Why Use a GPS Tracker on Your Dog’s Collar?
Attaching a dog-friendly GPS tracker to your pup’s collar is an excellent way to keep tabs on their location. Beyond peace of mind, it can help you quickly find your dog if they ever get lost.
Judy Duhr, director of Speak Rescue and Sanctuary, shares her experience:
“I’ve used GPS collars with dogs who have a history of escaping, in situations where a dog is likely to become very fearful, and when taking a dog to a place without a secure fence, like camping.”
Duhr equips all dogs in her care—her own pets and fosters—with GPS trackers for peace of mind. Recently, a GPS tracker helped her locate a missing dog with incredible accuracy: “The location was so exact that I knew exactly what house the dog was in. That’s how precise it was.”
Our Top Picks for Dog GPS Trackers
Best Overall:
Whistle Go Explore 2.0 Tracker — $170
Best for Small Dogs:
Tractive GPS Tracker for Dogs — $69
Best Collar:
Fi Series 3 Smart Collar — $159
Best Multi-Use:
Cube GPS Tracker — Was $99, Now $65 (Sale)
Best for Big Dogs:
Link Smart Pet Wearable — $149
Best for iPhone Users:
Apple AirTag — Was $29, Now $23 (Sale)
Most Promising:
Invoxia Smart Dog Collar — $99
Recommended on Reddit:
SpotOn GPS Dog Fence — $999
Best Overall
Whistle Go Explore 2.0 Tracker
CREDIT: AMAZON
✅ Why We Love It
- All-in-One GPS and Health Tracker: With a monthly subscription, Whistle Go Explore offers real-time GPS tracking powered by AT&T 4G LTE and Wi-Fi, plus health and activity monitoring.
- Easy Setup & App Experience: The tracker comes with clear instructions (including helpful diagrams), and the user-friendly mobile app makes setup a breeze—even for first-timers.
- Built-In Safety Features: You’ll get instant alerts if your dog leaves a designated safe zone, and the built-in night light (remotely controlled via app) adds extra visibility during evening walks.
- Long-Lasting Battery: Depending on usage, the battery can last 2 to 10 days on a single charge.
- Health Tracking Insights: Monitor key wellness metrics like calories burned, sleep quality, and even behaviors like licking or scratching—helpful for spotting potential health issues early.
❌ A Few Things to Consider
- Not Ideal for Small Breeds: At 7.4 ounces, this tracker is better suited for medium to large dogs (25 lbs and up).
- Slightly Bulkier Than Competitors: It’s a bit heavier than other models, so if you have a small or toy breed, consider lighter alternatives like the Whistle Switch Smart Collar.
🐾 Real-World Performance
Whistle Go Explore for is reliable, and real-time tracking. The GPS pinpoints your dog’s location quickly and accurately, and you can easily monitor their movements via the app. Plus, the sleek design is available in three fun colors—lime green, gray, and magenta—so you can match your pet’s personality or keep the device visible during outdoor play.
📱 Tech Specs at a Glance
- Subscription Required: ✅ Yes
- Weight: 7.4 oz
- Battery Life: 2–10 days
- Range: Unlimited (via 4G LTE & Wi-Fi)
- Water-Resistant: ✅ Yes
- Collar Included: ❌ No (but includes attachments for your dog’s collar)
🐕 Is the Whistle Go Explore Right for Your Dog?
If your dog is 25 pounds or larger and you’re looking for a smart way to track both their location and well-being, the Whistle Go Explore 2.0 is a reliable, feature-packed option. For smaller dogs, check out the Whistle Switch Smart Collar, which offers the same great features in a lighter design.
Best for Small Dogs
Tractive GPS Tracker for Dogs
CREDIT: AMAZON
If you’re searching for an affordable and lightweight dog GPS tracker that works anywhere, the Tractive GPS Tracker for Dogs is a smart choice for everyday peace of mind. Whether you’re at home or on an adventure, Tractive keeps tabs on your pup in real time—with no distance limits.
