Every dog owner has experienced the horror of losing their pet. If your dog loves to run free, go on hikes, hunt, or just tends to get out of the yard, having an effective GPS tracker for your pet will give you peace of mind, as well as allow you to locate your pet quickly. Modern GPS trackers for pets have added many new features, such as real-time tracking, virtual fencing, activity tracking, health tracking, waterproofing, and longer-lasting batteries.
When choosing a GPS tracker for your dog, there are several factors to consider about your pet, including their weight/size, what they enjoy doing, where you live (city vs. Country), and how you plan to utilize the product. There are two types of GPS trackers for pets. Those that rely solely on cellular network towers to provide nationwide coverage, and those that use radio frequency signals to provide location information when you’re in remote areas with no cell signal.
Best Overall GPS Tracker for Dogs
Tractive GPS Dog LTE Tracker
The Tractive GPS Dog LTE Tracker is among the most well-known GPS trackers that are available to all dog owners. This model provides real-time tracking, virtual fence alerts, activity monitoring, and health information in an easily wearable, waterproof design.
Features
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Virtual fence alerting (escape)
- Health/activity monitoring
- Waterproof construction
- Worldwide coverage
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and portable
- Excellent mobile app
- Accurate live tracking
- Good value for features
Cons
- Requires subscription plan
- Battery life shorter when using constantly for live tracking
Check Price on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Tractive+GPS+Dog+LTE+Tracker
Best Premium GPS Dog Collar
Fi Series 3+ Smart Dog Collar
The Fi Series 3+, like other Fi products, tracks your dog’s whereabouts via GPS, monitors their health, tracks their sleep patterns, and sends you alerts if they attempt to escape from their home. Urban dog owners and active pet families have taken to this product very quickly. One of the main reasons for the popularity is the excellent battery life. Some users report several weeks, or even months, between charges, based on the user’s chosen settings.
Features
- LTE GPS tracking
- Activity and sleep monitoring
- Escape notifications
- Waterproof design
- Long battery life
Pros
- Excellent battery performance
- Stylish collar design
- Accurate tracking
- Detailed health insights
Cons
- Subscription required
- Higher price compared to basic trackers
Check Price on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Fi+Series+3+Smart+Dog+Collar
Best GPS Tracker for Hunting Dogs
Garmin Alpha 300i TT25 Bundle
The Garmin Alpha 300i is made specifically for hunting and working dogs. Unlike regular cellular trackers, it utilizes Radio Frequency Communication (RF) with a handheld unit to track the dog(s), even in locations with no cell service.
Professionals in the field (hunting and dog training professionals) trust the Garmin Alpha 300i bundle due to its distance capabilities and rugged build quality.
Features
- Long-range GPS tracking
- Radio frequency communication
- Multi-dog tracking support
- Waterproof collar system
- Advanced navigation features
Pros
- Works without cellular coverage
- Exceptional range
- Extremely durable
- Professional-grade performance
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires handheld transmitter
- More advanced than casual owners need
Check Price on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Garmin+Alpha+300i+TT25
Best Budget GPS Tracker for Dogs
Apple AirTag
Although it doesn’t provide true GPS tracking, the Apple AirTag has become a popular, inexpensive tracking option for iPhone owners who want to locate their lost dogs. Instead of using a dedicated GPS and cellular system, it relies upon Apple’s Find My Network.
In urban areas, AirTags can function effectively because there will often be multiple Apple Devices nearby.
Features
- Apple Find My integration
- Compact lightweight design
- Water-resistant construction
- One-year replaceable battery
- No monthly subscription
Pros
- Affordable
- No subscription fees
- Very lightweight
- Easy setup
Cons
- Not true live GPS tracking
- Less effective in remote areas
- iPhone-only compatibility
Check Price on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Apple+AirTag+Dog+Collar+Holder
Best GPS Tracker for Small Dogs
Fi Mini GPS Tracker
The Fi Mini GPS Tracker was made for small dogs. It is built around the same technology as its bigger siblings, but comes in a smaller package. This allows for toy breeds and small breeds to have a mini version of the fi GPS without having to be burdened by a large collar.
This smaller device is also much lighter, which makes it less likely to cause discomfort for the pet, yet still provides the owner with escape notifications and information about their pet’s activities.
Features
- Lightweight compact design
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Waterproof construction
- Activity tracking
- Escape alerts
Pros
- Excellent for small breeds
- Comfortable lightweight design
- Long battery life
- Accurate location tracking
Cons
- Subscription required
- Smaller battery than full-size models
Check Price on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Fi+Mini+GPS+Tracker+for+Dogs
What to Look for in a GPS Tracker for Dogs
Tracking Accuracy
Live, real-time updates of location are probably the most important part of any dog GPS tracker. Most high-end GPS trackers send location updates every second or two during live tracking.
Battery Life
The life of the battery varies greatly from model to model. Some collars can go for days, while some of the more premium models, such as Fi, can last weeks or months, depending upon how often you check in with them.
Subscription Costs
There are many GPS trackers that require an ongoing subscription for LTE or cell phone coverage. Make sure you factor these recurring expenses into your budget before making your final decision.
Waterproof Protection
As long as your dog plays outside and gets dirty, there is no way to keep a tracker clean. Therefore, protection from water damage is very important to ensure the longevity of the device.
Size and Comfort
Small dogs require very lightweight and comfortable trackers. If you purchase a large, heavy device, your dog may become resistant to wearing it on a regular basis.
GPS Trackers vs Bluetooth Trackers
Many people get confused between GPS trackers and Bluetooth devices (such as Apple Air Tags). GPS trackers track locations using satellite signals and cell towers, whereas Bluetooth devices track locations based on proximity to other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
As long as there are other Bluetooth-enabled devices within range (in cities, this would include multiple people), Bluetooth trackers will generally find your lost item. However, as soon as you move to an area where fewer people are present (or none), Bluetooth trackers lose signal. GPS trackers have a better range regardless of whether you are indoors or outdoors.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, what the best GPS tracker for dogs is going to depend on your personal needs, budget, and environment. For example, the Tractive GPS Dog LTE Tracker has one of the lowest price points among the high-end options that still offer excellent real-time tracking. The FI series 3 + has longer battery life and includes advanced health monitoring features.
The Garmin family of products continues to dominate as far as GPS tracking is concerned for hunters who use their dogs to hunt game in remote areas. For those looking to save money on a basic backup solution for finding their pet if they ever leave home again in a densely populated city (for example), consider investing in an Apple Air Tag.