5 Best Dog GPS Trackers: Keeping Track of Your Canine!

About 15 years ago, I spent the better part of two hours testing the emotional limits of pet parenthood.

I was moving some new furniture into my apartment, when I noticed that my chocolate lab – who never ventured far from my side – was nowhere to be found.

Absolutely terrified, I hit the streets. I called her name, looked under cars and talked to passersby – all without success.

I couldn’t bear the thought of my beloved pup roaming the streets alone but there was nothing I could do. I just had to wait and hope she came back.

That is a profoundly powerless feeling that I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

As it turns out, she never left in the first place – she was inadvertently shut inside a closet while I was wrestling with a couch or something. I was so relieved, I didn’t even care that I felt like an imbecile for not checking the apartment thoroughly.

She was quite curious why I’d decided to shutter her inside a dark room, but otherwise fine; so, the story has a happy ending. But it could have easily turned out much, much worse. Fortunately, modern technology has given us the tools to prevent this kind of problem from ever happening in the first place.

In this article, we’re detailing everything you need to know about dog GPS trackers, plus reviews and ratings for the most popular units. See our quick guide below, or continue reading to get the full low down!

Best Dog GPS Trackers: Quick Picks

• #1 PetFon Pet GPS Tracker [Best Overall Dog GPS Tracker]: This tracker requires no monthly subscription and utilizes a combination of GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, and long distance wireless technologies to track your pet.
• #3 Tractive 3G GPS Dog Tracker [Most Affordable Dog GPS Tracker]: The Tractive 3G Dog Tracker provides owners — even those with tight budgets — with a way to track down their pets.
• #3 Bartun LTE GPS Collar [Most Waterproof Dog GPS Tracker]: Thanks to its IPX7 waterproof rating, this is the perfect tracker for rough-and-tumble doggos who like to swim.

What Are GPS Dog Trackers?

GPS dog trackers (or tracking collars) allow you to find your dog when she’s lost. If I’d have had a GPS tracking device on my dog, I’d have seen that she was in my apartment, and avoided an ulcer and half as many grey hairs as I have.

There are a few different types of tracking systems available, many of which rely on things other than GPS to find your lost pup; but we’ll get to the techno-talk in a minute.

The average dog-owner will find a GPS tracking system to be the best option.

Usually, tracking systems consist of a small device that attaches to your dog’s collar and sends out the tracking signal. Most popular units (and each of the units we recommend below) allow you to locate and find your dog by either using a cell phone, tablet or computer. However, some models work with a hand-held receiver.

Most GPS trackers also include a battery charger for the tracker, as well as one for the hand-held reader, if applicable. Some units also incorporate a base station that helps to define your dog’s safe zone. Often, the base station doubles as the charger.

Some GPS dog trackers require you to download an app to your phone, but these are usually free and easy to install. It is, however, important to ensure that the device and app will work with your phone before making a decision – some popular tracking devices are only compatible with one of the major phone operating systems (iOS or Android).

Most GPS tracking services require that you enroll in a monthly service plan (just like for a cell phone). But these costs are usually quite reasonable (less than $10 a month in most cases).

Dog GPS Tracker Features: What to Consider Before Buying

Not all tracking units – even those relying on similar technology – are created equally. It really pays to take your time and determine the best tracking unit for your needs. It can be difficult to judge the quality of comparable units, but it is relatively simple to compare the features they each possess.

Consider some of the following features when selecting a GPS tracking device:

• Waterproof trackers are well worth the additional expense, as according to Murphy’s Law, it is all but guaranteed that your dog will decide to escape in a rainstorm.
• Battery life is critical. You never want to have the tracker’s signal die before you find your pet. While battery life varies with your usage (the more you try to track your pet, the more electricity you use), most high-quality units include batteries that last for three to seven days.
• Some trackers monitor your pet’s activity, vital signs and other interesting and helpful data. This kind of info can help you better understand and care for your pet.
• Some units power-down when your dog becomes inactive to help prolong battery life. This can be especially helpful for units that don’t have a particularly long-lasting battery.

