10 Best Dog GPS Trackers For 2024 (Tested & Reviewed)

Parenting mischievous dogs is difficult as they tend to wander off more frequently than calm dogs. Hence,  having tools like the best dog GPS trackers to assist you can make it easy to keep tabs on your dog.

A GPS tracker might assist in removing the uncertainty. It’s better than driving around the neighborhood, calling their name, and hoping they reply.

Some dog GPS trackers require a monthly subscription; some only cost when you buy the device. But, some dog GPS trackers, like the PetFon dog GPS tracker, don’t require any subscription cost.

After reviewing all the best dog GPS trackers in the market, our ultimate #1 pick is the ‘Whistle Go Explore.’ 

Looking at this tracker from all perspectives, it excels in everything. It’s budget-friendly as it costs $104.44 and helps you track your dog’s health and daily activities.

We have given our ultimate choice for a dog GPS tracker. Now, it’s time to choose a suitable GPS tracker for your dog and your benefits.

So, without any further ado, let’s dive into the details.

Top 3 Dog GPS Trackers: In a Nutshell (2024)

If you are busy and don’t have time to go through the whole article, we have listed our best picks below.

Here, we have listed the 10 best dog GPS trackers. Let’s go through them

1. whistle Go Explore Pet Tracker (Best for overall performance)

The Whistle Go Explore is a handy device with multiple versatile features and provides 100% location accuracy AT&T network for GPS Positioning.

It provides information about your dog’s health, including calories and whereabouts, as it is a health, pet calorie, and GPS tracker.  

In addition, the tracker allows you to monitor your dog’s sleeping schedule and keep records of movements like licking and scratching from the smartphone app.

Moreover, with its feature of saving multiple safe places (geofences), it nearly covers an area equal to a country. If you have any doubts before buying the tracker, you can opt for the 90-day free trial facility.

The Whistle Go Explore has an average battery life of 20 days, long enough to find a lost dog’s location within a few hours or days.

2. Garmin Alpha 200i (Best for quick adjustments)

The Gramin Alpha 200i is a multi-button design device that helps in quick adjustments. This device comes with a 200i handheld, which lasts up to 20 hours.

It works best if your dog is sporty and tough in nature. This device operates perfectly in the field. 

That means if you and your dog love doing outdoor activities more, then this is an excellent option for you. Also, you can manage up to 20 dogs at once with this if you have several dogs.

The Gramin Alpha 200i is one of the best trackers, which can track a dog from long distances as it is a high-tech device.

3. Tractive Waterproof GPS Dog Tracker (Best for affordable price and subscription)

Tractive is cheaper in price than our first choice, as it’s one of the most affordable options for a dog GPS tracker. Also, its monthly GPS tracking subscription is just as cheap as the device.

It does all the things it’s supposed to do, which is to track down your dog. But it doesn’t come with a health or behavior tracker.

Plus, if your dog likes to play in the water or is often in the water, then you can rest assured. The tractive GPS tracker is fully waterproof and safe for your dog in the water.

4. Jiobit (Best for a small & lightweight GPS tracker)

Jiobit is your ultimate option If you’re looking for a small and lightweight GPS tracker for your dog. The Jiobit pet GPS tracker is the fastest charging tracker, which only needs a minute to set up. 

Also, It’s a great help in tracking your dog’s sleeping schedule and health monitoring. Plus, you can set trusted places as your multiple virtual fences to let you have the freedom when you take them to their favorite spots.

The Jiobit tracker also alerts you whenever your furbaby attempts to leave the house or the limits you have set for them. It features a next-gen, low-power 5G-compatible network with multiple connection methods.

Additionally, it allows multiple users to connect and operate the tracking device, making itself useful to all family members.

5. Apple AirTag 4 pack (Best for iPhone users )

Due to its simplicity of use, low cost, and small size, the Apple AirTag is one of the best picks for a GPS tracker after extensive testing. Plus, it comes in a four-piece (four AirTags) pack.

Each AirTag is priced at less than $30. Plus, it’s one of the few devices available without a recurring subscription fee, making it a cost-effective option.

Both large and small dogs may use them since they are very lightweight. Also, various accessories are available to connect the AirTag to your dog’s collar or harness.

6. Fi Series 3 (Best for activity tracking)

The Fi collar watches your pet’s location and records their activity monitoring, including how far they travel, how long they sleep, and how often their sleep gets interrupted.

Plus, the Live GPS tracking lets you keep tabs on your dog 24/7 from the smartphone app. As a  cherry on top, the escape alerts inform you whenever the dog tries to cross the safe zone.

Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about linking the Fi tracker to your pet’s current collar because it also comes on a reliable, regular-sized collar.

Also, the tracker makes your job easy by allowing you to review your tracking history to find out when, where, and how long they spent outside.

7. Cube Real-Time GPS Dog Tracker (Best as an all-things tracker)

The Cube is designed to assist individuals in keeping track of various items, including automobiles, luggage, children’s backpacks, and pets, rather than being used especially for tracking pets.

