Dog GPS Tracker Reviews

5 Best Dog GPS Trackers 2024—Approved By Vets & Pet Owners!

As a dog owner, you know the worry that hits when your adventurous pup takes off on their own. Dog GPS trackers offer peace of mind, giving you real-time updates on your pet’s location and activity—wherever they roam. In this guide, we’ll cover the five best GPS collars and trackers to help keep your dog safe.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Top Tracker Options: Discover the best GPS trackers, from Tractive to FitBark, that fit your dog’s needs.
• Key Features Explained: Understand real-time tracking, health alerts, and safe zone notifications.
• Pros and Cons: See what users love and where each tracker might fall short.
• Subscription and Compatibility Info: Find out which trackers require subscriptions and work with iOS or Android.

Whether you’re looking for tracking, activity monitoring, or added health insights, this guide covers everything to help you pick the perfect dog GPS tracker. In this article, we will discuss the five best collar and pet tracker solutions on the market. So if you are looking to track your dog’s crazy, wild, barking furry butt, this is the dog tracking guide that will answer all your questions.

Disclaimer: We here at SpaceHawk GPS do not sell any of the dog GPS trackers mentioned in this article. We simply created this list based on our expertise, online reviews, and other factors to give you the most helpful information possible. We did not receive any compensation from any of the tracking devices listed below.

Tractive GPS Dog Tracker: #1 Amazon Seller For Tracking Cats And Dogs

 

Tractive GPS Dog collar is the number one selling device among pet collars. Yup! In fact, the Tractive waterproof GPS has over 13,249 ratings with an average of 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. That pretty much tells you that people love this tracker for dogs! This waterproof tracker offers real-time tracking with an unlimited range, perfect for those weekend wilderness romps. And our favorite part? This is one of the easiest devices to use when it comes to tracking pet locations!

Highlights:

• Subscription Required: Plans start at $5/month, with a 30-day risk-free guarantee.
• Real-Time Tracking: Follow your dog’s steps live on your phone, and review location history.
• Virtual Fence: Set safe zones and get notified when your dog leaves or returns.
• Activity Monitoring: Tracks active time, rest, and calories burned to help meet fitness goals.
• Compact & Waterproof: Small, lightweight, and ready for any adventure, even swimming.
• Global Tracking: Works in the USA, Canada, and 175+ other countries via the free Tractive GPS app.

 

Video: See how McCann Dog Training tested and reviewed this pet GPS!

Courtney R. Pierce Positive Review

5/5 Amazon.com: Review Date: January 26, 2024 We adopted a deaf dog (Maya) and have a lab. We utilize an under-ground fence with our lab but needed a tracking device for Maya. After researching and talking with other folks who have tracking devices, we settled on Tractive, and I am so glad we did. We set up her parameter and get notifications from the app if she goes outside of it, if there are any issues, and when the battery needs to be charged. Also, the battery lasts a long time before needing to be charged. We have been 100% satisfied with this product.

Jennifer Hofstad Negative Review

1/5 Amazon.com: Review Date: January 14, 2024   Be aware that you have to buy an annual subscription that is over $100 and pay up front. There is a 30-day return policy. I did not have time to mess with trying to get this to work at first because it was around Christmas and we were very busy. We did not have service in our area, so this tracker would not work. I could not get my annual subscription money back because it had been 34 days by the time I realized that I was not going to be able to get it to work. Thankfully, Amazon gave me a refund for the tracker itself.

FitBark 2 – Best Dog Activity Monitor

 

 

FitBark GPS 2nd is a state-of-the-art pet tracker, offering seamless switching between Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile 4G LTE-M networks. This ensures optimal coverage, independent of your smartphone’s provider! With support for multiple satellite constellations, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, SBAS, and QZSS, real time tracking of your pet is made possible, whether you’re in urban or rural areas.

As light as it is durable, the FitBark weighs just 16 grams, making it suitable for dogs of all sizes. From Chihuahuas to Leonbergers, this pet tracker fits comfortably on collars up to 1.5″ wide. Additionally, the FitBark is fully waterproof and ready for any adventure your furry friend might embark on.

Highlights:

• Monitor Your Pup’s Activities: Track sleep, distance, and calorie balance 24/7. Set breed, age, and weight-specific goals. Compatible with iOS 12+ or Android 6+.
• Long-lasting Battery Life: Enjoy up to six months of battery life. Lightweight at 10g, it fits most 1.5” wide collars.
• Health Monitoring: Detect early signs of discomfort or disease. Monitor mobility, anxiety, and skin conditions. Invite your vet to review FitBark data.
• Integration with Fitness Apps: Sync with Fitbit, Apple Watch, HealthKit, or Google Fit. Compare your stats with your dog’s. Build healthy habits together.
• Scientifically Trusted: Over 100 vet schools and research institutions trust FitBark. Join users from 140+ countries advocating for better dog parenting

 

 

Whistle Switch: Best For Health And Location Tracking

 

Whistle Switch offers a fun twist on the GPS tracking collar. This dog GPS tracker offers more than location data- it’s also a fitness tracker for your dog! Monitor your pet’s activity levels, health, and location, all in one handy collar series. Just remember, like the Tractive, there’s a monthly subscription.

