In case you are thinking about getting a dog tracker for keeping an eye on your dog at all times, you have come to the right place. Why? Read on.
This article will show you the 10 best dog GPS trackers, their functions and features. You will learn more about GPS trackers for dogs, how they work and where to get them. All of the features of each individual dog tracker will be listed, and you will be able to make your pick by the end of the article.
Furthermore, to make the pick easier for you, after the reviews of dog trackers, you’ll find useful tips and info you should consider before buying a GPS tracker for dogs. The pros of getting a dog tracker will also be included, to help you decide.
Best 10 Dog GPS Tracker Collar Reviews
Best GPS Dog Tag
Findster Duo+ Pet Tracker
This GPS dog tracker comes in the form of a tag. That means that it is small, light, and attaches to your dog’s collar. It weighs 21 grams and measures 1.2 x 5.08 x 5.08 centimeters. You can be certain it will not interrupt your dog during their day, especially if you set up the geofence.
GPS tracking works in a 4.8-km range in outdoor areas and a 0.8-range in urban areas. That is because the weather, tall buildings, and other signals may affect the accuracy of the GPS. With the GPS always turned on, the battery can last up to 12 hours, but if you turn it off it can last for several days.
Unlike the previous dog GPS tracking device, this one does not come with a handheld, but rather you download an app through which you monitor your pet’s movements. The app does not require a subscription, and it can save its historical route and you can add more people to watch over your dog. For more information and other available products and their features, you should read my article on GPS dog tags. There are more in this article on pet GPS trackers as well.
- Small and lightweight
- Geofence
- Historical route
- 8-km range
Best GPS Dog Collar
Dogtra Pathfinder
The Pathfinder is also a bundle and comes with a collar and a handheld device. There is an app also, but you download it to your phone. Attached to the collar are a GPS antenna and a microphone sensor. You can use this dog tracker for tracking up to 21 dogs.
You can set up a geofence/virtual fence as a safeguard for your dog. GPS tracking has a 2-second update rate and is compatible with Google Maps, making it easy to stay on top of your dog’s movements. The range the dog tracker can cover is 9 miles.
Besides the geofence and tracking, this collar and handheld can be used for training your dog as well. You can choose between 100 levels of electric stimulation and even tone command. If you like this device, there are more in this article on other GPS dog collars and something about smart dog collars in this other article.
- GPS tracking
- 9-mile range
- 100 stimulation levels
- Geofence
Best Smart Dog Collar
Link AKC Smart Dog Collar
The Link AKC smart dog collar is suitable for any dog out there. It comes in a wide variety of sizes, from extra small, to medium and extra-large. For even more flair, you can choose between two collar styles – the classic leather collar and the stretchable sport one.
The thing that makes this a “smart” collar is the fact that it can track your dog’s activity. By recording their daily activities and even entering medical information you get customized advice provided by the American Kennel Club. You can also set up health reminders and get temperature alerts.
Besides the activity monitoring, you can also monitor your dog’s location. By using GPS, the collar tracks your pet’s movements and sends that information to your mobile phone. Setting up a geofence is always a good idea, so you should utilize this option as well. If you like the idea of this kind of collars, read more about smart dog collars. For more info about activity monitors, read this about the best dog activity trackers.
- Track your dog’s activity
- Customized advice
- GPS tracking
- Geofence
Best GPS Dog Fence
Garmin Alpha 100
This bundle contains a hand-held device and TT 15 dog collar. The display on the handheld device is 1.53 x 2.55 in, with 65K color display and a touchscreen which allows you to easily navigate while tracking your dog. The battery can last from 20 to 40 hours, which is a lot of time considering everything it needs to power.
For tracking, the collar uses GPS technology and communicates with your handheld device to show you their exact location. Besides their location, you can also see their direction, measure their speed and distance, all of that on preloaded TOPO US 100K maps. For even more safety, you can link this dog tracker to other Garmin Alpha devices and track up to 20 dogs in a 9-mile range.
Another feature available to you with this collar is the training option. You can choose between 18 levels of momentary and continuous stimulation, as well as tone or vibe commands. Last but not least, you can set up a geofence, your dog’s safe zone for areas you know are secure for your friend to be in. If this collar caught your attention, you can read more about Garmin dog collars in my other article. For more general info about other collars such as this one, read this article about GPS dog fences.