It has real-time GPS tracking, making it easier to track vehicles, pets, and your belongings from your smartphone. However, the plot twist is, with its dynamic reporting feature, the Cube device sleeps when there is no movement, which helps in exceeding the battery life.

So, even though It is a heavy device and a little difficult to put on a dog collar, the perks make it all worth it. However, don’t expect the device to track your pet’s fitness and activities.

8. PetFon Pet GPS Tracker (Best for hiking with dogs)

the PetFon tracker may cost a little bit more upfront. Even though it was the most costly choice we evaluated, it delivers 3.5 miles of open area and real-time GPS monitoring.

You can connect the band that comes with the tracker to your dog’s collar, along with a compact design for convenient attachment.

However, it has a drawback when it comes to the battery. Its battery life is comparatively shorter than other pet trackers. Though, you can carry its portable charging case to recharge the tracker.

Ultimately, The PetFon GPS Tracker was among the most accurate alternatives we examined.

9. FitBark GPS Dog Tracker (Best in Bluetooth trackers)

FitBark is literally a life-saving GPS dog tracker. However, this device only works on Bluetooth unless you pay an extra $79 for a wifi base station.

It is designed for all types of dog breeds. FitBark pet tracker is not only tough and rugged but waterproof as well. So, if your dog can play in the water without you worrying. 

Just like other GPS trackers, it alerts you when your pup tries to escape out of the safe zone. 

10. Tile Pro (Best alternative to Apple AirTag )

The Tile is a Bluetooth tracker rather than a GPS tracker, in contrast to the other choices on this list.

Although you may have heard of using it to find your belongings like a phone or keys, it can also be used to track animals.

You don’t have to bother about charging or changing the batteries; you must attach the tiny tracker to your pet’s collar.

How to pick the best tracking system

Here are a few considerations to bear in mind while you compare the various GPS tracking devices on the market to help you choose the right one:

1. Size

The size of the tracker you select will be heavily influenced by the size of your dog. For smaller breeds, some of the more opulent trackers that contain extra capabilities for tracking movement and health may be excessively hefty.

 2. Features

In addition to helping you locate your pet, many of these GPS trackers also include a number of other capabilities that let you monitor your pet’s well-being and activity levels. Consider a model that includes additional data collection if you’re looking for something that does more than notify you when your dog escapes.

3. Function and accuracy

Pick a tracker that updates every few seconds if your energetic dog is prone to running all over town so you can be sure to catch them as soon as possible. You probably don’t need to receive such frequent updates if your dog simply strolls down the street at a leisurely pace. 

How to use a Dog GPS Tracker? (Step-By-Step Guide)

Using a dog GPS tracker is not rocket science. You can use it just as easily as a smartphone app or any other handy device. 

So, let’s see how you can track your dog down with the help of a dog GPS tracker.

Step 1: Some GPS trackers come with a collar, and some are adjustable with any dog collar. The adjustable GPS trackers can be attached to your dog’s existing collar.

Step 2: Once you have the tracker attached to your dog, you can monitor your dog at the current time. Also, you can monitor your dog’s sleep schedule and health throughout the day with the help of an app.

Step 3: The most important thing that is needed to track your dog down is the tracker’s LOCATION feature. 

Using the information it gets from GPS satellites, the tracker’s GPS module determines the position of the gadget (and, consequently, your pet). 

Since it can more readily receive satellite data when it has a clear line of sight to the sky, the tracker functions best in this situation.

Step 4: The 2nd most important thing, which is necessary along with the location, is the COMMUNICATION feature.

The tracker must communicate the location-related information to your app so that you can easily monitor your dog’s whereabouts and track him down.

Complete Buying Guide for Dog GPS Trackers

When buying a dog GPS tracker, you need to consider a few things and go through the basic features that a GPS tracker offers. 

Therefore, in the guide below, I will help you understand –

• Which factors you should consider?
• Identifying the Features of a Dog GPS Tracker
• Pros and cons of a Dog GPS Tracker to see both sides of the tool.

Now that you’ve got an idea of the buying guide Let’s get started:

Factors to consider before buying a dog GPS tracker

The following factors must be reviewed before buying a dog GPS tracker to buy the best option available on the market. 

1. GPS Tracker usage as per surroundings

Some trackers work best to track your dog around your residence while allowing you to have multiple safe areas for your dog to have freedom in different locations.

whereas the other types of trackers are more useful in tracking your dog from long distances 

2. Smartphone Compatibility

Most dog GPS trackers come with a smartphone app from which you can simply operate and monitor your dog’s activities, like your their location and other physical movements.

These trackers usually have apps available on both iOS and Android devices, as the manufacturers design the trackers in a way that will allow everyone to use them.

3. Network connection and range

Some GPS dog trackers and collars need a mobile connection, or your phone is in close proximity to the device within a specific range. If this is the case, you must ensure that you have a portable device that can connect to an app.

4. What do you want to track?

The purpose behind using a dog GPS tracker should be clear to you before getting one. Some people need a GPS tracker to track their dog’s location along with their health and other activities. However, some only need a location tracker. 

So, in prior, understand how each function works. Check out the categorization below for understanding:

• Location: The most common use of a GPS tracker is to determine your dog’s location when the dog is away from the owner.

