We do everything within our power to keep our precious pups safe and sound. But the world is an unpredictable place, and the behavior of our dogs is no exception.
No one wants to think of losing track of their fur-baby. But a small investment in the name of prevention can turn a scary moment into a quick reunion.
So today, we’re going to look at the 6 best dog GPS trackers. These high-tech tools help save pet parents from heartache and keep dogs where they belong – in our loving arms.
With so many options out there, we prepared this guide to help you pick the best whilst saving you time and money.
We’ll both review individual dog trackers and provide you with necessary tips on how to pick one that’ll suit your pup and what to watch out for. After all none of us want to rely on a half baked product.
In a hurry? Here are the top 3 trackers our experts choose:
Our top picks
Best Dog GPS Trackers
Before we dive into details of how to pick the best one and what to watch out for, we present you the best of them all individually reviewed:
Tractive is one of the most well-regarded pet trackers out there and we decided to find out why.
For one thing, this is a very compact, ergonomic device. It’s unlikely to bother your dog even if he’s small or sensitive to wearables.
This particular dog tracker allows you to create a “safe zone” of your choosing called virtual fence. Once set in place, the device will alert you any time your dog travels outside the designated area.
You will be able to see these updates in real-time as well as view the history of your dog’s locations.
As you might imagine, this can be helpful in seeing if he has a habit of running off to a specific place – like the home of that pretty Cocker Spaniel!
Also, worthy of note is the integrated dog fitness tracker with activity monitoring. This feature helps you not only see your dog’s whereabouts, but keep up on his fitness and activity as well.
As for the battery, it’s rechargeable and exchangeable, giving you anywhere from 2-5 days on a single charge.
Overall, the Tractive GPS Tracker for Dogs is a comfortable, accurate, and effective dog tracking collar with some unique, helpful features.
Features
- GPS pet collar
- Live tracking and location history
- Worldwide location tracking
Pros
- You get an instant notification if your pet leaves the “safe area”
- Works in more than 150 countries
- Stays charged for 2 to 5 days
Cons
- Monthly paid subscription plan is needed
- Signal may be poor in the countryside
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This is the latest version of the Tractive GPS dog tracker. It includes all the great benefits of the previous version while being fully waterproof. As such, it’s a great selection if you want to keep track of your dog while romping outdoors and swimming freely.
Conveniently, you can add multiple people to your dog’s data share so they can follow along with his activity and location.
It is highly durable as it’s built to withstand water, shock, and heavy wear. This makes it good for puppies who like to get rough, play hard, or swim laps!
The real-time location tracking keeps you updated with instant notifications should your pup stray from his designated safe-area.
Because it’s compact and lightweight, it shouldn’t be a bother to your dog regardless of his size. Just slip it on his collar and he won’t even know it’s there – but you sure will!
Features
- Newest version of Tractive GPS
- Fully waterproof
- Rechargeable and exchangeable battery
- Share activity and location with friends and family
- Shock resistant
- Weighs 30 grams
Pros
- Can be worn in the outdoors, including rain and swimming
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Real-time location tracking
Cons
- Requires monthly subscription
- Slightly more expensive than the previous Tractive tracker
Impressively, the Weenect Dogs 2 GPS tracker has no distance limit. So, no matter where on earth your dog is, you can see his location and activity with your Android or iOs device.
The position of the GPS is continuously transmitted to your smartphone in real-time, giving you up-to-date accurate info on your best canine buddy.
One unique feature of this wearable tracker is the training ring. By activating the ring-noise and getting your dog to associate it with meals, you can train him to return home for a treat whenever he hears the sound.
Because it relies on cellular data, the Weenect does require a monthly subscription. However, it’s a relatively nominal fee and most trackers work in this manner.
All in all, it gets high marks for its easy set-up, tiny size, and accurate tracking. And the battery charges in just around 2 hours, lasting 2 to 4 days on a single charge.
Features
- No distance limit
- Smallest GPS tracker in the world
- Real-time tracking
- Assists with training
- Easy set-up
Pros
- Very lightweight and comfortable
- Gives real-time, constant tracking
- Ringing dinner time bell
Cons
- On average, needs to be charged every night
The Kippy EVO has some interesting features that make it stand out among GPS dog collars. Firstly, it’s completely waterproof, so it can even be worn by lake-loving pups!
Another interesting feature it has is the activity tracking. You can track specific data like sleep, play, calories, steps, and relaxation.
With Vita Messages, you receive helpful notifications regarding your dog’s health, movement, sleep patterns, and more.
If you want to register your walks, the Kippy keeps intelligent info on distance, speed, and altitude. For people who like tracking their own fitness and activity, it can be fun to let their dog in on the action as well!
Most importantly, this wearable keeps track of your dog’s location in real-time. And with Virtual Leash, you receive a notification every time your pup strays from your smartphone’s bluetooth beam.
Thanks to its versatility, durability, and wealth of helpful info, the Kippy EVO is one of the best pet trackers in the UK.
