From the many available GPS dog trackers available out there, which one is the best? If this question lingers in your mind, then go no further because here, we present to you the Top 5 Best GPS Dog Trackers and Collars.
As a caring pet owner, you do not want to keep your pet on the leash all the time, especially in the comforts of your own home. You want to keep your dog as free as he can be inside your home, where he can walk or run around.
However, you cannot deny the fact that your eyes will be on your dog 100 percent of the time. He might be able to slip out of the door or get into the bushes of your backyard. Even while going out to take him for a walk, he might get free, or you might accidentally let loose the grip.
These are the cases that you don’t want to happen. And you can prevent that by using a GPS dog tracker. This device will let you track down the exact location of your dog wherever he may be so that you will be able to find him right away, get a hold of him, and take him back to your home sweet home.
Nowadays, however, the dilemma with using a GPS dog tracker comes at the second you desire to buy one. There are just tons of GPS dog trackers available out there. From the hundreds or even thousands of varieties, which one should you choose?
To help you with that, we created this article listing the top 5 best GPS dog trackers that can help you find the one most suitable for your needs. We have carefully evaluated a handful of dog trackers, and we chose these as the top 5 based on quality, features, design, most importantly, the ratings and feedback of customers.
Contents
Top 12 Best GPS Dog Trackers and Collars
- Whistle Go Explore Health and Location Tracker
- Link AKC Smart Dog Collar with GPS Tracker
- DOTT The Smart Dog Tag
- MARCO POLO Advance Pet Monitoring System
- Tractive GPS 3G Pet Tracker
- Findster Duo Pet Tracker
- SportDOG Brand TEK Series
- GIBI 2nd Gen
- Garmin Alpha 100
- Black + Decker Smart Dog Tracker
- Find My Pet Nano GPS Dog Tracker
- Tile Mate and Slim Combo Pack
Top Pick: Whistle Go Explore Health and Location Tracker (Best GPS Dog Tracker)
Number 1 on our list is the Whistle Go Health and Location Tracker. This device is only small, with dimensions of 1.6 inches by 1.3 inches and 0.6 inches. It also weighs less than an ounce. It can attach to collars that are up to 1 inch wide. The small size, compactness, and little weight of this GPS dog tracker will be a paperweight for your dog.
The Whistle GO works with your smartphone. It determines the location of your dog and will send his location to your phone via the AT&T network or 3G cellular service. This is an advantage for this device because most dog trackers still work via Bluetooth. And we all know for a fact that Bluetooth has a limited range, covering only up to about 100 feet. But with the 3G cellular service, the Whistle Go can track down the location of your dog even over that distance.
The Whistle Go can also utilize your home Wi-Fi. You can designate a safe place for your dog within the range of the Wi-Fi. If your dog is within the range of the Wi-Fi, the device will switch from 3G to wireless in order to preserve its battery life. If your pet goes outside the range, you will be alerted by the device through your phone.
Wireless Go will switch back to the 3G network and will track down the location of your dog wherever he may go. Because of this switching back and forth feature. The device has a battery life of about 6 to 7 days.
Customer Reviews
According to reviewers of this product, the device is extremely precise when it comes to locating your dog’s location. They also love the fact that it can be easily set up and is very friendly to use with their phone, either Android or iPhone. When using the app, it will show the most recent location of your dog on a map or satellite view. You can also follow where your dog went for the past 24 hours to see the places where he usually goes. The app also shows your location so that you can see the difference between you and your dog’s whereabouts.
Other Features
Apart from those, the app also has an activity mode that lets you know how much exercise your pet gets in a day. it also shows the amount of battery left in the device and will alert you once it is low.
Key Features of the Whistle Go Explore Health and location Tracker
- Small size and little weight makes it ideal for your pet to wear
- Has a collar attachment that can stick into collars up to one inch in width
- Can be used on pets weighing eight pounds and above
- 100% waterproof so you won’t worry about your dog getting this device wet
- Lets you set up the app so that you will be alerted when your dog goes out of your range
- Has a monthly subscription costing about $6.95 per month
Second Best Pick: Link AKC Smart Dog Collar with GPS Tracker
The Link AKC Smart Dog Collar with GPS Tracker is our second best pick. It is a collar type tracker that can track down your dog’s location through the AT&T network.