- Tracking in a 9-mile range
- 18 levels of stimulation for training
- Geofence
Best Dog Tracking System
SportDOG Brand TEK 1.5 Series
This one is also a bundle with a handheld and dog collar device included. Both are waterproof therefore there is no fear of them being damaged if they come into contact with water. The collar is red, making it easily visible in any terrain.
The collar and handheld track your dog by using GPS and HopTek technologies in a 10-mile range. If you buy additional dog collar devices, you can track up to 21 dogs. Besides the location, you can also see their direction, the path they took, and whether they’re on the move or are at a stop.
This GPS dog tracking system can be used for dog training as well. With 99 levels of static stimulation, tone and vibrate options, anyone can find the most useful training modes for their dog. You can even link to the devices via Bluetooth. If you like this type of dog tracker, read more in this article about dog tracking systems, with more features and more models listed.
- Waterproof
- GPS+HopTek tracking
- 99 stimulation levels
- 10-mile range
- Track up to 21 dogs
Best Small Dog GPS Tracker
Whistle 3 GPS Pet Tracker; Activity Monitor
This little device measures 4.5 x 3.5 x 1.5 cm and weighs just over 27 g. The size ensures it will not obstruct your dog in their daily activities, and you can even choose between a range of colors, from pink and blue, to gray and green. Another great thing about this dog tracker is that you can even use it for cats.
For staying on top of your dog’s health and activities, you can enter all the needed data into the app which is connected to the tracker and that data will then be analyzed. Based on the info you put in, the app can warn you if there are any potential problems. You can measure your dog’s distance traveled, the duration of daily activity and what that activity was. Of course, the geofence is available too.
GPS tracking enables you to know your pet’s location at all times, but for the tracking and monitoring to work you need the accompanying app. That requires a monthly or annual subscription. The battery can last up to 7 days, depending on the usage and your pet’s activity.
If you are interested in health and activity monitors, read this about other dog activity trackers. If you’re a cat owner, there is an article for you about GPS cat trackers.
- Health and activity monitoring
- GPS tracking
- Geofence
- Subscription required
Best GPS Dog Training Collar
Garmin Pro 550 Plus
Another Garmin collar, this one also includes a handheld that comes with the dog collar. Working in a 2-mile range, you can track up to 3 dogs with additional dog collar devices. Furthermore, you can even pair it with other TT 15 or T 5 dog devices used for training and tracking.
For training purposes, the collar and handheld device offers 18 levels of momentary and continuous stimulation. If you own more than one dog, you can customize the training settings for each one. Besides the electric shock stimulation, there are also tone and vibration command options.
This dog tracker would not be it if it were not for the tracking features. Unlike the previously mentioned devices, this one tracks your dog with GPS and GLONASS satellite reception in real time and features a 2.5-second update rate.
If you are interested in the device used for training, read this article about the best dog training collars. For more information about Garmin and other dog devices available from them,read this article about Garmin shock and training collars.
Best Puppy Tracker
Marco Polo Advanced Pet Locating System
This puppy tracker may not be the smallest, but it is suitable for both cats and dogs. It comes in the form of a tracker tag, so you attach it to your dog’s collar and you’re good to go. You can even track up to 3 pets if you buy additional dog tracker tags.
For tracking purposes, this dog tracker uses RFID, unlike the GPS utilized in most other devices. It checks on your pet’s location every 40 seconds, and it is set up as a 2-way radio system that works like a radar. The dog tracker works in a 3.21-km range.
The device is waterproof and made for prolonged swimming. You can even use it when you go camping. The rugged design ensures that the device will work in rough terrains and other weather conditions. The streamlined design also protects the tag from being damaged.
If you have a puppy, read more about GPS dog tags, as they’re small and can be useful for small dogs. If you are a cat owner, you can read more about GPS tags for cats.
- Waterproof
- RFID tracking
- 21-km range
Best GPS Tracker For Hunting Dog
Garmin Delta Upland XC
Hunting dogs are a great company if you’re a hunter, but they require training to be at their best. This bundle includes a handheld with a 3-button controller for easy use, and the dog collar is bright orange for good visibility. It is also waterproof, and the batteries are long-lasting and rechargeable.
For effective training of your hunting dog, you can choose between 36 levels of continuous and momentary stimulation in a 3/4 -mile range. Tone and vibration options, as well as 5 training/correction configurations, are available as well. With the purchase of more dog devices, you can train multiple dogs.
