The Best GPS Dog Collars & Trackers in 2024
Do you worry about your dog slipping off of their leash or accidentally get out through your fence? Are you looking for a product that can help you locate your dog in the unfortunate event one of these things happens? A GPS dog collar is designed to help you be able to pull up your dog’s location whenever you need it.
Since many different manufacturers offer GPS dog collars and trackers, we have conducted a review of five of the top products on the market to help you narrow down your options. After you read through our reviews, you should be armed with the information you’ll need to select the best product for your dog.
Our Top 6 List
Last update on 2024-09-20 at 01:28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Whistle Go Explore
The Whistle Go Explore is a dog tracker that you can attach to your dog’s collar to ensure you’re always able to know where they are. This tracker offers live location tracking over AT&T nationwide network and Google Maps to help you find your precious pup in the event they escape or are taken by someone else. You can track them in any location, so you’ll still be able to find them if they’ve gotten out of your neighborhood, or even your state.
You’ll be able to use the app to designate a ‘safe place’ where your dog should be located at any given time. If they leave this safe place, you’ll receive a notification through email, text, or the app to alert you. This way you’ll be able to act right away and make sure your dog is safely recovered.
In addition to using this product as a dog tracker, you can also use it to keep track of your dog’s day and monitor their health. The tracker features smart activity detection, which will allow you to gain insight into whether your dog spent their day napping, walking, playing, or running.
You can set goals for your dog’s activity level based on their age, weight, and breed. Then, you can use the tracker to help you monitor their progress towards achieving these goals.
You can also use the tracker to monitor whether your dog is engaging in too much scratching and licking. If it appears your dog has been scratching or licking too much, you’ll be able to email a report for the past 30 days to your vet to help them get a jumpstart on providing care to your dog.
Another useful feature of the app is the ability to set reminders to help you make sure you don’t miss giving your dog their flea and tick preventatives or other medications. You can also create reminders for your next vet appointment.
The tracker is lightweight, so your dog will hardly notice that it is attached to their collar. It is also waterproof, so you won’t need to worry about it malfunctioning if it gets wet.
You can purchase the tracker in gray, blue, blush, green, magenta, and taupe.
Pros
- You can view your dog’s location using Google Maps at any time.
- The tracker is waterproof.
- If your dog leaves their designated safe place, you will receive an alert.
Cons
- If you have a smaller dog, this tracker may be a bit bulky on them.
2. Marco Polo Tracking and Locating System
Keep track of your dog’s location with the Marco Polo Tracking and Locating System. This tracker is self-contained, so you will not need to worry about connecting to a GPS or a cellular network. You also won’t need to sign up for any monthly service contracts.
When you purchase this product, you will receive a tracking tag and the tracking device. You can connect the tracking tag to your dog’s collar to ensure you’ll be able to locate them if they escape.
If your dog is missing, you’ll just need to press one button on the tracking device to start the search to find them. It will scan the area surrounding your location to help you locate your pet. If your pet’s tracker isn’t identified, you can move to a new location and search again to increase the search area.
When your pet is located, the device will then display information to help you find them. You’ll be able to view their distance from you as well as the direction you’ll need to travel in order to locate them. Your dog’s collar tag will respond to the locator device one time every five seconds to help you pinpoint their exact location and bring them home safely.
The tracking tag that comes with this product is designed to hold up well to frequent use. It is waterproof and will still function properly if your dog has been swimming.
The battery on the collar tag will last for up to six weeks. You can expand this set to monitor up to three pets by purchasing extra tracking tags.
Pros
- Once the device picks up your dog’s location, it will display the direction and distance you’ll need to travel to find them.
- You don’t need to sign any monthly service contract to use this product.
- The tracking tag is both light and durable.
Cons
- If your dog is out of the range of the tracker it will not really help you locate them.
3. Link AKC Smart Dog Collar with GPS
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The Link AKC Smart Dog Collar with GPS will connect with your Android or iOS device to help you keep track of your dog’s location. This device will allow you to find your dog no matter where they are located. It can track their location anywhere in The United States, so you don’t need to worry about them getting out of the range of the tracker.
