If you’ve ever experienced the heart-stopping moment when you realize your dog is missing, you know exactly how important a good GPS tracker can be. Whether your dog is a frequent escape artist, or you simply want peace of mind knowing exactly where they are, a GPS tracker is one of the best investments you can make for your pup. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the best GPS trackers for dogs, help you choose one that suits your needs, and highlight some of the most popular and highly rated options available on Amazon today.
Several of the best options are listed below with links to Amazon where they are available.
Why Invest in a GPS Tracker for Your Dog?
You know how much your dog means to you – they’re not just a pet, they’re a member of your family. A GPS tracker can help you:
- Locate Your Dog in Real-Time: Whether your dog slips out of the yard, chases a squirrel too far, or gets spooked by fireworks, GPS trackers let you locate them quickly.
- Peace of Mind on Walks: If you like off-leash adventures, a GPS tracker is a perfect companion, allowing you to keep track even if your pup runs ahead.
- Health and Activity Tracking: Many GPS trackers today offer activity monitoring features, letting you keep track of your dog’s fitness and health. This can be especially useful for ensuring they get enough exercise.
What to Look for in a Dog GPS Tracker
Before diving into the best GPS trackers, let’s look at a few factors to consider:
- Range: Depending on where you live, you’ll want to ensure that the GPS tracker covers a sufficient area. Rural areas and urban settings may have different requirements.
- Battery Life: Some GPS trackers need daily charging, while others can last a week or more. Look for a model that matches your lifestyle.
- Subscription Fees: Many GPS trackers require a subscription fee to maintain real-time tracking, as they use cellular networks. Be sure to take these into account.
- Durability and Waterproofing: If your pup loves a good splash, you’ll want a waterproof tracker that can handle any adventure.
Top GPS Trackers for Dogs You Can Buy
Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the best GPS trackers for dogs that are highly rated and well-reviewed on Amazon.
1. Whistle GO Explore
The Whistle GO Explore is one of the top choices when it comes to GPS trackers for dogs. Not only does it offer accurate real-time location tracking, but it also acts as a fitness monitor, making it an all-in-one solution for keeping tabs on your dog’s health and location.
Key Features:
- Real-Time GPS Tracking: You can view your dog’s location directly from your phone and receive alerts if they leave a designated safe zone.
- Health and Activity Tracking: Monitor your dog’s fitness, rest, and even scratching behavior.
- Durable & Waterproof: Built to withstand muddy puddles and rainstorms.
- Long Battery Life: Battery lasts up to 20 days on a single charge, depending on usage.
The Whistle GO Explore also features a built-in night light, which can be super helpful if your dog gets out at night. With thousands of positive reviews on Amazon, many pet owners love how this tracker offers reliable tracking and useful health insights.
2. Tractive GPS Dog LTE Tracker
If you’re looking for an affordable GPS tracker that works across a wide area, the Tractive GPS Dog LTE Tracker is a great pick. Tractive is known for its reliable tracking and a wide coverage area, making it ideal for dog owners in both urban and rural settings.
Key Features:
- Live Tracking & Location History: Get real-time updates of your dog’s location, as well as see where they’ve been.
- Virtual Fence: You can set up virtual fences, and the app will notify you if your dog leaves the safe area.
- Activity Monitoring: Track your dog’s activity levels to ensure they’re getting enough exercise.
- Subscription Plan Required: Requires a monthly subscription but is reasonably priced compared to other competitors.
The Tractive GPS has earned thousands of positive reviews for its accuracy and ease of use, especially appreciated by pet owners with escape-prone dogs. It’s also one of the most cost-effective options, making it accessible to many dog owners.
3. Garmin T5 GPS Dog Collar
For those of you who love off-the-grid adventures, the Garmin T5 GPS Dog Collar might be your best friend. Garmin is a trusted name in GPS technology, and the T5 is designed for active dogs who spend time in areas without reliable cellular coverage. Unlike most trackers, it does not require a cellular network, which can be perfect if you and your dog love hiking.
