PetSec vs GPS trackers vs crowd-tags
A tracker locates a device. PetSec recovers a pet. GPS collars and crowd-finder tags both have their place — but neither was built for a missing animal. Here's the honest side-by-side.
| GPS collar | Crowd-tag (AirTag / Chipolo) | PetSec | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | R800–R2 500 | R400–R600 | R299 |
| Ongoing cost | Data SIM or subscription | None | R49/mo · R29 extra pet |
| Charge the device? | Every few days | No (months) | No (months) |
| Built for | Live tracking | Finding objects | Recovering lost pets |
| Alerts you when spotted | If charged & in signal | No — you check a map | Instant WhatsApp + push |
| Rallies people to look | No | No | Yes — scouts & neighbours nearby |
| Message the finder | No | No | Yes — in-app, no number shared |
| Anyone can reach you (no app) | No | No | Yes — QR on the tag |
| Good for a moving pet | Battery-dependent | Stale pings | Built for it |
Bigger device networks exist — but they show a dot, not a pet home. PetSec only charges once it's live and dense in your suburb. Join the waitlist →
Common questions
Why does PetSec have a monthly fee when some trackers are "once-off"?
"Once-off" is usually a myth. A real GPS tracker needs cellular service — so it either has its own subscription or needs a data SIM you keep topping up. The R49/month (about R1.60 a day) isn't paying for a gadget; it's paying for the network of phones that actually finds your pet, plus instant WhatsApp and push alerts. Your first month is free and you can cancel from the app at any time.
How is PetSec different from an AirTag or Chipolo?
Those crowd-tags were built to find stationary objects — keys, a wallet, luggage. They drop a location on a map and leave the rest to you. For a moving, frightened animal that's not enough: a ping from 20 minutes ago is already out of date. PetSec is a pet-recovery service — it alerts you the instant your pet is detected, rallies nearby members and scouts to look out for them, and lets you message the finder directly in the app to arrange the reunion, without either of you sharing a phone number. See the comparison above.
What if whoever finds my pet doesn't use PetSec?
Every PetSec tag carries a QR code. Anyone who finds your pet — no app, no account — can scan it (or type the short link) to reach a page that shows your pet's name, lets them say where they found them, and lets them message you directly. You're notified instantly, and the whole conversation is relayed through PetSec: the finder never sees your phone number, email or address, and you never see theirs unless you choose to share. You can switch a pet's found page off any time.
Do I have to charge the tag?
No. The PetSec tag runs for months on a single replaceable coin-cell battery — there's nothing to recharge. When the battery eventually runs down you can swap it yourself or order a new tag from the app.
What happens when my pet goes missing?
You mark your pet as LOST in the app. PetSec broadcasts the alert to members in your area and expands the search radius automatically over time. The moment any PetSec phone detects your pet's tag, you get an instant WhatsApp message and push notification with an approximate location.
Does PetSec track my pet's location all the time?
No. There's no live, always-on tracking. Your GPS is used only at signup (to anchor your home address) and at tag activation (to confirm the tag is at home). After that, a location is only ever recorded when a community phone detects the tag. See our Privacy Notice.
What does it cost?
R49/month for your first pet and R29/month for each additional pet on the same account. The PetSec tag is R299 once-off per pet, with courier shipping at cost. Your first month is free after you activate your first tag at home. Scouts — people who help find pets but don't have one — join completely free. Full breakdown on the pricing section.
Is PetSec available in my area?
We open suburb by suburb, so there are enough members nearby to actually find a pet before we take anyone's money. If we're not live where you are yet, join the waitlist and we'll email you the moment PetSec launches in your suburb.
Which phones does PetSec work on?
PetSec is an Android app today. iOS support is planned for the future.
Can I cancel any time?
Yes — cancel from inside the app whenever you like. Your subscription stays active until the end of the month you've paid for. See our Refund & Cancellation Policy for the details.
Still have a question?
Message us on WhatsApp or email info@petsec.co.za — we answer every message.