✅ Why We Love It
- Unlimited Range GPS Tracking: Whether you’re across the yard or across the country, Tractive uses cellular and Wi-Fi networks to track your dog’s location in real time.
- Custom Safe Zones: Create a virtual fence and get instant alerts if your dog leaves the designated safe area.
- Lightweight and Waterproof: Weighing just 1.23 ounces, this tracker is perfect for dogs of all sizes. It’s also waterproof, so it can handle puddles, rain, or a splash in the lake.
- Health & Wellness Features: Tractive doesn’t just track location—it also monitors your dog’s activity levels and sleep quality, and stores your dog’s tracking history so you can monitor trends over time.
- Color Options: Available in three stylish colors, so you can match it to your dog’s vibe.
❌ What Could Be Better
- Inconsistent Battery Life: Battery performance varies widely. Depending on how active your dog is and how often the tracker is updating, it may last anywhere from 1 day to 15 days.
- App Connection Can Lag: While the mobile app is generally easy to use and responsive, it may occasionally struggle to update location data in low-signal areas.
📱 Tech Specs at a Glance
- Subscription Required: ✅ Yes
- Weight: 1.23 oz
- Battery Life: 1–15 days
- Range: Unlimited
- Water-Resistant: ✅ Yes
- Collar Included: ❌ No
🐕 Is Tractive Right for Your Dog?
Tractive is ideal for dog parents who want reliable location tracking, lightweight design, and wellness monitoring in one affordable package. It’s particularly well-suited for small and medium-sized dogs thanks to its compact size and low weight. Just be sure to monitor the battery life based on your dog’s daily activity and your preferred tracking settings.
Best Collar
Fi Series 3 Smart Collar
CREDIT: Fi
Looking for a GPS dog tracker that blends style, strength, and serious battery life? The Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar is one of the best all-in-one smart collars on the market today. With a sleek, upgraded design and powerful tracking capabilities, it’s a favorite among pet parents who want durability and tech all in one.
✅ Why We Love It
- Long-Lasting Battery Life: The Fi Series 3 delivers up to 3 months of battery on a single charge—making it one of the longest-lasting GPS collars available.
- Durable & Lightweight: Crafted with a stainless steel GPS module and nylon collar, it’s both water-resistant and tough enough for active dogs. The Series 3 is also half the size and 50% lighter than the Series 2.
- Accurate GPS Tracking: Uses Wi-Fi + LTE-M cellular connectivity and access to 70+ satellites, helping you track your dog’s location with precision. Fi claims it can pinpoint your pet’s location within a 6-foot radius.
- Fitness Integration with Strava: Want to track your dog’s steps and share your walks? Fi’s app now connects with Strava, letting you compare activity with other pet parents or log your own fitness goals alongside your dog.
- Great for Outdoor Adventures: Whether you’re hiking, camping, or just exploring new neighborhoods, Fi’s unlimited range and real-time location tracking give you peace of mind.
❌ What to Consider
- Too Bulky for Tiny Dogs: While much lighter than the previous model, the Series 3 may still be a bit large for very small breeds under 10 pounds.
- Subscription Required: You’ll need a monthly plan to unlock real-time tracking and other premium features—check LTE-M coverage in your area first to make sure it’s compatible.
📱 Tech Specs at a Glance
- Collar Included: ✅ Yes
- Subscription Required: ✅ Yes
- Weight: 1 oz
- Battery Life: Up to 3 months
- Range: Unlimited
- Water-Resistant: ✅ Yes
🐾 Is the Fi Series 3 Right for You?
The Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar is ideal for dog owners who want high-tech GPS tracking, exceptional battery life, and a durable collar built to last. With fitness tracking and social sharing, it’s especially appealing for active dog owners who walk, hike, or run with their pets.
If you have a toy breed or very small dog, though, the size of the tracker may still be a bit bulky. Otherwise, it’s a fantastic investment in your dog’s safety and your peace of mind.
