You want to be able to find your dog wherever they go. It’s all about safety and when it comes to your furry friends, you definitely don’t want anything to happen to them. That’s why GPS dog collars are such a good idea and have been gaining popularity recently. They are relatively expensive as many require data plans for the tracker to work, so we’ve reviewed some of the best out there so you can make sure you’re getting the best for your money.
In This Article You Will Read About
GPS Dog Collar Reviews
We’re going to take a look at five of the top options when it comes to GPS dog collars, so you and your furry friend can always stay safe, and together.
1. Whistle GO Explore
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Available in three different colors, this GPS dog collar is more than just a GPS. It’s actually a fitness and health tracker as well. It attaches easily to their current collar and allows you to set specific goals for them that are tailored to their breed, weight, and even age. All of this means you’ll get reports and feedback about their health and fitness level to keep them even healthier.
Pros
- Tracks health and fitness as well as location
- Offers a 24 hour timeline of where they go
- Get feedback and information about food portion control based on fitness
Cons
- Requires a separate data plan to connect via GPS
- Sometimes tricky to keep secured to the collar
2. Garmin TT15 Dog Device
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Available in two different sizes this device is able to detect a great deal of information and works great for tracking as well as training your dog. It also has different features for stimulation and even offers vibrations and audible tones for correction. If you can’t find your dog there are even beacon lights that can be activated remotely. This device works up to 9 miles away and the battery lasts for up to 40 hours, so does require more charging that other devices.
Pros
- Remote-activated beacon lights
- Packed with features and relays tons of information about your dog
- 18 linear stimulation modes and 6 preset levels
- Several vibration and tone modes
Cons
- Not intended for truly lost dogs as it works within 9 miles only
- Expensive
3. FitBark GPS
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If you want the ability to track your dog no matter where they go this collar is a great way to do it. It actually can find your dog anywhere in the country and on top of that it helps you keep track of their health at all times. You’ll get 24/7 activity monitoring and sleep monitoring. You can find to more about health conditions, anytime your dog leaves your ‘safe place’ and activity.
Pros
- Track health as well as location
- Track location nationwide
- Battery lasts up to 20 days
Cons
- Requires additional data plan through Verizon
- Attaches to the collar rather than being a full collar
4. Tractive GPS Tracker
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It doesn’t get much better than worldwide tracking for your dog. No matter where they go or what they might be doing, you’ll be able to find them. Not only that but the tracker itself is entirely waterproof, lasts up to 5 days without charging and has a live mode with up 3 second updates. All of this means that you’ll know exactly where your dog is at all times and you can track their activity while you’re at it.
Pros
- Worldwide location and activity tracking
- Live mode with 3 second updates
- 100% waterproof
Cons
- Requires subscription plan for service
- Requires separate dog collar to attach
5. Fi Series 2
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Available in several sizes and colors, this dog collar is considered not only waterproof but also chew proof. It uses Bluetooth as well as Wi-Fi to make sure that you always know where your dog is and how much activity they’re getting. That means you can always feel comfortable with their health as well. You can even set up multiple owners so that more than one person can check in on your dog as needed. All you have to do is select the ideal fit.
Pros
- Activity and health tracking capabilities
- Uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Multi-owner access for easy tracking
Cons
- Requires a base station for the ‘safe zone’
- Moderate battery life compared to others
GPS Dog Collars Buying Guide
Are you ready to buy your dog a new collar? Well then, you’ll want to check out some of these important features to get you started.
Battery Life
One of the most important features to consider when choosing a GPS collar is how long it’s going to last. Some are designed to last for only a day or a few days. Others are able to last for a week or even longer. The longer the battery life the less information you’re likely to get (at least not as frequently).
For example, a device that sends you live updates continuously is going to require more charges than one that only sends updates when you request them. So, you’ll need to weigh out how much time you want to spend charging the device with how much information you want to get and when.
Look for something that’s going to give you at least a full day (that’s 24 hours) of tracking on a full charge. If your dog ever goes missing you’re definitely going to want at least that amount of time to try and locate them.
Collar vs. Attachment
You may want to look into different options for just how that GPS is used as well. Some GPS collars are just that, a full collar. Others are designed as small pieces that attach to a collar your dog already has. Which way you choose to go is generally going to be a personal preference.