Now here we have two features not previously mentioned in any other device. Those are the BarkLimiter and Upland Beeper. The BarkLimiter detects barking from vibrations on your dog’s neck and prevents unnecessary barking. The Upland Beeper is used for tracking and has 4 hunt and 2 point sounds. For more dog trackers like this, read my article about hunting dog tracking systems.
- 36 stimulation levels
- 5 correction configurations
- Upland Beeper
- BarkLimiter
Best Dog Activity Tracker
FitBark 2 Dog Activity Monitor
For small dogs and puppies, here’s another great dog GPS tracker. The FitBark 2 weighs only 2 g, it is rugged and waterproof. The battery can last up to 6 months, and you can even link this dog tracker to your Fitbit, Apple Watch, Health Kit of Google Fit to create healthy habits for both you and your dog.
The activities you can monitor are sleep quality, distance traveled, calories burned, health and behavior. You can even compare your dog’s stats to those of other dogs of the same age or breed. You can monitor your dog’s stress and anxiety levels, and with the info, you enter you can catch early signs of possible diseases.
There is a feature called the Sleep Score, which is used for tracking the possible development of any skin conditions. Those include dermatitis, hot spots and allergies. Besides all these monitoring functions, you can also keep track of your dog’s mobility. If you are interested in activity and health monitors, you should read this article about dog activity trackers.
- Lightweight
- Monitor all activity
- Link to your devices
User’s Guide For Getting A Dog GPS Tracker
Size Does Matter
While making the choice which GPS tracker for dogs to buy, you should keep in mind the size of the dog tracker. Depending on whether you own a puppy or a large hunting dog, you would want to get a dog tracker that will not interrupt your dog during their day.
Included Features Are Important
You would not want to spend a lot of money on a dog tracker that can offer you only one thing when there is a whole market of available products that offer a lot more. If you want the best experience, you should aim at GPS trackers for dogs that include a geofence, are waterproof, offer real-time tracking and can link to more devices.
As For The Price
Depending on the manufacturer, some dog trackers can be more expensive than others. But a higher price does not necessarily mean better quality, so do not make your choice based solely on the price and the assumption that if it costs more it is better.
Where To Get Dog Trackers
All of the devices listed above are available on Amazon.com, but if you distrust online shopping there are other options. Pet stores in your area will probably have dog trackers in their assortment. Even if you are a cat owner, there will be cat trackers as well.
Tracking Technology
If you have a preference for the tracking technology a certain dog tracker uses, you can choose the one you like. Even though this article focused on GPS trackers for dogs, there are dog trackers that utilize Bluetooth, RFID, Wi-Fi, or a combination of these.
Best Dog Tracker Brands
There is a wide variety of manufacturers and their products on the market. But some of the best available products are made by Garmin (also, they offer a lot of dog tracking and training devices), Link AKC and Whistle (also offers multiple models).
Why To Get Dog GPS Tracker?
First Things First, Security
The obvious answer and the one to be expected is security reasons. Dogs are man’s best friends; therefore, it follows that you would want them to be safe and happy. Tracking their location can ease your mind during their day, and if they get lost, you’ll know where to find them.
Dog Training As Well
You do not have to necessarily buy a dog training collar or another training device. If you get a dog tracker that includes the geofence feature, you can train your dog to know where it is ok for them to be and where it is not. That is especially useful if you have a dog who has a tendency to jump over fences or dig under them.
Microchips Don’t Do The Trick
Dogs and other pets are required to be microchipped but those do not serve the same purpose as GPS trackers for dogs. They have your information in them, but they do not offer real-time tracking of your dog. Only when someone who can scan and read the chip, and then inform you they’ve found your pet will you know their location.
Conclude: Choose Your Dog GPS Tracker Wisely
This article offered you the 10 best dog GPS trackers available. If they are not the best in your opinion, feel free to explore more and get more information. But if you liked this article and are indecisive about which dog tracker to get, here are my recommendations. Firstly, I like the Whistle 3 Dog Tracker, because it is not too big, tracks your dog’s location as well as their activity and health. Furthermore, I like the Findster Duo+ Pet Tracker, because it certainly won’t disturb your dog because it is tiny, and if the GPS signal fails, it switches to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
If you liked this article, read more about other pet GPS trackers here. For cat owners, there is an article about cat GPS systems available, along with their features and specifications.