Best Multi-Use
Cube GPS Tracker
CREDIT: AMAZON
If you’re looking for a versatile GPS tracker that works not just for your dog but also for luggage, cars, or even kids’ backpacks, the Cube GPS Tracker is a solid, multi-use option. While it may not be the sleekest for very small pets, it’s reliable, simple to use, and offers accurate tracking with an impressive battery life.
✅ Why We Like It
- Multi-Use Functionality: While it’s a good fit for dogs, it’s also great for tracking vehicles, suitcases, or other valuable items.
- Long Battery Life: Depending on your usage, the battery can last anywhere from 10 to 60 days, especially when reporting intervals are spaced out.
- Ringing Feature: If your pup is nearby but hiding, you can activate a ring alert via the app to help locate them more easily.
- Simple, No-Fuss App: The Cube app focuses on essentials. It shows your dog’s travel history and location in real-time without any extra fluff—perfect for users who want easy, straightforward tracking.
❌ What to Consider
- Bulky for Smaller Dogs: At 2.22 ounces, this tracker is on the larger side. It may not be comfortable—or even fit—on tiny collars or toy breeds.
- Limited Features: While its simplicity is a plus for some, it may feel too basic if you’re looking for added bells and whistles like health tracking or fitness data.
📱 Tech Specs at a Glance
- Collar Included: ❌ No
- Subscription Required: ✅ Yes
- Weight: 2.22 oz
- Battery Life: 10–60 days
- Range: Unlimited
- Water-Resistant: ✅ Yes
🐾 Is the Cube GPS Tracker Right for You?
The Cube GPS Tracker is best for pet owners looking for basic but dependable GPS tracking without the learning curve of more feature-heavy devices. It’s especially useful if you want a tracker that can serve multiple purposes—from pet safety to securing your travel gear.
However, if you have a small breed dog or want advanced features like fitness tracking, this might not be your perfect fit. For medium to large dogs—or even multi-tasking pet parents—the Cube gets the job done simply and efficiently.
Best for Big Dogs
Link Smart Pet Wearable
CREDIT: AMAZON
If you’re looking for a dog GPS tracker that does more than just track, the Link My Pet GPS & Activity Tracker is a great option to consider. With precise location tracking, health and activity insights, and 24/7 tele-vet access, this device is built to help you keep tabs on your dog’s well-being and whereabouts—all in one app.
✅ What We Love
- Highly Accurate Tracking: The Link GPS tracker uses Google Maps to show your dog’s location with impressive accuracy—right down to the exact part of the house they’re lounging in.
- Built-In Health Monitoring: You can track your dog’s steps, calories burned, miles walked, and even set daily activity goals. The app also provides temperature alerts and heart rate monitoring to keep you informed.
- 24/7 Vet Access: Link’s app includes round-the-clock access to veterinary support, which can bring peace of mind when something seems off and you need quick advice.
- Durable & Easy Setup: The device feels sturdy and long-lasting, made of tough plastic that holds up well to everyday use. Setup is quick and the app is user-friendly.
❌ What to Keep in Mind
- Not Ideal for Tiny Dogs: At 1.6 ounces, the tracker may feel bulky for small breeds or toy-sized dogs.
- No Collar Included: You’ll need to attach it to your existing collar, so double-check fit and size before buying.
📱 Key Specs
- Collar Included: ❌ No
- Subscription Required: ✅ Yes
- Weight: 1.6 oz
- Battery Life: Up to 14 days
- Range: Unlimited
- Water-Resistant: ✅ Yes
🐶 Is the Link GPS Tracker Right for Your Dog?
If you’re searching for a GPS dog tracker with advanced features, the Link My Pet Tracker is a great all-in-one solution. It’s perfect for pet parents who want more than just location tracking—they want health data, exercise monitoring, and tele-vet support in one sleek app.
