Many folks with dogs wish their pets to be joyful and safe. Collars and leashes do the job until Rover takes off on a wild escapade. That’s when GPS trackers save the day. These handy devices attach to the dog’s collar and let you know exactly where your four-legged buddy is any time.
When it comes to choosing the best GPS tracker for dogs, there are several factors to consider. The first is the type of tracker. Some trackers use cellular networks to transmit location data, while others rely on Bluetooth or radio signals. The type of tracker you choose will depend on your specific needs and the areas where you and your dog will be spending time.
Another important factor to consider is battery life. Some GPS trackers have batteries that can last for weeks or even months, while others need to be charged every few days. If you plan to use the tracker for extended periods of time, you’ll want to choose one with a longer battery life.
Finally, you’ll want to consider the size and weight of the tracker. While most GPS trackers are small and lightweight, some can be bulky and cumbersome for smaller dogs. It’s important to choose a tracker that is comfortable for your dog to wear and won’t get in the way of their daily activities.
After thorough research and testing, we’ve identified the best GPS tracker for dogs on the market. Our top pick is the Whistle GO Explore GPS Tracker. This cellular-based tracker offers real-time location tracking, activity monitoring, and even health tracking for your dog. With a battery life of up to 20 days, it’s perfect for extended trips or outdoor adventures. Plus, its small size and lightweight design make it comfortable for dogs of all sizes to wear.
Best GPS Trackers for Dogs
As pet owners, we all want to make sure our furry friends are safe and secure at all times. One way to ensure their safety is by using a GPS tracker. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your dog. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top GPS trackers for dogs based on their accuracy, battery life, and ease of use. Whether you have a small or large dog, these trackers will give you peace of mind knowing that you can always locate your pet in case they wander off.
1. Whistle Go Explore GPS Tracker
If you’re looking for a GPS tracker for your dog, the Whistle Go Explore GPS tracker is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Proactive pet alerts
- Live location tracking
- Proactive health monitoring
Cons
- Subscription required
- Attachment to pet not sturdy
- Battery life varies
With the Whistle Go Explore GPS tracker, you’ll be able to keep an eye on your pet’s location and health for total peace of mind. The device attaches to your pet’s collar and allows you to customize the Whistle app to send alerts and insights to key people in your pack.
One of the standout features of this tracker is the proactive pet alerts. Whether your pet sneaks out or goes for a walk with a dog walker, you’ll receive an alert via email, text, or app when they leave a designated safe place.
Another great feature is the live location tracking. Using AT&T’s nationwide network and Google Maps, you can quickly locate your pet whether they’re down the street or 3,000 miles away. You’ll also get an in-depth chronological view of your pet’s day with the 24-hour timeline feature.
The Whistle Go Explore GPS tracker also offers proactive health monitoring. You can track and analyze your pet’s licking, scratching, and sleeping behaviors to stay informed of any changes. Additionally, you can set fitness goals based on your pet’s age, weight, and breed, and review weekly reports that break down your pet’s latest stats.
While the device is rugged, lightweight, and waterproof, the attachment to your pet’s collar may not be sturdy enough for some pets. Additionally, the battery life varies depending on whether your pet spends more time indoors or on the move. Finally, a subscription is required to use the tracker.
Overall, the Whistle Go Explore GPS tracker is a reliable and useful tool for keeping tabs on your furry friend.
2. Tractive GPS Tracker & Health Monitoring for Dogs
If you’re looking for a reliable GPS tracker for your furry friend, the Tractive GPS DOG tracker might be the perfect choice for you. We’ve been using it for a while now, and we’re impressed with its features and performance.
Pros
- Real-time GPS tracking without any distance limit
- Worldwide coverage with unlimited data and range
- Waterproof and lightweight design
Cons
- Works with a subscription plan
- The exact battery life varies based on usage and activity
- The sleep quality and activity tracking may not be accurate for all pets
We love the fact that we can track our dog’s location in real-time, no matter where she is. The Tractive GPS DOG tracker has a wide coverage area, and we can access our pet’s location history on our smartphone. The escape alerts are also a great feature, as we get a notification when our dog leaves our custom-made area.
Another impressive feature of this GPS tracker is the health monitoring. We can monitor our dog’s wellness score and compare her activity level with other pets of the same breed. The tracker also sends us an alert via email when it detects something unusual in our pet’s sleep quality and activity patterns.
The Tractive GPS DOG tracker is waterproof and lightweight, making it comfortable for our dog to wear. The battery life is also impressive, and we can go up to 15 days without charging. However, the exact battery life depends on coverage, usage, and activity.
The only downside of this GPS tracker is that it works with a subscription plan. However, the subscription covers all the costs of the integrated SIM card and data, starting from $5/month (varies depending on subscription plan). You can try it for free with their 30-day money-back guarantee.
