Best GPS Dog Collars Reviewed & Rated for Quality
As more canine owners decide to bring their dogs anywhere they go, be it hunting trips or outdoor adventures, the possibility of losing a dog increases. Consequently, the market, as well as the popularity of dog GPS collars, has grown significantly.
We think of our dogs as part of our family; they bring us much happiness and fun in our lives. This is why it’s our responsibility to keep them happy, healthy, and safe throughout their time with us.
Featured Recommendations
- Whistle 3 GPS Pet Tracker
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Our rating - Lightweight
- Price: See Here
- Tractive GPS Pet Tracker
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Our rating - Affordable
- Price: See Here
- Trackimo TRKM002 GPS
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Our rating - Easy Set Up
- Price: See Here
In the past, dog owners had to rely on an ID tag in hopes that their furry family member would return home safely should they become lost. With GPS collars, technology has brought about a better option. GPS dog collars are widely available, affordable, and worth the investment.
Dog GPS collars work well in finding missing or stolen dogs. The American Humane Association has estimated that more than 10 million dogs (or cats) are either lost or stolen each year in the U.S. However, those estimates can be much higher as many lost or stolen dogs go unreported. In many of the cases where a dog safely returned home, a GPS tracker was involved in their rescue.
You love your dogs, and your dog’s love you, but sometimes they decide to go off on an adventure. In this article, we researched the best GPS dog collars so that whether you have an escape artist or an aging animal you take on expeditions, you can keep them close by your side.
10 Best GPS Dog Collars
1. Whistle 3
It uses the best GPS and cellular service technology to determine your dog's location anywhere in the U.S. using the country’s largest network. This product requires you to subscribe to its services every month to be able to work.
The Whistle 3 sends you email or text message notifications whenever your dog leaves their safe zone before they get too far away. With the Whistle 3, you can set multiple safe zones to keep tabs on your dog from where you are and get text alerts when they get out. It can be where you live, your vacation home, the dog sitter and so on.
It also allows you to monitor your dog’s activities daily and also tracks how many times it took a nap the whole day to keep the dog in great shape for their age, breed, and weight.
Lets you set your dog’s safe zone and alerts you when he goes out of his safe zone
Uses cellular service and GPS technology to pinpoint your dog’s location anywhere in the United States
Text and email notifications sent directly to your smartphone whenever the dog roams out of its safe zone
The device involves a service plan
Allows you to follow your dog’s location in the last 24 hours to see where they went and when
Great battery life
Durable and water resistant
Price
The Whistle 3 GPS tracker comes at a reasonable price. It is not too expensive, making it affordable for most people.
Conclusion
This is one of the best dog trackers; even though it lacks some attributes, we like it from rivals, such as the Link AKC's data storage for outdoor adventures and advanced activity tracking.
Easy to activate
Extremely lightweight
Amazing battery lifeCan be used to track numerous dog collars
Cmpatible with iOS and Android phones
No need for a base station
Whistle 3 GPS tracker deletes tracked information after 24 hours
2. Tractive GPS
Tractive real-time track mode allows you to follow where the dog has journeyed, and where he is going. You can likewise introduce a safe region with the Tractive through the application and get a text if the dog leaves the safe zone.
The only downside of this GPS tracker is that you must be in the vicinity of a cell tower for the Tractive Dog GPS collar to function and you will also need to pay a service fee monthly.
If you are on a small budget and do not require GPS in secluded areas, then the Tractive is worth some deliberation.
Lightweight and water resistant
Possesses the tiniest GPS device that comes with a built-in SIM-card
Shows live position of your dog
Price
This dog collar is not expensive. If you cannot afford the other expensive collars in this review, then the Tractive is an excellent choice for you.
Conclusion
Though some customers complained about the battery life, overall it is a very good choice for tracking your dog’s location. It is affordable and lightweight.
The Tractive is aA
The device is lightweight
You can receive alerts by text message in case your dog goes out of the safe zone
Compatible with Windows smartphones, iOS, and Android
Depends on cell service
A service fee is required every month
You must recharge the non-removable batteries
Consumers have complained about the not long lasting battery life
3. Trackimo TRKM002 GPS
As Trackimo depends on cell service, it is not the best for secluded zones. But if you are a dog owner who lives where there is good cell service, Trackimo is a great choice for pets that tend to wonder around.
The first year after purchase is free, but you have to pay for the second year every month
The Trackimo comes with an SOS button
You can set up a safe zone fencing perimeter, and whenever your pet crosses them you will get
notified immediately
Comes with smart alerts, which notifies you of your change in location and speed limit
Comes with a silicon cover which is water resistant
Has an amazing battery life of up to 5 days or more in standby mode
USB charging option
You can manage multiple devices from one account
Price
The Trackimo comes at a reasonable price. It is not too expensive, so almost everyone can afford to get one.
