Whistle GPS Pet Tracker Review: Is Whistle Tracker Is The Best?

One of the best brands of GPS trackers for dogs is the Whistle dog tracker. The Whistle is a modern device that allows you to track your dog’s location (or cat) using GPS positioning. The tracker is attached to the collar or harness of your four-legged friend, and active tracking is provided to the pet owner’s device through GPS and cellular data transfer technology.

In addition, the device uses WiFi technology to track whether or not your pet is in a safe area or has left it, as well as Bluetooth to synchronize data with the owner’s smartphone.

When connected via a Bluetooth wireless channel, the tracker is paired with a smartphone, and a safe zone for the pet is automatically created within the range of your WiFi network. The automatically installed safe zone is the main one, and the user can independently create additional safe zones at any time of use.

When the pet has left the safe zone, the owner will receive a notification within a few minutes. Whistle is equipped with an individual SIM card and can only work on the AT&T network. But each owner can use any other mobile and data service provider for their phone.

Short Preview

• Price Range – $$
• Multi-Pet Availability – Cat & Dog
• Customer Service – Subscription

Analysis

The Whistle tracker comes in one size and three colors: grey, blue and green. The tracker has a rounded shape of a parallelepiped. The device dimensions are 1.82 inches high, 0.61 inches deep, and 1.45 inches wide. The weight of the GPS tracker is only 1.25 ounces with attachment and 0.92 ounces without attachment. This makes the tracker one of the lightest pet tracking devices on the market.

The tracker conveniently attaches to the pet’s collar or leash using a durable rubber strap. The device can be quickly attached and removed by pressing a special pin and turning the device 90 degrees. The mount is designed so that each owner can easily and quickly install or remove the tracker from their pet’s collar. While putting it on or taking it off, the pet will not experience any discomfort.

The Whistle tracker fits perfectly on any collar or harness up to 1” wide. It can be used to track both dogs and cats. The recommended size of the animal must be 8 pounds and above. ^[1]

Company History

The Whistle tracker was inspired by Ben Jacobs, the CEO of pet care at Bain & Company. The development took place with the company’s chief operating officer, Steve Eidelman, just conducting research on the pet care industry for venture capital company DCM. Kevin Lloyd was hired as technical director. All three co-founded Whistle in 2012, and the product was launched in 2013.

The company raised $6 million in a venture funding round. Whistle’s first product was a dog activity monitor that allowed the owner to track their four-legged friend’s activity.

Pricing

Tracker prices range from $65 to $180, and the manufacturer often offers discounts. You get 1 tracker, 1 USB charging cable, 1 collar, and 1 quick start guide in the box.

You can choose among monthly, yearly, and two-year subscriptions in maintenance plans. The subscription price depends on your tracker (Health, Health & GPS, or Health & GPS +).

Delivery and Shipping

Tracker shipping is free. Whistle may be out of stock because of shipping delays due to COVID-19 and the global electronic parts crisis.

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Guarantees and Refund Policy

If the Whistle tracker does not suit you, or the device does not meet your expectations, you can return it within the first 90 days from the device’s date of purchase. You will also receive a refund of the cost of the tracker and a refund of an unused subscription if it is canceled within 90 days of the start of the subscription.

If you have chosen a monthly subscription plan with a 12-month commitment, you will be released from the obligation, and the early termination fee will not be refunded.

Customer Service

You need to place the tracking unit within your WiFi coverage area, download and install the Whistle smartphone app to start using the tracker. When Bluetooth is on, the tracker pairs with your smartphone, and a safe zone will be automatically created according to your WiFi network coverage boundaries.

The Whistle smartphone pairing app works on all smartphones with Android version 5.0 and above, iOS version 10.0 and above.

Country Served

The Whistle GPS tracker for tracking four-legged friends works only on the AT&T network and can only be used within the United States; but while AT&T’s cellular service has fairly good coverage, it may not cover all parts of the country. The device can fully function and track your pet throughout the United States but may not work in remote areas and areas without AT&T cellular coverage.

Whistle GPS Technical Specifications

The Whistle is a pet tracker with GPS location technology. The device was developed by Whistle Labs. The manufacturer claims that the new tracker has a higher accuracy and less weight than previous models.

However, it is worth noting that often with a decrease in the weight of the device, the battery life decreases. Among all the model’s advantages, some key features and improvements can be identified. ^[2]

Shockproof

The device is resistant to shock and external influences; the degree of protection of the gadget is IP67, which means protection against shock dirt. Thus, you can be sure that the device will work after active play and travel in harsh conditions, such as rain, mud or active games.

Waterproof

The Whistle is a tracking device that has an IP67 waterproof rating, which ensures that the device works even after being submerged in water up to 3 feet deep for 30 minutes.

Battery Life

The tracker comes with a built-in rechargeable battery. The Whistle can last up to 7 days on a single charge with minimal use and good WiFi and cellular coverage. Under other conditions, the Whistle usually runs for about 2-3 days. It takes 2 hours to fully charge the battery.

Wide Communication Range

The Whistle supports all modern methods of communication and data transfer, and it can work at any distance within AT&T’s cellular network and WiFi coverage.

Location Accuracy

The tracker has excellent positioning accuracy within 10-15 feet; however, the accuracy directly depends on cellular communication and WiFi quality.

Luminous

The Whistle is equipped with a built-in LED light that allows the owner to monitor the battery charge status while recharging. Also, the LED makes it easier to see the pet in the dark, as the diodes constantly flash when the pet has left the safe area.

Compatibility

The mobile app from Whistle Labs works on Android and iOS smartphones; the app is compatible with iOS 10.0 or later and Android 5.0 or later.

