Dogs are known (among other things) for their tendency to run around playfully and explore unknown territories. That can make many owners uncomfortable because they do not know what is happening to their pet or where they are. That is why GPS dog collars are a great solution. Your dog certainly has a collar with their name on it, so why not make the most of it by getting a dog tracking collar.
Here you’ll find the must-know information about GPS dog collars, what kinds exits, where you can get them. They will also be ranked according to their specifications and user reviews, with 5 dog tracking collars deemed best displayed below.
Getting Started With GPS Dog Tracking Collar
What Are GPS Dog Collars?
GPS dog collars are devices that use the Global Positioning System to determine the location of your pet. GPS uses around 30 satellites orbiting the Earth at all times to send and receive signals which contain the information about the location of your pet to your phone, computer or some other device.
Does It Pay Off To Get One?
Prices range from around $25 to $300 on Amazon.com, which is not so bad considering that it is an investment into your pet’s safety. But you should not base your decision solely on the price, because high price does not necessarily mean high quality. User reviews and specifications should also be considered when making your decision.
Microchips Are Not Enough
All pets nowadays must be microchipped, but microchips do not track your pet’s movements. They contain your information which can be read if someone who can scan the chip does so and contacts you. Dog tracking collars allow you to monitor your pet’s movements in real-time.
When You Get One
After you get your dog tracking collar and set it up, you can begin using it. Just keep in mind that while you use it, you are within the collar’s range so you can receive the signals emitted, and make sure that the battery is charged. You wouldn’t want it dying when you’re out with your pet.
Additional Features
Most dog collar tracking devices include a number of different features such as, geofence, activity monitor, health monitor, pedometer, and more. Not all have many features, some can only have one additional and the tracking function.
Best GPS Tracking Dog Collars
Best GPS Dog Collar Tracking Device
Whistle 3 GPS Pet Tracker; Activity Monitor
Device Description
The tracking device is available in a range of colors from pink to blue and gray. It is attachable to your dog’s collar. It weighs 27 g and measures 4.5 x 3.5 x 1.5 cm and it is waterproof up to 1 m depth.
Monitor Pet’s location In Real-time
You can monitor your pet’s location in real-time, and the tracking is done by using GPS. There is an app you download to monitor their activity, and you can even see 24-hour timelines of your pet’s activities and whereabouts.
Enter Medical Data In The App
You can keep track of your pet’s health and enter medical data in the app. The app can analyze the data and issue a warning if it seems your pet is getting sick. You can set up a geofence, measure the distance traveled, the length of daily activity and what was that activity.
Battery Life And Subscription
The battery can last up to 7 days, depending on the strength of the Wi-Fi and your pet’s activity. It comes with a 1-year warranty, and a subscription is required. The app can work either on Wi-Fi or cellular data.
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Activity monitoring
- Geofence
- Subscription required
Best GPS Dog Collar Fence
Dogtra Pathfinder
Product Details
The collar and handheld device come together in a bundle, and the third component is the app which you download. The collar is packed with a GPS antenna and a microphone sensor. By using the handheld, you connect the three components.
9-mile Range
GPS tracking system works in a 9-mile range. It is compatible with Google Maps in all view modes, and the tracking has a 2-second update rate.
100 Stimulation Levels
Shock as a way of stimulation and audible tone are used for training purposes. You can choose between 100 stimulation levels to find the one that perfectly corresponds to your dog’s behavior and needs. You can even expand the device to track and train up to 21 dogs.
Dog’s Virtual Safe Zone
Besides tracking and training, you can set up your dog’s virtual safe zone – geofence. This option is included in most available devices today. With Dogtra, you can set up customized alerts in case your dog leaves the safe zone.
- 9-mile range
- 100 stimulation levels
- Geofence
- Train up to 21 dogs
Best GPS Dog Shock Collar
Garmin Pro 550 Plus
Bundle Info
The bundle contains the GPS dog fence shock collar and the accompanying handheld device. You use the handheld to control the training and tracking features of the collar, and it is made for single-handed use to make tracking and training easier.
Easy Location Tracking
The Tri-Tronics 15 collar tracks your pet’s movements by using GPS and GLONASS satellite reception. You can also see the direction they’re headed and how far away they are from your position. Another included tracking feature is real-time tracking.
Train Up To 3 Dogs
The Garmin shock collar allows you to train up to 3 dogs, but you have to buy additional dog collars. That is a good thing if you’re an owner or multiple dogs. There are 18 levels of momentary and continuous stimulation, different levels of tone and vibration, and the device works in a 2-mile range.
Battery Life
Considering the abovementioned features and functions, the battery can last just enough – 24 hours. But consider the fact that the device needs a lot of power for tracking, and then add training features into the mix.
- GPS+GLONASS tracking
- 18 stimulation levels
- Train up to 3 dogs
- 2-mile range
Best GPS Hunting Dog Tracking Collar
Garmin Delta Upland XC
Dog Collar And Handheld Device
The bundle includes the dog collar and a handheld device. The collar is bright orange, easily visible anywhere. The handheld is made for single-handed use and therefore has only 3 buttons and an LCD display.
56 Stimulation Levels
There are 36 levels of momentary and 18 levels of continuous stimulation to choose from when training your dog. The device works in a 1.2-km range, is waterproof and has changeable contact points. There are also 5 correction configurations.
Built-in Bark Limiter
The collar comes with a built-in BarkLimiter which detects barking using vibrations on your dog’s neck. There is also the Upland Beeper which is used for tracking. It has 4 hunt sounds and 2 point sounds, making up 8 sound combinations. By using that you can know when your dog is on point while out on the hunt.
Rechargeable Batteries
The batteries are long-lasting and rechargeable. They are the same in both devices. For owners who want to add a bit of flair, you can get collars in a range of different colors.
- BarkLimiter
- Upland Beeper
- 36 momentary stimulation levels
- 18 continuous stimulation levels
- 2-km range
Best Smart GPS Dog Collar
Link AKC
Smart Collar Info
The GPS smart collar is available in a range of different sizes, so it can work as a small dog GPS collar or you can use it for your big dog. It is waterproof and comes in 2 styles – classic leather and stretchable sport.
Virtual Fence Around Familiar Area
As seen from the title, the collar uses GPS technology for tracking. You can set up your dog’s virtual safe zone, or geofence, when you’re in familiar areas, and get notified when they leave.
Activity And Health Tracking
This smart dog collar enables you to keep track of your dog’s health and set up health reminders, monitor their food intake, daily activity and temperature alerts. By entering data, you are provided with customized advice created with the American Kennel Club.
Battery Life And Subscription Fee
For the collar to link to your phone cellular data is needed, and the collar is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The battery can last up to 3 days, depending on the usage.
- GPS tracking
- Activity monitoring
- Customized advice
- Geofence
Conclusion: Picking The Best GPS Tracking Dog Collar
Considering the abovementioned GPS dog collars, I would recommend the Garmin Delta XC and the Link AKC dog tracking collars. The Delta XC provides you with the most stimulation levels, Upland Beeper and even BarkLimiter, all of which are hard to find in one collar. The Link GPS dog collar is great for tracking and keeping an eye on your dog’s activity and health.
If you want more information, read this article about pet GPS trackers. If you are a cat owner, this article on best cat GPS tracking systems can provide you with further insight. You can get more general information and examples in this article on other kinds and models of GPS collars. In case you do not want to invest in another collar, GPS dog tags are another way to go and there is an article to show you what they are and how they work.