Features
- Pet tracking + activity monitoring
- 100% waterproof
- Weighs only 38 grams
- Rechargeable battery
- GPS localisation
- Virtual fence
Pros
- Suitable for all collars, both cats and dogs
- Long-lasting battery (up to 10 days)
- Swim proof
Cons
- The Kippy EVO app requires some study to get the hang of
- May be too bulky for very small dogs
Especially good for toy dogs, the PAJ Pet Finder is small enough to go undetected by just about any breed. But just because it’s tiny doesn’t mean it’s not effective. It’s both durable and dependable.
Permanent live location lets you stay on top of your pup wherever he may roam – but hopefully not outside the home!
And route tracking allows you to examine your dog’s routes over the past 100 days for even deeper insight into his curious canine habits. The PAJ is also helpful in monitoring activity, distance, and favourite routes.
This wearable tracker attaches simply to any dog collar with its rubber strap. And it’s lightweight enough to leave your dog feeling natural and unbothered.
Because it’s splash-proof, you don’t have to worry about your dog sloshing through some water or getting caught in the rain, however it’s not intended for swimming.
For best results, you can set up a geo-fence. This is a designated area where your dog is deemed safe.
Should he roam outside of this area at any time, you will receive immediate, real-time messages via email and push notifications. As such, your pup will never leave home unnoticed.
Features
- Integrated SIM card
- Weighs 28 grams
- Geo-fence alerts
- Real-time global live-tracking
Pros
- No subscription required – just set it up and you’re done
- Small and feather-light – good for little dogs
- You receive alarms through email and push notifications
Cons
- A little on the pricey end
Although it’s designed to be safely used in a number of ways, The Prothelus Greta GPS makes for a smart, easy-to-use dog tracker.
With precise position history, you can keep a watchful eye on the sneakiest of pooches, even if he fancies himself an escape artist!
Exceedingly durable, this pet tracker is dust proof, water-proof (safe for swimming), shock-proof, and resistant to cold and heat. This makes it a wise option for dogs who go hard during playtime or live in extreme weather conditions.
Unlike a lot of other devices, it doesn’t have the hassle of cords and wires. Instead, it comes with a convenient charging cradle. Just slip it in place and let technology do the rest. And the battery life is decent, with up to 5 days of use off a single charge.
Lastly, this GPS dog collarincludes one free month of unlimited International data before the subscription kicks in.
It’s a nice little bonus that isn’t found with most other tracking collars. Besides, who doesn’t love free?
Features
- Live tracking
- Water proof
- Virtual fences
- Precise position history
- Cradle charger
- Worldwide network coverage
Pros
- Easy charging and set-up
- One month unlimited international data plan
- Resistant to water, dust, cold, heat, and shocks
Cons
- Pricey
Advantages Of A Dog GPS Tracker
We never want to imagine losing track of any member of our family, and that includes our fur-babies too.
However, even the most responsible pet parent has found themselves in a moment of sheer panic staring at an open gate or a fresh hole just beneath the fence.
After all, dogs are smart and adventurous creatures. They have ideas. And they’re not always good ones!
Whether they’re after a cat, the ice cream truck, or just a little afternoon jog, sometimes dogs try to get loose.
The obvious advantage of a dog tracker is that you’ll never be caught off guard when your dog leaves his appointed area. And if he does, you’ll know exactly where he is.
Even if you don’t think your dog is the type to go astray, it’s a small investment when you consider its contribution to your peace of mind.
How To Choose The Best Dog Tracker
Now that you’ve got a pretty good idea of what a dog GPS tracker is and how it can come in handy, you may be interested in making a purchase.
But there are a few more things to keep in mind as you decide which one is the perfect fit for your particular pooch.
Below, we point out some of the functions and factors you may want to consider before you select the right tracker for your dog.
Subscription VS No Monthly Fee
You’ll notice that most trackers require a monthly subscription fee while only a few don’t.
Whether a pet tracker comes with a subscription actually depends on what kind of tech it uses.
If it uses cellular technology, and most do, you’re going to have to pay a monthly fee for that connectivity.
But if it uses radio frequency signals or Bluetooth technology, it won’t need a subscription or additional fees.
The downside of a tracker that uses cellular data is that if you’re in a spotty reception area, it’s going to affect your dog’s device.
So the ones with no monthly fee may actually have better coverage in areas where mobile phone signals are not reliable, but they generally can’t handle the same distance as a cellular-based tracker.
Both subscription and no-subscription ones are functional and dependable.
Because a no-subscription trackers will send immediate alerts if your dog leaves the area, you shouldn’t have any trouble catching up to him or getting within the tracking range.
What’s the difference between these technologies?
Cellular: GPS Chip and Sim Card
Generally they come with a GPS chip to acquire dog’s position and a sim card to send that data back to you. It has a wide range just like your phone but the sim card has a monthly fee.
Radio Frequency
This is an old school version which is usually bulkier for your pet to carry around. However you don’t need to pay a monthly fee but need to have a radio trans-receiver to receive the signal of where your dog is.
It could be useful where cellular coverage is poor. If it has a GPS chip, the tracker device will be able to send you the coordinates where your dog is.
