While it is an amazing experience to hike with your canine companion, you want to be cautious lest he get lost. According to research done by the American Humane Association, at least 10 million pets go missing in the US every year. That said, a dog GPS tracker is a great way to keep watch of your dog and monitor his movements. Moreover, the best dog GPS tracker will allow you to monitor your dog’s daily activity, temperature, and many more.
However, with hundreds of these devices in the market, it can be daunting to choose the most suitable for your dog. To ease your worries, we have compiled a roundup of the best dog GPS trackers on the market.
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How to Choose the Best Dog GPS Tracker
Accuracy
A tracker’s accuracy is an important consideration, especially if you want to determine the exact location of your dog. The best dog GPS trackers are able to track your pet’s exact location in real time. When your dog leaves the safe zone, an accurate tracker will immediately notify you and show you their current location on the map.
Size
The size of the tracking device should be considered since it plays a key role in ensuring the comfort of your pet. You don’t want a device that is either too large or too small. Besides, a device that is too large will add unwanted weight on your dog and limit his movement. The best dog GPS tracker ought to be lightweight and have a secure fit on your dog’s collar without causing any discomfort to your pet.
Customizable Safe Zones
A safe zone, also known as a geofence, is an area where you deem safe for your dog to spend some time unsupervised. This feature allows you to mark those areas that pose as a hazard to your pet. If your dog leaves the virtual fence, the GPS tracker will send a signal to the app, which will then send a message to your phone, allowing you to find your pet before he gets lost.
Activity Tracking
While some tracking devices are designed only for monitoring locations, others allow activity tracking. The activity tracking feature comes in handy if you intend to monitor the daily activities of your dog. It is essential to monitor your pet’s activities so you can make adjustments where you deem necessary.
You will also be able to come up with an effective training strategy for your dog in order to keep him healthy and in great shape for his weight, age, and breed.
Waterproofing
While most GPS trackers offer waterproof features, not all are completely impermeable to water. Devices that are not entirely waterproof may stop working if your dog is drenched in water. It is, therefore, important to ensure that the GPS tracker you choose is waterproof so you can have peace of mind no matter the location or activity your dog is into.
Battery Life
Always check out the battery life of a dog GPS tracker before buying. This is vital because battery life is more likely to affect the functionality of the tracking device. You want to choose a tracker which has a quality battery that lasts longer while requiring less charging.
Also, the battery life will depend on the number and types of features on the device. For instance, if the device sends check in signals to you phone regularly, battery life is likely to be shorter.
Best Dog GPS Trackers on the Market
Whistle Go Explore
GPS Tracker With Handy Extra Features
If you are looking for a high-tech option for keeping tabs on your dog, the Whistle Go Explore could be a great option. It has some advanced tech for all kinds of pet monitoring, not just their whereabouts. It’s the ultimate doggy accessory for pet owners who want more of an insight into their favorite furry friend.
The GPS aspect of the product uses real-time location tracking enabling you to set up alerts and locate your pet quickly. It uses an AT & T network in combination with Google maps and a savvy app which does require a subscription being paid. For even more tracking help, the product also features a handy light which you can switch on from any location, helping you quickly locate your dog visually with ease.
For even more pet accuracy and insight the tracker also gives you helpful insights into your pet’s health. It lets you track their: activity levels, calories burnt, distance walked and overall activity levels. It even keeps an eye on their sleep and grooming behavior. You also have access to remote vet guidance via the app, as well as monthly health reports to help you keep your pet in the best possible shape.
Why We Like It:
- Advanced real-time GPS tracking
- Extra health and habit tracking
- 20 day battery
- Handy night light for locating your pet in the dark
What We Don’t Like:
- Updating location can take a while in low signal areas
- As long as a pet is connected to WIFI it is deemed in the ‘safe zone’ which can be problematic
Fitbark 2 Dog Activity Monitor
Ideal for Linking to Your Human Health Tracker
Whether you are trying to restrict your furry friend’s movement or want to manage his activities, the Fitbark 2 Dog Activity Monitor can help you. This dog GPS tracker comes in a lovely rugged and waterproof design. It does exceptional work at helping you track and monitor your dog’s whereabouts.
Weighing just 0.32 ounces, this tracking device is astonishingly lightweight and won’t add any unnecessary weight to your pet. By using the tracker through your Android or iOS device, you will be able to track your pet’s activity levels, calories burned, quality of sleep, and overall health.