You’ll be able to designate safe zones for your dogs. These safe zones are areas you allow your pet to be without worry. If your dog leaves one of these safe zones, you will be notified to allow you to act right away to find them.
This product can also function as an activity monitor. You can set goals for your dog’s activity level and use the app to keep track of their progress towards reaching these goals.
The app will also alert you if the environment your dog is in is too hot or too cold. This can help you ensure that your dog is safe and healthy at all times. You can also use the app to store records from your dog’s vet.
There is an LED light on the collar that you can turn on using the app. This can help you locate your dog more easily if they get out at night and can be an added safety feature if you are taking a walk with them after it is dark.
The collar is waterproof for up to 30 minutes in three feet of water. It is also lightweight and designed to be comfortable for your dog to wear.
You can purchase this GPS collar in a brown leather or black sport style. It is available in a variety of sizes, so you’ll be able to find the right size for your pup.
Pros
- The entire collar acts as the GPS tracker, so you don’t need to worry about attaching a tag to your dog’s collar.
- You can set ‘safe zones’ for your dog and receive alerts if they leave their safe zone.
- If your dog’s environment becomes too hot or too cold, you will receive a notification.
Cons
- You will need to sign up for a monthly service plan to be able to track your dog’s location.
4. Tractive 3G GPS Dog Tracker
The Tractive 3G GPS Dog Tracker is a tracking device that you can attach to your dog’s collar or harness to make sure you’ll be able to locate them in the event of an emergency. It is lightweight and compact, but it is best to use it with dogs that weight over 9 pounds.
When you purchase this tracker, you will need to sign up for a subscription plan. The subscription plan will allow you to view live tracking information related to your pet’s location. In the event they escape, you’ll be able to quickly pinpoint their location and find them.
This product also allows you to designate safe zones for your dog within a specific area. If they leave this safe zone, you’ll receive a notification right away.
This tracker can help you locate your pet across the globe. It works in more than 150 countries. You’ll be able to find your dog using the Tractive GPS app or a computer browser.
Unlike some other dog trackers that have a limited range, there is no range limitation for this product. You’ll be able to find your dog no matter where they are.
The tracker is waterproof and shock resistant, so it should continue to perform its job well even if it gets wet or bumped.
Pros
- This tracker will work in more than 150 countries.
- There is no range limitation.
- It is shock resistant and waterproof.
Cons
- The battery will need to be recharged every two to five days.
5. Garmin Alpha 100 Bundle
Garmin is a trusted GPS brand, so it only makes sense that they offer a quality GPS dog tracker. This product is a collar you can place on your dog to help you locate them as needed.
The collar includes an antenna to help the tracker pick up their location. You’ll receive two antennas to choose from. The five-inch antenna offers a standard range and the 13-inch antenna offers a more extended range for locating your dog.
The location tracker that comes with this product is loaded with TOPO US 100k maps to help you track your dog. You can use this product to set a virtual boundary for your dog. If your dog goes outside of this boundary, you’ll be notified.
This product can also be helpful in training your dog. It offers 18 different Tri-Tronics electronic training levels. You can use either stimulation modes, traditional, or linear progression settings to help you train your dog.
This product can be used to track up to 20 dogs that are as far as nine miles away. It can measure how fast your dogs are going and how much distance they have traveled. These features make it a great device if you plan to be out in the woods or on a hike with your dogs.
Pros
- You can track up to 20 dogs with this product.
- The tracker will display information about how fast your dog is traveling and how far they have gone.
- You can receive notifications if your dog leaves their virtual boundary.
Cons
- The battery life is less than two days.
6. Findster Duo+ Pet Tracker
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You’ll be able to use the Findster Duo+ Pet Tracker without paying for an expensive monthly service. This option uses MAZE technology, which does not require cell coverage or a SIM card to track your dog.
This device can display real-time information about the location of your dog. You can also use the app to create a safe area around your dog’s location. If your dog leaves this area, you will be alerted.