This is a waterproof collar and is also durable and stylish. The product comes in two options: sport and classic. The sports collar is designed for active dogs and is made of a reflective stretch fabric. On the other hand, the classic collar is made from classic Italian leather.
This GPS tracker is super accurate and fast since it tracks the location of your pet in real time. It also has customized activity recommendations from the American Kennel Club. You can even record your hike with your dog. This device also features temperature detection that will alert you if your pup is in a too cold or too hot environment.
The use of this device requires you to install an application that you can easily download either in your Android or iOS device. It also has a monthly service fee.
Customer Reviews
According to past customers of this product, what they love the most about it is its superior accuracy. Pet owners are able to keep an eye on their pet’s movements accurately with the product’s real-time GPS tracking. They also love that this dog tracker is the collar itself. They don’t have to go through the hassle of attaching a tracking device into their dog’s collar. The customers have also commended the user-friendliness of this device’s application.
Key Features of the Link AKC Smart Dog Collar with GPS Tracker
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Classic or sport collar options
- Activity tracker with recommendations from the American Kennel Club
- Can record and share special hikes and walks with your pet
- Alerts you when your dog goes to a place with extreme temperature
- Has sound feature for training
- Contains remote LED light for nighttime use
- Price: $79.99
Third Best Pick – DOTT The Smart Dog Tag – Best Budget
Now we move on to our top three dog tracker on this list – the DOTT The Smart Dog Tag. This gadget is the most budget-friendly. This product is the most ideal one for pet owners who want to have a good quality dog tracker for a very reasonable price. Unlike the first two products discussed above, the DOTT utilizes Bluetooth to track your dog’s location. Hence, the range of detection is smaller. On the top side, you don’t have to pay for a monthly subscription fee. This device is also ideal for pet owners who have their dogs spend most of their time at home or within a securely enclosed home or space that they won’t worry about their dog getting too far away from them.
This tracker has a tiny tag connected on your pet’s collar. This electronically connects with your smartphone, either Android or iOS device. The 24//7 DOTT community network support supplements a digital lost pet broadcast.
This device has a battery life of 6 to 9 months. The DOTT also enables you to tracks potty breaks, walls, and healthy medication.
Customer Reviews
According to the people who have bought and used this device, what they love the most about it is its small size and compactness allowing them to easily fit and attach the device onto their dog’s collar. The application that comes along with this device can also be easily set up and synced with your phone. Other reviewers commend the fact that the app allows they how much exercise their pets get on a daily basis.
Key Features of the DOTT The Smart Dog Tag
- Utilizes Bluetooth to track the location of your pet
- Tracking range is about 0.8 miles
- Has a battery life of 6 to 9 months
- Can be used in either Android or iOS device
- Has no monthly service fee
- Price: $79.99
Fourth Best Pick- MARCO POLO Advance Pet Monitoring System
Fourth on our list is the Eureka Technology MAROPOLO Advanced Pet Monitoring System. This device has special unique, and highly usable features. However, it is only fourth on our list solely due to its quite high price – tagged at $234.95. This dog tracker tracks your pet using a radar. Hence, it can cover vast distances without requiring a cell network. Therefore, no monthly subscription fee. This device though, is ideal for people who travel with their pets, especially those who go in remote areas. It searches for your pet using a radar system that can detect the surrounding area. Once every 5 seconds, the collar will respond to your handheld located. This will allow you to locate the exact location of your pet.
The collar of MARCO POLO is 100% waterproof that dogs can enjoy themselves in prolonged swimming without getting this device damaged due to water. The design of this device is also well thought of. It was designed in such a way that it will not get caught on branches or get damaged when your dogs play. In terms of battery, this device has a rechargeable battery that can last up to 6 weeks.
