In one embodiment, a method for preserving battery power in a tracking device including a communication module and a location determination unit, includes, when the tracking device is configured to operate in a first mode, enabling, by the tracking device, the communication module and the location determination unit. The method includes determining, by the tracking device, a location of the tracking device based on location information received from the location determination unit. The method includes transmitting, by the tracking device, the determined location of the tracking device via the communication module to a tracking system configured to inform a user associated with the tracking device of the determined location. The method includes in response to determining that a location status of the tracking device has changed, configuring the tracking device to operate in a second mode and disable the communication module and the location determination unit.