Whistle GPS In Your Phone

The Whistle mobile app is available absolutely free of charge and can be installed on a smartphone with Android and iOS. The program is thoughtful, well-optimized, allows you to easily configure the necessary settings, see the current and past location of your four-legged friend and see the location history and information about the pet’s activity. The application can also send you notifications for configured events.

If you are using the Whistle app for the first time, you can create a profile for your pet enter information about breed, weight, and age. You can use one app to track multiple pets, but you’ll need separate trackers with a subscription for each pet.

The app allows the user to track the pet’s location history on a Google map and view activity information for the last 24 hours, including rest time, intensity and distance traveled. You can also define activity goals and remove and add safe zones. In addition, you can share information about your pet with other users, friends, or family members.

Immediately after setting up the application, the user will receive notifications about the safe zone, the tracker’s battery level, and the activity of the pet. You can change your settings and turn off notifications that you don’t want to receive yourself. Reducing the number of notifications can increase the time of the tracker between recharges.

Whistle Smart Devices Overview

Health

The modern and technological Whistle FIT device helps the owner understand his/her pet’s state of health. The device has all the basic monitoring functions – it allows you to identify some health problems, and Whistle analyzes weekly licking, scratching, sleeping and drinking. Based on this data, it can warn the owner of any health problems with the pet.

The device comes with two options for attaching the collar: a cable for recharging the tracker and a user manual. A WiFi network is required for setup.

Subscription cost:

• Monthly Subscription – $8.25
• 1 Year Subscription – $59.40
• 2 year subscription – $108.00

Key Features:

• Monitoring of your pet’s health. You can set up alerts to identify potential health issues that your pet may have.
• Pet activity. Set individual activity goals based on your dog’s breed, weight and age. It may help for weight loss.
• Tele-vet. Get free access to veterinary knowledge via chat, call, video and email (for a limited time).
• 24-hour report. Gives a clear picture of your pet’s health level with daily updates.

Health & GPS

The Whistle GO Explore smart tracker allows the owner to keep track of his/her pet. The device provides GPS monitoring of the pet’s location, setting up safe zones for the animal and alerts when the pet leaves the safe zone. The tracker uses the AT&T cellular network and the Google Maps service for communication. These services provide accurate, real-time tracking of your dog’s location.

The device also allows you to track the amount of calories your dog burns during activity, so you can make the right diet. You can generate a 30-day report of your four-legged friend’s activity and performance for the veterinarian.

The device is equipped with a rechargeable battery that works up to 20 days without recharging.

The tracker is great for dogs weighing 25 pounds or more. The kit comes with a device, two mounts, a charging cable and a user manual. A WiFi network is required for setup and pairing.

Subscription cost:

• Monthly Subscription – $12.99
• 1 Year Subscription – $99.00
• 2 year subscription – $192.00

Key Features:

• Monitors your dog’s health. Get information about your pet’s health.
• Long-life battery allows the device to work up to 20 days without recharging.
• You can set up the tracker so that multiple owners receive notifications at the same time.
• Activity. You can set fitness goals based on breed, age and weight.
• Tele-vet. Access your veterinarian through the Whistle app.
• Alerts about the current location of the pet. Get notifications on your smartphone when your pet leaves the safe area.
• 24-hour report. Get up-to-date information about your pet’s health.

Health & GPS +

Whistle Switch smart tracker allows you to stay in touch with your pet. Whistle Switch differs from other trackers in its design, switchable styles and the presence of two battery packs. Thanks to this device, you can monitor your pet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Great for dogs over 5 pounds. The tracker comes with two replaceable batteries, a charging cable and a user manual. A WiFi network is required for setup and pairing.

Subscription cost:

• Monthly Subscription – $12.99
• 1 Year Subscription – $99.00
• 2 year subscription – $192.00

Key Features:

• Pet health monitoring. A health bar to monitor energy levels and new eating features to track changes in appetite.
• Activity. The device records the distance traveled, minutes of activity and calories burned.
• Tele-vet. Access free tele-vet services directly from the Whistle app. Tele-vet works through chat, calls, email and video.
• Location alerts. Know where your dog is going with GPS navigation and alerts when it leaves a designated safe location.
• 24-hour chart. Whistle Switch will give you a chronological breakdown of your dog’s day and activity, as well as information about its behavior.

What Do Customers Think of Whistle GPS Tracker?

Most users respond positively to the tracker. Pet owners note the significant use of the device in cases where the dog runs away while on a walk.

I love this tracker. It is very comforting to know I can see where my dog is at all times – especially if we are not home and the dog walker is taking care of him. The battery life is great.

Laura

I’ve been using Whistle for years, and I am incredibly satisfied not only with the product, but also with the customer service.

Brandon Lipin CADC

We have had the Whistle for our German shepherd and for our husky for almost a year now. The husky is a master escape artist, and it has saved her life more than once. The data that the Whistle reports on their overall health is incredibly helpful. I have been so impressed with it and highly recommend it.

Barbara Kilpatrick

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FAQ

Pros & Cons

Last Words: Is Whistle Worth It?

The Whistle tracker has long battery life. For management and configuration, free and high-quality software is used that works on Android and iOS smartphones. You can customize the notifications you need to generate activity and health report for the veterinarian.

The device greatly simplifies the life of pet owners who often leave the house for long walks, runs and other activities.

Article Sources:

1. Roetman, Philip. “Management of Pet Cats: The Impact of the Cat Tracker Citizen Science Project in South Australia – PubMed.” PubMed, 1 Jan. 2018, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30355981/.
2. “Satellites Help Scientists Track Migratory Birds.” Asia Research News, asiaresearchnews.com.