We can all get a little protective when it comes to our fluffy friends. After all, they’re family! If you’re thinking about how great it would be to keep tabs on your puppy’s location, a GPS dog tracker can be an effective way to keep an eye on him when he’s not with you. If you’ve already got puppy microchipped, a GPS dog collar or attachment simply takes this to the next level using geolocation technology. You can see the little one on a map and find him instantly!Quick Review: Top-4 GPS Dog Trackers
 | Best Collar Tracker Tagg GPS Pet Tracker
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| | Cheap Collar Tracker Link AKC Smart Dog Collar
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| | Best Tag Tracker Findster Duo+ Pet Tracker
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| | Cheap Tag Tracker Dynotag Web Enabled Smart
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What exactly is a GPS dog tracker?
There are many different types of GPS dog trackers, and the key idea behind all of them is to keep your puppy safe by knowing where he is at any given moment. A GPS tracker for dogs offers you peace of mind if your puppy has a tendency to run off, or if you go on vacation and want to know what he’s up to.
How can a GPS dog collar make life easier?
The main benefits of a GPS dog tracker lie in being able to know whether your puppy is safe and sound-or going through the neighbor’s trash! They’re very popular as a means of both training specialist breeds to hunt, but their main benefit to most puppy owners is just the ability to keep tabs on their little pups’ locations.
A large number of GPS dog trackers now also provide more functionality than just GPS tracking. These include things like activity monitoring, logging his past movements and your walks together, and even setting up safety zones so you can know when little Fido has strayed a bit too far for comfort. A GPS tracker for dogs can help you locate your best friend if he gets lost by accident, and even give you an idea of how much more exercise he needs to do to stay fit!
Who should buy a GPS dog tracker?
You never think you need a GPS dog tracker until it’s too late. Every single day, beloved pups go missing without a trace. While microchips are an incredible way to reunite a dog with their owner once the dog has found its way into someone’s arms, they don’t provide any aid during the search process.
Even the most attentive dog owner could eventually experience the disappearance of their pet, so it’s important to think of a GPS tracker as a necessary and preventative tool for your best furry friend. Once you attach and install your GPS dog tracker, there’s no better peace of mind.
So to answer the question of who should purchase a GPS dog tracker; the answer is every single dog owner. And if you happen to have a dog that loves to roam, this is a necessity for your furry friend (in addition to a good flea collar to kill any pests they may pick up along the way – click here to see an option that could be worn under the collar that the GPS is part of)! A GPS tracker can help you ensure the safe return of your wandering canine, and help you keep a close eye if they stray too far.
How do I attach a GPS dog collar?
There are two main types of GPS dog trackers: GPS dog collars, and GPS trackers for dogs that you attach to their existing collars.
GPS Dog Collars
These are ready-to-wear collars that have the GPS tech already embedded in them. Some come with docking stations or ‘base stations’ for charging, while others might require a USB cable instead.
Dog Tag Pet Trackers
This kind of GPS tracker for dogs is an attachment to whatever collar he’s already wearing. They’re often lightweight, and sometimes come with pretty darn cute designs!
How do dog GPS trackers work?
Some GPS dog collars and tracker attachments use cell coverage to locate your puppy. These have SIM cards and GPS chips built into them-a transmitter-that beams your little one’s location up to the cell satellites. The transmitter then sends an alert with your pups GPS details to your smartphone, either as a text, in the app, or by whatever means the different tracker supports.
There are also radio GPS trackers for dogs. If you choose one of these, then radio signals will be sent between your specialized handset and your pup’s collar. The ones we’ve featured here also support GPS tracking through a little chip in his collar.
Lastly, it’s also possible to get Bluetooth trackers for your puppy. These are GPS dog collars or attachments that use Bluetooth tech between your smartphone and your dog’s collar or tag, so you can get GPS details that way. This is definitely the most impressive option, as you can pull up all of your dog’s whereabouts through a specific app on your phone.
Reviews of GPS Dog trackers in
GPS Dog Collars
- Link AKC Smart Dog Collar with GPS Tracker
Pros
- Permits puppy tracking using GPS;
- Also monitors his or her activity;
- Allows you to log records of vet visits;
- Lets you keep track of your adventurous walks together!
- The Ambient Temperature feature sends you alerts if your puppy’s somewhere that is potentially too cold or warm.
Cons
- Some users have suggested that the Link AKC GPS dog tracker may not be as accurate as some other trackers when it comes to measuring your puppy’s physical activity.
- Whistle 3 GPS Pet Tracker
Pros
- Data recording means you can keep tabs on where your puppy’s been over the previous 24 hours;
- Has activity monitoring functionality;
- Lets you set up a ‘safe zone’ and sends you email, app, or SMS alerts if your puppy goes outside this;
- Almost a week of battery life in between each charge; and
- Offers nationwide GPS tracking.
Cons
- Because the Whistle 3 relies on GPS tracking, it means you need to sign up for a plan and/or subscription.
- BLACK+DECKER Smart Dog Collar
Pros
- Create your own geofences areas where you feel comfortable letting your puppy wander, then get alerts when they step outside this area;
- Water resistant for up to 3 feet;
- Offers activity tracking; as well as
- GPS tracking; and
- Comes with two-way audio so you can communicate with your puppy from a distance.
Cons
- Only comes in one size for medium or large canines; and
- The audio isn’t very high quality, apparently.
