Blog: Pet GPS Devices: Benefits of Live Tracking & Historical Location Data

Thanks to modern technology, keeping track of our pets to ensure their safety and well-being has been made so much easier. With the advent of pet tracking devices, you can see your pet’s location at any time. Whether you want to keep your dog safe on an off-leash hike or learn about your cat’s favorite lounging spot, a pet GPS will allow you to do just that. These devices not only give you peace of mind, but they come packed with advanced features, like real-time tracking and historical location data. Here we unpack the benefits of these GPS devices and how they can give you peace of mind by keeping your pet safe. 

What is real-time tracking?

Real-time pet tracking, or live-location tracking, is one of the major pet GPS benefits that allows you to monitor your pet’s location directly from your mobile. Pet GPS tracking devices use the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites orbiting Earth to pinpoint your pet’s location. This information is sent to a smartphone app via cellular networks, allowing you to see where your pet is at any given time. 

Benefits of real-time tracking for pets

Not only is real-time pet tracking essential if you want to see where your pet is located at all times, it also provides unparalleled security for your pet to keep them safe at all times. Here are some other benefits of real-time tracking: 

• Immediate alerts. The PetLinkGPS offers a virtual geofence mode, which allows you to designate a safe zone for your pet. If your adventurous pet decides to go beyond the designated area, you will receive an alert notification on your smartphone. 
• Quick recovery. In emergency situations, real-time tracking can be a lifesaver. If your pet wanders off, you can use the app on your smartphone to see their precise location so you can head straight to them before they stray too far.

• Peace of mind. GPS technology gives you the ultimate superpower of giving your pet the freedom to roam while having peace of mind that you can track their whereabouts at any time of the day. Gone are the days of frantic search – instead, you can rest assured knowing you can see exactly where your pet is hanging out. 

What is historical location data? 

Historical location data is a feature of pet GPS tracking devices that allows you to access a record of your pet’s location history to see where they have been. With PetLinkGPS, you can view a heat map of all the places your pet has been within the last 2 months. If your pet sneaks out to go for a stroll, you’ll be able to see exactly where they’ve been spending their time, particularly useful if your dog has the freedom to roam on a large plot of land.

Benefits of historical location data

Not only is historical location data a fun way to gain a deeper understanding of your pet, but it’s useful for increasing their safety and well-being. Here are some benefits of historical location data: 

• Behavioral insights. Understanding your pet’s daily routine and favorite spots where they like to spend their time can help enhance your bond with them. You’ll be able to identify any unusual changes in their behavior that might require attention. 
• Pattern recognition. By analyzing historical location data, you can look for patterns, such as frequent visits to certain locations or a particular route to stroll through the neighborhood. If your pet has a sudden change in their roaming habits, you can keep a close eye on them and investigate the area for any risks or concerns. 
• Visualizing escape routes. If your pet keeps escaping from your yard, you can review the historical location data to see the escape route so you can make any necessary barrier repairs to prevent them from running away. 

Other safety benefits of using pet GPS

While pet tracking devices offer so many benefits for tracking your pet’s location, they also offer several other safety benefits:

Lost pet recovery. If your pet goes missing, the real-time tracking and historical location data will help you locate your pet quickly and easily, increasing the chances of a happy reunion. 

Safety when traveling. When traveling with pets, a GPS tracking device provides an additional layer of safety. Whether you’re hiking in the mountains or embarking on a road trip, a GPS tracker ensures your dog is safe and easy to find. 

Virtual geofences. A virtual geofence allows you to set a designated safe area for your dog. If they cross the boundary, you’ll receive an alert notification on your smartphone. Whether you’re traveling and don’t have access to a physical barrier or your dog tends to chase after wildlife, this feature will keep your dog safe.

Health monitoring. By monitoring your pet’s activity levels, you can ensure they’re getting enough exercise. If you notice any changes in your pet’s activity levels, you can take a proactive approach to have a discussion with your vet. 

Easy visibility. The PetLinkGPS comes with a built-in light and beep sound, so you’ll be able to find your pet more easily at night or even when they’re exploring areas with tall vegetation. 

Equipping your pet with a reliable GPS device allows you to enjoy the many safety and activity benefits it brings to both you and your beloved pet. 

FAQs – Answered by PetLink

How fast does “live” actually update—and what affects it?
Update speed depends on your settings and signal. Live modes push frequent pings but drain battery faster; standard modes send fewer pings to conserve power. Tall buildings, dense trees, or poor cell coverage can slow or batch updates. Tip: switch to live only during emergency searches, then return to standard once your pet’s safe.

What if live tracking stalls or my pet goes indoors/behind buildings?
GPS needs open sky view to work at its best; indoors or urban “canyons” can cause location drift or gaps. Use tools like the device’s beep/light, check last known location + heading, and expand the geofence to catch any exits. Many devices cache points and upload once they reconnect—don’t clear the session until data finishes syncing.

How can I turn heat maps and history into practical safety steps?

Review hotspots weekly:

• Escape audit: look for repeated fence-line paths; reinforce those areas.
• Scheduled geofences: set time-bound safe zones that match usual walk/play times.
• Route checks: if a new pattern emerges (e.g., detours near a busy road), adjust walking routes or supervision.

Who can see my pet’s location and history—and can I share it securely?
By default, only the account owner. For carers/walkers, use guest access or time-limited links with view-only permissions. Avoid sharing your main login. Periodically review connected devices, enable two-factor authentication, and revoke access when it’s no longer needed.

How long is history kept—and can I save it for the long term?
PetLinkGPS shows a 2-month heat map window. If you want a longer record, export or save summaries (e.g., monthly GPX/CSV if available, or screenshots with notes) before the window rolls off. Keeping a simple log alongside exports helps your vet spot behavior or mobility trends over seasons.