The Best GPS Dog Trackers On The Market: Buying Guide

Keeping your furry companion safe and secure is of utmost importance. As a dog owner, you can gain some peace of mind with a GPS dog tracker. The Best GPS dog trackers can track your pet’s whereabouts and alert your dog’s location in real-time.

Not only that, but some of the devices have additional features such as monitoring your dog’s activity, temperature tracking, and even remote training capabilities.

Read on to discover which is the best dog tracker that fits your and your dog’s needs.

*Please note that the trackers do not come with the smartphone or collars themselves unless stated.

GPS Dog Collars At A Glance

Why You Should Get A GPS Dog Tracker

GPS dog trackers are a great way to keep track of your furry friends! With dog GPS trackers, you can easily see where your dog is at all times.

Many of these trackers also come with different features like activity tracking and a built-in camera. This way, you can easily ensure your dog is safe and sound.

With some models, you can set up custom zones and alerts so you’ll get notified if your pup steps outside the boundaries.

Several models are also designed with waterproof features, so you don’t have to worry about your dog getting wet.

All in all, GPS dog trackers are a great way to keep your pup safe and get peace of mind. So if you’re looking for a way to keep track of your furry friend, dog GPS trackers are the way to go.

What to Look for When Buying A GPS Dog Tracker

Everyone has different preferences on what is important or not when deciding on a GPS Dog Tracker, but I want to offer my opinion on some of the important things that a Dog GPS Tracker should have.

If you’re looking for a GPS dog tracker, there are a few important things you should keep in mind before making your purchase.

You want a waterproof dog GPS tracker that can withstand any weather or terrain your pup may encounter.

You want to be sure it fits your dog properly. You don’t want it too tight or loose, as this could interfere with its tracking capabilities.

Also, you want to ensure the tracker is lightweight and comfortable for your pup. You don’t want it too heavy or bulky so your dog can’t move around freely.

Additionally, make sure you know what type of tracking the tracker offers. Can you get a reliable signal and track your pet’s exact location, even in remote areas, or only get a general idea of where they are?

It’s also important to check the battery life of the tracker, as well as how often you’ll need to charge it.

You want an easy-to-use app with features like alerts, activity monitoring, and more. In addition, look for a tracker with user-friendly features, such as an easy-to-read display and adjustable settings. If the app is too difficult to use, you probably won’t.

Finally, you should also consider the cost of the tracker. With so many options on the market, you should be able to find one that fits your budget. Also be aware some trackers have subscription fees.

Once you’ve considered all these factors, you should be able to find the perfect GPS pet tracker for you and your pup.


GPS Dog Trackers Product Reviews

Tractive

Best GPS Dog Collars - Tractive

Features

  • Subscription Needed
  • Live Tracking
  • History
  • Virtual Fence
  • Activity Monitoring
    • Track Active Time
    • Track Rest
    • Calories Burned
    • Set Fitness Goals
  • Lightweight
  • 100% Waterproof
  • Shock Resistant
  • GPS App
    • IOS and Android or Any Browser
  • World Wide Tracking
    • Throughout the USA, Canada, and 150 other countries
  • Fits Most Collars
  • 30-day Money Back Guarantee

Specs

  • Product Dimensions: 1.1 x 2.8 x 0.67 inches
  • Product Weight: 1.23 Ounces
  • Battery: 1 Lithium Polymer Battery is Required. (Included)
  • Manufacturer: Tractive GmbH
  • Brand: Tractive
  • Country of Origin: China

Video: Real-time GPS Tracking for Dogs

Pros

  • Real-Time Tracking
  • Waterproof
  • Worldwide Tracking

Cons

  • Subscription Needed
  • Short Battery Life
  • Slow Notification Time

A Few Words

Featuring built-in GPS technology, Tractive allows you to locate your pet’s exact location in real-time.

This lightweight and waterproof device also monitors pet activity levels, tracks rest times, and provides virtual fences to alert you when your pet leaves a predetermined area.

The range is throughout the USA, Canada, and 150 other countries, allowing you to track your pet worldwide. Some counties are not in their network, so if you are outside the USA and Canada, check to see if your country is listed.

With the required subscription, you can download the Tractive GPS app on your iPhone IOS, Android device, or any browser and start tracking your pet.

The app has handy features like activity monitoring that tracks your pet’s movement throughout the day by calculating calories burned and active time.

With the app, you are also able to create a virtual fence that, if your pet goes out of the designated area, you will receive a notification.

With the tracker being waterproof, you can still get accurate GPS location updates if your pet gets the tracker wet.

Tractive comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

What you may not like is needing to have a subscription, but on the other hand, you won’t have as much of an upfront cost as other trackers have when purchasing.


