The 8 best pet GPS Device?
If your dog is a master escapee, hasn't mastered the art of walking on a leash, or has regular visits from a dog walker or pet sitter, you know how important it is to know where your dog is. times. No matter where you (or your dog) are, using a dog GPS collar tracker can leave you high and dry in all of these situations.
Not all trackers are created equal - there are many options on the market. Some rely on cellular service to locate your dog, while others use GPS, radio frequency (RF) technology, or even Bluetooth. Each type of tracker has pros and cons, and we've included examples of several different styles in the list. What works best for you will depend greatly on where you live, how good the cellular service is in your area, and how far you want to be able to track your pet.
Best GPS Collar Devices for Dogs
We've gathered the best dog GPS collar trackers on the market and calculated the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision about the one that's right for you.
1. Whistle to explore
Using AT&T's wireless network and Google Maps, the Whistle GO Explore notifies you when your dog leaves a designated safe space and provides real-time location tracking. In addition to GPS monitoring, Whistle can be used to track your pet's physical activity goals as well as certain health behaviors - a feature we found very interesting and useful.
Advantages：
Includes a remotely activated built-in light and long-lasting battery that can run for up to 20 days on a single charge
Provides weekly health reports to monitor your pet's licking, scratching and sleeping
Can be set up so that multiple owners receive alerts
Relatively small device is compatible with a variety of dog collars
Disadvantages：
Requires monthly or annual subscription plan
Areas with poor cell service may see limited utility
The Tractive GPS LTE is a lightweight, waterproof pet tracker designed for dogs over 8 pounds. It provides GPS tracking in over 150 countries via iOS and Android apps or browsers and relies on multiple cellular networks for full coverage.
Pet parents can set a designated "safe zone" and receive real-time notifications when their pet enters or leaves that area. The basic subscription provides real-time tracking to quickly locate lost pets, while the premium subscription lets you share your pet's data with your family and view 365 days of location history.
Advantages:
100% waterproof device with sleek design that fits snugly on the collar (available in multiple color options)
No range restrictions; works in over 150 countries and utilizes multiple cellular networks and GPS satellites
Provides real-time tracking and location history
App is easy to configure and use
Pet parents can receive alerts if their pet enters or leaves a specific location
Disadvantages:
Requires a monthly subscription plan (although it is more affordable than many competitors)
Tracking capabilities may vary in areas with poor cell service
Battery life lasts 8-10 days before needing to be recharged
This GPS tracking device is designed to meet a variety of tracking needs, from children to pets. Lightweight and durable, it's the right size to clip onto your dog's collar for everyday play. Use features like real-time mode and custom geo-fencing to track your pup via smartphone. Plus, you can upgrade for more advanced features such as longer timelines of your pet's location history.
Advantages:
Operates on 5G-compatible networks, providing better coverage than many cellular-based trackers for rural areas
Return policy allows you to test the product and return it for a refund if it doesn't fit your area (but be sure to read the fine print)
Battery life up to 10 days (depending on frequency of use)
Waterproof
Disadvantages:
Requires a monthly subscription plan
Premium features require in-app purchase, such as extended timeline tracking
Tracker and collar in one! Available in multiple sizes and colors, this collar is rugged - it can withstand up to 300 pounds of pulling power and is waterproof to 1.5 meters of water. It uses the AT&T LTE-M network to send your puppy's location to an app on your phone, then updates every two minutes when you go into "lost dog mode". For added security, the tracker has a nighttime remote control LED light that tracks sleep and activity.
Advantages:
Battery life adjusts to Fi's mode; up to three months on a single charge when regularly connected to a home Wi-Fi network
Geo-fence detection allows you to receive alerts when your dog leaves a designated safe area
App lets you track your pup's steps for fun and participate in community fitness competitions
Available in adjustable sizes, colors and styles with martingale, leather and biothane straps
Waterproof
LED light is perfect for low-visibility outdoor time, such as night walks in the city
Disadvantages:
Reliability depends on AT&T network coverage and varies by location compared to other trackers
Requires at least a 1-year subscription to access features, but a 30-day free trial lets you test the service
For users in areas covered by the 4G Verizon LTE-M network, this FitBark GPS dog tracker not only monitors your pet's whereabouts, but also tracks health-related issues such as your dog's sleep quality, calories burned and skin condition.
Advantages:
The tracker is lightweight and waterproof, and is compatible with any flat collar up to 1.5 inches wide
Battery life typically lasts 10 to 20 days
The app allows you to add multiple pet parents so that you, your family and your sitter can all track your dog as needed
Receive alerts when your dog leaves a designated secure area (Wi-Fi network)
Lightweight (17 grams) and waterproof
Disadvantages:
Requires monthly subscription plan
Areas with poor neighborhood service may see limited utility
6. Garmin T5 GPS Dog Collar
Garmin devices are popular among people who hunt with dogs - and for good reason. This Garmin dog GPS tracker is built into the collar, which is equipped with an antenna to help you find your pup up to 9 miles away. It doesn't rely on cellular networks, Wi-Fi or mobile apps, which makes it one of the best options for those in their area who can't rely on cellular service or the Internet.
The price is correspondingly high, as you'll need to purchase a handheld tracker in addition to the collar - but pet parents with several dogs to track may find it more economical, as one handheld device can track multiple collars. The relatively short battery life means you can't clip it on and forget about it - but if you need a rugged option for hiking, hunting, or long walks in the wilderness, the Garmin GPS Collar is unbeatable.
Advantages:
Has a 9-mile range, so it's a good choice for rural areas and places with poor cell service
Doesn't require a smartphone or app, or even internet
No monthly subscription fees
Built-in LED lights provide additional visibility
Disadvantages:
You must purchase a separate Garmin transmission unit to make the collar work, making it an expensive option
Short battery life, ranging from 20 to 40 hours
Minimum neck size is 9.5 inches, so may not work with some toy breeds
For accurate real-time tracking, check out Petfon's newest model, the Petfon 2. With a 15% increase in tracking distance and a 10-second faster initial location time, this device is a major upgrade from the previous version.Petfon allows users to view their pet's activity and determine its location through an easy-to-use app. You can also record voice commands to communicate with your dog remotely. Tracking range is up to 0.65 miles for dense urban areas and up to 3.5 miles for open spaces.
Advantages:
No monthly service fees
Self-activating colored lights make it easier to spot your dog at night
Unique Rada search feature shows you where your lost dog is moving
Lightweight and durable
Customized geo-fencing lets you create a safe zone for your dog and alerts you if he decides to go rogue
Disadvantages:
Not suitable for swimming: while the device is rainproof, it can't withstand full submersion
You need to carry the Bluetooth controller with you
Battery life lasts only 8-16 hours
On the more expensive side
The Cube GPS Tracker is compatible with any smartphone that relies on Verizon's network. It attaches to your dog's collar and includes an SOS button, geo-fencing alerts, and the ability to remotely ring if you find your pet. The low battery alert is an especially nice touch.
Advantages:
Works nationwide outside of the Verizon network
Battery lasts 10 to 30 days (depending on usage)
Comes with a one-year warranty
Ability to make your tracker ring (for pets living in dense trees or low-visibility terrain)
Disadvantages:
Requires annual or monthly subscription
Areas with poor cell service may see limited utility
