21 Best GPS Trackers for Dogs (Reviews Updated 2022)

Best Dog GPS Trackers

 

 

 

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5. Link AKC Smart Dog Collar with GPS Tracker & Activity Monitor

 

6. PetFon Pet GPS Tracker

The PetFon Pet GPS Tracker provides easy to use, real time GPS tracking that does not rely on cellular signal to operate. The durable, waterproof tracker has a battery that will last up to 16 hours, and can be recharged multiple time by the included compact charging station. It features a companion app for easy setup, tracking, and activity history.

• Though not required for use, it can utilize WiFi, bluetooth, and wireless technologies, in order to provide increased tracking accuracy.
• For tracking in low light or night conditions, colorful lights on the unit can be activated.
• The tracking unit can also record and store voice commands to facilitate long range communication.

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9. Whistle Go/Health & Location Tracker for Pets

The Whistle Go/Health & Location Tracker for Pets provides nationwide pinpoint location tracking, via the AT&T 3G cellular network. The SMART GPS unit can provide alerts via text, app, or email, if your dog leaves the fenced area. WiFi is needed for the initial setup, and a monthly or yearly plan with AT&T is required to maintain the connection to their network.

• Durable, waterproof construction allows your dog to get wet, and even swim, while wearing the tracker.
• Activity monitoring includes customized health insights for your dog based on their weight, breed, and age.
• Powered by Google Maps and AT&T, the tracker can be attached to any collar or harness up to 1 inch wide.

10. Findster Duo+ Pet Tracker

The Findster Duo+ Pet Tracker provides GPS tracking without needing a SIM card or cellular signal coverage. A safe area can be defined around your normal walking route, and the tracker will provide immediate notification if the pet leaves the geo-fence. As it offers true real-time GPS tracking, it can be used as a pet activity monitor.

• With GPS tracking on constantly, the battery will last up to 12 hours, though GPS tracking can be turned off when not needed, extending battery life up to several days.
• In open areas, it is capable of tracking your dog up to 3 miles or more, while being able to track up to 0.5 miles in dense, urban areas.
• The tracker is optimized for extended pet tracking while on walks or hiking, not long range monitoring.

11. Tractive 3G GPS Dog Tracker

The Tractive 3G GPS Dog Tracker is usable in over 150 countries, on any 3G network. It has an integrated SIM card and can be activated with plans that start at $4.99, with other plans that vary depending on your needs. It allows for geofencing an area, instant notification if a pet leaves that area, and full location history when you need it.

• All features and tracking can be accessed via the Tractive GPS app, or any internet browser.
• IPX7 waterproofing and shock-resistance allow for tracking in any conditions.
• High-capacity battery can be fully charged in only 2 hours, and will last up to 5 days.

12. Tracki 2019 Model Mini Real time GPS Tracker

The Tracki 2019 Model Mini Real time GPS Tracker works in USA, Canada, and 185 other countries. It uses 3G networks, along with GPS, GSM, WiFi, and Bluetooth, to track and locate anything to within a resolution of 10-60 feet. The tracker is easily attached to any dog’s collar.

• Provides an emergency SOS button to notify loved ones of potential issues and begins transmitting your live location.
• Easily utilize route playback to follow past routes and full location info.
• Tracki companion app is fully customizable and easy to use, allowing tracking of up to 50 unique devices.

13. goTele GPS Tracker

The goTele GPS Tracker provides real-time tracking, SOS capabilities, and centerpoint-style geo-fencing. It uses GPS exclusively, so it still functions without cell signal or WiFi. Compatible with Android and iOS, and needs both included units to track properly.

• Stays connected to companion device over a distance of 3-5 km in open areas, and 1-3 km in urban areas.
• Supports real-time tracking, offline maps, messaging, and SOS beacon functionality.
• Tracking units are waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof.

