30-day Location History feature to pick up the last place you left your item.
⚠️ Which is useful when you consider how dogs and cats both tend to wander – or run away.
Image source: Amazon
What’s the range of Tile tags?
In a nutshell: it depends on the version you’re using – plus factors like the size of your dog or cat and how far (and often) they like to be on the move. Here’s a quick breakdown of the different Tile trackers:
| Version | Range | Advertised (but not recommended) for |
| Tile Mate | 200 feet/~61 m | Small dogs and cats |
| Tile Pro | 400 feet/~122 m | Most dogs – not advised for cats |
| Tile Slim | 250 feet/~76 m | Personal items – not advised for dogs |
| Tile Sticker | 250 feet/~76 m | Indoor pets (like tortoises) – not advised for dogs |
Besides these, the Tile Network is a global network to help you track your items over longer distances. So the next time your dog or cat gets a case of wanderlust past 400 feet (122 meters), here’s what you can do:
- Head to your Tile app and select “Notify When Found.”
- Now, if another Tile user with the mobile app ends up near your missing dog, you’ll immediately get notified on your phone about its most recent location.
- If you’ve added your contact information, they can reach you by scanning the QR code on your lost Tile.
Read more: Why A QR Code Dog Tag Alone Can’t “Find” Your Dog
Is Tile a GPS tracker?
No. Tile is a Bluetooth-powered tracking device. It doesn’t offer the same GPS tracking functions as dedicated pet trackers like Tractive.
- Similar to the Apple AirTag, it only notifies you if your dog or cat is nearby if they’re within a certain range. (Aka, not too far away from your phone.)
- So if, say, your dog runs off and leaves Bluetooth range, your Tile tag won’t be much help finding them.
And just for reference:
- Most cats wander around 344 yards/315 meters away before someone notices they’re missing.1
- Even small dogs can run off up to a half mile (~1 km) – simply because they’re bored.2
- Bigger dogs can cover even longer distances – up to 5 miles/8 km! This is even more so the case if you’ve got a dog breed that’s just built for running.
⚠️ So just keep in mind that if your pet tends to wander outdoors, a limited-range Bluetooth tracker might not be the best fit for them.
💡 GPS trackers like Tractive, on the other hand, have you covered when it comes to actively finding and tracking your dog or cat.
For starters, the Tractive GPS offers an unlimited range – and real-time updates every 2-3 seconds.
- So you can track your pet no matter where you are on the planet and with just a glance at your device.
- Even in areas with poor network, you can use its Bluetooth functions to locate your pet more accurately at shorter distances.
So can Tile be used as a GPS tracker? No. It isn’t designed with GPS in mind, full stop.
Instead, Tile tags are powered entirely by Bluetooth tracking, which offers a much more limited range.
- However, once your Tile connects with your device’s Bluetooth, it uses your device’s GPS location services to update your app.
- So Tile itself doesn’t have any GPS location functions nor services. It’s your phone GPS that helps it – not the tag itself.
Does Tile track in real time?
No. Tile tags are not designed to track real-time movement. So they’re better for finding an item within your house or a small range. Since it’s powered by Bluetooth, you’ll have trouble finding your dog or cat if they venture off past a certain range.
- Your Tile app will also only update your pet’s last known location if they return to Bluetooth range.
- Or if a fellow Tile user passes within Bluetooth range of your dog’s Tile tag – which updates your app through the Tile Network.
(Which, if you’re out hiking in the woods or camping in the wilderness, might not be as likely as you think.)
💡But not to worry. If your dog or cat could benefit from a pair of eyes on them at all times – without you having to get off your couch…
…then all you need to do is hit “LIVE” on your Tractive mobile app:
😺 And follow your pet’s every step – as they make their every step.
No need to rely on any other smartphone-carrying strangers around you or any limits on range.
Just the peace of mind from knowing you can find your pet any time – with just a glance at your phone.
Tile vs AirTag: How do they compare?
You might’ve considered using an Apple AirTag for your dog or cat, but it comes with similar limitations to Tile. Because in a nutshell: neither Tile nor AirTags were built to track or find pets. They’re both Bluetooth-powered tracking devices that are built for finding physical objects. Not living, moving animals.
In fact, the Apple AirTag is even more limited in terms of range – only tracking within 30-80 feet (or 10-25 meters.) And much like Tile, AirTags’ tracking range depends on the presence of other Apple devices nearby. Which makes both poor options for tracking your pets in real-time.
Now don’t take our word for it – here’s a real-life example of a dog parent testing out both an AirTag as well as the Tractive GPS as a pet tracker.
(And why she ended up going for a Tractive device in the end.)
👉 Want to see Tractive in action everyday? Follow Luna the Border Collie’s adventures on Instagram!
Upsides to using a Tile tag for your pets
Here are some of the pros of using Tile as a pet tracker:
- Affordability: A Tile Pro clocks in at $34.99 – which can be a pretty budget-friendly option. You can even purchase a Tile Combo pack to track multiple items for slightly less than $100.
- Battery life: Tile Mate, Tile Sticker and Tile Slim come with built-in 3 year batteries. Tile Pro comes with replaceable batteries that last up to a year.
- Ease of use: Tile tags are lightweight, portable, and easy to attach to a pet collar or harness.
Downsides to using a Tile tag for your pets
Like we’ve covered, Tile is better for tracking your personal items – not your dog or cat. Here are a couple of its downsides.
You’re limited to fellow Tile users
If your dog or cat wanders off beyond 400 feet (122 meters), you’ll only get notified by the Tile Network if another Tile user picks up on your missing pet’s location. (Or if your pet wanders back into Bluetooth range.)
Because of this, Tile might not the best option if you’re out hiking with your pets or live in a remote area.