There’s one other thing you want to think about before buying a GPS dog tracker: the cellular reception in your area.

Many tracking units rely on cell-phone networks, at least in part, to monitor your dog’s movements. Make sure you know which network your GPS tracker uses, and check to ensure that the service (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.) provides adequate coverage in your area.

3 Types of Dog Trackers: Radio, Short-Range, and GPS

GPS trackers aren’t the only show in town; several other technologies are available to keep track of your pup, and it makes sense to look at all of the options available.

The problem is, the alphabet-soup of jargon that pops up in discussions of tracking collars could choke a hippopotamus. This causes many would-be customers to throw up their hands in exhaustion.

But don’t worry – it isn’t that complicated.

There are basically three different types of tracking collars in widespread use: 

• Radio Collars
• Short-Range Tracking Colors
• GPS Collars

GPS tracking collars tend to be the best choice for the vast majority of dog owners.

If you aren’t interested in learning about these alternative systems, just skip down to GPS Tracking Collars.

Radio Transmitting Collars

Radio tracking collars are fairly old technology, and although they do excel in some applications, they rarely make sense for the run-of-the-mill dog owner.

• Radio tracking collars are typically useful for 1 to 5 miles.
• Weather usually impairs the function of radio collars.
• They provide only distance and directional data, not a real-time location.
• Radio collars are useful for dogs and owners living or traveling in remote regions.

Ideal for users who handle dogs for search and rescue, hunt with dogs, or work alongside canines in remote areas that lack adequate satellite coverage or access to cellular networks.

If you think a radio collar is the best solution for your pup, consider the Marco Polo Pet Monitoring/Tracking and Locating System. It is a high-quality unit, available at a very reasonable cost.

Short-Range Tracking Collars

These types of collars send a signal from your pet’s collar to your smartphone or a dedicated tracking device.

These units typically rely on either RFID (the same technology that allows you to tap your credit card at checkout instead of sliding it through the little slot) or Bluetooth technology to communicate with your phone.

• These types of short-range collars usually provide only distance and directional data. Instead of viewing your pet’s location on a map as most GPS tracking units allow, the receiver for a short-range tracking collar may say that your dog is 100 yards west of your location, for example.
• Short-range units are only effective over a relatively short distance – think feet, rather than miles.
• RFID and Bluetooth units are often the smallest units available.
• Some units offer a “chirp” function, which allows you to cause your pet’s collar to beep audibly.

Ideal for owners who have very small dogs (or cats) who can’t carry a larger tracker comfortably, or those living inside large indoor facilities.

GPS Tracking Collars

GPS tracking collars are a newer solution in the dog-tracking industry, and they rely on the network of global positioning satellites to locate and track your dog.

Many such units also use cell-phone networks to complement their coverage capabilities.

• GPS collars are effective anywhere they can contact three separate satellites.
• Range is rarely an issue with GPS collars – you can track your lost pet from virtually anywhere.
• Battery life is typically the biggest challenge for these types of collars.
• GPS units rarely work indoors.
• These units typically require a monthly subscription to access the network.

Ideal for average pet-owners who do not live in the Canadian tundra nor intend to use the tracker very often.

If you think a GPS tracking collar is the best solution for your needs, consider any of the five models below.

5 Best Dog GPS Trackers For Finding & Tracking Fido!

There are a number of high-quality GPS tracking units available to modern dog owners, but the following five represent the cream of the crop.

1. PetFon GPS Tracker

The PetFon GPS Tracker is a real-time, app-controlled device that allows you to pinpoint your lost doggo’s location. Easy to set up, this small wearable tracker is rain-resistant and holds a charge for up to 16 hours. 

Best All-Around GPS Dog Tracker

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PetFon GPS Dog Tracker

An easy-to-use, wearable dog tracker that doesn’t require a subscription and lasts for 16 hours between charges.