Whistle GO Explore 

Best GPS Dog Collars - Whistle Go Explore

Features

  • 3 Colors Available
    • Green
    • Grey
    • Magenta
  • Subscription Required
  • For Dogs 26lbs and up
  • Location Tracking
  • Activity and Health Data
    • Activity Levels
    • Calories
    • Distance
      • Behaviors
        • Licking
        • Scratching
        • Sleeping
  • Proactive Notifications
  • Alerts
  • Requires Wi-Fi Connection
  • Built In Night Light
  • Chat With A Vet

Specs

  • Product Dimensions: 6.75 x 5 x 2 Inches
  • Product Weight: 11.99 Ounces
  • Battery Life – 20 days
  • Manufacturer: Whistle Lab
  • Brand: Whistle
  • Country of Origin: Malaysia

Video: Meet Whistle Go

Pros

  • Battery Life
  • Night Light
  • On-Demand Vet Help

Cons

  • Slow Location Update
  • Not For Small Dogs
  • Subscription

A Few Words

Whistle Go has built-in GPS location tracking, health and fitness monitoring, activity levels, and proactive notifications about your dog’s behavior.

Using AT&T nationwide network and Google maps, this tracker can track your pet’s location with 15-second updates. 

The exclusive chat with a vet feature gives you direct access to professional advice anytime you need it.

Featuring a built-in night light and coming in 3 colors: green, grey, and magenta.

The Whistle GO Explore is designed for dogs 26 lbs and up and requires a Wi-Fi connection and a subscription to work correctly.


SportDOG 

Best GPS Dog Collars -

Features

  • TEK Series 2.0
  • No Subscription Required
  • It uses GPS Satellites, Not Cellular Service
  • Bluetooth Headset Compatible (Not Included)
  • Up To 21 Dogs (With The Purchase of Additional GPS dog collars)
  • Lifetime Maps Update
  • Waterproof and Submersible Up To 25 ft
  • Geo-Fence
  • Rechargeable
  • Range: Up to 10 miles
  • Trip Screen:
    • Average Speed
    • Total Time Elapsed
    • Distance Traveled
    • Your Coordinates
  • Compass
  • Way Points – Save Up to 20

Specs:

  • Product Dimensions: 17.05 x 4 x 9.5 inches
  • Weight: 0.01 ounce
  • Battery: 1 Lithium Ion Battery is Required. (Included)
  • GPS Dog Collar Receiver:
    • Up to 24 Hour Life
    • Charge: 4 hours
  • Handheld Device:
    • Up to 12 Hours of Life
    • Charge: 8 Hours
  • Manufacturer: Radio Systems Corporation
  • Brand: SportDOG Brand
  • Country of Origin: China

Pros

  • Up to 21 Dogs With Additional Collars
  • Lifetime Maps Update
  • Subscription Not Required

Cons

  • On/Off Switch Small
  • Some People Find Device Complex

A Few Words

The SportDog Tracker TEK Series 2.0 increases tracking accuracy by capturing data from both satellite constellations – GPS + Glonass

The tracker uses GPS satellites for positioning and provides accurate location information on a moving map so that you know exactly where your dog is at any given time. The SportDog tracker comes with a lifetime map update.

This tracker is waterproof and submersible for up to 25 feet of water.

You can design a geo-fence to keep your dogs contained in a specific area. If they cross the boundary, you will be alerted.

The tracking range is 10 miles, and you can save up to 20 waypoints.

The trip screen keeps track of average speed, total time elapsed, distance traveled, and your coordinates.

You can have up to 21 collar receivers (not included), so you won’t have to buy any additional handheld devices.

DogSport is Bluetooth headset compatible and subscription free.

Some people do find it hard to turn the device on and off because of the location and size of the button.


FAQs

Is a GPS dog tracker essential for every pet owner?

Like taking a test, whenever you see the word “every,” the answer has a good chance of being “false.” The same runs true with this question.

No, a GPS dog tracker is not essential for “every” pet owner. Some people may find it helpful, while others may not feel the need for one.

Say you have an inside dog that doesn’t roam or a disabled dog that doesn’t get around well; then chances are you won’t find a tracker useful.

However, sometimes even the most docile dog can get out, so you never know when a tracker will truly be needed; for instance, could your landscaper accidentally leave the gate open? Could your dog sneak out the front door when you’re bringing in packages?

So ultimately, each individual’s needs will vary depending on their particular situation and lifestyle.

How much do dog trackers cost?

Some of the more popular models range in price from around $100 to $200. There are also cheaper and more expensive options available in the market.


Additional Reading


Conclusion

So this concludes our list of some of the best GPS dog trackers on the market today.

In short, GPS dog trackers are sophisticated tools that help keep your pet safe and secure. They can alert you if your animal is far away from home or has wandered off the boundary.

You can also set custom safety zones where your pet is not allowed to roam without precaution.

With all products, features can change, so be sure the qualities that attract you to the product are still the same before purchasing.

Do you have experience using a GPS dog tracker? If so, which one is your favorite?

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