Key Features:
- Rugged Design: Built to be durable and waterproof, perfect for outdoor adventures.
- High-Sensitivity GPS: Uses GPS/GLONASS receivers to maintain location tracking even in remote areas.
- Long-Range Tracking: Can track your dog up to nine miles away, making it ideal for hunting or hiking.
The Garmin T5 comes at a higher price point, but the reliability, especially in remote settings, is unmatched. Many dog owners love this tracker for camping and hiking trips where cell coverage is sparse.
4. Fi Smart Collar (Series 3)
The Fi Smart Collar is gaining popularity among pet parents due to its sleek design and highly accurate tracking capabilities. This collar works on a combination of GPS, LTE, and Wi-Fi, providing you with reliable tracking wherever your dog may roam.
Key Features:
- Escape Alerts & Real-Time Location Tracking: Get notifications straight to your phone whenever your dog leaves the safe zone.
- Longest Battery Life: Fi Series 3 boasts a battery that can last up to three months, depending on usage. This makes it a great choice if you want a low-maintenance device.
- Durable Design: It’s designed to handle wear and tear and is water-resistant, making it a great option for playful pups.
- Activity Tracking: Fi also provides health insights to help you ensure your dog stays in shape.
One of the standout features of the Fi Smart Collar is the ultra-long battery life, which can be a game-changer if you don’t want to deal with constant recharging. With hundreds of positive reviews, users rave about how reliable and easy it is to use, with clear notifications and impressive accuracy.
Comparing the Best Dog GPS Trackers
To help you decide which GPS tracker best suits your needs, here’s a quick comparison:
| GPS Tracker | Battery Life | Subscription Required | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whistle GO Explore | Up to 20 days | Yes | Health tracking, real-time alerts, night light | Moderate |
| Tractive GPS Dog LTE | Up to 5 days | Yes | Virtual fence, live tracking | Budget-Friendly |
| Garmin T5 GPS Collar | Up to 40 hours | No | Long-range tracking, durable for remote use | High |
| Fi Smart Collar (S3) | Up to 3 months | Yes | Long battery life, real-time tracking | Moderate-High |
Which GPS Tracker is Best for Your Dog?
- For Active Dogs: If your dog loves long hikes and off-leash adventures, the Garmin T5 is ideal because it’s built for rugged terrain and doesn’t rely on cellular networks.
- For Escape Artists: If your dog is prone to making quick escapes, the Whistle GO Explore and Fi Smart Collar offer excellent real-time location tracking, reliable alerts, and health monitoring. Both have great range and dependable battery life.
- For Budget-Conscious Owners: The Tractive GPS Dog LTE Tracker is an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on essential features like live tracking and geofencing.
Additional Tips for Using a GPS Tracker
- Get Your Dog Used to Wearing It: GPS collars can feel different to dogs at first, so let them wear it around the house for a bit to get used to it.
- Set Up Virtual Fences: Use the app to establish a virtual fence around your yard or local park. That way, you’ll get an instant alert if your pup decides to go on an unscheduled adventure.
- Regular Charging: Make sure to set reminders to charge the GPS tracker. The last thing you want is a dead battery when your dog decides to make a run for it!
Final Thoughts
A GPS tracker for your dog can be an incredible tool for ensuring their safety, especially if they’re prone to wandering off or if you enjoy adventures off the beaten path. From real-time GPS location tracking to activity monitoring, these devices do much more than just tell you where your furry friend is – they offer peace of mind.
Whether you go for the highly advanced Garmin T5, the all-around performer Whistle GO Explore, the long-lasting Fi Smart Collar, or the budget-friendly Tractive GPS, each tracker brings something unique to the table. Choosing the right one depends on your dog’s behavior, your lifestyle, and your specific needs.
No matter which you pick, you’ll be adding an extra layer of protection for your beloved pup. And, most importantly, you’ll feel much more comfortable letting them explore, knowing that you can always find them when it matters most.
So go ahead, take that hike, let them chase that squirrel, and enjoy those adventures together – your trusty GPS tracker has got you covered!