Conclusion
Apart from the fact that it uses cell service, the Trackimo is one of the best GPS collars for dogs. It is durable, reliable, lightweight and affordable.
Comes with a reasonable price
Easy to set up and activate
Extremely lightweight and compact
Amazing battery life
Compatible with Android and iOS phones
It uses batteries that can be recharged
Might work unwell secluded areas as it depends on cellular services
Some customer complained that tracking is not precise
4. Garmin Alpha 100
The Garmin Alpha also allows you to set up virtual boundaries for your dogs to keep them away from danger. It is not necessary to wait until your dog gets lost or in jeopardy before you recover him. Once the dog strays out of the boundary you set, the Garmin Alpha alerts you so you can call him back.
Features and specifications
Can track up to 15 dogs in a 9 mile range
Comes with a tone and vibration alert
Preloaded with TOPO U.S. 100k maps
It also measures your dogs’ speed and the distance it has traveled
Comes with an extremely sensitive GPS with GLONASS
It has LED beacon lights and can go into rescue mode when necessary
The battery life of the Garmin Alpha is 25-45 hours
Price
The Garmin Alpha is expensive, so if you are thinking of getting one for your dog, you have to think twice.
Conclusion
This is a great choice for dog owners who love their dogs and will do anything to keep them safe. Though very expensive, the Garmin Alpha is worth every dime you spend on it.
Does not need to be connected with a cellular service or pay service fees
The battery life of the Garmin Alpha is up to 25 hours and can extend to 45 when in rescue mode
It can be used for multiple dogs (tracking only)
Waterproof
It uses rechargeable batteries
It comes with a year warranty
Expensive
The collar is a bit large for some dogs
Takes time to learn how it works
5. Garmin Astro 320 T5
One of the major selling points of the Garmin Astro is that it is an independent GPS unit that does not depend on cell service. The GPS collar of the Garmin Astro is waterproof and has a durable, modifiable antenna (made of steel), which communicates your dog’s location every 5 secs to the handheld receiver with you.
The signal of the GPS tracker is sufficient to keep track of your dog’s location even in heavy covered places. The receiver that will be with you has a 2.6" display in color; this allows you to see your dog’s present location and a trace of his path.
The GPS is highly sensitive and was made with GLONASS
Comes with LED guiding lights
The battery life of the Garmin Astro is 20 to 30 hours
Comes with a Li-ion battery which can be recharged when exhausted
One orange collar strap and a belt clip
Extended range antennas
Also comes with a charging clip, AC adapter, a vehicle power cable, and a USB cable
Price
It is expensive but worth every penny. If you are a low-income earner, it is better to look for another alternative which can also be found in this article. But if you can afford it, then you won’t regret buying it.
Conclusion
It's one of the best GPS collars for your dog. It does not require any additional cellular services as it is completely independent.
20 h battery life (and up to 30 hours of use when in rescue mode)
The collar is waterproof
Possess a vibration awareness in case your dog leaves your chosen safe zone
It uses lithium batteries which are rechargeable
Not appropriate for small dogs
6. Link AKC Smart
This is a classy collar aimed for the comfort of your dog, fashion, and fit. It allows you to track as well as monitor the dog’s activities, and receive temperature alerts when your dog gets too cold or hot.
The Link AKC application allows you to be more active in handling your dog's safety and to be more connected with your dog even when you're distant.
Link AKC memberships are required to activate the tracking unit and have the complete feature functionality of the application. The application is available for Android and iOS smartphones.
Link AKC allows you to set up your dog’s safe zone
Alerts you when the dog goes out of his safe zone
Provides maps and directions for you to find your dog quickly
Keeps track your dog’s activity, giving vital insights about their actions and health
Monitors your dog’s environments and notifies you when they get too hot or cold
Price
Despite the fact that the Link AKC thoroughly tracks the location of your dog and its activities, it is quite expensive compared to other devices in this review.
Conclusion
The Link AKC is one of the best GPS collars in so many ways; it comes with an advanced activity tracking and a great leather collar. The downside though, is that it requires a base station, which is somewhat cumbersome.
Durable
Long battery life
You get notified once your dog leaves your safe zone
It comes with a year warranty
High-quality leather collar
LED night light
A bit expensive
It is bulky
7. SportDOG Brand TEK 2.0 GPS
The TEK 2.0 technology exceeds all other tracking devices on the market regarding range, accuracy, and reliability. The preloaded maps keep you on course while the system delivers feedback on your dog’s location.
