Best Dog GPS Tracker: Top 10 Picks for 2024

Dogs are known as man’s best friend, and for good reason. They bring joy and companionship to our lives, but they can also be a handful at times. One of the most significant challenges of owning a dog is keeping track of them when they wander off or get lost. Fortunately, technology has made it easier than ever to keep tabs on your furry friend with the use of GPS trackers.

A dog GPS tracker is a device that uses GPS technology to track the location of your dog. These devices come in various shapes and sizes, and they can be attached to your dog’s collar or harness. Some GPS trackers also come with additional features, such as activity monitoring and health tracking.

When choosing the best dog GPS tracker, there are a few critical factors to consider. The first is the size and weight of the tracker. You want to make sure that the tracker is not too heavy or bulky for your dog to wear comfortably. The second factor to consider is the battery life of the tracker. A long battery life is essential, especially if you plan on using the tracker for extended periods. Finally, you want to make sure that the tracker has a reliable GPS signal and accurate location tracking.

We spent hours researching and testing various dog GPS trackers to identify the ones that offer the best combination of features, reliability, and value. In the following sections, we will share our top picks for the best dog GPS trackers on the market.

Best Dog GPS Trackers

We understand that keeping track of your furry friend can be a daunting task, especially if they are prone to wandering off. That’s why we have compiled a list of the best dog GPS trackers available in the market. With these devices, you can have peace of mind knowing that you can locate your pet at any time. Our team has extensively researched and tested each product to ensure that we bring you the most accurate and reliable options. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best dog GPS trackers.

1) Tractive GPS Tracker & Health Monitoring for Cats (6.5 lbs+)

If you’re looking for a reliable GPS tracker for your cat, the Tractive GPS Tracker & Health Monitoring for Cats (6.5 lbs+) is a great option to consider.

If you’re looking for a GPS tracker that will give you peace of mind when it comes to your cat’s safety, the Tractive GPS Tracker & Health Monitoring for Cats (6.5 lbs+) is a great choice. With live tracking and location history, you can keep an eye on your cat’s whereabouts at all times. The virtual fence feature is also a great addition, allowing you to mark safe zones and receive alerts if your cat leaves the designated area. The all-day activity monitoring feature is also a useful tool to help you keep your cat in great shape.

However, it’s worth noting that a subscription plan is required to use the device, with monthly, 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year plans available starting at $5 per month. Additionally, the battery life on the device is not very long, so you may need to recharge it frequently. Finally, the GPS can be a bit off at times, which can be frustrating if you’re trying to locate your cat in a specific area.

2) Dogtra Pathfinder 2 GPS Dog Tracker e Collar LED Light No Monthly fees Free App Waterproof Smartwatch Control Satellite Based Real Time Tracking Long Range Multiple Dogs Smartphone Required PATHFINDER2 System 9 Mile – 35 lbs. and up

If you’re looking for a reliable GPS tracker for your furry friend, the Dogtra Pathfinder 2 is definitely worth considering.

We’ve been using the Dogtra Pathfinder 2 for a few weeks now and it has been a game-changer for us. The GPS tracking is incredibly accurate and we love the fact that we can track up to 21 dogs in real-time. The GPS Connector allows for direct corrections, which makes training much easier. We also love the fact that the smartwatch app is available for both Apple Watch Series 5 and Galaxy Watch4 Series and above.

One thing to keep in mind is that the new PATHFINDER2 is NOT compatible with PATHFINDER series. Additionally, the smartphone is required to operate the GPS Connector, which might be a deal-breaker for some. Lastly, the collar is only suitable for dogs weighing 35 lbs and up.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable GPS tracker for your dog, we highly recommend the Dogtra Pathfinder 2. It’s easy to use, accurate, and the smartwatch app is a great added feature.

3) Apple AirTag

If you’re looking for a reliable dog GPS tracker, the Apple AirTag is definitely worth considering.

