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Every dog owner's biggest fear is that their dog will get lost. After all, you can't just call your dog when he leaves the yard or lets off the leash. Luckily, with today's technology, you can outfit your pup with one of the best GPS tracking collars for dogs.
Dr. Terry Fossum points out that while chips are great for identifying your dog, they must be scanned by someone with access to a microchip scanner. GPS trackers allow you to see where your dog is, making it easier to find them if your pet is lost or stolen. Health monitoring can also be useful, especially for older dogs. Are these collars higher in price? Yes, but you are paying for your dog's peace of mind and safety. This is a worthwhile investment.
Even if they are microchipped, finding a lost dog can be incredibly difficult. An effective GPS or tracking dog collar can help you find an escape artist's puppy before it's too late.
The Best GPS Tracking Collars for Dogs
Train LTE GPS dog tracker
- Track your dog in over 150 countries with an app for iOS and Android (or any web browser)
- Mark safe areas with a virtual fence function
- View your dog's daily travel history
- Monthly, 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year plans are available starting at $4.99 per month
The Train LTE GPS dog tracker uses AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile networks to track your dog. It not only shows you where your dog is, but also where it has been since you turned on the tracker. This way you can see if they went somewhere they shouldn't when you weren't looking. Additionally, this collar can track your dog's health, activity, and sleep patterns, allowing you to identify problems early.
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- Designed to cover small areas or thousands of acres
- Create up to 20 boundaries through difficult terrain where physical fences cannot be constructed
- Waterproof, with water protection class IP67
- Tracking: See your dog at the touch of a button and know immediately if he is crossing a boundary
- Learn to train your dog through modules within the app and get a free 1:1 training session with a certified dog trainer if you need help.
- Get $50 off at SpotOn with code IHEARTDOGS
While other electronic dog fences may require an elaborate setup that involves digging and burying cables, the SpotOn GPS Dog Fence works right out of the box with no manual work required. The program is as easy to set up as taking your dog for a walk: step over the boundary of the “fence” you want to erect for your pup, put on the collar, and let your dog explore worry-free with SpotOn.
Thanks to the patented True Location™ technology, the SpotOn GPS dog fence is far superior to other GPS collars. SpotOn uses a special GPS antenna that dynamically filters out poor GPS signals that are partially blocked by the horizon, trees or buildings.
SpotOn's products are made in the USA and offer a generous discount to US military veterans.
Halo GPS Dog Collar
- No shock collar – focuses on noise, vibration and static emergency impulses
- Creates an invisible border without the need for installation
- Waterproof
- Includes a built-in activity tracker
- Uses a convenient mobile app
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed
The Halo GPS dog collar is one of the safest options. It is not a shock collar as the company wants to avoid harmful, punishment-based training. Instead, it focuses on sound and vibration alerts and uses a painless static pulse in emergencies. No installation is required and your dog's location and activity can be monitored via an easy-to-use app.
Invoxia smart dog collar
- Uses a convenient mobile app
- Connects to your phone via Bluetooth
- Also tracks your dog's health and activity
- Battery lasts for weeks
- Available in three sizes
The Invoxia smart dog collar checks all the boxes as it tracks your dog's location, health and activity. In the app you can see exactly where your dog is, how long he has been active and what his resting heart rate and breathing rate are. In addition, this collar has a long battery life of several weeks, so it can easily be used for long periods of time. The only downside is that it can be bulky for some small dogs.
For more information, see our full Invoxia review.
Garmin TT 15 dog device
- Highly sensitive GPS with a range of 9 miles
- Tracks even in areas with poor cell phone reception
- Includes extended range antenna
- Water-resistant design
Garmin is a highly trusted brand known for its navigation systems. While it tends to be higher in the price range, that is Garmin TT 15 dog device is one of the few trackers that does not require a smartphone/app or internet access. It also has a long tracking range of 9 miles.
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Whistle GO Explore
- Offers live location tracking
- The weekly health report provides information about your pet's licking, scratching and sleeping habits
- Battery life can last up to 20 days
- Small device compatible with a wider range of collars
The Whistle GO Explore consistently tops the list of the best tracking collars and devices for dogs. It's extremely easy to use and can be set up to send important notifications to multiple people (extra family members, dog owners, etc.). A subscription is required to activate Whistle GO Explore. The three options cost between $6.95 and $9.95 per month.
FitBark
- Subscription plans are either monthly, 1, 2 or 3 years long
- Tracks health information such as sleep quality, calorie balance and skin condition
- Compatible with any flat collar up to 1.5 inches wide
If you are interested in a device that monitors your dog's health data, this is it FitBark has what you need. Not only does it serve as a GPS tracker, but it also monitors your dog's sleep patterns, skin condition, activity level, and more. The biggest downside is the relatively low battery life, but it's great for providing health information in addition to location.
SportDOG TEK Series 1.5
- Includes rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with a runtime of 24 hours per charge
- DryTek technology makes the device submersible to a depth of 5 feet and the collar waterproof
- No subscription required
The SportDOG TEK Series 1.5 is extremely durable and designed to allow your dog to run around outdoors in any weather and terrain. This system uses GPS satellites, not cell service, to track your dog up to 7 miles away. It could be the right choice for hiking or camping trips.
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Fi Series 2 Collar
- Collar sizes range from small to XL
- Tracks your dog's activity level as well as its location
- The battery can last up to 3 months between charges
- Adjustable LED light on collar
The Fi Series 2 Collar is a tracking device that rarely needs to be charged. It has a few other nice features, like LED lights that illuminate your dog's path at night and health activity monitoring.
Cube real-time GPS tracker
- Connects to mobile networks and therefore requires a monthly subscription
- Get notifications about location changes, speed increases and low battery
- The rechargeable battery lasts 10 to 60 days
- Cube offers customer service and technical support
The Cube real-time GPS tracker can be used to track more than just furry family members, but it's great for that purpose too. The company also offers technical support if you encounter any problems. Because it connects to cellular networks, you have to pay a subscription to use the cube.
Final Thoughts: The Best GPS Tracking Collars for Dogs
What you need depends on many factors, including where you live, the breed of dog, and your willingness to spend. Some tracking systems use cellular networks to determine your dog's location, others use satellites and radio signals. Some are designed primarily to alert you if your pup finds a hole in the backyard fence, and others are designed to track a hunting dog that has strayed too far. Depending on which collar you choose, you may or may not have to pay a subscription fee.
Related: The 11 Best Invisible Dog Fences
Are you looking for an alternative to a GPS collar for dogs? Check out our review of the best Apple Airtag holder for dog collars.
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