The Best Dog GPS Tracker & Collar (2023 Full Guide & Review)

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Confining your dog in your yard with a wireless fence or a leash is the usual way for them within our sight. But what happens if they run off, or God forbid they get stolen?

Finding the best dog GPS tracker or collar can give you peace of mind in all of these situations, no matter where you (or your dog) are.

These GPS devices will reveal your dog’s location to you, allowing you to locate them if they become dislodged quickly. Many also offer other unique features, such as insight into your dog’s activity levels or sleep patterns.

Not all trackers are built the same, and there are many options on the market. Some rely on mobile services to locate your dog, while others use GPS, radio frequency (RF) technology, or even Bluetooth.

Having a GPS microchip for dogs won’t solve the problem of losing your pup, but having a reliable and accurate pet tracker will help you find it.

IIn this guide, we’ll help you decide which one is best for your specific situation. After all, this is a purchase you don’t want to go wrong.

What is a Dog Tracker, and How Does It Work?

A dog GPS tracker is a device with technology that can identify the pet owner’s contact information if the pet gets lost. There are three different types of pet tracking technology available. These GPS devices help reunite lost pets with their concerned owners if the animal is found.

Before choosing a pet tracker, consider the cost of the device and any maintenance, how large and cumbersome the GPS tracker would be, the area where the pet lives, and the ease with which you can get and use the device.

It is important to note that microchip implants do not contain real-time GPS tracking technology. However, some GPS pet tracking devices offer this GPS technology on a limited basis, with pros and cons to consider.

How to Choose the Best Dog Gps Tracker

The best trackers and collars for dogs can be hard to find if you don’t know which one to look for. Here’s your guide to picking out the best dog tracker to make sure what you’re getting is top-notch.

Check the size of your dog.

Not all pet GPS trackers can be used on all dogs, and some GPS collars may be too small for your dog and others too big, so you should check the size specifications of the collar, so you don’t get the wrong one.

Battery life

You should find that the dog GPS tracker you’re looking at has enough battery life for your needs. Every pet owner is different. If you live in the city and only occasionally take your dog for short walks, you don’t have to give much priority to battery life. On the other hand, if you often go into the country with your puppy, you need a GPS that continues all day long.

Real-Time Location Tracking

Tracking down a missing pet is never easy, especially if you have the right tools to guide you. GPS dog trackers with real-time location trackers allow you to track your dog live. Some can even show you their activity. That way, you are aware of everything your dog is doing. The #2 on the list, the Whistle Explore Waterproof dog tracker, has real-time tracking and monitors your dog’s activity, distance and behavior.

Waterproof trackers

Do you live in a place where it rains a lot? What about taking your dog for walks along the beach? Does he tend to jump into the ocean? If your dog comes into contact with water, make sure any GPS tracker you look at is sufficiently waterproof for your requirements.

The Cost

This may be the most obvious thing to do, but you also need to think about your budget, your needs, and how many options give you the best balance for the dog tracker of your dreams.

You don’t want to spend that much, but you need a good GPS dog collar. Therefore, your choice is adjusted to how much money you have and which one is a good balance better covers your needs.

10 Best Dog Gps Trackers & Collars of 2023

Each type of dog GPS tracker has pros and cons, and we’ve included examples of a few different styles in our list. Which one is best for you depends mainly on where you live, how good cell service is in your area, and how far you want to track your pet.

The 3 Types of Pet Tracking Technologies

Dog GPS trackers aren’t the only show in town; there are several other technologies available to keep track of your pup, and it makes sense to look at all the options available.

There are three different types of tracking collars that are widely used:

Radio Collars

Radiofrequency (RF), a cellular data transmission technology, is a technology that has a more comprehensive signal range. At the same time, Bluetooth tracker, a radiofrequency (RF), is an open wireless technology for transmitting location data only over short distances.

These are older dog tracking systems that may not be as effective as the newer ones. These radio dog tracking systems can only provide information about your dog’s distance and direction, not their real-time position. Another drawback is that the weather can weaken the locating function of the radio dog tracking collars.

The benefits are that they can locate your dogs up to 5 miles, are great for remote areas, and can even operate without access to GPS satellites or mobile sites.

Long & Short Range

These pet trackers, which rely on RFID or Bluetooth trackers, send signals from your dog’s collar to a tracking device or smartphone app. Short/long-range trackers are perfect for dog owners in extensive indoor facilities or smaller dogs who cannot comfortably carry larger and heavier dogs or GPS trackers. One of the drawbacks is that these can only send distance and direction information from your dog. This means that, for example, these types of devices can only tell you that your dog is 80 yards east of your location.

Gps Dog Collars

GPS Tracking Collars are a newer solution in the dog tracking industry, and they rely on the network of global positioning satellites to locate and track your dog.

Many such units also use mobile cell phone networks to supplement their coverage capabilities.

GPS dog collars are effective anywhere they can contact three separate satellites.

The range is rarely an issue with GPS collars – you can track your lost pet anywhere.

Battery life is usually the biggest challenge for these types of collars.

Ideal for average pet owners who do not live in the Canadian tundra and do not intend to use the dog tracker often.

If you think a GPS tracking collar is the best solution for your needs, consider one of the five models above.

What is a Gps Microchip for Dogs?

Microchip implants are popular with pets of all shapes and sizes. These devices contain contact information for the pet’s owners, should they become separated from their owner one day.

This pet tracking device is small, about the size of a grain of rice, and is inserted by a veterinarian just under the pet’s skin, where there are looser folds of skin on the body. The pet owner must enter their contact information on a website or a pet GPS device listing.

If the pet owner has kept their contact details up to date through one or more data sites, they will be contacted to set up a reunion with their precious pet. There are several pet microchips. GPS microchips for cats are also available as these implants are tiny.