Customer Reviews
This device is highly popular for pet owners who want a dog tracker that they can use in remote areas and without a monthly subscription fee. People also commend how this device is so lightweight and comfortable for pets to wear. Those who have bought this product said that the price of this device is just right for its functions.
Key Feature of the MARCOPOLO Advanced Pet Monitoring
- Can track your dog using a radar system
- Updates every five seconds to pinpoint the exact location of your dog
- 100% waterproof
- No monthly subscription fee for cell network
- Price: $233.24
Fifth Best Pick: Tractive GPS 3G Pet Tracker
If you want a dog tracker that is popular among pet owners, highly rated, and cheap, then look no further because what you are looking for is the Tractive GPS 3G Pet Tracker. This device is waterproof and lightweight and can be easily attached to your dog’s harness or collar. It has an unlimited range because it makes use of cellular service when tracking your dog’s location. The monthly subscription fee for this device starts at $5.00. it makes use of the Tractive GPS App to pinpoint the exact location of your dog. This app can be downloaded in your Android or iOS device.
This device also allows you to predefine a safe area. You will then be alerted by the device when your dog leaves this space. The tracker also gives you the location history of your dog hence giving you an idea where your pet has been going. This device also has a battery life of 2 to 5 days depending on the device usage and signal strength.
Customer Reviews
According to the customers of this product, they are very happy with the superior accuracy, design, and usability of this device. They are most pleased with the device’s ability to track your dog’s location in real-time and pinpoint where he is exactly. The small size and compactness of this device also delighted customers because they were able to easily attach the device on their pet’s collar.
Key Features of the Tractive GPS 3G Pet Tracker
- Small, lightweight, and compact
- 100% waterproof
- You are notified when your dog leaves a predefined safe area
- Has real-time location tracking
- Requires a monthly service fee
- $46.38
Sixth Best Pick: Findster Duo Pet Tracker
Next on our list is the Findster Duo Pet Tracker. This one functions with MAZE technology allowing it to locate your dog using GPS that does not require a sim card, therefore no cellular data. Hence, the use of this product does not require a monthly subscription fee. The device works by setting up a perimeter range for your dog with a maximum distance of 3 miles. Within this range, you can know the exact location of your dog.
This device is also ideal for pet owners owning more than one pet. You can use this product to track down more than one pet. It also has an activity tracker that lets you know the amount of exercise your dog has done. You will also not worry about getting this device wet as it is already waterproof. Apart from that, the device itself is durable since it is shockproof.
Customer Reviews
According to people who have bought this product, what they love the most about it is the user-friendliness of the device – meaning that it is very easy to use. They also appreciate the very clear and easy instructions that comes along with the produce. Some customers were also happy to find out that the tracker worked fine even in a semi wooded open area. However, users of this product should note that it has a limited range.
Key Freatures of the FIndster Duo Pet Tracker
- No monthly subscription fee
- Includes a 24//7 personal monitoring vet
- Real-time tracking and instant alerts
- Battery lasts from 12 hours (when GPS is always on) to 3 days
- Works in every country all over the world
- Price: $149
Seventh Best Pick - SportDOG Brand TEK Series
Our seventh best pick is the SportDog brand TEK 2.0 GPS Tracking System. It is a GPS dog tracker without monthly subscription fees but with free map updates. It is also ideal for pet owners owning multiple pets because it is able to track up to 21 dogs. This device tracks your pet by returning information on exact location, distance traveled, and the current speed at which they are traveling (walking or running).
This device also makes use of satellite technology. Thus, you are not required to have mobile network connectivity to be able to use this tracker. It can cover a distance of up to 10 miles. It is also Waterproof and will give you a peace of mind whether your pet swim or submerges into water.
Customer Reviews
Customers of this product applaud the very easy set up for the device. They were also happy to find out that the coverage of this tracker is so big even in rough terrains and harsh weather conditions. Hence, they were given a peace of mind even if they let their pets loose outside because they are always sure where their dogs are.