Otherwise it will send you only the direction and distance of where your pup is. The rest is playing “hide and seek”.
Bluetooth
This is the usual Bluetooth technology we’re used to. It’ll have a much smaller area to track though.
You can use it more as an alert that your pet is getting out of the safe zone. However, it’ll be useless to find them if they made a dash for it already.
Microchip for Dogs vs Dog Tracker
Microchips that are implanted under the skin have nothing to do with dog trackers. They’re simply identification tools.
If a dog is lost and found, a vet would be able to use a scanner to read information stored in the microchip to find the owner.
However these microchips are not GPS tracking chips and will not send you any location data of where your dog is.
You can think of them as an id tag.
Waterproof VS Splash Proof
This might be a huge benefit or an unnecessary feature, depending on your dog. Almost all dog GPS trackers in the UK are splash proof and rain proof, meaning they won’t be damaged by a little spray of water.
But only some are fully waterproof and suitable for a good swim.
If you like taking your pet in the great outdoors and he’s prone to swimming or playing fetch in the water, a water proof one is a great option for you.
While keeping an eye on your dog, you can also let your mind be at ease. If he escapes your vision for a second or two, you can easily find him – whether he’s in the water or on dry land!
Activity Tracking
Activity tracking is another feature that will sound appealing to some and seem frivolous to others.
Fitness trackers for humans are extremely popular, and activity trackers for dogs work much the same way.
Some of these products offer in-depth insight into your dog’s exercise habits, if that’s of interest to you.
Activity tracking monitors things like sleep, running, steps, speed, etc. This can be fun if you want an inside peek into the secret life of your dog!
It’s also helpful to see if he’s getting enough movement and exercise throughout the day.
FAQ
Using one or a mix of cellular (which needs monthly subscription similar to mobile phones), wifi, radio frequency or buetooth technologies, it tries to track the position of your dog and send it to your phone.
If you’re using a radio frequency tracker, then you’d need a trans-receiver.
It really depends on where you’re located. Cellular trackers have a wide range for tracking but may not be very reliable if the coverage is poor.
Bluetooth has a very short range and radio frequency systems need a trans-receiver. Usually most dog trackers available online nowadays use GPS and sim card.
You can find reliable well constructed dog trackers at a variety of price points in the UK. It can be as low as £30 or over £100.
There are cheaper and more expensive alternatives, however we wouldn’t suggest to go with a cheap option if it’s not reliable or overpay what a £30 dog tracker can easily deliver.
Final Verdict
While all of the dog tracking collars on our list are highly-functional and dependable, a few stand out if you have specific needs.
For example, the Kippy EVO might be great for someone who has a serious interest in their dog’s physical activity throughout the day. This device offers helpful, interesting insight into your dog’s habits and movements including play, calories, sleep, and relaxation.
And if your pup is an avid swimmer, you might get a lot of use out of the newest version of Tractive GPS. It’s fully waterproof and durable, so it can withstand a lot of outdoor water romping and fetching.
Overall, the best dog trackers are ones that are lightweight and comfortable while also being accurate and dependable.
Whichever you choose, it will no doubt go a long way to keep your pup monitored, safe, and sound so you can breathe a little easier. Even when he’s out of your sight, your pup is never out of your mind.
And with trackers, his exact location isn’t either!
Haven’t decided yet? Here is the top 6 in a nutshell:
Our Top Picks
- LIVE TRACKING & LOCATION HISTORY - Pinpoint the real-time location of your...
- VIRTUAL FENCE - Define a safe area and get an instant notification if your...
- ACTIVITY MONITORING: Keep your dog fit and healthy. See how much they're...
- KIPPY EVO is the NEW Pet Tracker & Activity Monitor for pets: resistant and...
- GPS LOCALIZATION: Kippy EVO locates your pet using the GPS, GMS, WiFi and...
- ACTIVITY TRACKING: thanks to Kippy EVO you will be able to view and analyze...
- SUBSCRIPTION PLAN NEEDED - Starting at only £ 3.75 / month (when 2-years...
- LIVE TRACKING and LOCATION HISTORY - Pinpoint the real-time location of...
- VIRTUAL FENCE - Define a safe area and get an instant notification if your...
- NO DISTANCE LIMIT - The GPS tracker has no distance limit Track your dog...
- REAL-TIME GPS TRACKING - The GPS tracker constantly sends its position: up...
- TRAINING - Make your dog's tracker ring whenever it's mealtime. It will...
- SMALL AND RELIABLE - This mini GPS tracker is the size of a matchbox and...
- ADAPTABLE REGARDLESS OF SIZE: PAJ's Pet Finder is ideal for protecting...
- 100% SAFETY - Watch for your dog's safety with vibration alarm in case of...
- Your Greta purchase includes one month unlimited International Data Plan....
- Live tracking with downloadable unlimited precise position history,...
- Waterproof (continuous submersion down to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes) and...
So, which one did you choose?
Now that you’re equipped with all the necessary knowledge to choose the best, why not let us know which is your favourite in the comment section below.
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