With the introduction of Bluetooth capability, dog owners can get real-time audible voice updates on their dogs' locations through a Bluetooth-compatible earpiece which you have to purchase separately. Simply put, no other GPS system allows you to hunt and navigate with such confidence.
Ranges up to 10 miles by the use of HopTek technology
Bluetooth compatible
You get to receive voice updates directly to your earpiece which you need to buy separately
It can track up to 20 dog collars
Comes with preloaded maps
Free, indefinite map updates
GPS collar is waterproof
Lithium-ion batteries which can be recharged
Price
Because the SportDog is one of the best, if not the best, it comes at a very high price. If you are planning to get one of these for your dog, expect to pay a lot.
Conclusion
The SportDog is a fantastic choice for dog owners who value their canines. It comes at a very high price, but it is worth every penny you spend on it.
Can be used to track numerous dog collars
You can receive text messages or email alerts if your dog leaves his safe zone
Compatible with iOS and Android phones
It uses lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged
Comes with a year warranty
Very expensive
8. Tag GPS Plus
This GPS collar uses advanced location tracking and the largest wireless network in the nation to find your dog wherever they go.
The Tag Plus comes with an air temperature sensor that protects your dog from extreme temperatures. This GPS device monitors your dog’s surroundings and notifies you when they get too hot or too cold.
In addition to normal GPS tracking, Tag Plus comes with numerous useful applications for Android phones and iPhones such as maps and directions, activity, text and email alerts, and health monitors.
Lets you set your dog’s safe zone and alerts you when he goes out of his safe zone
Text and email notifications sent directly to your smartphone whenever the dog roams out of its safe zone
Provides maps and directions for you to find your dog quickly
Tag Plus keeps track of your dog’s activity providing vital insights about their actions and health
Monitors your dog’s environments and notifies you when they get too hot or cold
Tag Plus is durable and water resistant
The device involves a service plan
Price
Tag Plus is not expensive despite it being of high quality. It is affordable even for the lower income earners.
Conclusion
It is lightweight and durable; it keeps track of your dog activities. Great for those looking for a basic yet very functional product.
Lightweight
Durable and water resistant
The battery of the Tag Plus last for over 40 hours in rescue mode
The Android application is known to crash
9. PETCARE Tracker
Petcare is a classy GPS smart collar aimed for the comfort, fashion, and fit of your dog. It permits you to track a lost dog with GPS, monitor the dog’s activities, and receive temperature alerts when your dog gets too cold or hot.
Petcare application if used with the smart collar helps you take a more conversant and active role in
handling your dog's safety and to feel connected to your dog even when you're distant from each other.
It is a multi-function pet tracking device
It tracks, monitor activities and locates your dog
Safe Zone & Trip Recorder
Can schedule and alert when your dog needs to take medication
Social network for pet owners, connect, share, and interact with other Petcare users.
Voice Interaction & Environment Monitor
Long Lasting Battery life lasts up to 3 days
Rechargeable batteries
Price
The Petcare GPS dog collar is not expensive. If you cannot afford the other expensive collars in this review, then Petcare is an excellent choice for you.
Conclusion
Petcare is a good choice for dog owners who want to save money and at the same time get the best quality GPS collar for their dog.
Petcare is durable
Long battery life
You get notified, once your dog leaves your safe zone
It comes with a year warranty
Keep track of your dog’s activities
Schedule when to give your dog its medications
Social networking for pet owners
Not water resistant
10. Nuzzle Pet Activity
Ever wonder what your dogs are doing when they are not in sight? With the Nuzzle application, you will get real-time updates on your dog's location and activities for the whole day.
Unlike other dog collars, Nuzzle does not require any service fee whatsoever, be it monthly or yearly because the manufacturers believe nothing should come between you and your dog, especially a fee.
The low profile design of the Nuzzle comfortably fits large and small dogs. You can also design the collar the way you want.
Nuzzle lets you set your dog’s safe zone and alerts you when he goes out of his safe zone
Nuzzle uses GPS technology to pinpoint your dog’s location within a 10 feet radius
Real-time updates on your dog’s activities throughout the day
The device does not require a service plan as it is free
Great battery life
Nuzzle is durable
Price
The Nuzzle comes at a very good price even though you do not need to pay for their services.
Conclusion
The Nuzzle is a great choice for most dog owners who don’t want to spend big. Though Nuzzle cannot be compared to some of the products in this review, it is still a great choice for dog owners.