14. BARTUN Pet GPS Tracker

The BARTUN Pet GPS Tracker uses existing GPS+LBS services combined with the 2G Speedtalk network. The tracker comes with adjustable neck and leg collars. The app supports target monitoring via SMS, app, and internet.

• SIM card has two service options, US service for $4 per month, and International service for 9$ a month.
• Small enough to use with cats, though rugged enough to survive the most active dogs.
• IP65 provides water resistance but it is not submersible.

15. DICPHIL Mini GPS Tracker

The DICPHIL Mini GPS Tracker is a tiny GPS capable tracking unit, that can be attached to your dog’s collar. It requires a 2G cellular network to function properly, the manufacturer recommends Speedtalk. The high-capacity battery can last 12 days on standby, and 4-6 days of working time. Location history is available for 3 months, and allows full playback of all routes in that time.

• Unit has an intelligent anti-theft and anti-tampering alarm, that will send a notification alarm when it is forcibly removed.
• Tracker has a long lasting 600mAh battery that can provide up to 12 days of standby operation, and 4-6 days of normal use.
• Capability of creating a geo-fence, and sending SOS beacon in emergency situations.

16. BLACK+DECKER Smart Dog Collar

The BLACK+DECKER Smart Dog Collar allows you to create customized geo-fenced areas. It provides GPS tracking using 2G cellular networks and allows 2-way audio communication with your dog. Water-resistant up to 3 feet, the tracking collar can be sized from 15 to 21 inches to fit most dogs.

• Features an OLED virtual dog tag display, which can be configured to show your dog’s name and your contact information, along with a customized message for special circumstances.
• Two way audio communication allows you to speak to your dog, and hear them respond, easing anxiety.
• Utilizes a companion app for creating safety zones around your yard or local park, and notifications of the dog leaving these zones.

17. GIBI 2nd Gen Pet GPS Tracker

The GIBI 2nd Gen Pet GPS Tracker is a small, lightweight, and waterproof dog tracking collar. You create the safe zoes, in any size polygon, and the Gibi service monitors the dog’s location and alerts you if they stray from their safe zones. Monitoring your dog can also be done with the free companion app and Google Maps.

• Companion app allows polygonal safe zone creation, monitoring, and alerting when zone is breached.
• Tracker is rated IP67 waterproof, and contains a high-capacity battery that alerts of low charge in enough time to recharge before losing functionality.
• Purchase requires Gibi account registration and subscription for $9.99 per month or $99 per year.

18. Smart Waterproof Mini Pet GPS Tracking

The Smart Waterproof Mini Pet GPS Tracking is a lightweight GPS tracker that is easily attached to your dog’s collar. The rechargeable battery can last up to 3 days in standby mode. It relies on a 2G cellular network to relay the GPS information.

• Real-time position tracking, with historical route storage.
• Free companion app is compatible with Android, iOS, and PC.
• GSM Quad Band with voice listening capability.

19. Talis-us Pet GPS Tracker

The Talis-us Pet GPS Tracker does not require any monthly fees or subscription services. Real time tracking utilizes GPS, WiFi, and cellular technology, to provide optimized and accurate location tracking. It is also capable of monitoring and providing data on pet fitness, activity levels, sleep quality, and calorie consumption.

• Long-lasting battery can power the tracker for 12 hours with the GPS always on, can be extended to several days by turning off GPS while not in use.
• Free companion app is compatible with Android, iOS, or Windows devices.
• Tracking will cover approximately 3 miles in ideal open areas, but will still provide approximately 0.5 mile coverage in dense, urban areas.

20. Dogtra Pathfinder TRX 9-Mile 21-Dog Expandable Waterproof Smartphone GPS-Only Tracking Collar

The Dogtra Pathfinder TRX 9-Mile 21-Dog Expandable Waterproof Smartphone GPS-Only Tracking Collar is a great way to track either one dog, or multiple dogs, in areas that do not get cellular signal. It is able to be used in conjunction with Google Maps in any view you like, to track dogs up to 9 miles away. It is approved by AKC and UKC for their events, as it does not give any correction or stimulation.

