The Best GPS Dog Trackers

For dog owners, is there any worse feeling than realizing you cannot see your dog in the compound? It can happen in a blink of an eye– one minute your beloved friend is right by your side, and the next minute, he is nowhere to be seen.Top PickLast Updated: 11 January 2020 Perhaps he was scared by something and got spooked, and the first instinct said: “Run!” Or maybe he was attracted by a neighbor’s dog that was across the street, and he attempted a jailbreak.Perhaps your kid forgot to latch on the gate, or you did not realize your precious fur friend had made excellent efforts digging that hole near your fence.For whatever reason, you cannot always be assured that you and your dog will never be separated. But now, there is a way you can make it faster and easier to be reunited with your dog. It is through a GPS tracker, and today we will talk about these devices and how you can pick the best GPS dog tracker for your needs.GPS dog trackers are special devices that utilize technology such as GPS (Global Positioning System), Wi-Fi, and cell phone network to track the movement of your dog. They are available in a variety of colors and sizes with most of them designed to be clipped on the necklines of dogs for tracking.These trackers rely on the network coverage to transmit signals indicating the precision location of your dogs. To keep up with modern technology, dog GPS trackers come with applications meant to manipulate them. These apps are developed in a way that they are compatible with major smart device systems such as iOS, Windows, and Android.To keep them functional, they are designed to be durable and rugged. They are temper- and shock-proof thereby making it impossible for your dog to take off the tracker. Besides, they can survive the vigorous games and activities that your pet engage in throughout the day. Should they get into the water, these devices will still work since they are waterproof. If your dog likes playing in the dust, worry not as they are also dust proof.Why Should You Get a GPS Dog Tracker? The statistics show that a large number of pets, especially dogs, go missing annually. The American Humane Association estimate that more than 10 million pets get lost every year, while close to third of pets stray away from their homes and families at some point in their lives.While some use microchips to track the location of their pet, they are not as effective at locating pets as a GPS locator. Depending on the quality of a tracker and strength of network connection, if you are using a GPS signal, you should be able to identify the area your dog is held in and find them easily.Not only are dog trackers practically useful but they also give owners much-needed peace when they are out walking their dog in the woods, or when you leave them home alone. There are trackers that even allow you to set “safe zones” where your dog should always be. If they leave the area, then it automatically alerts you. What Should You Look For In a Dog GPS Tracker?Now, it’s time for the real business; Reviewing the best GPS dog trackers on the market!The Whistle 3 GPS Tracker and Activity Monitor is perhaps one of most popular and by far the best GPS dog trackers on the market at the moment, and it is easy to see why it is popular among dog owners.Despite it being relatively affordable, this dog collar packs many excellent features such as unparalleled cellular GPS tracking technology that will always alert you when your dog leaves his safe location and where it is at the moment. In fact, it allows you to use a combination of Wi-Fi, cellular, and GPS technology so that you can pinpoint your dog’s location.When connected to its app, you can get a variety of notification via email and text as well as in the app notification menu, which lets you know if your dog strays from any of the custom safe places that have been designated for him by the app. This is a good way to be quickly informed about the whereabouts of your dog. Another notable feature of Whistle 3 GPS Tracker and Activity Monitor is the activity monitor that allows you to know how active and energetic your dog has been during the day. This information is useful if you want to track your dog level of fitness as you will know if they are healthy and happy.An interesting feature of this GPS tracker is that it creates Trips. These are the routes your dog takes in its safe location. By saving these trips, you can follow up later to see where your pet normally spends his time more.If you want to keep your dog strong and healthy, you can use this tracker to check its daily activity and rest routines. By tracking this data, you can see your dog’s fitness progress so as to monitor their health. “It comes with a collar that is up to one-inch wide. This device is completely waterproof and durable and therefore your pet can play with it and swim while still on his collar. It is ideal for dogs weighing 8lbs and above.The Whistle 3 GPS tracker is light enough and compact for your pet. Measuring 1.8 by 1.4 by 0.6 inches and weighing only one ounce, it can fit and feel comfortable for your dog.”The GoodThe app has a health and location section It uses GPS and mobile technology to locate your dog It has a long battery life that can last up to 10 days It is compatible with both iOS 9.0 and Android 5.0 and above This tracker is completely water resistant Comes with a 90-day money back guarantee It can connect to a computer Uses both Wi-Fi and cellular network It is easy to configure, and its software is free It is small and thus cannot distract your dog Offers real-time notifications and quickly transmits GPS Shows both your dog’s activity levels and location It is dust- and waterproof with a rating of IP67The BadIt deletes tracked information after 24 hours Has a shorter battery life as compared to most real-time trackersIf you are an owner of a dog who has a tendency of escaping now and then, you can finally be at ease. Technology development has led to inventions of useful gadgets such as LINK AKC Dog Collar that helps track your dog location. This device won the award for best innovation at CES 2017, and it is easy to spot why.The simplest way to describe it would be “an