Chipolo Loop for Dogs: The Best Subscription-Free Alternative to Pet GPS Trackers?

We believe in Pocket Puppy School that keeping your pup safe, shouldn’t break your wallet. But the reality is that life is expensive, whether we like it or not, and all the extras or “nice to have” things are most likely not on our priority list.

You still want the peace of mind when it comes to dog tracking, but not necessarily the extra monthly or yearly expense that usually comes with it.

That is why in this blog we are taking a look at this cool bluetooth tracking device called Chipolo Loop - a simple tracker that’s affordable, clever and with a joyful design.

Who is Chipolo?

So before we dive into it, let’s take a closer look on the company that makes these cool trackers.

For our and maybe for your surprise as well, Chipolo isn’t “just another faceless giant” like we’re used to seeing. They actually started already in 2013 in an European country, Slovenia, by a small group of people, who got tired of waiting for “that” friend who always lost their phone and keys… I have to say I’m also one of these people. 😆

And something that us in Pocket Puppy School really like is that unlike a lot of their competitors, Chipolo’s products are made in Europe (not in China). And another cool thing is - they’ve used 50% recycled materials to make the Chipolo Loop.

How Chipolo Loop works?

If you want to know more about the Chipolo Loop, then we did write a separate review about it and you can read it here.

But before we move on, it’s still important to bring out the fact that Chipolo Loop is a bluetooth tracker. So it’s NOT your typical GPS tracker, but I guess you can say that is kind of… superpowered by the global networks, aka our phones.

• Socially pinned 📍 - Chipolo Loop uses millions of smartphones passing by to update it’s location. As you might guess, in cities and even busy suburban areas, it works very well and is surprisingly effective.

• No monthly fees 🆓 - This, I would say, is a big one. When you buy it, it’s yours to keep… forever. There are no hidden fees, no subscriptions and Chipolo also has an app that’s also free to use!

• The design ✨ - most trackers are also designed in a way that they’re small and cute, but when you want to attach them onto things… you need an extra gadget. Chipolo Loop however has a built in, flexible silicone loop. So whether you want to put it onto your keys or on your dog’s collar - it stays nicely on it.

Chipolo as a pet tracker?

If you read on Chipolo’s website, they also bring out that Chipolo’s products don’t replace an actual dog GPS tracker, and for a reason. They are designed to work a bit differently.

But if you live in a busy city and don’t go on crazy hikes in the wilderness every day, then a dedicated pet GPS tracker (and the extra fees) might just be overkill for you. If that is the case for you, then Chipolo might indeed work as a pet tracker for you.

And a few things that kind of… support Chipolo Loop as a tracker for a dog in our opinion:

• Rechargeable (usb-c) 🔋 - no need for coin batteries AND this one charge lasts about 12 months! In that sense, it’s one of the most low-maintenance trackers on the market right now.

• IP67 waterproofing 💦 - dog gps trackers need to be waterproof for a reason - dogs encounter with water a lot, whether they do it on purpose (surprise jump into a pond) or not (walking in the rain). But with it’s waterproofing, Chipolo Loop is pretty much built to survive this.

• The sound 🔊 - This is one of the things that even a lot of the real pet GPS trackers fall behind with. Because if your dog is a champion at hiding, then Chipolo Loop’s 125 sound will do the trick and gives away your dog’s secret hiding location.

  *Also, in the Chipolo app, you can change the sound and choose the one you like the best.

• iOS & Android 🤖 - Chipolo connects very well and easily with both Android devices, but also with iOS. It also means BETTER and MORE chances to catch the signal, since it can send you location update regardless the phone’s operation system!

Don’t forget!

Even though we also use and have tested different bluetooth trackers on our dog, it is super important to say it out that - it is not a 1:1 replacement for a pet GPS tracker.

Because these type of trackers rely on bluetooth and nearby phones. AND it won’t give instant or live updates while the device is moving.

For an example, if your dog runs around, then you won’t get instant information on where your dog is at that moment. The device will give you an update about every 10 or so minutes, if it’ll get near another bluetooth/nearby phone.

And since dogs are fast and constantly moving, it might be a bit difficult to catch your dog, especially somewhere outside the city or even in a quiet suburban area.

Final thoughts

Dog safety doesn’t need to be expensive. But it is super important to understand what type of device is it that you’re using and where.

Living in a busy city and having this extra layer of security without an extra monthly bill - Chipolo Loop is definitely great value for money alternative in our opinion.

So if you know exactly what you’re getting and what you’re not getting when it comes to dog tracking, then give Chipolo Loop a try! And you’ll definitely save some money for things like your dog’s most favourite treats or maybe even a new hands-free leash. 💙

Haven’t heard of Pocket Puppy School before?

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By shopping with us, you’re not just getting something cute and personal – you’re also helping us keep the app free for everyone and keep doing what we do here. 🥹🐾