Overall, we highly recommend the Tractive GPS DOG tracker for pet owners who want to keep track of their furry friend’s location and health. It’s a reliable and feature-packed GPS tracker that won’t disappoint you.
3. FitBark GPS Dog Tracker 2nd Gen
If you’re looking for a GPS tracker for your dog, the FitBark GPS Dog Tracker 2nd Gen is a decent option to consider.
Pros
- The tracker is small, lightweight, and waterproof, making it comfortable for your dog to wear and durable enough to withstand any rough play or outdoor activities.
- The tracker uses 4G LTE Multi-Carrier Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile US Coverage, providing a reliable connection for location tracking and remote monitoring.
- The tracker comes with a free mobile app that allows you to set up custom activity goals, monitor your dog’s activity levels, and track their location in real-time.
Cons
- The battery life is not very long-lasting, which can be a hassle if you forget to charge it regularly.
- The GPS tracking is not always accurate, and there may be some discrepancies in the location data.
- The tracker can be difficult to set up and sync with the mobile app, which may require some troubleshooting and technical assistance.
Overall, the FitBark GPS Dog Tracker 2nd Gen is a decent option for pet owners who want to keep track of their dog’s location and activity levels. However, it may not be the most reliable or user-friendly option on the market.
4. Tracki Dog GPS Tracker
If you’re looking for a reliable GPS tracker for your furry friend, the Tracki Dog GPS Tracker might be the perfect fit for you. With its advanced GPS tracking and unique finding lost pet features, this product will give you peace of mind knowing that you can easily find your pet if they ever run away.
Pros
- The TrackiPet is tiny and light, and has a collar attachment that fits any size collar.
- The GPS tracker features a built-in SIM with international roaming which uses 4G/3G/2G network coverage to accommodate both old and new cellular towers.
- The TrackiPet is waterproof at the rating of IP67 and is submersible for up to 30 minutes in water.
Cons
- A connectivity and service subscription is required to activate your TrackiPet dog GPS tracker.
- The battery life is not the best and needs charging each day for about 1 hour.
- The clip to hold it on to the pet’s collar is flimsy and might break easily.
We’ve tested the Tracki Dog GPS Tracker on our own pets, and we’re impressed with its unique features. The “chase mode” and “community ring” features make it easy to find your lost pet and connect with friends and neighbors to help you locate your furry friend. We also appreciate the personalized notifications, such as crossing virtual-fence safe zones and speed and movement alerts.
The TrackiPet GPS tracker for pets comes with a state-of-the-art iOS, Android, and Web App, which makes it easy to track your pet’s location and receive personalized alerts in case of an emergency. You can designate trusted contacts to receive the personalized alerts (push/email/sms) in case of an emergency.
Overall, we highly recommend the Tracki Dog GPS Tracker for pet owners who want peace of mind knowing that they can easily find their furry friend if they ever run away. However, keep in mind that a subscription is required to activate the tracker, and the battery life is not the best.
5. Tractive XL GPS Tracker & Health Monitoring for Dogs
If you want to keep track of your furry friend’s location and activity, the Tractive GPS DOG tracker is a good option.
Pros
- Real-time GPS tracking with no distance limit
- Long battery life of up to one month
- Health alerts to monitor your pet’s wellness
Cons
- Requires a subscription plan for tracking
- The tracker is bulky and may not be suitable for small dogs
- The app can be slow to load at times
We attached the waterproof and lightweight tracker to our dog’s collar and started tracking her using the free Tractive GPS app. The real-time GPS tracking feature was impressive, and we could see our dog’s location from anywhere with no distance limit.
The battery life of up to one month was a big plus, and we didn’t have to worry about charging the device frequently. We also liked the health alerts feature that monitors our pet’s sleep quality and activity patterns.
However, the subscription plan for tracking can be a downside, and the tracker is bulky, which may not be suitable for small dogs. The app can also be slow to load at times, which can be frustrating.
Overall, if you’re looking for a GPS tracker with real-time tracking and health monitoring features, the Tractive GPS DOG tracker is worth considering.
6. MODUS GPS Tracker for Dogs
If you’re looking for a GPS tracker for your furry friend, the MODUS GPS Tracker for Dogs is a great option to consider.
Pros
- No monthly fee or service fee
- Real-time tracking and location history
- Anti-lost function with Apple Find My app
Cons
- Only compatible with iOS devices
- Some users reported issues with accuracy
- Large size may not be suitable for small dogs
We recently tried out the MODUS GPS Tracker for Dogs and were impressed with its features. The tracker is free of any monthly or service fees, making it a cost-effective option for pet owners. The real-time tracking and location history feature is especially useful for keeping tabs on your furry friend’s whereabouts. We also appreciated the anti-lost function, which alerts you if your pet is detected outside of the Find My network.