Key Features

• GPS Smart Location Tracking: With the ability to set up alerts, locating your pet, whether they’re nearby or 3,000 miles away, has never been easier. Using the AT&T nationwide network and Google Maps, this tracker and collar combo offers 15-second location updates, ensuring your pet’s safety.
• Comprehensive Health, Nutrition, & Activity Tracking: This smart tag monitors activity levels, calories burned, and distance traveled, along with behaviors like licking and scratching. This valuable information can help detect potential health issues. Recommendations on food portions, based on activity levels, breed, age, and weight, are also provided.
• Extended Battery Life & Night Light: With up to 20 days of battery life on a single charge, this tracker ensures constant monitoring. The built-in night light, with three adjustable settings, ensures visibility in the dark.
• Vet Chat Feature: With the Whistle subscription, you gain access to on-demand veterinary help via chat, phone, or email. Powered by the VETINSIGHT team, expert advice and guidance are available from the comfort of your home.

 

 

Apple AirTag: Best BlueTooth Pet GPS Tracker

 

Apple’s AirTag is a solid choice if you are looking for a smart tracker for your dog, cat or other pet. Simply pop your AirTag into a collar-friendly AirTag holder and BOOM – you now have a reliable dog tracker! While it doesn’t offer real-time tracking, it leverages Apple’s expansive ‘Find My’ network to help locate your pooch. This makes it a better choice over other Bluetooth tracking devices such as the Tile Pro.

Apple AirTags are also excellent for urban environments with many Apple devices around. Lost your dog? Not to worry. With Lost Mode enabled, your AirTag taps into the network of nearly a billion Apple devices. When any of these devices come close to your lost pet, you’ll receive a notification with the AirTag’s location. This vast, crowdsourced network can be invaluable for tracking your pets in busy urban areas.

Highlights:

• Design: Compact and lightweight, easy to attach to a GPS tracking collar with an AirTag holder.
• Precision Finding: Uses Ultra-Wideband technology to guide you to your dog’s location when nearby, if you’re using an iPhone 11 or later.
• Proximity Alerts: Notify you if your dog strays too far from your Apple device.
• Lost Mode: If your dog gets lost, you can put the AirTag in Lost Mode. When another Apple device comes close, it will alert the user and provide your contact information.
• Long-Lasting Battery: The Apple AirTag comes with a replaceable battery that lasts over a year, so you can keep tracking your pet long-term.
• Privacy and Security: Your location data and history are never stored on the AirTag, ensuring your information stays private.
• Water and Dust Resistant: The AirTag has an IP67 rating, which means it can resist water and dust to a certain degree, perfect for outdoor adventures with your pup.
• Network Support: Utilizes the vast network of nearly a billion Apple devices to help locate your lost dog.

 

 

Jiobit Smart Tag: Best Small Dog GPS Tracker

 

If you’re worried about your dog’s safety, the Jiobit GPS tracker is like having a second set of eyes on them. It’s small enough to snap right onto a collar or harness without weighing your dog down, but it’s packed with powerful tech. Jiobit uses a mix of GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth to keep track of your dog’s location in real time, no matter where they roam.

One of the biggest perks? You can set up “safe zones”—like around your house or their favorite park—and you’ll get an alert if your dog steps out of those boundaries. It even keeps a location history, so you’ll see not just where they are but where they’ve been. The battery is long-lasting, so you don’t have to worry about constant recharging.

With Jiobit’s TrustChip, you also get solid security. This tracker keeps your dog’s location data private with strong encryption, meeting strict COPPA standards. And unlike basic Bluetooth tags like Tile Mate, which only track nearby, Jiobit’s real-time GPS and nationwide range cover much more ground. It works on both iPhones and Androids, and while there’s a monthly or yearly subscription, you don’t need any other cellular plan to make it work. Plus, it comes with a 1-year warranty, so you can relax knowing you’re covered.

Highlights:

• Small, lightweight, and durable for easy attachment
• Advanced beacon technology for accurate, real-time GPS tracking
• Unlimited nationwide range
• Custom smart alerts and detailed location history
• Jiobit TrustChip for enhanced security and privacy
• Subscription plan required; available monthly or annually
• Compatible with Android and Apple devices
• 1-year manufacturer warranty

 

 

 

What Is A Dog GPS Tracking Collar – An Explanation For Pet Owners

A dog GPS tracking collar keeps you updated on your pet’s location in real time. This device connects to your smartphone or computer, giving you precise location updates even when you’re not nearby. Using GPS, these collars track your dog’s movements—ideal for pets that love exploring new spots.
You’ll also find features like safe zones and movement alerts. Set a safe zone around your home, and you’ll get an alert if your dog wanders beyond it. This extra security keeps you connected to your dog’s location, bringing peace of mind knowing they’re safe and easy to locate.