You’re stuck to a limited range
With a Tile tag, you’re limited to a tracking range of 200-400 feet (61-122 meters) – again, not a great choice for active outdoor pets.
If you and your dog or cat both like to be on the move, a pet tracker with an unlimited range might be a better (and safer) option.
⚠️ Because it doesn’t matter how firm a hand you have on the leash. A high-energy active dog is always a squirrel, passing bird, or interesting scent away from hurtling away from you a mile a minute – too far from safety.
You’re missing out on other pet tracking features
Even with its innovative sound-based location features, Tile falls short of other pet trackers.
Here’s not even the full list of what you get once you’ve strapped your Tractive GPS to your pet’s collar:
- Escape alerts via a Virtual Fence – or “safe zone” – you can set up around your home and backyard
- Wellness Monitoring, which can help you keep track of your pet’s activity and sleep stats
- Location History & Heat map, where you can see where your pet has been & where they spent the most time
- Light & Sound – activate the LED light or buzzer to help you find your dog in the dark
- Worldwide tracking & unlimited range – for the price of a cup of coffee per month
- 100% waterproof build
- Family & Public Sharing – let trusted friends and family track your pet
- Radar Mode – find your pet even at close range or indoors
- Power Saving Zone – connect your home’s Wifi so the battery lasts even longer
- Alexa compatible
Your dog or cat might choke on their Tile tag
Got a medium to large-sized dog? They might accidentally swallow their Tile tag, given its small size. (Or just get stuck somewhere weird if you’re thinking of using it for a cat!)
You can protect against this by securing the tracker tightly against your pet’s collar. This both prevents it from hanging and also keeps other animals from chewing it off.
Or…you know, go for a dedicated pet tracker instead – that’s built with your pet’s safety in mind. Like the Tractive CAT Mini which comes with a weight-adjustable safety collar that’s designed for cats of all shapes and sizes.
Is a Tile tag the best choice to find your dog or cat?
Most likely not. Tile tags are built for tracking (mostly) inanimate objects – like your phone, wallet, or keys. Not dogs or cats who like their outdoors time.
Because of this, Tile trackers might not work everywhere you and your buddy go. Plus, they’re missing a ton of pet-friendly features. When it comes to your furry friend, the best choice is always a dedicated dog GPS tracker – one that’s loved by pet parents around the world, just like you.
You could give the Tile tag a shot if:
- You’re on a budget. Ranging from $14.99-$99.99, Tile offers products including labels, stickers, and trackers. Tile stickers are especially popular for indoor pets like tortoises.
- Your pet’s a home-buddy. With a Tile Pro, you can keep track of your dog or cat up to the size of a neighborhood block.
Which works nicely for dogs or cats who don’t like straying (too) far from home and are on the smaller, less active side.
- Your friends and family are active Tile users themselves. Stay connected on the Tile Network and help each other keep track of your items and pets.
When a pet GPS tracker makes more sense
On the other hand, you’ll benefit from a dedicated pet GPS tracker if:
You want complete peace of mind as a pet parent
Besides real-time tracking, GPS trackers like Tractive are built to ensure your peace of mind – no matter where your dog’s wandered off. And in many cases, it’s even saved lives.
Take, for example, Imogen, a high-energy Borzoi who ran off from home into a lake nearby – and crashed through the ice.
Luckily, her mum quickly picked up on her location using Tractive’s Location History. Thus saving her dog from freezing and drowning.
Your pet’s an active, outdoorsy sort
Some breeds might even be more likely to bolt at new sights, sounds, or smells – like Marnie, the Irish setter rescue.
Who was found safe and sound near a lake while her parents were on vacation – with a little help from the Tractive GPS.
You’re keeping an eye out for your pet’s health and wellbeing
Many pet tracking devices now come with activity monitors, much like Fitbits. Tractive goes further – its Wellness Monitoring features track both your pet’s sleep and activity levels to give you an individualized picture of their health.
So you can track dips and changes in how active your dog or cat is – and catch on early if something’s wrong.
Tile vs GPS trackers: Figuring out which one works for you
Here’s a quick summary of Tile as compared to the Tractive GPS – so you can tell the differences at a glance:
 Tile Bluetooth Tracker |  Tractive GPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Tracking items: keys, bags, etc. | Tracking runaway dogs & cats |
| Price | $24.99 on average | $69 + subscription fees |
| Subscription Plan | Not necessary, but you need a Premium subscription to unlock all features | Unlimited range + coverage costs all covered from as little as $4.99 / month |
| Range | 400 feet/121 meters | Unlimited |
| Battery | Up to 1 year battery life, replaceable | Up to 7-10 days battery life, rechargable |
| Water Durability | Water-resistant | 100% Waterproof (IPX7-standard) |
| Dimensions | 35mm x 35mm x 6.2mm | 17.5mm x 71.4mm x 28mm |
| Location History |  | |
| Last Known Coordinates | | |
| Tracker Sharing | | |
| GPS |  | |
| LIVE Tracking | | |
| Worldwide Coverage | | |
| Virtual Fence / Safe Zone | | |
| Activity Tracking | | |
| Sleep Tracking | | |
| Health Alerts | | |
| Wifi / Home Power Saving Zone | | |
| Shock Resistant & Adventure-proof | | |
Light & Sound | Sound only | |
Losing your dog or cat is never a fun experience – you always want to make sure you can find them any time. The panic, stress, and tears just isn’t worth it.
So if you’re ready for complete peace of mind as a pet parent, invest in a dedicated pet tracker like the Tractive GPS.
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.
Curious how Tractive works but strapped for time? Here’s everything you need to know about our GPS tracker – in just two minutes:
And if you’ve liked this post, share it with a friend or a loved one – and let’s help build a safer, kinder world for our furry friends together.
