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If you have a dog who’s a master escape artist or hasn’t yet mastered the art of walking on a leash, or if you regularly use a dog walking or pet-sitting service, you know how important it is to know where your dog is at all times. Using a dog GPS collar tracker can give you peace of mind in all these situations, no matter where you (or your dog) might be.
When shopping for a dog GPS collar, there are more than a few options to consider and not all trackers are built alike. Some rely on cellular service to locate your dog, while others utilize satellite or radiofrequency technology tracking. Each type has its pros and cons, and the one that’s best for you will largely depend on where you live, how good the cellular service is in your area, and how far you want to be able to track your pet.
Another important consideration when shopping for a tracker? Monthly fees. Many trackers require a subscription fee to work on top of the purchase price. However, you can find some models that have low or no fees at all.
We’ve gathered up the top ten best dog GPS collar trackers on the market and tallied the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision about the one that’s right for you.
The Best Dog GPS Collars
Utilizing AT&T’s wireless network and Google Maps, the Whistle GO Explore will notify you whenever your dog leaves his designated safe space and provides live location tracking. In addition to GPS monitoring, the GO Explore can also be used to track physical activity goals for your pet as well as certain health behaviors.
What we like about it:
- Contains a remote-activated built-in light and a long-lasting battery that can last up to 20 days on a single charge
- Provides a weekly health report that monitors your pet’s licking, scratching, and sleeping
- Can be set up so that multiple owners all receive alerts
Drawbacks:
- A monthly or yearly subscription plan is required in addition to the cost of the tracker
If the Whistle GO Explore is out of your budget, the Whistle 3 offers some of the same features for a more affordable price. It can text, email, or notify you through its app whenever your dog leaves home and provides tracking anywhere AT&T’s cellular network is available in the U.S.
What we like about it:
- Can withstand up to three feet of water for up to 30 minutes
- Has a battery life that lasts up to seven days
- Can set up daily activity goals
Drawbacks:
- A monthly or yearly subscription plan is required in addition to the cost of the tracker
Buy Now on Amazon for $63.95
Buy Now on Chewy for $63.95
The Loc8tor pet tracker is actually made for cats, but it’s lightweight and small, making it ideal for smaller breed dogs. Plus, there’s no additional subscription fees with this tracker.
What we like about it:
- Uses radio frequency (RF) tracking to keep tabs on your pet’s location
- Attaches to any collar
- Money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied for any reason
Drawbacks:
- It only works within a 400-foot range
For dogs who tend to wander off or roam long distances, this Garmin dog collar is equipped with an antenna that can help locate them up to nine miles away.
What we like about it:
- Has a nine mile range
- No monthly subscription fee
- Battery life ranges from 20-40 hours
- Contains built-in LED lights
Drawbacks:
- You must purchase a separate Garmin transmitting unit for the collar to work
- Has a minimum neck size of 9.5 inches, so it may not be an option for some toy breeds
If you live somewhere without reliable cell service, the Findster Duo+ pet tracker might be a good option for you. It works up to half a mile in congested urban areas and up to three miles in open outdoor areas without any need for cell phone service. It also works for both dogs and cats.
What we like about it:
- Great for off-the-grid locations
- No monthly subscription service required
- Battery life up to 12 hours with GPS always on
- Waterproof in up to three feet of water
Drawbacks:
- Doesn’t work indoors
Buy Now on Amazon for $149.99
Buy Now on Chewy for $149.99
Designed for pets nine pounds and up, this Tractive GPS dog tracker offers worldwide tracking wherever cell service is available. It’s also lightweight and fully waterproof for dogs who love to swim or splash around in mud.
What we like about it:
- 100% waterproof
- No range limitation; works in over 150 countries
- Has a battery life of two to five days
Drawbacks:
- A monthly subscription plan is required in addition to the cost of the tracker
Buy Now on Amazon for $69.99
Buy Now on Chewy for $69.99
Available in a black sport or a brown leather option, this Link AKC smart dog collar contains both a GPS tracker and an activity monitor all contained within its sleek design. You can even store your pet’s veterinarian records on this collar.
What we like about it:
- Track your pet nationwide anywhere AT&T cellular service is available
- Contains a built-in LED light that can be turned on remotely
- Multiple size options ensure a perfect fit for your pet
- Battery life lasts up to three days
- Has a temperature alert if your dog’s environment is too hot or cold
Drawbacks:
- A yearly subscription plan is required in addition to the cost of the tracker
- Some reviews indicate the activity monitor is unreliable
Buy Now on Amazon for $129.99
Buy Now on Chewy for $129.99
While many other pet trackers require the use of a cell phone, this SportDOG tracker comes with its own handheld device that utilizes GPS satellites to track your pet. If you have more than one dog, you can also purchase additional collars and track all of your pets with the same tracker.
What we like about it:
- Works up to a seven mile range, even in areas without cellular service
- Battery lasts up to 24 hours
- Can be submersed into water up to 25 feet
Drawbacks:
- According to some reviewers, the maps may be limited or very basic
This GIBI dog GPS tracker boasts no range limitations and works with multiple cellular services throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to track your pet’s whereabouts.
What we like about it:
- Compact, lightweight design
- No range limitations
- Battery life ranges from two to three days
Drawbacks:
- A monthly or yearly subscription plan is required in addition to the cost of the tracker
- Must be able to access Google Maps to track your pet
This Bartun GPS tracker is a no-frills option that provides real-time tracking of your pet via a SIM card and cellular service.
What we like about it:
- Battery life lasts up to 20 hours
- Small size
- Comes with a companion collar
Drawbacks:
- A monthly subscription plan is required in addition to the cost of the tracker
Further Reading
6 Amazing Tools for Locating Lost Dogs
5 GPS Cat Collars and Why To Use One
A Style Guide for Traveling Dogs