While it’s slightly bulkier than some alternatives, the added features and incredibly accurate GPS tracking make it a top choice for medium to large dogs. Whether you’re dealing with an escape artist or just want to monitor your pup’s daily steps, the Link GPS tracker has you covered.
Best for iPhone Users
Apple AirTag
CREDIT: AMAZON
If you’re looking for a simple, affordable way to track your dog, especially in urban or suburban areas, the Apple AirTag might be your best low-maintenance option. While it’s not specifically designed for pets, many dog owners have found it to be a smart, lightweight tracker—perfect for dogs that stick close or just need an extra layer of security.
✅ Why We Like It
- Compact & Lightweight: Weighing just 0.39 ounces, the AirTag is small enough for even tiny dogs to wear comfortably.
- Long-Lasting Battery: No need to worry about charging—the battery lasts about a year, and replacements are inexpensive.
- No Subscription Fees: Unlike most dog GPS trackers, the AirTag doesn’t require a monthly plan, which is a big money-saver.
- Affordable & Waterproof: At a lower price point than most pet-specific GPS trackers, it’s also water-resistant—a bonus for rainy walks or splashy dogs.
- Smart Alerts: Through Apple’s Find My app, you can see your pet’s last known location and even activate a sound alert if they’re nearby.
❌ What to Consider
- Only Works with Apple Devices: This tracker is only compatible with iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Android users will need to look elsewhere.
- Limited Range & Crowd Dependency: AirTags use Bluetooth with a max range of about 33 feet on their own. Their broader tracking ability depends on how many nearby Apple devices are available to help triangulate location. This works great in cities—but not so much if you’re hiking in the woods.
- Holder Sold Separately: You’ll need to buy a collar attachment or sleeve separately to securely attach it to your dog’s collar.
📱 Key Specs
- Collar Included: ❌ No
- Subscription Required: ❌ No
- Weight: 0.39 oz
- Battery Life: Up to 1 year
- Range: 33 feet (Bluetooth); location accuracy improves with nearby iPhones
- Water-Resistant: ✅ Yes
🐾 Should You Use an Apple AirTag for Your Dog?
If you live in a city or densely populated area, the Apple AirTag is a surprisingly effective and budget-friendly dog tracker—especially for tech-savvy Apple users. It’s ideal for everyday peace of mind if your dog stays relatively close and you’re often in range of other Apple devices.
While it’s not a substitute for a full GPS tracking system like Fi or Whistle, the AirTag is a great lightweight solution for dogs who don’t wander far or who just need an added safety measure.
Most Promising
Invoxia Smart Dog Collar
CREDIT: AMAZON
The Invoxia Smart Dog Collar is more than just a GPS tracker—it’s like having a health and fitness smartwatch for your pup. This innovative device blends real-time location tracking with advanced health monitoring, giving pet parents an insightful look into both where their dog is and how they’re doing.
✅ Why We Love It
- Comprehensive Health + Activity Tracking: Invoxia tracks far more than steps. It monitors your dog’s running, walking, barking, scratching, eating, and even car rides. On top of that, it keeps tabs on heart rate and respiratory rate, sending alerts if anything looks off.
- Vet-Backed Innovation: What makes Invoxia stand out is its science advisory board—a team of veterinarians and researchers ensuring that the data it tracks is meaningful and accurate.
- Lightweight & Collar-Compatible: The tracker is sleek and lightweight at just 1.3 ounces, designed to slide easily onto most collars, so your dog stays comfortable.
- Smart Geo-Fencing: Set up a custom safe zone and get instant alerts if your dog leaves it.
- Award-Winning AI Technology: Invoxia uses AI-powered sensors to monitor your dog’s health and movement—and it’s even received awards for its cutting-edge design.
❌ Things to Keep in Mind
- Subscription Commitment: The tracker requires a subscription, and you’ll need to commit to either a 1- or 2-year plan upfront. While this may be a downside for some, it covers data usage and all tracking features.