We’ve been using the Apple AirTag for a few weeks now and have found it to be a reliable and accurate way to keep track of our dog’s whereabouts. The setup was incredibly easy, and we were able to connect the AirTag to our iPhone in just a few seconds. The Precision Finding feature is particularly impressive, and we’ve found it to be incredibly accurate in leading us right to our dog when he’s nearby.

The device is also incredibly lightweight and unobtrusive, making it easy to attach to our dog’s collar without adding any extra weight or bulk. We appreciate that the battery life lasts over a year, which means we don’t have to worry about constantly replacing or recharging the device.

One downside we’ve noticed is that the sound the AirTag plays when trying to locate it can be quite faint, making it difficult to hear in noisy environments. Additionally, the fact that the device is only compatible with Apple devices may be a downside for Android users.

Overall, we think the Apple AirTag is a great option for those looking for a reliable and accurate dog GPS tracker, as long as they’re willing to pay the higher price point.

4) Tractive GPS Tracker for Dogs

If you’re looking for a reliable dog GPS tracker, the Tractive GPS Tracker for Dogs is an excellent choice. It is packed with features that will help you keep track of your furry friend’s whereabouts and activity levels.

We’ve been using the Tractive GPS Tracker for Dogs for a few months now, and we’re very satisfied with its performance. The real-time GPS tracking feature is accurate and reliable, and we can track our dog’s location from anywhere without any distance limit.

The health alerts are also a great feature that helps us monitor our dog’s sleep quality and activity patterns. We get an alert via email when the tracker detects something unusual, which gives us peace of mind knowing that we can take action if needed.

The escape alerts are also very helpful, especially if your dog is an escape artist. The notification gets sent straight to your phone when your dog leaves your custom-made area, so you can take action immediately.

The only downside is that the device requires a subscription plan starting from $5/month, which can be a bit of a hassle. Also, 2G and/or LTE (CatM1) cellular coverage is required for the device to connect, which may be an issue if you live in an area with poor cellular coverage.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable dog GPS tracker with great features, the Tractive GPS Tracker for Dogs is definitely worth considering.

5) Tractive GPS Dog Tracker

We highly recommend the Tractive GPS Dog Tracker for pet owners looking to keep their furry friends safe and healthy.

We recently had the opportunity to use the Tractive GPS Dog Tracker and were impressed with its features and ease of use. The real-time GPS tracking allowed us to track our dog’s location with no distance limitations, giving us peace of mind when he was out of sight. The device also monitors and tracks our pet’s activity and sleep quality, helping us keep him fit and healthy.

The Tractive GPS Dog Tracker is 100% waterproof and adventure-proof, allowing our dog to run, play, and explore without any restrictions. We appreciated the XL size option for larger dogs, but it may be too bulky for smaller breeds.

The only downside to the Tractive GPS Dog Tracker is that subscription plans are required for full functionality. However, the plans are affordable and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Notifications can also be slow when our pet leaves the range, but we eventually receive them.

Overall, we highly recommend the Tractive GPS Dog Tracker for pet owners looking to keep their furry friends safe and healthy. Get yours today and start your new adventures with your furry friend!

6) Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar

If you’re looking for a reliable dog GPS tracker, the Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar is definitely worth considering.

We recently had the opportunity to try out the Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar, and we were impressed with its many features. The collar is sleek and durable, with a stainless steel profile and 400-lb tug resistance. It’s also waterproof, with an IP68 and IP66K rating, so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged if your dog likes to swim.

One of the things we liked best about the Fi Series 3 is its unbeatable battery life. With up to 3 months of battery life on a single charge, you can rest assured that your dog will always be safe and sound. And when it’s time to charge the collar, the included wireless charging base makes it easy to do so.

The app is also user-friendly and easy to navigate, with a wealth of information about your dog’s activity, sleep, and behavior. You can even set custom goals for your dog and track their progress over time. The app also allows you to set up escape alerts, so you’ll be notified if your dog leaves a certain area.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar to anyone looking for a high-quality GPS tracker for their furry friend. While it may be a bit more expensive than some of its competitors, the many features and benefits make it well worth the investment.