Key Features of the SportDOG Brand TEK Series
- Utilizes HopTek technology to track up to 21 pets in a 10 mile range
- Has rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that can last up to 24 hours after a 4 hour charge
- Waterproof and submersible up to 25 feet
- Has updatable maps for free
Eighth Best Pick - GIBI 2nd Gen
Another dog tracker among the cream of the crop is the GIBI 2nd Gen Pet master kit tracker. It makes use of a virtual fence feature to make sure that your pet is within a predetermined safe zone. You will get alerted anytime your dog goes out of this range. This tracker works with Google map to locate your pet’s movement. It is precise and accurate since it monitors your dog’s location in real tie.
This dog tracker is also very light. Hence, you can attach this even for your small dogs and they won’t even notice it is there. It is also waterproof. The battery life is quite substantial too. Whenever the battery runs low, you will get an alert.
Customer Reviews
First of all, customers of this product were very satisfied with the customer service provided by the sellers. They were also happy to have the device easily set up. They were also given a peace of mind for being able to track where their pet go. They commend the ability of owners of this device to define a safe zone for their pets. However, reviews about the price were quite mixed. Some were happy with using the device even if it requires them to pay a $9.99 monthly subscription. Other customers complained that the price was too high.
Key Features of the GIBI 2nd Gen Tracker
- Compact and lightweight
- Can create multiple safe zones for your pets
- Works with Google Map
- Long battery life and alerts the user when the battery is about to run out
- Waterproof
- GIbi app can be used in either Android or iOS device
- Has a monthly subscription fee of $9.99 or yearly for $99
Ninth Best Pick - Garmin Alpha 100
Next on our list is the Garmin Alpha 100 multi-dog tracker. This device too is one of the top products in the market. It makes use of real-time tracking, updated every 5 seconds, to inform you about the exact location of your dog.
The device’s battery life is long which can last up to 40 hours. The device will send you a notification when the battery runs low. This device can also be used at night or in dark places with its LED rescue light mode.
Customer Reviews
Customers of this product first point out that the device is expensive. However, they also said that it was worth the price. They love the colors of this device. They also enjoy tracking their pet using this product because they were able to know where their pets are currently at and how fast they are moving. They also loved the birds-eye-view map given by the device that comes with a subscription.
Key Features of the Garmin Alpha 100
- High-Sensitivity GPS with GLONASS. Display size is 1.53 wide x 2.55 high in inches and 3 inch diagonal
- Preloaded TOPO U.S. 100k maps.LED beacon lights and Rescue mode as well as Stimulation levels-Tone and Vibration
- Battery life 20-40 hrs. Display type : transflective, 65-K color TFT touchscreen
- Setup virtual boundaries on your map and receive an alert, automatically sends signal to recall
- 1-inch black collar strap, 5-inches standard and 13-inches extended range antennas
- Price: $799
Tenth Best Pick – Black + Decker Smart Dog Tracker
Our tenth best pick overall is the Black+Decker smart dog collar. This tracker makes use of a GPS system to accurately and precisely determine the location of your dog or pet. This allows your pet to roam around your home, even outside while they play with other dogs or kids in your neighborhood. This device also records your pet’s location history. Hence, you will know the places where your pet loves to go. You will be sent an alert whenever your dog goes to a place you do not want him to go. Hence, you will be given a peace of mind and you can relax either at home, at school, or at work without worrying too much about your dog’s whereabouts.
Another good thing about this device is that it features a 2-way audio feature so that you will be able to communicate with your dog as if he or she is right next to you.
Customer Reviews
People who have reviewed this product after use said that this device exceeded their expectations. They were delighted by its small size, compactness, and light weight. They were happy that they were able to track their dog’s exact location. Some even used the device for their drones. Some customers were also satisfied with the monthly subscription service for this device, saying that the price was worth it.
