Wondering if the dog walker you hired really took Fido out on the leash or just sat on the couch watching “Scooby-Doo” reruns? Want a map of where Fluffy is prowling on her nightly scavenges?

These days, pinpointing pets’ whereabouts is easy, whether they’re outdoors or inside. The same GPS tracking technology that lets employers check the locations of their delivery trucks, scientists follow dolphin migration patterns, and vessel operators find shipping containers is available in collar-size, rechargeable electronics.

Pet-tracking methods have been available for some time, including microchip implants that require special readers, tattoos with accompanying collar-notification tag, and collar antennas that transmit to dedicated radio receivers. GPS tracking, though, has taken off in recent years, especially with the rise of smartphones and tablets that let owners track animals on the go.

Pets are free to roam after their tracker has been charged up via USB cable or wall socket. Owners pay a monthly or annual subscription fee to view the animal’s location in real time on a secure site via Google or other map, or via a dedicated phone app. Some even help owners find the nearest vet, pet park, and pet store near an animal’s location. The best will show a pet’s “escape route” on the map if it strays or is stolen.

Accuracy and battery life can vary depending on device type. So do other features, such as durability. Here are some things to look for before you outfit your four-legged friend with the latest in satellite-linked gear:

• Connection speed: Newer A-GPS (for “assisted”) collars take less time locate a pet after the tracker is turned on. Standard GPS relies solely on satellite signals, which typically take about 30 seconds but can stretch to 12 minutes in some areas. A-GPS also takes advantage of network resources, so it can take as little as one second or up to three minutes in bad conditions–and seconds count when you’re tracking a lost pet.
• Accuracy: A good tracker will show the location of your pet within a 10- to 30-foot range on the map. WAAS Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) is the most accurate but not as fast as A-GPS. A-GPS also works best indoors, but typically only in areas where your cellphone gets reception.
• Coverage: Many trackers provide nationwide coverage, but not all. Be sure to check with the manufacturer before purchasing if you plan to travel with your pet. Also, most trackers don’t operate outside the U.S.
• Maps and directions: Most trackers provide directions to your pet from your current location, whether on a computer, smartphone or tablet.
• Geofencing: Many trackers feature the ability to set up boundaries based on feet or miles–sort of like invisible fences–from a given point on the map. If your pet goes beyond them, you’ll receive a text or email alert.
• Size and durability: Some trackers might be too heavy for small pets to wear comfortably. If you’re pet likes to swim or play it rough outside, make sure the tracker you choose is ruggedized and waterproof.
• Battery life: Each battery is rated by the manufacturer, but several conditions will affect time between recharges. Probably the most draining is ping interval. If you want the device to track location every 10 seconds, the battery will discharge much faster than tracking every two minutes. Some trackers will notify you when the battery level is low.
• Other features: Specifications vary, but some products will monitor a pet’s surroundings, and alert you if they get too hot or cold. Some also allow you to know when your pet is resting or on the move, much like a vehicle tracker can tell if an engine is idling or at speed.

Vetstreet.com and other sites offer descriptions and comparisons of the many types of pet trackers available. Do your research to track down the right product that will keep your pet out of the doghouse.