Dog parents also love the fact that it monitors the distance traveled as well as changes in mobility. Not only that, it is also able to monitor your dog’s stress and anxiety levels. You also have the option to follow the FitBit nightly sleep score in order to catch the early signs of skin conditions like flea allergies, atopic dermatitis, and hot spots.
A great and unique feature of the Fitbark 2 tracker is its compatibility with the Fitbit fitness monitoring technology. This means that you can easily monitor your fitness progress and that of your dog jointly. The tracker has an impressive battery life which can last up to 6 months.
Why We Like It:
- Activity monitoring can be done through Android and iOS devices
- Integrates well with the Fitbit system
- Comes with a waterproof and rugged construction
What We Don’t Like:
- There were some complaints about the tracker not syncing with their phones
Garmin T5 GPS Dog Collar
A Reliable Tracking System with Improved Tracking Ability
The T5 GPS dog collar by Garmin is one of the trusted GPS trackers by pet owners. This is probably because Garmin is a reliable and well-recognized brand. Not only does this tracker use GPS technology, but it also utilizes GLONASS, a Russian version of the GPS.
This improves the ability of the GPS device to track the location of your dog. Besides, it is highly sensitive and comes with 2 types of antenna that ensure a 9-mile radius coverage for tracking. Another serious functionality is its LED beacon lights and rescue mode.
With an 11 ATM water rating, you will be at peace when your canine companion jumps into the water. It also has a 20 to 40-hour battery life.
Why We Like It:
- Comes with both GPS and GLONASS systems
- It is an advanced tracking system that doesn’t require monthly subscriptions
- Effectively tracks dogs within a 9-mile range
What We Don’t Like:
- Quite expensive
PetFon Pet GPS Tracker
Effective GPS With No Monthly Fee
The PetFon pet GPS is designed to help you keep an eye on your pets wearabouts with up to 3.5 miles open environment range, and 0.65 urban area range. It’s handy for pets known to go missing, or for owners who simply want that extra peace of mind that if pooch does go missing, there’s a way to find them easily.
The tech behind the product is hefty. The rainproof (but not swimproof) device uses GPS, WIFI, Bluetooth and long distance wireless tech to give you real-time data on your pet’s location. In addition, it has a Rada search feature to give you information on the direction a lost dog has travelled. In addition, you can also use GEOFENCING, alerts, customizable voice command and strobe lights for extra tracking and easy pet locating.
Owners will love that the 8-16-hour battery of the device has a rechargeable charging station that charges the trackers multiple times – perfect for camping trips. As if that wasn’t enough, the product also requires no monthly subscription for use, which is great news if you want to keep costs to a minimum.
Why We Like It:
- Exceptional location tracking technology
- Handy extras like strobe lighting and customizable voice command
- Long battery life and compact charging station
- Easy-to-use app & no subscription costs
What We Don’t Like:
- Mostly suited to walks only and not home use
- Attaching and detaching from collar can be tricky
Link AKC Smart Dog Collar with GPS Tracker
A Stylishly Effective Choice for a Tracker
If you’re looking for a stylish yet functional dog GPS tracker, then you should consider the Link ACK smart collar which comes with unique features to keep an eye on your dog’s daily activities. One of the best parts is that you can choose between a classic leather collar and a sports collar that comes in small, medium, large, XL, and XS sizes.
The product also has unique features that let you receive temperature alerts as well as adventure sharing and vet record storage. If you and your pup go on a night walk, you can turn on the LED light or sound feature to help with his training.
You will love the charging base station and cord to keep your phone fully charged. Moreover, the device is waterproof and works well with iOS & Android phones.
Why We Like It:
- Lets you log records of vet visits as well as set health reminders
- The sound training feature can help in training your dog
- Comes with temperature alerts that let you know if your puppy is in a hot or cold environment
What We Don’t Like:
- May not be accurate in monitoring your puppy’s physical activity
Tractive LTE GPS Dog Tracker
The Perfect Budget-Friendly Pet Tracker For Pets Who Travel
The Tractive LTE GPS tracker is the perfect product for pets and owners who like to go on adventures together, both locally and abroad. It’s handy for backyard use and long-distance activities, making it extremely versatile and effective for even the most well-travelled pooches.
The technology uses real-time tracking so you can see where your pet is at any one time. This can be used on walks, at home, or even whilst travelling further afield as it works in over 150 countries worldwide. You simply attach the 100% waterproof tracker to your pet’s collar, and connect it to the iOS or Android app, or just a web browser and you can enjoy the many features available. The battery also lasts around 2-5 days and takes just 2 hours to charge, which is really convenient.