• Tracking collar is ideal for dogs 35 pounds or larger.
• Pathfinder app gives great live action detail and accuracy, and offers the capability to define custom geo-fenced areas, alerts, and offline map usage.
• Comes with everything needed to successfully track your dog, no extra navigation packages or subscriptions to purchase.

21. TKSTAR Mini Dog GPS Tracker

The TKSTAR Mini Dog GPS Tracker offers SMS based GPS tracking in a mini-sized tracker. With a combination of GPS, WiFi, and LBS to ensure highly accurate location tracking. Easy setup consists of setting a geo-fence, and letting the tracker alert you when it is breached, after that, a simple SMS message to the tracker will send a reply with a Google Maps link to its location.

• Subscription service is $4.66 a month, with SIM card included with initial purchase.
• Three way location tracking can provide location resolution down to 5-10 meters.
• Tracking unit is constructed from ABS plastic and is rated IP65 water resistant.

Dog GPS Tracker Buying Guide

You have to look at lots of different things when it comes to buying a dog GPS tracker. You have to decide whether you simply want something that will track your pet or whether you want more advanced features like dog activity monitoring and lots of information that you can use to determine how healthy your dog is whether he or she is getting enough exercise. You also need to figure out the distance that you want to track your dog, and whether you need a tracker that works just a few miles around your monitoring device, or whether you need to track your dog anywhere in the country or world.

When your dog consistently gets too hot, you can solve the problem with cooling pads for dogs or cooling vests for dogs. When your dog doesn’t get enough activity, you can compensate with an automatic fetch machine or dog activity monitors to find out where the problem is. But what if your dog is an escape artist and gets out all the time? That’s exactly where a GPS tracker can come in.

In addition, there are other factors to keep in mind as well. You want something that is going to be totally accurate and allow you to find your dog if he or she escapes without any guesswork. You also want the right size that is going to fit on your dog’s collar without being obtrusive, gives you the right notifications, allow you to set up the zones that you want and is durable and water resistant so that if it rains, you aren’t going to have to replace your dog GPS monitor. Let’s look at each of these factors in detail below.

Benefits of Dog GPS Trackers

There are lots of benefits that come with having a GPS tracker. Of course, the benefits that you get will depend wholly upon what kind of features your particular GPS tracker offers, but as far as the GPS tracker itself, it offers you peace of mind knowing that you will be able to track down your dog anywhere if he or she escapes. Some dogs run off occasionally, getting out through the fence or by someone accidentally leaving the dog gate open, and some people that have expensive breeds with high pedigrees have to actually worry about their dog getting stolen. In cases like these, it is extremely beneficial to have a GPS tracker attached to your dog so that you can figure out exactly where they went simply by the logging into your smartphone.

A GPS tracker definitely has benefits for certain types of activities or lifestyles. For people that own large tracts of land, having a GPS tracker on your dog is almost a prerequisite. Since they are running all over the place, you have to be able to know where they are and keep tabs on them in case anything happens. But GPS trackers are also perfect for those who take their dogs on hikes with them or who go out on hunting trips into the woods. Knowing where your dog is at all times can give you incredible peace of mind and alert you quickly to a situation that you can resolve.

GPS trackers are also great for families that have dogs that are extremely energetic or who bolt through the fence at first opportunity. There are some dogs out there that are known for their speed, giving you no chance whatsoever to catch them. There are also dogs out there that crave adventure, and sometimes that means exploring what lies beyond your electric fence. If someone accidentally leaves the gate open, or if you take your dog for a walk and have a loose hold on the leash at the wrong time, it could take you hours or even weeks to find your dog again. After all, that’s why people put up missing pet posters. But with a GPS tracker, you can know exactly where your dog is and find them before someone takes them home or the dog catcher shows up.