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Features:

• Does not require a monthly subscription
• Offers up to 3.5 miles of coverage in open areas and 0.65 miles in congested downtown spaces
• Allows you to mark a safe area for your pooch and receive instant notifications anytime he leaves the designated zone
• Includes the option to upload voice commands, giving you the ability to correct your dog if he leaves the safe area
• Can be illuminated at night, making finding your pooch in the dark easier

2. LINK AKC Smart Dog Collar

About: The LINK AKC Smart Dog Collar contains a fully functional, internal GPS tracking device, and it comes in your choice of leather or nylon. While not completely waterproof, the manufacturer claims the unit is water resistant in as much as 3-feet of water.

Most Innovative GPS Dog Tracker

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LINK AKC Smart Dog Collar

An award-winning, water-resistant GPS tracker and activity monitor for your dog.

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Features:

• Provides alerts anytime your dog leaves the safe zone
• Provides customized activity level recommendations, tailored for your specific dog
• The LINK AKC Smart Collar won the 2017 CES award for Best Innovation
• Comes with complimentary access to the Pet Poison Hotline
• Includes a risk-free 30-day money back guarantee — if you’re not happy with it, return the unit for your money back.
• LINK requires a service plan for connectivity — plans can be as low as $6.95 per month (pricing varies)​.
• The entire collar weighs only 4.8 ounces, including the tracking device.

3. Tractive LTE GPS Dog Tracker

About: The Tractive LTE GPS Dog Tracker provides peace of mind in the form of real-time location for your four-legged friend. Just log into the Tractive GPS app from your iPhone, Android, or web browser and get live tracking results and location history for your dog.

Most Affordable GPS Tracker

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Tractive LTE GPS Dog Tracker

This truly waterproof GPS tracker provides real-time information directly to your phone via the Tractive App.

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Features:

• Set virtual parameters for your dog right from your phone
• Works globally in over 150 countries
• Requires a subscription, starting at $4.99 monthly (yearly plans also available)
• 100% waterproof, per the manufacturer

4. Whistle Go Explore

About: The Whistle Go Explore is a GPS tracker that attaches right to your dog’s collar and keeps running for up to 20 days on a single charge. Monitoring everything from step count to calories burned, it’s a powerful device in a relatively compact package.

Dog GPS Tracker with Longest Battery Life

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Whistle Go Explore

This lightweight GPS dog tracker is fully waterproof and boasts a 10-day battery life.

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Features:

• Tracks your pet with precision and offers updates every fifteen seconds to the Whistle app
• Works within the US and Canada
• Includes a built-in safety light for night usage with slow flash, fast flash, and continuous light settings
• Requires a recurring $8.25 monthly subscription fee

5. Bartun LTE GPS Collar

About: Don’t fear a passing stray shower or surprise swim with the Bartun LTE GPS collar. Plenty of trackers are water-resistant or waterproof, but this one is specifically designed with IPX7 waterproofing. 

Most Waterproof GPS Dog Tracker

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Bartun LTE GPS Collar

This water- and shock-proof GPS tracker is designed to clip on to your dog’s existing collar.

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Features:

• Provides real-time location information with an unlimited range
• Worldwide coverage in over 150 countries
• Can be used with the included collar or on your dog’s own neckwear
• SIM card required for use (not included)

***

It’s important to realize that no GPS tracking system is perfect, so you should always use common sense to keep your dog safe. Don’t think that you can just let your dog roam about unsupervised or that it isn’t a big deal that he escapes all the time, because you have a GPS tracking collar for him.

Alternatively, if you’re just looking to track your dog’s exercise, a dog FitBit might be a better (and more affordable) option. If you want to keep your dog in an enclosed space, invisible dog fences are a nice solution, although most of those systems won’t be able to track your dog if she does manage to escape.

We’d love to hear about the tracking systems you have used. Let us know which ones were great and which ones didn’t live up to expectations. We’d also love to hear your happy reunion stories, so hit us up on Twitter or Facebook, or just scroll down to the comment section below!