As well as tracking your pet’s location, you can also set up a safe zone at home where if the pet leaves that proximity, you will get an alert. You can also track your pet’s health and activity as it has an integrated fitness tracker. This can help you to support your pet’s health even more, preventing common diseases caused by inactivity, keeping them by your side for longer, for many more adventures together.
Why We Like It:
- GPS works locally and in over 150 different countries
- Real-time accurate tracking
- Virtual fence alert system
- Activity monitoring and fitness tracker
What We Don’t Like:
- 1 year subscription has to be paid upfront
- Signal connection can be unreliable
Garmin Alpha 100 TT 15 Dog GPS Bundle
The Perfect Collar for Sporty Dogs
Another quality product from Garmin, this one is a nifty dog collar which comes with both GPS and GLONASS. It operates optimally in the field and is an excellent choice if your dog loves spending most of his time outside. The package features a Garmin Alpha 100 handheld, rechargeable Lithium-ion pack, and split adapter.
It also comes with a collar that is implanted with 18 training levels. Better yet, as a dog training collar, it can track and train up to 20 dogs. Its safety features include beacon lights, rescue mode, and stimulation levels.
Why We Like It:
- Comes with zooming capabilities that ensure easy navigation
- Can also be used as a bark collar to train your dog’s barking behavior
- High-quality GPS tracking device and comes with 100 maps of the US
What We Don’t Like:
- Radio communication only works in the US
The Paw Tracker
A Quirky and Lightweight Tracking Device
As the name suggests, the Paw Tracker is designed like a paw. If you are looking for a small and light tracking device that comes with a mobile app, then the Paw tracker is ideal for you. This way, you can locate your dog’s location and monitor his activity with ease.
The paw tracker uses 2G technology, cellular technology, and WiFi to let you you’re your pet’s location. It includes the geofence feature and alerts you when your canine friend leaves the safe area.
Why We Like It:
- Provides a historical route of where your dog has traveled in the last 24 hours
- Flashing LED lights to help you find your pet in the dark
What We Don’t Like:
- It includes a membership fee of $9.95/month for cellular data service
Tracki Mini Real time GPS Tracker
Reliable Compact Tracker With Worldwide Coverage
If you’re looking for a dog tracker from a company with true GPS expertise, this could be the product for you. Tracki are known for their exceptional GPS trackers which beat many others in various specification categories.
With a pet location update every 5 seconds and manual app ping the device has a SIM that works worldwide and tracks your pet indoors and outdoors using technology used by a leading phone network. In addition to the multiple technology types for tracking your pet, and a 5 year routes history capability there are also multiple useful app features, GEOFENCING options and exceptional battery life, particularly without real-time tracking.
Owners will appreciate the many different features the tracker has whilst pets will love the fact the device is light and small, boosting comfort levels.
Overall it is unlikely you will find another company like Tracki with as much experience in GPS tracking, which gives you great peace of mind when it comes to keeping your dog safe.
Why We Like It:
- Exceptional GPS tracking and technology
- Multiple app features
- 30% smaller and lighter than other trackers
- Excellent replaceable battery life, especially without real-time tracking
What We Don’t Like:
- Monthly service plan could be considered quite high cost
- Battery drains quickly with real-time tracking
FAQs
Q: How do I attach a dog tracker?
A: GPS dog trackers are attached in a variety of ways depending on how they are designed by the manufacturer. However, most trackers are designed to be attached to the collar. While some come with their respective collars, others are standalone devices that can be fitted into other collars.
Q: Is a GPS dog collar necessary if my dog is microchipped?
A: Microchips are embedded under your dog’s skin and contain important information about him that can be read using an RFID device. However, it won’t tell you his location. Therefore, even if your dog is already microchipped, you still need a GPS device in order to know his exact location and monitor his activity.
Q: Are GPS trackers safe for dogs?
A: Wearing a GPS tracker for dogs is just like you wearing a Fitbit or smartwatch. A lot of pet owners find it useful in keeping their canine friend from getting lost.
Final Thoughts
As the technology of dog GPS trackers continues to evolve, more pet owners are embracing the idea of keeping tabs on their fluffy friends. We hope that you find this article handy in making an informed buying decision regarding the best dog GPS tracker. Remember to always pay attention to important features like accuracy, geo-fencing, battery life, waterproof signal range, and many more.