For one thing, a full collar is going to be more secure. Your dog isn’t going to accidentally knock the tracker off their collar and since they’re integrated you know that the collar itself is built to last as well, which means a more durable unit.
On the other hand, an attachment means that you can easily swap out the collar whenever you want or need to. It can attach to different types of collars and can be used as your dog continues to grow. They’ll be able to still use the same GPS unit, which will save you money. These units are also generally designed to have a strong fit to your dogs collar to reduce the likelihood of them being lost.
Range and Accuracy
You need a device that’s going to be accurate and that’s going to have a good amount of range. So, if you’re trying to find your dog you won’t need to get too close in order to get the information you need. This is also where the network that you’re using (if you have one) may come into play.
Also, accuracy is important so that your signal is going to show you where the dog actually is. This helps you to find them if they get lost. If the collar or the signal aren’t accurate you could end up wandering around a very large area to try to find them.
GPS Dog Collars FAQ
When it comes to choosing a quality collar there are a number of different factors to consider, so make sure you’re looking at each of these common questions as well.
Should You Get a Subscription?
First, you may have seen that many GPS dog collars require you to get a set subscription for a phone network. Others might have their own network, but no matter what you’re likely going to be paying something monthly in order to track your dog.
Getting a subscription means that you’re going to be able to track where your dog is at any time. It means that you’re going to have a good amount of accuracy as well because these data plans are able to track your dog down within a small margin of error.
You want to make sure that you have a quality subscription service however. If you’re going to pay for something make sure that you know what you’re getting and just how it’s going to help you keep track of your dog. Also, know how accurate the service is and the covered area.
The more you know about the subscription that you’re getting the better off you’re going to be. Keep in mind, however, that you may not have a choice about the subscription service that you get. In many cases the collar that you choose will require you to work with one specific type of subscription.
You will typically be required to get their in-house system or work with a specific wireless network provider, such as AT&T or Verizon Wireless. This means you need to know the coverage area for these networks compared to where you take your dog in order to decide if that’s the right collar for you.
Should You Get a Full GPS Collar?
This is going to be up to your personal preference as well as your dog. A full GPS collar is one that is entirely integrated into the collar itself. So, you only purchase one thing and you can attach the GPS directly to your dog because it’s as simple as putting the collar on them.
This can be a benefit because everything is in one and you don’t need to worry about it disengaging at any point. You’ll be able to keep everything together and your dog will always be protected while they are wearing the collar. But there can be a few downsides.
For one thing, a GPS collar can be a little large and it can be heavy. That’s not as good for all dogs and may be uncomfortable overall. Not to mention these collars would then only last as long as your dog doesn’t grow too much. If they do, you’ll need to get a new collar.
So, deciding whether you want a full GPS collar or a GPS attachment for a collar your dog already has is going to be up to you. Just keep in mind the benefits and drawbacks of each. It may also depend on your specific dog. Some larger dogs may not be as bothered by a bulky collar, while smaller dogs might be less comfortable.
On the other hand, if your dog is a little more rambunctious they might be more inclined to knock off an attachment to their collar. They might be better off if you get a full collar rather than a piece that connects to it. More docile dogs may be just fine with an attachment and may prefer it to a heavy collar.
Do You Need a GPS Collar?
Before you decide to spend the money on this type of collar you may want to figure out whether or not it’s even for you. If your dog tends to be a runner, getting out every chance they get, you may want a GPS collar. This could be true if you take your dog out hunting or into the wilderness frequently.
Dogs that don’t run away may or may not need this type of collar. They’re less likely to run, but at the same time if they do run they’re more likely to get lost or struggle on their own until they can be found and brought back home.
So, whether or not your dog needs a GPS collar or not is going to be up to you. Keeping them safe and making sure that they have everything they need to be found if they do get away is going to be essential.
Find the GPS Dog Collar That’s Right for You
In the end, it’s going to be up to you and your personal preference to find the ideal GPS dog collar. No matter how you choose to go, however, it’s important that you pay attention to the options and that you get something that’s going to help your dog stay safe and protected. Don’t risk losing them because you didn’t pick out a collar that really works for their needs before something happened.
