One of the scariest things for a dog owner is to find out that your dog is missing or lost. Luckily today we have several devices that can help us find our dogs. One of these types of devices is a GPS tracker. In this article, we will show you the best dog GPS trackers for 2020.
- GPS Locator & Activity Monitor
- Rechargeable with a Long Battery Life
- Night Safety Light & Beacon
Whistle Go & Whistle Go Explore
The “Whistle Go” was the tracker that stood out to us the most. This product has the most features and capabilities when it comes to tracking both location and health. The Whistle Go uses the AT&T nationwide LTE-M network and Google Maps to track your dog’s location in real time. It allows you to set up safe zones for your dog so you know when they have left the zone (or returned) and you can track them before they get too far away.
This tracker also monitors behaviors that may signal health concerns. I also like that you can set activity goals for your dog to help to curb obesity or other health issues.
The Whistle Go Explore version also includes a light that allows for night-time walking safety and as a location beacon when trying to see your dog in the dark.
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- GPS Locator & Activity Monitor
- Temperature Alerts
- Sound Training Aid
Link AKC Smart Collar
Coming in at a close second was the Link AKC Smart Collar. This collar had many of the same features as the Whistle – GPS Locator on the AT&T network, safe zones, app for your phone, activity monitor with goals and also a light for using at night or as a beacon.
The main difference was the battery life (up to 3 days) – much shorter than the Whistle Go (up to 10 days) or Whistle Go Explore (up to 20 days). The appearance is also a difference – I think the Link AKC collar is much more appealing in appearance. You can choose from leather or sport styles which both look good for a smart collar. Other trackers are usually bulky attachments on the collar so they stick out.
The Link AKC also allows you to trade it in for a different size for the first year if you ordered the wrong size or your puppy grew.
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- GPS Locator & Activity Monitor
- No Monthly Fees
- No cell coverage needed
Findster Duo+
Our next best choice, the Findster Duo+, also has many of the same features as the first two. The main difference in this one is the ability to use the system without cell phone coverage and there is no monthly fee.
This gps dog tracking system uses their MAZE technology to keep track of your dog when they have the module on their collar. You have the other module and you can use their app to track your dog in real time up to 3 miles. The distance depends on the type of environment that the system is used in – in the city with lots of buildings, the tracking range is up to .5 miles. In an open area such as a park or field, the tracking distance is up to 3 miles.
The battery life on this system varies depending on how you are using it. If you use it to track your dog in real time using the GPS, the battery life lasts up to 12 hours. If you use it for a couple of 30 minute walks during the day, then it could last up to 3 days. If you use it to just track your dog’s activity at home, then the battery life is up to 7 days.
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- GPS Locator
- Durable & Waterproof
- Compact & Lightweight
Gibi 2nd Generation GPS Pet Tracker
The Gibi GPS Pet Locator is a 2nd Gen system that has been updated to improve the accuracy in urban and wooded environments. The updated electronics also provide a better battery life. Gibi also uses the AT&T network along with GPS satellites for accuracy and the location is shown on Google maps within 10 feet.
This tracker’s battery life is 2-3 days for normal usage. If you reduce the standard check in rate to less than 15 minutes, then the battery life is also reduced.
Gibi’s customer service is highly acclaimed so if you have any problems with this device, they should be available to help you pretty quickly.
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- GPS Locator
- Lightweight – suitable for pets over 9 lbs.
- Works in over 150 countries
Tracktive 3G
The Tracktive 3G collar is the least expensive on our list. It offers worldwide coverage (works in over 150 countries) and has no range limitations.
You can use their free app or a computer browser to track your dog in real time in 2-3 second intervals. This tracker is one that requires a monthly fee and they have 2 levels to choose from depending on which features you want or need. In the app, you can share your dog’s location with friends and family. Also, you can see the dog’s location history to see where your dog has been.
The battery life on the Tractive tracker is 2-5 days, depending on usage. It can be recharged in about 2 hours.
Check price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What is a GPS dog tracker and how does it work?
Much like the GPS in your phone or car, a GPS dog tracker will use the satellites in the Global Positioning System (GPS) to pinpoint where you dog is located. The tracker will be attached to your dog – usually to their collar (or the tracker will be a separate collar all by itself). Depending on the model, you will be able to see where you dog is by using an app on your cell phone or by using a hand held device made specifically for tracking your dog.
Can you track your pet with a chip?
Lots of people think that the little microchip that gets implanted in a dog by a veterinarian is a GPS tracker. However, it is not. The microchip does not communicate with the GPS satellites like a GPS tracker does. A microchip uses radio frequency to transmit a signal a short distance so that when it is scanned by a special scanning device by a vet or animal rescue, it can show the unique ID number which can then be referenced through a database back to the owner’s information. Therefore, the microchip cannot be tracked in real time like a GPS tracker can.
Do I need to download an app to use a GPS dog collar?
It depends on which type of tracker you choose. A lot of them do use an app so that it is easy to check in on your dog from anywhere that you can use your cell phone. However, others have options of using your computer or using a special hand-held device.