Dogs make our lives richer and happier just by being in them. It is, of course, natural that we want to care about them and protect them in any way we can. If they get lost, especially if they’re small or if they’re puppies, that can present a huge problem. But there is a solution – a small dog GPS tracker.
This article will present to you everything you need to know about small dog trackers, other dog trackers for small dogs, their pros, including best GPS trackers for small dogs, ranked by their features and application as well as user reviews.
What Do You Need To Know About Small Dog GPS Tracker?
What Are They
Dog trackers are devices that use technology such as GPS, radio frequency, Bluetooth, or something else to accurately locate your dog if they go missing, and to show you how to get to them. That is their main and primary function, but they often include a variety of other features.
In Case Of Need
You may think that you do not need one, but small dogs and puppies can be incredibly hard to find. Given their size, they do not need to get lost for you to not be able to find them. They can easily crawl into small hidden spaces, and you won’t be able to find them.
What About Microchips
Even though they are required, microchips do not transmit the location of your dog in the same manner as small dog GPS trackers do. They only give out your and your dog’s information if the chip is scanned by someone who finds your dog.
What Else They Can Do
Besides tracking, most small dog trackers also offer a wide variety of options. Those include health monitoring, real-time tracking, activity monitoring, geofencing, and connecting with multiple users.
Variety Of Models
Small dog GPS trackers come in a variety of different models. They can be GPS tags, neck collars, leg collars, collar attachments, etc. Some offer to track via your phone and the designated app, while others come with their own handheld device.
5 Best Small Dog GPS Trackers
Best Small GPS Tracker For Dog Collar
Whistle GO/Health; Location Tracker
Product Description
This is a collar attachment device, which means you simply attach to your dog’s collar. It comes in a variety of colors, and fits any collar or harness up to 1 in wide. It is lightweight and waterproof, so you do not have to worry if it gets in contact with water.
Tracking Features
This small dog tracker uses GPS to accurately locate your pet. It offers real-time tracking, so you know your pet’s location at all times using Google Maps. You can even track your pet when you are not near.
Other Useful Features
You can activate Weekly Wellness reports to actively monitor your dog’s health, food intake and medication. Besides, there is also activity monitoring, which shows you your pet’s fitness, calories burned, distance traveled, etc.
Subscription Plan
This tracker does require a subscription, and Wi-Fi while setting up the Whistle app on your phone. The subscription is available either as a monthly or an annual one, so you can choose which one you like best.
- GPS tracking
- Health monitoring
- Activity monitoring
- Subscription required
Best Smallest Dog Tracker
DOTT The Smart Dog Tag
Product Info
This is a dog tag, which means you also attach it to your dog’s collar. It is waterproof, so that is one worry less. As for the size, it is the size of a bigger coin (1.5 cm diameter) and weighs around 7 g.
Tracking Info
Instead of GPS, this tracking device uses Bluetooth technology. You track the signal from the DOTTpet app, which you download in the App Store or Google Play. If there are other people that have the app, they can also track your pet.
Other Features
You can set up a virtual leash, and get alerted when your pet leaves the safe zone. You can also monitor your pet’s activity, including walks, potty breaks, food intake, etc. Another useful feature is reporting suspicious areas, so other users know not to let their dogs into those places.
Subscription And Battery
The battery can last for up to 9 months since the device does not use GPS. Another good thing about it is that it is rechargeable, so you do not have to buy a new one when this one runs out. There is no required subscription fee, and the app is completely free.
- Small and lightweight
- Waterproof
- Bluetooth for tracking
- No subscription
- Health and activity monitoring
Best Small Dog Tracker Without Subscription
Findster Duo+ Pet Tracker
Basic Info
This waterproof tracker weighs 21 g and measures 1.27 x 5.08 x 5.08 cm. you attach it to your dog’s collar, as with the previously mentioned devices. The small size ensures your small dog won’t mind wearing it.
Tracking And Range
Tracking your pet is done using GPS technology, and the range is up to 0.5 mi in urban areas, and up to 3 mi in outdoor areas, which gives you a lot of wiggle room. You can even track your pet’s movements in real-time.
Other Features
The tracker works also as a pet activity monitor and enables the owner to set up a virtual safe zone. As in geofences, the safe zone is there to alert you if your pet goes out of range and you can react immediately.
Subscription And Battery
Even though the tracking system uses GPS, it does not require you to have a subscription, nor do you need a SIM card for the system to work. The battery can last from 12h to up to 3 days, depending on the GPS usage.
- Small and lightweight
- GPS tracking
- No subscription
- Virtual safe zone
Best GPS Small Tracker With Pet Talk
ZEERKEER Pet GPS Tracker
Product Information
This small GPS tracker for dog collar weighs 42 grams and does not burden your pet with a lot of weight. It is IP67 waterproof rated, which means no worrying when your dog is near water. You can use it anywhere with GPS signal coverage.
Tracking Info
While tracking your dog, you can pinpoint its location in real-time within 3 seconds. The tracker uses GPS + Wi-Fi positioning. You can also set up a geofence, so you get alerted when your pet leaves the safe zone.
Pet Talk
This is a feature that enables you to virtually “call” your dog if they go away. The device on the collar automatically “picks up” and your pet can hear your voice through the mic. A good way to remotely give orders to your dog and navigate them to come back home.
Other Features
In case of your dog getting lost, the person who finds them can push the SOS button to notify you they’ve found your dog. You can remotely monitor your dog as well, there is a remote flashlight, and historical route playback.
- GPS + Wi-Fi positioning
- Geofence
- Pet Talk
- SOS button
Best Small Dog GPS Collar
BLACK+DECKER Smart Dog Collar
Collar Information
The size of the collar is one-size-fits-all. The collar is also water-resistant up to three feet, so again you do not have to worry about it being damaged by water. There is a virtual dog tag that displays your pet’s info on the OLED display.
Tracking
The collar uses GPS signals to track your pet. You can see how far they go every day, how much of that time they spend playing, and what routes they take to get to their destination. All of these options are tracked using the app you download to your phone.
More Features
The 2-way audio system allows you to call out for your dog and they can hear it through the collar, and you can hear them if they bark or respond in some other way. As most other devices, this one also features the geofence option to determine the safe zone.
Cell Coverage
One thing you have to look out for with this device is the fact that it requires 2G coverage. It is recommended that you first make sure you have 2G coverage in your area prior to purchasing this product.
- OLED display
- GPS tracking
- 2-way audio
Conclusion: Choosing The Right Small Dog GPS Tracker?
If you still haven’t decided which GPS for small dogs to buy, or even if to get one, here are my recommendations based on the overall features and specifications of each product. I like the DOTT smart dog tag because it can not only track your dog, but you can also track their activity and health with it. Another I find really good is the ZEERKEER dog tracker because it can track your dog, you can talk to them, and there is even an SOS button.
For more products and info on other similar products, read this article on pet GPS trackers. If you like the collar trackers, you should read this about smart dog collars. For tag lovers, here is a good article about GPS dog tags.