• Activity: Some advanced GPS trackers have extra features like tracking your dog’s other activities like sleep, licking, scratching, etc., making the tracker an activity tracker as well.

• Heath: Similar to activity tracking, you can track your dog’s health and fitness, including eating, drinking, calorie count, habits, etc., to alert you about any possible health issue.

5. Subscription charges

Many GPS tracker brands charge a monthly or yearly subscription fee to connect to their service, in addition to the cost of the actual gear, such as the dog, collar, or tracker. When calculating the overall cost of the tracker, costs that differ from each other should also be considered.

6. Battery life

GPS trackers run on batteries like mobile phones and come with removable or rechargeable batteries. Therefore, the battery life of a GPS tracker matters as it determines how long it can track your dog’s location.

For instance, if you go on a vacation, you should take extra batteries or the charger of the tracker collar with you in case the battery runs out. 

The bottom line is to buy a GPS dog tracker with a long enough battery life.

7. Water resistance 

If your dog loves to play in the water, you need to ensure that the GPS tracker you’re buying is water-resistant and can handle water from streams and lakes. 

Plus, it will also save the device from getting damaged by rain if you and your are out for a job and it starts pouring.

8. Comfort 

Even though a GPS tracker is the need of the hour, you still need to ensure your dog’s comfort while making your dog wear it. The device might become heavy and loose for a small dog. So, make sure to buy the right size of the collar as per your dog’s weight. 

Feature Checklist for Dog GPS Trackers

Learning what features you should look up in a GPS tracker will help shortlist options as per your needs from the device. Here are a number of features you should look for in GPS dog trackers:

1. To Track Location

To track a dog’s location, there are a few feature that the device employs. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. Alerts: Alerts are the notifications the tracker sends to your phone app or email to inform you of your dog crossing the boundaries ro safe areas. 

2. Live mode: Not all GPS Trackers, but some advanced technology GPS trackers allow you to see your dog’s live location all the time with ‘Live Mode.’ This feature works on Bluetooth or satellite signals as per the advancement of the particular device. Therefore, even though your dog is in a poor connection area, GPS trackers give sufficient results.

3. Geofences: Geofences, also known as safe areas, are the boundaries made by the owner with the help of the mobile app. Whenever your dog tries to cross the virtual fence, the tracker will send you an alert about the situation. People with a wide and open yard can use this feature to their advantage.

4. Bluetooth: Some dog trackers can be connected to your phone with Bluetooth, which saves you from the hassle of relying on a mobile network. Places where mobile network is limited can depend on this feature.

5. Tracking History: The tracking history and record give you a historical record of the locations where your dog can be found and the times that your dog occupied them.

2. To Track Health

Along with tracking location, some dog GPS trackers provide more advanced features like health and fitness tracking. This feature includes the following functions to track your dog’s health:

1. Sleep: You can keep track of your dog’s sleeping patterns to make sure there aren’t any problems that could be harming their health.

2. Eating: Find out when your dog eats to ensure they are getting the right quantity of food and aren’t experiencing stress, nutritional deficiencies, or oral health problems.

3. Drinking: With this feature, you can ensure your dog’s drinking is sufficient as per their body’s needs in any weather. In addition, you can count the number of times your dog drinks water in a day.

4. Scratching: You can identify your dog’s scratching habit and receive indications if your dog is suffering from any physical issues like skin allergies and infections.

5. Licking: The device allows you to check whether your dog has recently been acting differently than usual. If you notice excessive licking, it may indicate some health problems, including joint pain, skin irritation, or stress levels. Therefore, it’s additionally useful to indicate that your dog is bored.

6. Fitness: Keep track of your dog’s exercise routine to ensure that it matches their breed, weight, and recommended activity level. You can set personal and detailed daily activity objectives with some GPS collars and dog trackers that keep your furbaby active and healthy.

3. Family Sharing

The family sharing feature allows your family members to operate and monitor your dog’s location and health tracking along with you. All you need to do is add your family members’ email IDs or contact details or give access to your family members as the software allows.

Pros and Cons of Dog GPS Trackers

Here are a few pros and cons of Dog GPS Trackers to help you understand the tool better:

Related Reads:

• Best Black Dog Names
• Check Out These Food Names For Dog
• Step-by-Step Guide: Attaching a Dog Tag to a Collar

Final Verdict: Best Dog GPS Trackers (2024)

These were the TOP 10 DOG GPS TRACKERS we found worthy of putting into this list after reviewing them. 

These GPS trackers may differ in many factors, but they sure are the best in doing their primary job, which is finding your dog. Also, you can rely on any one of these, for that matter.

However, there’s always one product that catches everyone’s eye. For us, that one product is ‘Whistle Go Explore.’ This device exceeds a dog owner’s expectations from a GPS tracker.

And, to use it properly, you need to understand how to locate & communicate with the tracker. It can be done with the help of an app or a handheld device required to use it. 

At last, I hope you have chosen your ideal dog GPS tracker for your dog. 

Also, leave your feedback in the comments below if you found this information helpful.

FAQs