How often do you see a missing dog notice? Unfortunately, dogs are often lost, and it’s real trouble for their parents. That’s why I think a GPS tracker is one of the most necessary things for dog owners.
Having such a device, you do not have to worry, because you can always track the location of your pet. But how to choose a good tracker? My buyer’s guide will help. I also made a review of several best dog GPS trackers and collars.
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Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A review of the 6 best dog GPS trackers
🥇Best at all – GPS Tracker Jiobit
SHORT DESCRIPTION: This tracker from the American company Jiobit is known for its high quality and safety. It allows you to track your dog’s location in real time using an app on your phone. It uses a combination of cellular, GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
SUBSCRIPTION PLAN: There are several paid plans ranging from $8.99/month to $14.99/month. Jiobit comes with an activated SIM card.
BATTERY LIFE: up to 10 days.
🥈Best budget – Tractive Waterproof GPS Dog Tracker
SHORT DESCRIPTION: Based on the reviews, Tractive’s tracker is of good quality even though it’s cheap. You will be able to track your dog’s location in real time from your smartphone.
SUBSCRIPTION PLAN: There are different plans, starting at $4.99 a month.
BATTERY LIFE: Up to 7 days according to the manufacturer, but judging by reviews, 2-4 days.
🏅Best GPS collar with health tracking – FitBark
SHORT DESCRIPTION: This collar will help you calculate how long your dog sleeps, and whether he is active enough. The Fitbark helps you determine if your dog is stressed or anxious (this is determined by compulsive behavior). You will be notified when your dog’s behavior changes.
SUBSCRIBE: from $5.95/month
BATTERY LIFE: 3-5 weeks
Dogtra Pathfinder
SHORT DESCRIPTION: This collar can track your dog’s location using GPS technology even offline and without a paid subscription. The data is updated every 2 seconds. Although the Dogtra Pathfinder collar has a limited range, it has a 9-mile range.
SUBSCRIBE: Not required
BATTERY LIFE: 24 hours.
Dog GPS tracker without subscription – PETFON
SHORT DESCRIPTION: PETFON combines GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and wireless technologies. It also allows you to track your location in real time, but without a paid subscription. Although its price is $200, you end up saving money thanks to the No Subscription Fee.
SUBSCRIPTION: not required.
BATTERY LIFE: 9-17 hours
I couldn’t find any other good trackers without a subscription fee. It looks like you have to choose: either no subscription fee or a good battery.
Whistle GO Explore GPS + Health + Fitness Dog Tracker
SHORT DESCRIPTION: This device uses AT&T’s 4G LTE-M network. In addition to location tracking, Whistle tracker provides information about your dog’s health. It shows whether your pet is getting enough exercise and sleep, how many calories it spends, how often eats and even scratches (I don’t know how they determine that). Subscribers also get access to online veterinary care.
SIGN UP: from $8.25/month.
BATTERY LIFE: 20 days
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Halo 2+ with Cesar Millan: Is this collar worth the money?
This GPS collar costs 4 times the price of regular track devices. Why does it cost so much and why does Cesar Millan advertise it? I didn’t find any major differences from other typical devices, except that Halo 2 collar acts like an invisible fence and allows you to stop your dog from escaping from a safe zone.
But! To stop your dog, Halo has 3 types of signals: sound, vibration, and static. Static action usually hides an electric shock. Many animal trainers oppose the use of electric shocks. If you don’t already know this, I recommend reading my article on the Harm of Electric Shock to Dogs.
In addition, the Halo collar has a small battery life, only 24 hours, while other devices can last 3-5 days without recharging.
My conclusion: I would not buy the Halo 2 collar as it is too expensive and there are many bad reviews about it. I am also put off by the presence of static exposure.
Buyer’s guide
The GPS tracker can be a collar or a small device that attaches to your collar. The location tracking system works just like the GPS in your phone. But each tracker has different features.
The features to look for:
- Data speed. If the tracker has a long delay, you may have difficulty finding your lost animal.
- Battery life. I would not buy a device that cannot work without recharging for at least a few days.
- Availability of a monthly subscription fee. Almost all GPS trackers for dogs have a monthly fee, so find out in advance how much you will have to pay.
- The quality of the network the device is connected to.
- Size and weight (too heavy and bulky devices are not necessary).
Note: Normally, GPS trackers can be attached to any collar. Some manufacturers sell special collars for their trackers. There are also collars with a built-in tracking feature. In my opinion, the collars are more convenient.
Alternatives to GPS trackers
To reassure yourself in case your pet is lost, you can use inexpensive options such as:
- ID tags with QR links. Вам нужно будет зарегистрировать своего питомца в международной базе данных. Тот, кто найдет потерянное животное, сможет отсканировать QR код на теге, чтобы узнать необходимую информацию. А владелец собаки получит по электронной почте GPS-местоположение места сканирования.
- Chipping. According to the AKC website: “A microchip is a radio-frequency identification transponder that carries a unique identification number, and is roughly the size of a grain of rice. When the microchip is scanned by a vet or shelter, it transmits the ID number. There’s no battery, no power required, and no moving parts.”
I recommend using a GPS tracker and a tag together because it’s not a fact that the pet will fall into good hands and want to be returned. At the same time, the tracker may run out of power. Then, the tag would be useful.
FAQ
How far can a dog tracker track?
GPS trackers have an unlimited range.
Do GPS trackers require a subscription?
Most GPS trackers require a monthly subscription fee. I found only one good tracker without a subscription fee – PETFON.
How do GPS dog trackers work?
GPS trackers determine the location using satellite communication, and then send this data to your smartphone.
How accurate are GPS pet trackers?
The deviation can be up to 8 meters. This is a feature of GPS technology that cannot yet be circumvented.
Are dog GPS collars worth it?
According to some reports, one in three dogs is lost at least once in their life. That’s why I think that GPS tracker is a necessary thing for every dog owner.
Conclusions
Choose a GPS tracker for your dog with high detection accuracy and long battery life, like a Jiobit.
If you doubt whether GPS trackers for dogs really work, check out this video:
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