How often do you see a missing dog report? Unfortunately, dogs often go missing, and that’s a real hassle for their parents. That’s why I think a GPS tracker is one of the most important things for dog owners.
With such a device, you don’t have to worry, because you can always track the location of your pet. But how to choose a good tracker? My buying guide will help you with that. I’ve also made a review of the best dog GPS trackers and collars.
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Table could not be displayed.A review of the 6 best dog GPS trackers
🥇Best at all – Tractive Waterproof GPS Dog Tracker
Why I added it to my list: Tractive is the only tracker with lots of video evidence of its accurate work. Unfortunately, other trackers sometimes fail and do not report the exact location of the dog. At the same time, Tractive is almost the cheapest. That’s why my choice fell on it, and maybe you don’t need to go further.
SUBSCRIPTION PLAN: There are several plans available, starting at $4.99 per month.
BATTERY LIFE: Up to 7 days according to the manufacturer, but judging by the reviews, 2-4 days.
In this video you can see how it works:
🥈GPS Tracker Jiobit
Why I added it to my list: 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 through 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.
Tip. Don't rush to sign up for a six-month subscription. Try the device for a month, and if you are satisfied with everything, only then subscribe for a long-term subscription.
🏅Best GPS collar with health tracking – FitBark
Why I added it to my list: This collar will help you calculate how long your dog sleeps and if he’s active enough. With the Fitbark, you can determine if your dog is stressed or anxious (this is determined by compulsive behavior). You’ll be notified if your dog’s behavior changes.
SUBSCRIBE: from $5.95/month
BATTERY LIFE: 3-5 weeks
Dogtra Pathfinder
Why I added it to my list: This collar can track your dog’s location offline without a paid subscription using GPS technology. The data is updated every 2 seconds. The Dogtra Pathfinder collar has a limited range, but it still has a 9 mile range.
SUBSCRIBE: Not required
BATTERY LIFE: 24 hours.
The Dogtra Pathfinder collar has a static mode as it's primarily designed for hunting dogs. However, we at TrainingYourPuppy strongly disagree with this training method. That's why I recommend disabling the static correction feature. Also, don't forget that these devices are banned in some countries and therefore you can't use them, for example in Canada.
Dog GPS tracker without subscription – PETFON
Why I added it to my list: 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 the price is $200, you save money thanks to the 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
Why I added it to my list: This device uses the 4G LTE-M network from AT &T. In addition to location tracking, the Whistle Tracker also provides information about your dog’s health. It shows if your pet is getting enough exercise and sleep, how many calories it spends, how often eats and even scratching (I don’t know how they determine this). Subscribers also get access to online veterinary care.
SUBSCRIBTION: 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 tracking devices. Why does it cost so much and why is Cesar Millan promoting it? I haven’t found much difference from other typical devices, except that the Halo 2 collar acts like an invisible fence and allows you to prevent your dog from escaping from a safe zone.
But To stop your dog, Halo has 3 types of signals: sound, vibration and static. The static signal usually hides an electric shock. Many animal trainers oppose the use of electric shocks. If you don’t already know, I recommend you read my article on the Harm of Electric Shock to Dogs.
Also, the Halo collar has a low battery life of only 24 hours, while other devices 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 tracking system works just like the GPS in your phone. But each tracker has different features.
The features to look out for:
- Data speed. If the tracker has a long delay, you may have difficulty finding your lost animal.
- Battery life. I wouldn’t buy a device that wouldn’t work for at least a few days without charging.
- 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 gets 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 tag together because it’s not a fact that the animal 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 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: