8 Best GPS Dog Collars

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In an era where technology seamlessly integrates into our daily lives to provide convenience, security, and peace of mind, the advent of the GPS dog collar has revolutionized pet ownership and care. Imagine a scenario where your beloved furry friend decides to embark on an unexpected adventure beyond the confines of your backyard. The anxiety and distress that follow can be overwhelming for any pet owner. This is where the importance of a GPS dog collar becomes unmistakably clear.

Designed to offer real-time tracking of your pet’s location, these innovative devices ensure that your dog’s whereabouts are just a click away, mitigating the fear of losing them. Beyond mere location tracking, GPS dog collars embody the bridge between technology and the intrinsic bond between pets and their owners, offering not just a tool for recovery in the event of an escape, but a proactive measure for safeguarding your pet’s safety. In this article, we delve into the transformative impact of GPS dog collars on pet care, exploring how they empower owners to maintain constant vigilance over their canine companions, thus enhancing the overall well-being and security of our beloved pets.

Dr. Terry Fossum notes that while chips are great for identifying your dog, chips need to be scanned by someone with access to a microchip scanner. GPS trackers allow YOU to see where your dog is, which will help you find them if your pet is lost or stolen. The health monitoring can also be useful, particularly in senior dogs. Are these collars higher on the price end? Yes, but you’re paying for peace of mind and your dog’s safety. That’s a worthy investment.

Even if they’re microchipped, finding a lost dog can be incredibly difficult. An effective GPS or tracking dog collar can help you locate an escape artist pup before it’s too late.

The Best GPS Tracking Collars for Dogs

Tractive LTE GPS Dog Tracker

The Tractive LTE GPS Dog Tracker uses AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile networks to track your dog. In addition to showing you where your dog is, it also lets you know where they’ve been since the tracker was booted up. That way, you can see if they’ve gone anywhere they shouldn’t have when you weren’t looking. Plus, this collar can track your dog’s health, activity, and sleep patterns so you can spot concerns early on.

Get 20% Off Tractive with the Code IHDOGS20!

Whereas other electronic dog fences may need an extensive setup that involves digging and burying wire, SpotOn GPS Dog Fence works right out of the box, with no manual labor necessary. The program is as easy to set up as taking your dog for a walk – walk the boundary of the “fence” you want to set up for your pup, pop the collar on, and let your dog explore worry-free with SpotOn. 

SpotOn’s GPS Dog Fence is head and shoulders above other GPS collars, thanks to their patented True Location™ technology. SpotOn uses a dedicated GPS antenna that dynamically filters out poor GPS signals partially blocked by the horizon, trees, or buildings.

SpotOn’s products are made in the U.S.A., and they offer a generous discount to veterans of the U.S. military.

Invoxia Smart Dog Collar

The Invoxia Smart Dog Collar checks all the boxes because it tracks your dog’s location, health, and activity. You can see exactly where your dog is on the app, along with how much time they’ve been active and what their resting heart rate and respiratory rate are. Plus, this collar has a long battery life, lasting for several weeks, so it’s easy to use it long-term. The only downside is that it may be bulky for some small dogs.

Check out our full Invoxia review for more information.

Garmin TT 15 Dog Device

Garmin is a highly trusted brand known for its navigation systems. While it skews higher on the price range, the Garmin TT 15 Dog Device is one of few trackers that doesn’t require a smartphone/an app or even internet access. It also has a wide tracking range of 9 miles.

Related: The 10 Best No-Pull Dog Harnesses

Whistle GO Explore

The Whistle GO Explore consistently tops the lists of the best tracking collars and devices for dogs. It’s highly user-friendly, and it can be set up so that multiple people (additional family members, dog walkers, etc.) receive important alerts. Activating the Whistle GO Explore requires a subscription plan, and the three options will cost you between $6.95 and $9.95 per month.

FitBark

If you’re interested in a device that monitors your dog’s health data, the FitBark has what you need. Beyond serving as a GPS tracker, it will monitor your dog’s sleep patterns, skin condition, activity levels, and more. The biggest drawback is its relatively low battery life, but it’s great for providing health information in addition to location.

SportDOG TEK Series 1.5

The SportDOG TEK Series 1.5 is highly durable, designed for your outdoorsy dog to wander in all types of 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 hikes or camping trips.

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Fi Series 2 Collar

The Fi Series 2 Collar is a tracking device that requires infrequent charging. 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

The Cube Real-Time GPS Tracker can be used to track more than just furry family members, but it works great for that purpose too. The company also provides tech support if you run into any issues. Because it connects to cellular networks, you’ll have to pay a subscription to use the Cube.

Closing Thoughts: The Best GPS Dog Collars for Dogs

the GPS dog collar represents a significant leap forward in pet care technology, providing pet owners with an unparalleled tool for ensuring the safety and security of their furry family members. These devices not only offer peace of mind through real-time location tracking but also foster a deeper connection between pets and their owners. By embracing this technology, pet owners can enjoy the freedom and joy of allowing their dogs to explore, safe in the knowledge that they can oversee their adventures and ensure their timely return. The GPS dog collar is not just a device; it’s a testament to the lengths we go to protect those we love, blending the latest in technology with the timeless bond between humans and their pets.

As we look toward the future, the potential for GPS dog collars to integrate even more deeply into our lives and the lives of our pets is immense. With advancements in technology, we can anticipate more features that cater to the health, safety, and happiness of our canine companions. From monitoring health metrics to setting up safe zones, the possibilities are endless. The adoption of GPS dog collars marks a pivotal moment in pet care, one that underscores our commitment to the well-being of our pets through innovative solutions. As we continue to navigate the challenges and joys of pet ownership, these devices stand as a beacon of progress, ensuring that our beloved dogs can explore the world while remaining safely within our reach.

Related: 11 Best Invisible Dog Fences

Looking for an alternative to a dog GPS collar? See our review of the best Apple Airtag Holder for Dog Collars.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.