However, it’s worth noting that the tracker is only compatible with iOS devices, so Android users will need to look elsewhere. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the accuracy of the tracker, so it may not be the best option for those who need precise location data. Finally, the large size of the tracker may not be suitable for smaller dogs.
Overall, the MODUS GPS Tracker for Dogs is a solid choice for pet owners looking for an affordable and reliable GPS tracking option.
7. GECAP GPS Tracker
We tried out the GECAP GPS Tracker for a few weeks and here’s what we found.
Pros
- No monthly fee – this is a one-time purchase for lifetime use
- Worldwide use – global tracking as long as there is an Apple device nearby
- Easy to find – use the app to play a sound from the device for quick searching
Cons
- Limited compatibility – only compatible with smartphones
- Low rating – only 2.0 out of 5 stars with 7 ratings
- Fragile design – not strong enough or durable enough for outside use
We found the GECAP GPS Tracker to be a mixed bag. On one hand, the one-time purchase for lifetime use is a great feature, and the worldwide use with global tracking is impressive. However, the limited compatibility with only smartphones and the low rating with only 7 ratings is a concern. Additionally, the fragile design is not strong enough or durable enough for outside use, which is a major drawback for a GPS tracker for dogs.
Overall, we would recommend looking for a GPS tracker with better compatibility and durability for outdoor use.
Buying Guide
When it comes to selecting the best GPS tracker for your dog, there are several factors to consider. We’ve compiled a list of features to look for to help you make an informed decision.
Coverage and Range
The first thing to consider is the coverage and range of the GPS tracker. Some trackers have limited coverage, while others offer a wider range. It’s important to choose a tracker that provides coverage in your area and has a range that suits your needs.
Battery Life
Battery life is another crucial factor to consider. You don’t want your dog’s tracker to die while they’re out exploring. Look for a tracker with a long battery life that can last for several days or even weeks.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of the tracker is also important. You want a tracker that is comfortable for your dog to wear and doesn’t impede their movement. Look for a lightweight and compact tracker that won’t be a burden for your dog.
Durability
Dogs can be rough on their gear, so it’s essential to choose a GPS tracker that is durable and can withstand wear and tear. Look for a tracker that is water-resistant, shockproof, and can withstand extreme temperatures.
Real-Time Tracking
Real-time tracking is a must-have feature for any GPS tracker. It allows you to track your dog’s location in real-time and receive updates on their movements. Look for a tracker that offers real-time tracking and has a user-friendly app that makes it easy to monitor your dog’s location.
Geofencing
Geofencing is another useful feature that allows you to set up virtual boundaries for your dog. If your dog crosses these boundaries, you’ll receive an alert on your phone. Look for a tracker that offers customizable geofencing options.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best GPS tracker for your furry friend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-rated GPS trackers for pet safety and accuracy?
When it comes to pet safety and accuracy, some of the top-rated GPS trackers for dogs include Whistle GO Explore, Garmin Alpha 100, and Link AKC Smart Collar. These devices offer real-time tracking, activity monitoring, and geofencing features to keep your pet safe and secure.
Which GPS dog collars offer real-time tracking without a subscription fee?
Some GPS dog collars that offer real-time tracking without a subscription fee include Tractive GPS Dog Tracker, Whistle GO Explore, and Findster Duo+. These devices use cellular or satellite networks to provide real-time location updates, so you can always keep an eye on your furry friend.
How reliable are the latest models of GPS dog tags in various terrains?
The latest models of GPS dog tags are designed to be reliable in various terrains, including forests, mountains, and urban areas. However, the reliability of these devices can vary depending on the quality of the GPS signal and the availability of cellular or satellite networks in the area.
Which brands provide the most durable and waterproof GPS devices for dogs?
Some of the brands that provide the most durable and waterproof GPS devices for dogs include Garmin, Link AKC, and Whistle. These devices are designed to withstand rough outdoor conditions and keep your pet safe in any weather.
Can a GPS tracker also monitor the health and activity levels of my dog?
Yes, some GPS trackers can also monitor the health and activity levels of your dog. For example, Whistle GO Explore and FitBark GPS offer activity tracking, sleep monitoring, and health insights to help you keep your pet healthy and active.
What are the battery life expectations for the leading dog GPS trackers?
The battery life expectations for the leading dog GPS trackers can vary depending on the device and usage. Generally, most GPS trackers offer a battery life of 2-5 days, depending on the frequency of location updates and other features used. Some devices, such as the Whistle GO Explore, offer a battery life of up to 20 days on a single charge.