Some pets are also escape artists. If your dog has a history of digging a hole to get underneath the fence, wriggling out through a weak spot or finding other ways to escape the yard, then a GPS tracker can ensure that you are alerted immediately when they escape and you can track them down quickly.

How GPS Trackers for Dogs Work

Understanding how dog GPS trackers work will give you a much better handle on how to choose the right one. A GPS tracker for dogs is a device that uses the same GPS technology that you have on your smartphone order to get around. It is a small gadget that amount on your dog’s collar – or actually is a canine collar – and it sends out signals, telling you the location of your dog as long as he or she is wearing the device through a variety of means that can include Wi-Fi, GPS, cellular signal or Bluetooth.

Through these methods, you can find out exactly where your dog is when you need to track him down. Often, GPS trackers for dogs incorporate other features as well, but the primary function is to show you how to find your dog in the event that you lose track of them. Most commonly, GPS trackers for dogs will work with some kind of application that you can download to your smartphone or device. How your device works specifically will depend upon included features, with some of them requiring a cellular plan in order to track your dog through your smartphone, and others using methods that do not require a monthly subscription fee.

Types of GPS Trackers Available

There are several types of GPS trackers available. However, there are two types that are the most common out there: radio pet trackers and GPS pet trackers. Both of these methods have their advantages and disadvantages, but keep in mind that they are not microchips. Sometimes, when you rescue a dog, they come with the microchip embedded under the skin so that if your dog gets lost, someone with the microchip reader can find out who the owner is and get them back to you. Some people think that this is the way that GPS trackers work, but in actuality there are vast differences.

Radio pet trackers work in a similar fashion as two-way radios like walkie-talkies. There is a radio transceiver that is attached to your dog’s collar and a handheld device for you. This is exactly the type of technology used in the Garmin device that is reviewed above. Transmitting radio signals from your handset will be received by the device and transmit information back to you. This allows you a great deal of control and you can use things like vibration and sound alerts in order to conduct training. However, these radio collars or radio collar attachment devices have the disadvantage of limited range. They still are viable for miles, but simply do not have the range of GPS trackers. However, for people who live in an area where cellular service is spotty, radio signals are the best way to equip your dog with a tracking device.

Speaking of GPS trackers, they have some major advantages as well. For one thing, GPS trackers can be used anywhere in the country – and sometimes anywhere in the world. They rely on satellites that are orbiting the earth. They provide a high level of precision and accuracy, and do not require a separate device in order to access the data. You can simply use your smartphone and login via an app in order to find out exactly where your dog is, where they have been and monitor all sorts of other things as well.

Choosing the Right Size

Choosing the right size is important. You have a couple of choices when it comes to dog GPS trackers. The first is a device that attaches onto your dog’s collar, sometimes much like a dog tag would but more commonly as a larger device that clamps on the side of the collar, or you have the option of getting a collar that already has GPS technology embedded into it. In either case, you want something that is going to fit your dog perfectly. When it comes to dog collars, you are often pretty restricted on what size you can get. While a standard dog collar may come in everything from extra small to extra extra-large, GPS embedded collars might only come in a couple different sizes.

However, you also need to be concerned about size when it comes to GPS devices that attach onto the collar. The wrong size not only means that your dog will be able to escape without you tracking him or her down, but it could also mean allowing for the GPS device to get destroyed. You can pretty much go as small as you want though, even if you have a large dog. As long as the device is able to fit on the collar securely and will not come off, you should be fine.

Other Factors to Consider

There are a few other things to consider when it comes to choosing the perfect dog GPS tracker. Let’s take a look at each of these things one by one so that you can know what to look for when you are shopping and be able to understand what is most important when it comes to choosing a location monitoring device for your dog.