7) Tracki Dog GPS Tracker Tiny & Light Waterproof Fits All Pet Collars, Unlimited Distance Works Worldwide Mini Size Smart Locator Subscription Required

If you’re looking for a reliable GPS tracker for your furry friend, the Tracki Dog GPS Tracker is a great option.

We’ve had a great experience with the Tracki Dog GPS Tracker. The device is waterproof and submersible for up to 30 minutes in water, making it perfect for dogs who love to swim. The pet tracker comes with state-of-the-art iOS, Android, and Web App, which is easy to use and provides real-time location tracking.

The TrackiPet GPS tracker for pets features a built-in SIM with international roaming, which uses 4G/3G/2G network coverage to accommodate both old and new cellular towers. Unlike Bluetooth trackers that are only effective for a shouting distance, the TrackiPet GPS tracker works worldwide and has unlimited distance.

Overall, the Tracki Dog GPS Tracker is a reliable and affordable option for pet owners who want to keep their furry friends safe and secure. We highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a high-quality GPS tracker for their pets.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best dog GPS tracker, there are several factors to consider. Here are some features you should look for when making your decision:

GPS Accuracy

GPS accuracy is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a dog GPS tracker. The device should be accurate enough to pinpoint your dog’s location within a few feet. This will help you quickly locate your dog in case they wander off.

Battery Life

The battery life of a dog GPS tracker is also an important consideration. You want a device that has a long battery life, so you don’t have to worry about it running out of juice when you need it the most. Look for a device that has a battery life of at least a few days.

Range

The range of a dog GPS tracker is another important consideration. You want a device that has a long range, so you can track your dog even if they wander far away. Look for a device that has a range of at least a few miles.

Durability

Durability is another important factor to consider when choosing a dog GPS tracker. You want a device that is rugged and can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Look for a device that is waterproof and shock-resistant.

Additional Features

Some dog GPS trackers come with additional features, such as activity tracking and health monitoring. These features can be useful if you want to keep track of your dog’s health and fitness. Look for a device that has the features that are most important to you.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best dog GPS tracker for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated GPS trackers for dogs according to consumer reports?

According to consumer reports, some of the top-rated GPS trackers for dogs include Whistle GO Explore, Link AKC Plus, and Garmin Alpha 100. These trackers offer reliable tracking, long battery life, and additional features such as activity monitoring and training tools.

Can you recommend a reliable dog GPS tracker with no monthly fee?

Yes, there are several reliable dog GPS trackers available that do not require a monthly fee. Some popular options include the Tractive GPS Tracker, Findster Duo+, and Whistle 3 GPS Pet Tracker. These trackers use different technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS to provide accurate location tracking without the need for a monthly subscription.

How do implantable GPS chips for dogs compare to wearable trackers?

Implantable GPS chips for dogs are a relatively new technology and are not yet widely available. However, they offer a more permanent and tamper-proof solution compared to wearable trackers. Implantable chips are inserted under the dog’s skin and can provide location tracking for the lifetime of the pet. Wearable trackers, on the other hand, may be easier to use and offer additional features such as activity monitoring.

Which GPS dog tracker is recommended by experts for recovering lost pets?

Experts recommend GPS dog trackers with real-time tracking and location history features for recovering lost pets. Some of the top-rated options include Whistle GO Explore, Garmin Astro 430, and Link AKC Plus. These trackers offer reliable and accurate tracking, as well as additional features such as geofencing and activity monitoring.

Are there any high-quality GPS dog trackers that operate without cell service?

Yes, there are several high-quality GPS dog trackers that do not require cell service. These trackers use alternative technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and radio frequency to provide location tracking. Some popular options include the Findster Duo+ and Marco Polo Advanced Pet Tracking System.

What are the advantages and limitations of using a Whistle dog tracker?

Whistle dog trackers offer reliable and accurate location tracking, as well as additional features such as activity monitoring and geofencing. However, they require a monthly subscription and may not be suitable for all budgets. Additionally, some users have reported connectivity issues and slow updates with the Whistle app.