Key Features Dog Owners Should Consider Before Buying A Pet GPS Tracker

Choosing a dog GPS tracker can feel overwhelming. However, focusing on key features can make the task less daunting. Here are some essential aspects that dog owners should consider:

Live Location Updates

The truth is, you want a GPS dog tracker that provides live tracking. Why? because this is a critical feature that allows you to see your pet’s location in real-time, easing your worries if your dog roams.

Pet Safe Zones

A GPS tracker with a ‘ safe zone‘ feature allows you to set boundaries for your pet. If your dog crosses these boundaries, the tracker sends an escape alert, allowing you to intervene promptly.

Water Resistance

Dogs love to splash and play. A water-resistant or waterproof GPS tracker won’t fail during your pet’s aquatic adventures.

Replaceable Battery

A tracker with a replaceable battery ensures longevity. Look for trackers with long battery life, like the Fi series, to minimize battery changes.

Subscription Fee

Some portable GPS locators, like the Petfon pet GPS tracker, require a monthly fee. Our advice, is simply to ask about any ongoing costs before you purchase any GPS dog collars..

Activity Tracker

A tracker that doubles as an activity monitor, like the Fi smart dog collar, can track your dog’s health and activity levels.

Compatibility with Cats and Dogs

If you have a mixed pet household, a tracker that works with both cats and dogs, like the Tractive GPS pet tracker, is a smart choice.

Durability

Given dogs’ active nature, a durable collar and pet tracker, like the Link AKC, can withstand the rough and tumble of doggy life.

Remember, the best tracker for your dog depends on your specific needs and your dog’s lifestyle. For example, do you take your dog hunting? Is your dog older and gets lost easily? If so, consider each feature carefully, and find the perfect locator GPS tracker for you and your furry friend!

Protect Your Pet – What The Experts Say

Dr. Sophia Yin’s Advice on Dog Collars and Pet ID Tags

Operating out of Davis, California, renowned animal behaviorist Dr. Sophia Yin firmly believes in the significance of dog collars and pet ID tags. She advises, “Attach an ID tag to your pet’s collar. It’s their primary safety net. If they’re lost, it offers immediate identification to those who find them.

Dr. Liz Bales’ Advice on Behavioral Training

In Philadelphia, Dr. Liz Bales, a certified cat behaviorist and founder of Doc & Phoebe’s Cat Co., recommends behavioral training for pets. She says, “Training isn’t just for dogs. Cats can also be trained to respond to calls and commands, increasing their safety, especially in outdoor environments.

Dr. Gary Richter’s Tips on Nutrition and Exercise

Based in Oakland, California, Dr. Gary Richter, a renowned veterinarian and author of “The Ultimate Pet Health Guide“, stresses the importance of balanced nutrition and regular exercise for pets. In a 2023 interview with Pet Health Network, he said, “A well-balanced diet and regular exercise contribute significantly to your pet’s overall health and longevity. It’s essential for their physical well-being and mental stimulation.”

Dog GPS Tracker – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use An Apple AirTag As A Pet GPS Tracker?

Yes, you can use an Apple AirTag to track your dog by attaching it to a collar holder. While it’s not a real-time GPS tracker, an AirTag can help locate your pet through Apple’s network. This option works best if you already own an Apple device and want a more budget-friendly alternative to traditional dog tracking collars. However, keep in mind that it doesn’t provide continuous location updates, so it’s ideal for less adventurous pets.

Can GPS Collars Be Used On Cats And Dogs Alike?

Yes, they can! Many GPS pet trackers are versatile enough for both cats and dogs. The key is to ensure the collar attached is the correct size for your pet. From the petite AirTag dog collar to the more robust Fi collars, there’s a GPS tracker for every type of dog and cat.

Do All Dog GPS Trackers Require A Subscription Fee?

No, not all of them. Some dog trackers, like the Findster Duo, offer GPS tracking services without a monthly subscription. However, others, such as the Whistle Switch or Tractive GPS Dog, require a subscription for full access to all their smart features.

Can A Dog GPS Tracker Help Monitor My Pet’s Health?

Definitely! Many GPS collars for dogs now come with health monitoring features. The Link AKC and Fi Smart Dog Collars, for instance, track your pet’s activity levels, and sleep patterns, and can even provide early warnings for potential health issues. It’s like having a fitness tracker for your pet!

What’s The Range Of A Dog GPS Tracker?

GPS tracking systems, like the Tractive GPS Pet Tracker, typically have an unlimited range, as they rely on satellite signals. Bluetooth trackers, on the other hand, like the Tile Mate, have a limited range. Remember, the effectiveness of tracking your pets depends on the GPS signal strength in your area.

Is There A Risk Of My Dog GPS Tracker Getting Wet?

No worries there! Many dog GPS trackers are water-resistant. Brands like Tractive GPS Dog and Whistle Go Explore offer waterproof trackers. So, whether your furry friend loves to swim or simply gets caught in the rain, these devices can handle it.