all-inclusive dog tracker.” Besides the most significant feature, tracker, this device can also monitor your pet’s activities. It works with an application which is available for Android and iOS phones. Using its application, you can track your pet’s exact location and be well informed on his activities. Thus, you can ensure your dog is fit and healthy. The app also allows you to set up reminders for any vet medications and checkups. It also features a remotely controlled light that helps owners see their dogs at night.This collar is incredibly accurate when it comes to tracking down your pup. Compared to most dog trackers, LINK AKC Dog Collar is by far more superior and sophisticated. It has a beautiful and durable design. Some trackers are heavy and bulky, but this dog collar has a comfortable and sophisticated design and also feels sturdy. It does not weigh down on your dog thanks to its lightweight nature.It can also store all your dog’s medical records on its app thereby saving you the need of carrying a bunch of papers when making trips to your vet.Like other GPS dog locators, this tracker sends signals to you alerting you when your dog crosses out of its assigned area.LINK AKC Dog Collar has a leather collar that is available in small and large sizes. It also has a collar career and tracking unit. “To create a 24/7 connection with your app and LINK AKC Dog Collar you will need a dedicated service plan. The LINK AKC offers you an extended warranty at discounted offers.”The GoodIt is available in a variety of sizes to suit dog of varying weights and sizes Allows for setting up of geo-fences It is one of the best trackers Features temperature sensors that allows you keep track of temperature ranges for your dog Has a sturdy, water-resistant body Offer accurate location tracking Has a sleek, attractive design Sound and light functions for training and safety It helps keep your dog healthy, happy, and safe It is available for all dog sizes Comes with tracking unit, collar carrier, and Link AKC base station It is durable and lightweightThe BadIt is quite pricey as compared to most dog trackers in its price range Has a limited activity tracking as compared to most trackers Its app does not have an attractive interface; it is too basicAustria-based Tractive has been offering the activity-tracking motion for quite some time now and now has another amazing pet tracking device in the Tractive GPS Pet Tracker, which is specifically geared towards the location. With it, you can track your outdoor dog. Utilizing the GPS technology, you can easily follow every footstep your dog takes and wherever he goes. To clear your doubts, the tractive company is an expert in this field, owning a variety of pet apps and that means you can find exactly what you’re looking for.Inside the package with the device are two plastic clips that help attach it to a collar, a multi-country charger and a manual to guide you on the tracker’s use. The tractive device is a black but shiny rectangle with dimensions of 1.61 by 2.01 by 0.59 inches and weighs 1.23 ounces. The device has a logo printed on it and has a button that you use to turn the device on and off. It also features a tiny LED with signals to indicate the various setting such as red indicates low battery, green indicates available cellular or GPS networks and white flashes occur in live tracking. The back of the device has a sticker bearing a QR code to use for activation as well as four little metal contacts. When your device needs charging, it’s in these metal contacts where you clump the charger. The Tractive GPS tracker is fully waterproof earning an IPX7 rating. It’s waterproof for up to 1 meter of water for half an hour which makes it suitable for dogs that love water.On apps and performance, you can set up a profile as you get started as the Tractive GPS comes with apps for Android, iOS and even windows phone. It also features web-based interface with all the basic service you need in a tracker. With this device, you will create safe zones for your dog, and with the mobile app, you can enjoy AR tracking. Getting started used to this device may, however, not be just scanning the QR code. You need to create and fill a profile for your pet with usual information like breed type. The app also offers you interesting info quizzes which help in market research for your dog.You can also use one account to track multiple tractive units by sharing info on each unit with others. This can help them track your pet too. The good thing is that this tracker has a good battery life lasting up to a week with normal use, but activities like live tracking can consume battery life a bit quicker. With the app, you will get notifications on battery status.Whenever your dog goes out of the safe zones, you will get push notifications. Need a report on the pet’s activity as GPX or KML files? The Tractive tracker allows you to do that if you need to use the information in programs like Google Earth. “The live tracking feature is yet another exciting feature as you can track your pet via tractive mobile apps or internet and show you where your pet was just minutes earlier. You can get updated positions every 3 minutes. Additionally, you can manage your pet’s data, and medical information is much ease as the tractive apps allow you to keep important info like allergies, vaccinations or vet’s appointments. You can turn on light or an audible beep on the collar to find your pet’s location faster.”The GoodFully Waterproof and lightweight for easy portability Offers live tracking for easier access to your pet Battery lasts for up to 1 week. You can turn on light or an audible beep Offers a virtual fence with safe zones Tractive apps can help you gather important info with ease Easy interface You can share a tractive account with others Has a good battery life Waterproof and hence good for dogs that love waterThe BadIt lacks Bluetooth and WIFI Has week charger clips for collarsA majority of GPS trackers are compact, but if you feel that you need a much smaller GPS tracker, then you can give the Americaloc GPS tracker a try. This is undoubtedly one of the least complicated interfaces you can come across especially if you’re looking for