The specific range of this product may vary depending on your location. In urban areas with more buildings, it has an average range of half a mile, and in more open areas the range may be closer to three miles. This product is designed to be used more for tracking your dog’s walks, rather than tracking their location if they escape.
You can also use this device as a pet activity monitor. This will allow you to keep track of your dog’s activity levels to ensure he is getting enough exercise and movement to remain healthy.
This product will work anywhere in the world. It isn’t dependent on cellular coverage, so you don’t need to worry about it losing a signal when a cell signal drops.
Depending on the mode you select, the battery will last between 12 hours and three days.
Pros
- You don’t need to sign up for a monthly service contract.
- This tracker can be used to keep track of your dog’s activity on walks.
- It can be used anywhere in the world since it does not depend on cellular coverage.
Cons
- This option is not really designed to track your dog if they escape. It is designed to be used to track their location during a walk with you.
Verdict & Review
Whistle Go Explore
Pros
- Use Google Maps
- Waterproof
- Accurate
- Gives alert if your dog leaves a designated safe area
Cons
- A bit bulky on small dogs
After reviewing the six GPS dog collars and trackers listed above, we have concluded that the Whistle Go Explore is our favorite product. This device can be a true lifesaver in helping you locate a dog who has escaped during a walk or from your yard.
One helpful feature included with this product is the ability to designate a safe place for your dog on the app. If your dog leaves this safe place, you’ll receive a notification. This way, you’ll be able to start looking for them right away to ensure their safe return home.
You can also use the Whistle Go Explore to track your dog’s activity level and set goals for them. You’ll be able to view how much of your dog’s day was spending napping, playing, running, or walking. This can be very useful information if you’re away from home much of the day, since you’ll be able to see what your dog does when you’re gone.
Buying Guide
In the unfortunate event your dog ever escapes or is taken, you’ll feel so relieved to have a GPS collar or tracker. You’ll be able to use this device to locate your dog and bring them back home safely. This can help you keep your dog protected and avoid major heartache.
Before you make a purchase, take a little time to consider the different features and options that are available for dog trackers and collars to make sure you select a product that will meet your needs.
Style/Product Type
First, decide on the type of product you want to purchase. Some trackers are tags that can be securely attached to your dog’s existing collar, while other trackers are embedded into a new collar you can put on your dog. Either option should work fine, but choose the type that you think your dog will be most comfortable in.
Range
One of the most important factors to consider when comparing different products is the range. Obviously, a product with a better range will allow you to locate your dog, even if they stray far from home. If you select a product that has a smaller range, it may be challenging to find your dog if they have gotten a bit far from where you last saw them.
Tracking Method
Another thing you should pay attention to is the tracking method used by the different products. Some devices connect to your phone or a tracking device over a cellular network. These options typically require a monthly subscription, but they also typically have a higher range.
Other products use different tracking methods that do not require connection with a cellular network. These options will typically have a lower range than products that connect over a cellular service, but they will be less expensive each month.
To decide the right tracking method to meet your needs, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of each option and consider your dog’s personality and speed.
Battery Life
The battery life of the device you select is another feature you should pay attention to before making a selection. Some products need to be recharged every few days, while others may last for a week or longer before needing a charge. Whichever product you select, be sure to pay attention to the battery life so you can keep it charged so it will be able to help you locate your dog if needed.
FAQ
How does a GPS dog tracker work?
A GPS dog tracker allows you to locate your dog using cell phones or radio waves. GPS satellites will pick up your dog’s location and relay it to your cell phone or the tracking device. This will let you view your dog’s current location and find them if they have gotten away from you.
Do microchips have GPS?
No, a microchip does not have GPS. If your dog is microchipped, it can help you locate them if someone else finds them and brings them in to have their microchip scanned. A microchip will not allow you to track your dog if they have escaped or been taken. You will need to purchase a separate GPS collar or tracking device if you want to be able to locate your dog.
We are the Pet Dog Pals, a group of avid pet owners, bloggers, product testers, and writers for all your canine needs! We own a collective 16 dogs and 21 cats to help us test and review pet products. Our top lists and tips come from experience to help you be the best dog owner you can be!