Has your dog ever bolted out of the house to then run around and explore your neighborhood? Have they ever chased animals into the woods and disappeared into the brush? If so, a GPS dog tracker may be what you need to keep tabs on your dog.
What is a GPS Dog Tracker?
A GPS dog tracker is a device attached to your dog’s collar or harness that monitors their whereabouts.
How Does A GPS Dog Tracker Work?
A tracker is placed on your dog’s collar or harness. Using an app on your phone or a handheld device, a tracker can determine your dog’s location.
GPS or Global Positioning System, uses a receiver (your device) to obtain a signal from over 30 navigation satellites that circle the Earth to triangulate your dog’s location. You are then able to see on your app or handheld where your dog is located.
Why Do I Need A GPS Dog Tracker?
People use GPS trackers for all sorts of reasons. Some include:
- Keeping track of working dogs.
- Locating a dog that has gotten out of the house or off your property.
- Tracking a search and rescue dog.
- Keeping an eye on dogs who may be blind or deaf and tend to wander.
- Locating hunting dogs.
- Tracking your dog in case they run off while hiking or when camping.
- For peace of mind.
What Is The Most Accurate GPS Tracker?
The most accurate GPS tracker will be one that uses a combination of various tracking methods, instead of just one.
Trackers that use GPS, cellular networks, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth together will be able to provide you with the best information as to where your dog may be located.
- GPS may have trouble triangulating your dog’s position if the signals are blocked in any way (trees, mountains, concrete, etc.).
- Cellular networks are only as reliable as the cell tower signals in your area.
- WI-Fi signals will be limited to your network.
- Bluetooth works when you are in a certain proximity to the tracker.
On their own, each method has their limitations, but working together, they can provide you with the best option to find your dog .
What Is A Good GPS Dog Tracker To Get?
A good GPS dog tracker is one that suits you and your dog’s individual needs. Depending on what you will be using your tracker for, certain features will be more important to you than others.
The biggest factor when deciding on a GPS tracker would be how accurate it is in tracking your dog in the location you will be using it.
Things To Consider When Purchasing A GPS Dog Tracker
Price
GPS dog trackers can be expensive. How much are you willing to spend? Have a budget and stick to it.
Subscription Plan
Most GPS dog trackers require a monthly or yearly subscription. Keep this in mind when figuring out the total cost. Does the company offer a trial period? Most companies will not refund you the subscription cost if the device does not work in your area. If possible, start with a monthly plan so if you are not happy with how the tracker is working, you can cancel your subscription.
Cancellation/Refund
MAKE SURE TO READ THE FINE PRINT of any tracker you are thinking of buying, particularly their subscription terms. Try out your tracker as soon as you get it, as return windows may be short and you want to make sure it does a good job of tracking your dog.
Method Of Tracking
As mentioned above, a tracker that uses multiple methods is best. If you are using a tracker that only uses one method, be sure to test it out to make sure you have a strong enough signal for it to work.
Real Time Updates
A GPS tracker should have the capability to give real time updates on where your dog is located. Some subscriptions let you choose how often the location is updated ( more money, quicker updates).
Size
Will the tracker be large /small enough to fit your dog? Will it fit on your dog’s collar without distracting your dog?
Purpose
What are you using the tracker for? Is it compatible with hunting GPS software (ONX Maps)? Is it accepted by AKC or other organizations during competitions? Or are you just looking for an everyday tracker to keep an eye on your dog?
Behavior Correction
Some trackers offer behavior correction as part of their features. This would include tones and vibration that you can use if you notice a dog going to an area they shouldn’t.
Geofencing
Geofencing or virtual fence is an option that allows you to create a “safe” area for your dog. If your dog wanders out of this area, you are notified.
App
Is the tracker’s app user friendly? Are there notifications you can set up in case your dog goes beyond a particular area?
Battery Life
Trackers will claim a specific amount of time before you need to charge it(ex. Every 7 days), but what they say and how the tracker actually performs can be two different things. Another reason to test the tracker out as soon as you get it. Make sure the battery lasts for as long as you need it to before a recharge.
Light
Some trackers have a light feature on them. This can be another tool to help you find your dog by seeing the light from a distance.
Reach
How large is the area your dog will be in? Some trackers can track within only a few miles, others can track within a 10 mile radius.
Multiple Dogs
If you have more than one dog, buy a tracker that is capable of locating multiple dogs. Some trackers required a separate subscription plan for each dog, which can add to your total cost.
Waterproof
If your dog likes to swim or they like being out in rainy or snowy weather, choose a GPS tracker that is waterproof.