something practical and easy to use.The most noticeable and impressive feature of the Americaloc GPS tracker is its battery life which is relatively long. The users have noticed this with a majority saying that it keeps them for a couple of days and others even weeks, but that depends on the hours of use. The tracker works depending on how you program it; whether for tracking movements or boundaries.Better yet, it offers a multicarrier service where you can collect and transmit information from various mobile carriers. Luckily, the tracker can transmit signals over wider ranges of locations. The GPS tracker also utilizes all carrier services and even enables better pinpointing of locations. Do you want a tracker that’s ready to use anytime without having to pay for any activation fees? This is a great dog tracker for you. This is among the best GPS dog trackers as it offers almost everything you need to know about your dog such as time, movement and other things needed when tracking Fido. To keep you updated about issues and performance, the Americaloc GPS tracker has been integrated with your mobile phone and gives you notification and alerts. It also helps in real-time tracking, and you can track the device from an iPhone or Android app when you need to see locations.America LLC GL300 GPS tracker has been made in the USA and caters for all your tracking needs. The good thing is that apart from tracking your dog, you can also use it to track your other belongings such as your car. It’s worth noting that this amazing tracker alerts the user when your dog has left the safe zone and gives a good illustration of your dog movement. “The great thing about the Americaloc GL300 is you can keep the tracking history of your dog up to 1 year. This way, you may get to understand your dog better. Need updates after 10, 30, 0r 60 seconds about your best friend? You can do it with this tracker at zero cost. What’s more, when you purchase this tracker, you’ll receive two extra months free with the purchase of the service plan which costs low per month. On top of that, you can cancel the plan at any time without an auto-renewal.”The GoodAmericaloc GL300 has an amazing battery life enough to last for up to two weeks. Comes with multicarrier service plans to help in transmitting signals of different dogs. It offers tracking over a wide location. Can keep tracking history for up to 1 year. Can be integrated with Android or iPhone app for easier tracking. You get alerts on movements, battery status, and boundaries for your dog It can be configured for frequent updates such as 60, 30, or 10 seconds without added or hidden costs. Has a long battery life that does not need frequent charging It’s very compact and portable Has a user-friendly interface for easy use Gives comprehensive details about your dog’s movement. Offers real-time tracking.The BadThe tracker’s accuracy may be affected by extreme weather The website can be buggyThe Gibi Pet Locator is a lightweight, tough and waterproof GPS tracking device for your indoor active dog. This classic tracking device uses Gibi’s online browser-based app which is accessible wherever an internet connection is available. Gibi, however, says that the app is not compatible with the iPhone 7 or 7 plus. The app allows you to use Google maps to locate your four-legged family member via a mobile device or computer. You can also create safe zones to ensure that your dog doesn’t leave the preset zones. In case they leave, you’ll receive updates via email or text. What’s more, you the tracker offers real-time updates and even directions via Gibi’s one-click button.Your dog can walk with the device wherever they want without being bothered by the weight of the device. You don’t have to panic that Gibi falls into bad hands as before anyone reads his id tags and microchip scanned, you will quickly get notifications for the same. You can have his precise location by a touch of a button on your phone or computer. With Gibi, you will know your pet’s precise location to ensure they do not wander off. The battery life is good especially for non-heavy users as it can last up to 3 or 4 days on a single charge. This tracking device will offer you alerts. If your dog gets lost, you don’t have to worry with Gibi. This device offers directions and exact location where you can get your pet. Additionally, you can share your pet’s location with your close friends and family. The tracker requires Gibi Pet location registration where you create your dog’s profile and choose a monthly plan. “However, some consumers have complained about the battery capacity as well as inaccurate locations at times.”The GoodHas a waterproof, tough and lightweight material and stylish design Offers real-time location on Google Map on any computer or mobile device Attaches securely to the collar with a sleek surface which reduces the chances of being snagged. Has a great app that allows the creation of safe zones that you get an alert when your dog wanders off. Has a relatively good battery life that can last up to 4 days. You can use the Gibi’s online browser to access your dog from any location with the mobile device network It’s lightweight and compact You can customize safe zones Has a 30-second tracking frequencyThe BadHas a short battery life according to some consumers May show inaccurate locations.Wrap Up So, there you have it- a review of top 5 best GPS trackers you should consider! As you can see, GPS dog trackers are lifesavers and a must-have for any dog owner- especially those who care about the well-being and location of their furry friends.We recommend any of these devices regardless of your dog’s character- you can never tell when your furry friend will sneak out of your compound and take a journey into the woods. Therefore, it is in your best interest to locate him and be ready to bring him back when that time comes.The good news is that the five GPS dog trackers we have reviewed here are good enough to track and identify your dog location. Meaning that you don’t have to worry about the whereabouts of your dog now and then, and that will give you the much-needed peace of mind.Just be sure to pick the best GPS tracker for your dog. Good luck!...