- Garmin Astro 430/T 5 Dog Tracking Bundle
Pros
- Trainers and pro dog walkers will love this GPS dog collar, which lets them keep tabs on up to 20 dogs at any one moment;
- If your puppy or dog decides to sprint for it, the Garmin Astro can update as fast as every 2.5 seconds;
- Up to 20 hours of battery life;
- Satellite tracking means you can look at the terrain your dogs are in; and
- You can keep abreast of the different distances traveled, behaviors, and hunting patterns with the Hunt Metrics data.
Cons
- It’s more recommended for serious trainers of hunting dogs and the like, due to it’s higher price tag; and
- Radio communication only works within the States.
- SportDOG Brand TEK Series GPS Tracking Systems
Pros
- Track your puppy even if he’s up to 10 miles away from you;
- Look at both yourself and your dog on the map to easily find your way to him;
- Submersible and waterproof;
- Has geofence functionality and a Trip Screen that logs stats from your dog’s walks (and yours!); and
- This GPS tracker for dogs can be used for up to 21 dogs at once.
Cons
- It takes a while to recharge the collar, according to some sources.
Best Dog Tag GPS Pet Trackers
- Findster Duo+ Pet Tracker
Pros
- Offers between 12 hours and 3 days of battery life, depending on whether you keep the live GPS tracking feature switched on or not;
- Up to 0.5 miles of doggy coverage in built-up areas, and this extends to almost 3 miles if you and your pup are in an outdoor open space;
- Monitors your puppy’s exercise activity;
- Weighs only 21 grams; and
- Lets you revisit any walks that you and puppy have taken together…or that your little one has taken without you!
Cons
- There are some complaints about the battery life not lasting as long as 12 hours.
- Tractive 3G Dog GPS Tracker
Pros
- Lightweight clip-on design that works for puppies over 9 pounds light;
- Updates every 2 to 3 seconds using 3G rather than Bluetooth;
- Allows you to set a virtual ‘fence’ or safe zone;
- Can be used in a very large number of different countries (over 150); and
- Is completely waterproof.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the location tracking feature is a little slow;
- The app interface is not entirely user-friendly.
- Paby 3G GPS Pet Tracker
Pros
- Offers activity tracking functions;
- Create virtual fences so you can get alerts any time that your puppy steps outside them;
- Comes with a flashing red LED for use at night and in bad weather;
- Uses simple-to-understand Google Maps; and
- It looks like a little bow-tie…CUTE!
Cons
- Has a relatively short battery life of around 72 hours in standby mode.
- Dynotag Web Enabled Smart
Pros
- Extremely simple – no batteries, no need for electronics apps or docking stations and so forth;
- Various different color choices;
- Lightweight;
- The tag itself comes with really cute catchphrases like “Help me find my owner”; and
- It’s super if you’re on a tight budget!
Cons
- It doesn’t offer advanced functionality like activity monitoring, if that’s what you’re looking for.
- Tagg GPS Pet Tracker
Pros
- Interactive maps that allow you to navigate your way to your lost fluffy friend;
- Health tracker for stats on puppy’s activity each day;
- Offers very long battery life of more than a few days-in some cases, apparently up to 30 days;
- Doesn’t require GPS unless your puppy is outside its geofence, instead it directly communicates with the base station; and
- Lightweight, making it good for smaller puppies.
Cons
- Tracking your pet isn’t continual, in the sense that you can watch a car move using GPS. Instead, you’ll need to press ‘Track’ each time you want to find your puppy.
- Humane Tribe Pet Locator Tag
![[Updated 2021] Humane Tribe Smart Pet ID Locator Tag | Real-Time Text SMS Alerts | Email Alert with Location Sharing |...](https://goodpuppyfood.com/wp-content/plugins/aawp/public/image.php?url=aHR0cHM6Ly9tLm1lZGlhLWFtYXpvbi5jb20vaW1hZ2VzL0kvNTF1QUV3dEpmNUwuanBn)
Pros
- No monthly fees
- Acts as an external microchip
- No batteries needed
Cons
- Does not give you real time GPS
- Has to be scanned or accessed for you to locate your pet
FAQ
What kind of dog is Tracker from paw Patrol?
Speaking of trackers, there is an impressive character on Paw Patrol that scouts out danger with his magnified hearing and impressive tracking skills. This feisty Chihuahua named tracker sure lives up to his name!
What is the range of a dog GPS tracker?
This answer will range based on the specific dog GPS tracker in question. While some trackers can pick up a range of up to 9 miles, others can only detect up to 0.5 miles. Make sure to ask for the specific range that your ideal GPS tracker can detect to ensure that you have all the search range you are looking for when it comes to your beloved companion.
Are GPS trackers safe for dogs?
GPS pet trackers are useful if you’re wanting to catch your roaming canine friend before he strays into any danger. If you live near a busy road or somewhere that he might upset the neighbors, a GPS dog collar or attachment-type tracker can help you get to him quicker. They’re essentially no more unsafe for your dog than wearing a smartwatch or FitBit might be for you personally-but they keep him safe from wandering off or getting lost.
Are GPS dog trackers legal?
A GPS tracker for dogs is a totally legal way to keep tabs on your fluffy buddy, at least here in the States. In fact, a lot of owners find them a very useful addition to microchips because they don’t require that someone take your puppy in to see a vet before he can be identified. In Canada and New Zealand, as well as some other countries, there may be different restrictions. It’s best that you check online with your local authorities, first!
Last update on 2025-01-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