Key Features of the Black+Decker Smart Dog Tracker
- GPS and activity tracking
- Customizable geofence zones
- 2-way audio to stay connected with your dog
- Water resistant and one size
- Virtual Dog Tag – OLED
- Utilizes 2G technology
- Price: $29.99
Eleventh Best Pick –Find My Pet Nano GPS Dog Tracker
Also one of today’s best GPS dog trackers is Find My Pet Nano GPS Dog Tracker. It utilizes satellite connection via GPS. But whenever satellite connection is not available, the device will quickly look for alternative connections such as Bluetooth signal, Wi-Fi, and its last resort – the cell phone network. This makes the product highly functional wherever you may be – urban or rural.
This tracker is also lightweight and very easy to use. Location tracking is also done in real time and you can even know your dog’s location even when you are abroad. It has rechargeable battery and is long-lasting. The battery lasts for a minimum of 2 days and maximum of 5 days. It can also track multiple pets. The product, however, comes with a monthly subscription fee. Customers will, however, get their first month free.
Customer Reviews
Some customers have commended this device for the fact that it does indeed make use of GPS and is probably the smallest of those available. Owners of small pets were also delighted by the light weight and compactness of this product because their cute puppies did not get irritated wearing this device.
Key Features of Find My Pet Nano GPS Dog Tracker
- Makes use of GPS satellites
- Wi-Fi Bluetooth enabled
- Ability to track your pet worldwide
- Long battery life of 2 to 4 days
- 1 month of free subscription service and $4.99 per month after that
Twelfth Best Pick – Tile Mate and Slim Combo Pack
Though this device is twelfth on this list, it still remains to be one of the best dog trackers available out there today. The Tile Mate and Slim Combo Pack consists of two Tile Slim and two Tile Mate Bluetooth Trackers. What this means is that you actually have four trackers upon purchasing this product. You can use one for your dog and the remaining ones for your other dogs or anything like your drone, wallet, keys, and whatever else.
This device works with the Tile app that automatically records the last time location of your pet dog. Hence, when you cannot find your dog anywhere, you can use this device to know where the last time he or she was.
Customer Reviews
Most customers of this product used the tracker for their important things like keys, wallet, etc. They do find the tracker useful because they were able to locate these things in no time. However, there are also a lot of people who have used this device to track their dogs. They attach the tracker to their dog’s collar so that they will know where they went. They were happy because of a cheap price, they were able to know the location of their beloved pets.
Key Features of the Tile Mate and Slim Combo Pack
- Can be used with an app installed in your smartphone to ring the tile whenever you want to
- Has a feature called community find that lets other community members help your missing tile Mate
- Has a replaceable CR1632 battery guaranteed for one year from activation
- Slim has a built-in battery so after a year you’re eligible to replace or exchange your device at a discount
Who Should Buy a GPS Dog Tracker?
Now that we have covered the top 5 best GPS dog trackers and collars for 2021, you might now be wondering, who are exactly the people that should buy a dog tracker? The simple answer to this question is basically all dog owners. If you are a loving pet owner who doesn’t leave your dog in the cage all the time and lets your dog roam freely at home, then you should buy a dog tracker. You just don’t know what might happen. If you live in a big house, then it would be useful to have this device so that you will not waste time looking for your dog in every room, closet, bed, or hallway. With the GPS tracker, you will know exactly where your dog is.
If your dog can also freely roam your backyard, then there is a high chance for him to get out of your house. Dogs are smart creatures and they will find a way to go wherever they want to. In case they do get out of your house and you don’t know where they went, you will have to scour your neighborhood and worst-case scenario, post flyers, and seek help with the local animal shelter just to find out where your dog went. But if you have a GPS dog tracker, there is no need for all of that. You will always have peace of mind because wherever your dog may go, you will always know were. And it will also be an advantage for you because the moment that your dog leaves your designated safe area, you will be alerted of such.
Apart from those, if you have a dog as your travel companion, having a dog tracker will be a big help so that you will know where your dog is in case you got separated from him.