Accuracy

How accurate your dog GPS tracker happens to be is a certainly a consideration. You want it to be as accurate as possible, but that will depend upon whether you are using radio or GPS to track your dog’s location. While there are some definite advantages of radio, it does have less accurate location tracking then other methods like GPS. GPS provides you with a location in real-time, and as your dog moves, the GPS market moves. But with radio, you may have to activate the device and ping it to get a location.

Accuracy is important when it comes to a GPS tracker, because you want to be able to find your dog when you use your device. If you are not able to track down your dog’s location and get him or her back into your car when they run off, then your GPS tracking device does very little good. However, this is probably not the most important feature, especially for some users. You will have to balance out the accuracy with some of the other features listed here and figure out what is most important for you.

Activity Tracking

Tracking your dog’s activity is not something that every GPS tracker on the market does. However, it is a common feature with many of them. You will have to decide for yourself whether or not this is something that you want include with your dog GPS tracker. You also have to decide how comprehensive you want the activity tracking to be. Dog activity monitoring is something that is useful to owners and vats, because it shows your dog’s behavior in a way that you normally do not get to see. You are able to determine if they are getting enough sleep, after sleep is the uninterrupted, as well as what they do when they are awake.

Some dog activity monitors that are combined with GPS units provide even more detail. For example, some dog activity monitors actually monitor your pet’s heart rate, blood pressure and alert you when there is a possible medical problem that you need to see your vet for. Some of them even store vet records in sync with your veterinarian software. The more fully featured and comprehensive your activity monitoring is, the more you’re going to pay for your dog GPS tracker. You will have to decide whether this is a priority consideration when it comes to choosing the right GPS unit. It can definitely be a useful feature though, and it saves you from having to get a separate activity monitor later. Two such devices attached to a collar will likely be uncomfortable.

Notifications & Alerts

The way in which you are notified when it comes to your dog leaving the safe zone is also important. For example, you can receive an alert via text message, an app notification, an email or some other method. This is something that you want to carefully consider because getting the right notification can mean the difference between getting your dog back sooner or finding him before he has run too far. The ideal situation would be to receive alerts in his many mediums as possible, but this is not always possible. You definitely want to check the alerts when it comes to buying a GPS system for your dog, because the more alerts that you can get, and as many mediums as possible, will mean more value for your money in a better GPS unit.

Durability & Weatherproofing

Making sure that your GPS tracker for dogs is durable and weatherproof is also something you need to worry about. When it comes to durability, remember that your dog will be wearing it around their neck throughout the day. You may have to take it off of their collar once in a while to recharge it, but for the most part, you want your dog to be wearing in 24-7. That means that it is going to have to be durable and made to last. But it is also got to be weatherproof. This is especially true when it comes to rain and snow. You wanted to be water resistant, or waterproof completely if at all possible. If your dog has the propensity to jump into a lake whenever you go near one, then you definitely have to worry about shorting out the GPS unit and should get one that is waterproofed completely.

Safe Zones

You also need to think about safety zones. Safety zones are the areas where you have set up places for your dog to play. As long as your dog is inside a safe zone, the GPS tracker will not alert you and let you know. However, when they pass over the boundaries of the safe zones, then you get notified. This is extremely helpful because you know exactly when your dog got out and can come home and look for him. However, you want to make sure that you get all of the safety zone features that you need, including alerts on which particular barrier was breached so you know which way your dog went and being able to set up multiple safe zones at once.

Dog GPS Tracker Review Conclusion

The bottom line is that there are a lot of things to keep in mind when it comes to getting a GPS tracker. You have to decide if you want to get an activity monitor at the same time that you get a GPS tracker, and how much you want to spend on one. You also need to make sure that has all of the features that you need, including support for multiple dogs if you happen to have any others; as well as additional pets. Getting the right dog GPS tracker can be challenging, but it is well worth it because when your dog gets out, being able to know exactly where to look for him or being able to track him in real time using your phone is a pretty amazing benefit.

Recommended Reading:

• Best GPS Dog Fence

Sources:

Whistle

Tractive

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