Does not need to be connected with a cellular service or pay service fees
Ranges up to 10 feet
Nuzzle collar is waterproof
Affordable
- No maps
Criteria Used to Evaluate GPS Dog Collars
After doing extensive research on GPS dog collars, we came to a conclusion based on some criteria. Our list of the best GPS dog collars was evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Durability
- Price
- Weight
- Range
- Battery life
Durability
When purchasing a GPS collar for your dog, one of the significant things you should have in mind is the durability. A good GPS collar should be hit resistant. Dogs are playful animals, thereby liable to hit the collar on hard surfaces.
Also, a good GPS collar must be waterproof. There are times when you take your dog for adventures or a walk, and it starts to rain. If the collar is not waterproof, it is certain to get damaged.
Price
The price of these collars is also one of the criteria used in evaluating them. We have selected the best ones based on their price. You might find some of the collars in this review to be expensive, but they are of the highest quality.
Weight
A good GPS collar must be as light as possible, so the dog won’t feel uncomfortable when attached to their neck. Rest assured, the GPS collars we have picked are lightweight. A lightweight collar gives your dog the confidence to move about and play without any hindrance.
Range
The best collars on the market today give your dog the opportunity to move around, while some GPS collars restrict your dog’s movement to as little as 5 feet. The main purpose of the tracking device is to give your dog the freedom to play around. So, a device that restricts their movement is not good for their happiness or their overall health.
Battery life
The battery life of the tracking device is an important feature we used in evaluating the best collars. A good GPS collar should have a long-lasting battery to ensure it remains operational should your dog wander or is stolen.
Other Factors to Consider
There are so many significant things a dog owner should consider before purchasing a GPS collar for their furry friend.
There are many types of dog GPS collars and their main purpose is to track down the position of the dog at all times. GPS collars have been well-thought-out to be one of the most appreciated dog accessories on the market today.
Before you select a dog GPS collar, there are a lot of things that you should consider. It is essential to find a GPS collar that is suitable for your dog to avoid impediments such as discomfort and eventually, injury. We have explained the most important things you should consider before going to buy a GPS collar for your precious dog, and more are listed below:
Size
This is rather apparent; nevertheless, the size of a dog’s GPS collar is one of the most ignored features of any dog collar. Dog owners tend to buy either a small or large GPS collar for their dogs. Having the right size of a GPS collar for your dog is essential because wrong sized collars are one of the leading causes of injury to dogs today. A collar that is too tight prevents circulation of blood around the neck region, and the warm temperature encourages bacterial growth, which may lead to infection of the dog’s skin.
A tight GPS collar can also confine the airway and can cause breathing problems for the dog. Alternatively, a GPS collar that is also too loose can lead to injuries by being caught in twines or fallen branches. The right size also includes the right width, as there are GPS collars with more width compared to others.
Features
As time goes by, dog GPS collars continue to have several additional features due to the manufacturers need to satisfy their customers as well as the competition to produce the best GPS collars. However, you should be able to classify what features matter most to you and your dog. There are GPS collars that are medicated to kill bugs, but sometimes the medication is too much that it can cause problems for the dog’s skin when worn for lengthy periods of time.
Another issue for new dog owners is that they consider the visual appeal as part of the best features. It isn’t rare to see a toy dog putting on an oversized collar because their owners consider it pretty. That adorable instant can give rise to injuries which could have been stopped if they decided on the proper dog collar.
Technology
Another important factor to consider when buying a GPS collar for your dog is the type of technology used. The kind of technology used by dog tracking devices is not the same. In the past, dog tracking collars used radio technology. That sort of technology provided a fast response as soon as you are in range; the downside of this technology though is that you have to be in that precise range so as to locate the position of your dog. Nowadays, dog tracking systems use GPS technology, which offers better accuracy, and the best one commonly used is the Wide Area Augmentation System GPS.
Nevertheless, GPS trackers may perform below expectation in areas with a little open sky view, and most of the GPS collars depend on mobile phone network coverage as well. Normally, GPS trackers that do not depend on mobile phone network are costly, yet they offer a real benefit of sending the signal from the GPS chip on the dog’s collar straight to a handheld entity.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many dogs can a GPS collar track at a time?
A: Some GPS collars can track as many as 20 dogs at a time, but this feature is available only for the best collars. Not all GPS collars can track that much.
Q: Do GPS collars come with maps?
A: Yes, most GPS trackers come with maps. However, some collars might not possess this feature.
Q: Is the GPS Cоllаr waterproof?
A: While most are waterproof, it’s important to read the features that come with the specific GPS collar.
