Published June 16, 2026

TailTag (A Pet Tracker)

A hefty device that track pets via satellite signals (Adafruit MiniGPS) and a MicroSD breakout board.

BeginnerShowcase (no instructions)31

Things used in this project

Hardware components

Nano V3 (Type-C USB)

Adafruit Mini GPS PA1010D

Adafruit MicroSD Breakout Board+

Inland Power Bank

Software apps and online services

Arduino IDE

Hand tools and fabrication machines

Soldering iron (generic)

Solder Wire, Lead Free

Wire Stripper & Cutter, 18-10 AWG / 0.75-4mm² Capacity Wires

**Aswell as a Thermal Wire Stripper

3D Printer (generic)

Story

This is a TailTag, a pet tracking device that helps owners check where their pets have gone!

This device utilizes a USB-C Type Nano module that's connected to an Adafruit Mini GPS module and an Adafruit MicroSD Breakout Board.

My original goal was to create a prototype that actively tracks your pets, however given the time and component circumstances, it wouldn’t be feasible. So if you ever want to make the project more challenging, you could always include a live tracking system through a WiFi/Bluetooth module, as well as pairing it with an app.

I developed the motive for this project because our family’s cat, Yuzu, managed to slip out into the night, unbeknownst to us until the morning after. He was always keen on joining our dog in exploring the rear yard; however, due to his inconspicuous and mischievous nature, we had adorned him with an AirTag, in preparation for (and prevention of) situations like this. I came to the realization that these functions were simply not sufficient due to the poor signal and connection when the tag is out of range. I believe that current tracking systems lack the reliability in locating the valuable items we entrust them with, especially our pets.

TailTag uses satellite data, via the Adafruit Mini GPS, to monitor a pet’s location; It calculates the distance signals are from each satellite by measuring how long the signal took to arrive. By combining data from 3 or more satellites, it determines your exact latitude, longitude, elevation, and time. Additionally, the entire system is enclosed within a custom 3D model that can be attached to a pet’s harness, powered by a 2, 600 mAh Power Bank.

Beyond helping individual families, this system could also address the issue of stray and abandoned pets. By providing a reliable, real-time monitoring system, this tracker not only protects pets but also reduces the number of animals lost or abandoned, contributing to safer communities and more responsible pet ownership. Overall, I hope this GPS tracker can provide a clear-cut yet affordable solution for keeping animals safe.

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Schematics

Code

Code!

#include <Adafruit_GPS.h>
#include <SPI.h>
#include <SD.h>

Adafruit_GPS GPS(&Wire); //this connects the gps to the i2c (a5 and a4)

int chipSelect = 4; //cs pin for microsd breakout

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200); //baud rate is 115200
  
  if(!GPS.begin(0x10)){
    Serial.println("GPS not found");
    while(1);
  }
  
  GPS.sendCommand(PMTK_SET_NMEA_OUTPUT_RMCGGA);
  GPS.sendCommand(PMTK_SET_NMEA_UPDATE_1HZ); //update rate is 1hz

  delay(1000);

  SD.begin(chipSelect);
}

void loop() {
  for (int i = 0; i < 1000; i++){
    GPS.read();
    if (GPS.newNMEAreceived()){ //checks if nmea sentnce is received
      GPS.parse(GPS.lastNMEA()); //doublechecks the data received 
  }
  delay(1);
  }

  if (GPS.fix){
    Serial.print("Location:  ");
    Serial.print(GPS.latitudeDegrees, 5);
    Serial.print(", ");
    Serial.println(GPS.longitudeDegrees, 5);
    Serial.print("Satellites: ");
    Serial.println((int)GPS.satellites);

    File myFile = SD.open("log.txt", FILE_WRITE);

    if(myFile) {
      myFile.print("Location:  ");
      myFile.print(GPS.latitudeDegrees, 5);
      myFile.print(", ");
      myFile.println(GPS.longitudeDegrees, 5);
      myFile.print("Satellites: ");
      myFile.println((int)GPS.satellites);
      myFile.close();
  }
  
  } else{
    Serial.println("Waiting for Fix...");
  }

  delay(1000);
}

Credits

Nicky Lai

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TailTag (A Pet Tracker)

Things used in this project

Hardware components

Software apps and online services

Hand tools and fabrication machines

Story

Custom parts and enclosures

Tracker Container

Tracker Container Cap

Schematics

Circuit Diagram

Code

Code!

Credits

Nicky Lai

Comments

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TailTag (A Pet Tracker)

TailTag (A Pet Tracker)

Things used in this project

Hardware components

Software apps and online services

Hand tools and fabrication machines

Story

Custom parts and enclosures

Tracker Container

Tracker Container Cap

Schematics

Circuit Diagram

Code

Code!

Credits

Nicky Lai

Comments

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