📱 Key Specs
- Collar Included: ❌ No
- Subscription Required: ✅ Yes (1- or 2-year plans)
- Weight: 1.3 oz
- Battery Life: Up to 15 days
- Range: Unlimited (via LTE)
- Water-Resistant: ✅ Yes
🐶 Is the Invoxia Smart Dog Collar Right for You?
If you’re looking for a high-tech dog tracker with in-depth health insights, the Invoxia Smart Collar is a strong contender. It’s especially helpful for senior dogs, dogs with health issues, or anyone who wants real-time health alerts alongside GPS tracking. With a modern design and science-backed data, this tracker gives you peace of mind beyond just location—it keeps a pulse on your dog’s well-being, too.
Recommended on Reddit
SpotOn GPS Dog Fence
CREDIT: SpotOn
If you’re looking for a highly accurate, wireless dog fence that gives your pup room to roam without sacrificing safety, the SpotOn GPS Dog Fence stands out as a top-tier solution—especially among dog owners on Reddit. Frequently praised across pet forums like r/cockerspaniel and breed-specific groups, SpotOn earns consistent high marks for its precision, customizability, and durability.
✅ What We Love
- Unmatched GPS Accuracy: SpotOn’s GPS performance shines—even in heavily wooded areas or off-grid locations without internet access. No lag, no guessing. Just real-time, pinpoint location tracking.
- Customizable Virtual Fences: You can create unlimited GPS fences with the app—including boundaries within boundaries, which is ideal for layered property layouts.
- Easy Setup + Visual Cues: Setup is fast and intuitive, and the collar helps dogs learn boundaries using audible tones and gentle feedback. Many users report dogs easily recognize natural visual boundaries like tree lines.
- App-Controlled, Real-Time Alerts: Manage everything through the app—track your dog, set zones, and even call them back with one tap.
- Durable + All-Weather: Whether your dog loves the rain, snow, or swimming, the SpotOn collar is built to handle it all. It’s waterproof and tough enough for daily adventures.
- Training Support: SpotOn includes a DIY training program designed by certified dog trainers to help teach your pup how to respond to fence cues safely and effectively.
❌ Things to Consider
- Bulkier Collar: At 6.72 ounces, the SpotOn collar is a bit heavier than some other GPS collars, which may not be ideal for very small breeds.
- Connectivity Troubles (Sometimes): A few users noted carrier issues, but these were often resolved quickly by switching cellular providers supported by the device.
🐾 Reddit Users Say It Best…
“Love being able to set up fences that give visual clues. Our dog knows which tree lines are her boundaries.”
— r/GermanShorthairPointers“It’s much simpler in my opinion than Halo. We’ve been 100% happy with our decision.”
— r/cockerspaniel
📱 Tech Specs
- Collar Included: ✅ Yes
- Subscription Required: ❌ No
- Weight: 6.72 oz
- Battery Life: Up to 24 hours
- Range: Unlimited (uses GPS, no Wi-Fi needed)
- Water-Resistant: ✅ Rain, snow, and swim-proof
🐶 Final Thoughts
If you need a premium, wireless GPS dog fence that offers maximum accuracy, total flexibility, and works even in rural or off-grid areas, the SpotOn GPS Dog Fence is worth every penny. While it’s an investment, many dog parents—and Reddit users—agree: it delivers peace of mind and freedom for you and your dog.
🏆 Final Verdict: Best GPS Tracker for Dogs
Our top pick for the best dog GPS tracker is the Whistle Go Explore. It offers real-time location tracking, reliable alerts, and comprehensive health and fitness monitoring—all in one sleek device. It’s user-friendly, backed by strong mobile app support, and provides peace of mind whether your dog’s lounging at home or sneaking off on an unexpected adventure.
If you’re looking for a no-subscription, budget-friendly alternative, the Apple AirTag is a solid choice—especially for urban or densely populated areas. It’s small, lightweight, waterproof, and easily attaches to your dog’s collar using a third-party holder. Just keep in mind that AirTags rely on Apple’s Find My network, so they’re best suited for environments where iPhones are abundant.