Extra Features
Choose a GPS tracker that doubles as an activity tracker if you are concerned about how much exercise or sleep your dog is getting.
The Best GPS Dog Trackers
These are some of the top rated GPS dog trackers. All of the product information is according to the manufacturer. Each one is good at tracking a dog. Some use GPS alone, while others use a combination of GPS, cellular networks, Wi-Fi , and Bluetooth. If a subscription is required, it will be noted.
Best GPS Tracker For Multiple Dogs
Garmin Alpha 200i / TT 15 Dog Tracking And Training Bundle
This is 2 dog trackers bundled together: a handheld and an in-vehicle GPS device that doubles as a dog tracker.
Handheld:
- Uses a GPS/GLONASS (Russian satellite navigation system) receiver.
- Readable in sunlight.
- 3.5” touchscreen.
- Audible tone and vibration.
- Uses inReach technology.
- Can monitor up to 20 dogs.
- Reaches up to 9 miles.
- 2.5 second update rate.
- BirdsEye Satellite imagery (requires subscription).
- TopoActive maps.
- 3 axis compass.
- Barometric altimeter.
- Hunt Metrics shows your dog’s hunting patterns and behavior.
Pros/Cons:
- Not compatible with ONX GPS chips.
- Compass is not always accurate.
Best GPS Dog Tracker For Hunting Dogs
Garmin Astro 430/T5 Dog Tracking Bundle
- Can be used with the T5 mini collar.
- Transmits location every 2.5 seconds.
- Track up to 20 dogs at one time.
- 9 mile range (4 miles with the T5 mini).
- Uses both GPS and GLONASS (Russian satellite navigation system) for better accuracy.
- Comes with a free 1 year Birdseye Satellite Imagery subscription.
- Hunt Metrics shows your dog’s hunting patterns and behavior.
- Receive notification if your dog is “treed” or “on point” and bark status alerts.
- Compatible with other Garmin devices.
Best Cellular GPS Dog Tracker
Cube Tracker GPS
- Uses a SIM card.
- Connects to cellular networks.
- Can set up a geofence.
- Rechargeable battery.
- Accompanying app.
- Can set notifications for crossing boundaries and low battery.
- Requires a monthly subscription to use at 19.95/ month.
Pros/Cons:
- Accurate positioning.
- Easy to set up.
- Need to buy extra accessories to attach to your dog’s collar.
Best GPS Dog Tracker With Activity Monitoring
Link My Pet Wearable Dog GPS Tracker
- User friendly app.
- GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular technology help track your dog.
- Performs activity tracking as well.
- Training tools including tone and vibration.
- Can access your dog’s health records.
- Built in flashlight.
- Temperature alerts if your dog is in an area that is too hot or cold.
- Subscription required (available in a 2 year $7.75/month, 1 year $8.25/month or monthly $12.99/month subscription).
Pros/Cons:
- Device attaches to any harness or collar.
- Waterproof.
Best User Friendly GPS Dog Tracker
Pebblebee Found LTE GPS Tracker For Dogs
- Rechargeable battery with a 30 day charge.
- Waterproof.
- Create multiple virtual fences.
- Remote buzzing.
- Multi-person sharing.
- Collar clip.
- Uses cellular networks.
- No plan needed with Bluetooth only.
- Premium subscription $6/month billed annually.
Pros/Cons:
- Attaches to your own collar.
- App very easy to use.
Best GPS Dog Tracker For Small Dogs
Jiobit GPS Tracker
- Real time location tracking.
- Uses an app.
- Small and lightweight.
- Waterproof.
- Uses combination of GPS, Cellular networks , Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
- Geofencing.
- Attaches to your dog’s collar or harness.
- Built in encryption.
- Requires a subscription (ranges from $8.99/month to $14.99/month depending on the plan you choose and the length of time, monthly, yearly, etc.).
Pros/Cons:
- Battery life is not that great.
Best GPS Dog Tracker Without A Subscription
Dogtra Pathfinder TRX-9 Mile
- 9 mile range.
- 2 second update rate.
- Offline maps.
- Waterproof.
- Can be used on up to 21 dogs.
- Geofence.
- Smartphone required.
- Works without cellular data.
- Uses Bluetooth for short range and MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service) band for long range tracking.
- UKC, AKC, and PKC approved.
- Works with dogs 35 lbs. or more.
- No subscription fee.
Pros/Cons:
- Waterproof.
Not being able to find your dog, whether they run out the door, wander off, chase other animals, or while hiking, working, or hunting can be nerve wracking. A GPS dog tracker can help you keep tabs on your dog at all times wherever they may happen to roam.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.