What Features Should You Consider When Buying a GPS Dog Tracker?
We have given you above the top picks for today’s GPS dog trackers. If you are about to purchase one, of course you will look through the points to think about when buying one. This includes the features to consider in a dog tracker. So here are the important features that you must take into account when buying a dog tracker:
The Location Tracker Type
There are three kinds of GPS dog trackers when it comes to the type of location tracker – Bluetooth, GPS, and radio. The Bluetooth type is usually the cheapest one. However, the range that it offers is much shorted than those offered by the GPS and the radio. Radio trackers offer a range of about 6 to 10 miles. They are perfect for use in remote areas and they do not require a monthly subscription fee for cellular service. And finally, GPS trackers can pinpoint the exact location of your pet in real time using cellular service. But they do require a monthly subscription fee for the service to work.
Tag or Collar?
Dog trackers also come in two forms – a tracking tag that can be attached to a dog collar or a collar with an already built-in dog tracker. The benefit of getting the latter would be the fact that the tracker will not get dislodged out of its place because it is already a part of the collar. On the other hand, other dogs prefer not to wear a collar, so the former-tracking tag-would be better. If your dog is big, then you might want to go for a dog collar. If not, then go for the tracking tag.
Accuracy
Another important point to consider when buying a dog tracker is the accuracy of the device. Most GPS trackers are able to pinpoint the exact location of your dog. Others require a few seconds to minutes to do this thing. Hence, you should make sure to always check the dog tracker’s time required to know your dog’s location and consider it in your decision making process.
Waterproofing
Also an important feature to consider when buying a dog tracker is its waterproof ability. This feature is a requirement because you still want to find your dog even in the middle of a rain or storm. Other dog tags can work up to 10 feet underwater. If your pet likes to swim, then this must be an important feature for you.
Durability
You also want a device that will be long-lasting and won’t easily break. Hence, you should consider durability as an important feature when buying a dog tracker. You should also purchase a device that won’t get caught on branches or get dislodged while your dog is running.
Other FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a GPS dog tracker?
A GPS dog tracker is a device that can locate your dog’s whereabouts using a device that your pets wear and transmits information on your dog’s location to your phone or any other handheld device.
What are the kinds of GPS dog tracker?
In general, there are three kinds of dog trackers. The first one is the Bluetooth dog tracker which makes connects the tracker to your device via Bluetooth signal. The second one is the radio tracker which makes use of radio frequencies to transmit your dog’s location to your handheld device. And the third one is the cellular GPS tracker which makes use of cellular data to pinpoint the location of your dog.
Are GPS dog trackers waterproof?
Most GPS dog trackers are indeed waterproof. This means that they will still work and won’t get destroyed when your dog gets the tracker wet via swimming, playing, going into the rain, etc. However, there are still some dog tracker products that are not waterproof. You should check if the product you are eyeing on has this feature.
Is GPS installed in a microchip?
The answer is no. Microchips do not automatically have GPS. They are not even tracking devices in the first place. They only contain the ID number that can be used to retrieve information about the owner of a lost pet. When a pet carries a microchip and gets lost, animal shelters or vets who picked up the pet will use the microchip to swipe into a scanner and retrieve information about that pet’s owner. That way, they will be able to contact the owner and tell them where their pet is.
Does a GPS dog tracker require Wi-Fi to function?
Not all. Some GPS dog trackers can be used more efficiently using Wi-Fi. People can set up the Wi-Fi signal’s area in the house as the “safe place” for their pets. Whenever their pet gets out of the range of the Wi-Fi the owner will be alerted. The Wi-Fi is however, available only for GPS trackers. Radio and Bluetooth trackers do not feature them.
Final Verdict
And now after reading all that, you now have all the necessary knowledge you need to purchase the most ideal dog tracker for you. We have given you the five best dog trackers this year, the factors to consider when buying one, and some questions you may still have in your mind. It is now the time for you to make up your mind and ensure that you can track your pet whenever and wherever you want