✅ Choose Whistle Go Explore for comprehensive tracking and wellness insights
✅ Go with Apple AirTag if you need a low-cost, minimalist solution without ongoing fees
What to Look For in a Dog GPS Tracker
When choosing the right GPS tracker for your dog, there are several important factors to keep in mind to ensure you get reliable, accurate, and durable tracking.
1. Location Technology
Dog GPS trackers use different technologies to pinpoint your pet’s location:
- Apple AirTags rely on Apple’s “Find My” network, which uses Bluetooth signals from nearby Apple devices to help locate your dog. This makes AirTags ideal in areas with many iPhones nearby but less effective in remote or rural spots.
- GPS (Global Positioning System) uses satellites to provide real-time location data anywhere your dog goes, as long as the tracker has a clear line of sight to at least four satellites. This means GPS works great outdoors but can struggle in dense cities, forests, or mountainous areas where signals are blocked.
Tip from experts: “There can be lag time with some trackers,” says Judy Duhr, rescue director. “For chasing dogs, real-time tracking is crucial to keep up.”
2. Subscription Plans
Many GPS trackers require a subscription to activate their location services and unlock features like unlimited tracking range, activity monitoring, and health insights. Subscriptions can also provide useful data about your dog’s behavior, such as steps taken and sleep quality.
Make sure to factor subscription costs into your budget when picking a tracker.
3. Durability and Weather Resistance
Your dog’s tracker needs to keep up with their adventures — whether they’re splashing in water, digging, or running through mud.
Look for trackers with solid durability and water resistance. Many use an IP rating (Ingress Protection) to indicate how well they resist dust and water:
- IP68 is the gold standard for outdoor pet devices:
- 6 means dustproof, offering complete protection against dust particles.
- 8 means waterproof enough to be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30+ minutes.
This level of protection ensures your tracker can handle rain, puddles, or a swim without damage.
4. Battery Life
Battery life varies widely between trackers:
- Some are designed for short-term use during activities like hiking or outings, lasting just a few hours.
- Others offer long-lasting batteries that can run for weeks or even months between charges.
Consider how you plan to use the tracker:
- If you want to track your dog all day, every day, opt for models with longer battery life so you don’t have to recharge constantly.
- If it’s only for occasional use, a shorter battery might suffice.
Note: Except for the Apple AirTag (which uses a replaceable battery lasting about a year), most trackers come with charging docks or cables.
In Summary
- Choose GPS trackers for reliable, real-time outdoor tracking.
- Consider subscription costs and features offered.
- Make sure the tracker is durable and waterproof to survive your dog’s active lifestyle.
- Pick a battery life that fits your routine — daily charging vs. long-term use.
Having the right dog GPS tracker gives you peace of mind and helps keep your furry friend safe wherever they roam.
FAQ About Dog GPS Trackers
Q: How do dog GPS trackers work?
A: Dog GPS trackers connect to GPS satellites to get your pet’s exact location and send those coordinates to your smartphone or device. Many trackers also use Wi-Fi, cellular networks (like 4G or LTE), or Bluetooth to improve accuracy and keep track of your dog in different environments.
Q: Are GPS trackers safe for dogs to wear?
A: Yes, GPS trackers are generally safe as long as your dog is comfortable wearing a collar and the tracker isn’t too heavy or bulky. If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to check with your veterinarian before introducing a new device on your dog’s collar.
Q: Do dog collar GPS trackers work indoors and outdoors?
A: Yes, but their effectiveness depends on the technology they use:
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-based trackers (like Apple AirTags) work best indoors or in areas with many connected devices nearby, such as cities or homes.
- GPS trackers rely on a clear line of sight to satellites and work best outdoors, especially in open spaces. They may struggle to maintain signal indoors or in areas with tall buildings or dense trees.