Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:

Learn More

SpotOn Virtual Dog Fence Review: Is It Worth The Price?

Written by: Justin Palmer
Justin Palmer is a Certified Pet Food Nutrition Specialist and co-founder of iHeartDogs.com. Inspired by his rescued husky, Splash, he dedicated himself to learning about extending both the length and quality of her life. Splash lived and thrived until 18 years old, and now Justin is on a mission to share what he learned with other dog owners.Read more
| Published on February 28, 2024

Reviewed by: Dr. Theresa Fossum

Reviewed by:

Dr. Theresa Fossum

Meet Dr. Theresa (Terry) W. Fossum, DVM, MS. Ph.D., Diplomate ACVS – a remarkable animal lover whose passion for animal care and innovative solutions has left an indelible mark on the veterinary world. As the CEO of both Phoenix Animal Wellness and Epic Veterinary Specialists, she's ensuring dogs and cats receive the highest level of care and compassion.Read more

Why The SpotOn Virtual Fence for Dogs Has Become So Popular, No Digging Or Burying Wires!?

The goal of this SpotOn Virtual Dog Fence Review is to offer pet owners a detailed examination of one of the leading solutions in canine containment technology. The need for a reliable method to ensure the safety of our pets while granting them the liberty to roam and relish the outdoor environment has never been more critical. Virtual dog fences have emerged as a preferred choice for their convenience and effectiveness, and the SpotOn GPS Virtual Dog Fence stands out as one of the top brands in this category. Through this article, we’ll explore the innovative features, advantages, and potential drawbacks of the SpotOn Virtual Dog Fence, providing a thorough and impartial analysis to help you make an informed decision.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. Some of the links below may be paid affiliate links, where we are paid a commission at no additional cost to you. 

Features of the SpotOn GPS Virtual Dog Fence

  1. True Location™ Technology: The SpotOn GPS Fence uses patented True Location™ technology to create accurate and reliable virtual boundaries for your dog. This eliminates the need for digging and burying wires, making the process of setting up a containment area much easier and hassle-free.
  2. Extensive Satellite Coverage: SpotOn’s system taps into a network of 128 GPS satellites, which is the most coverage on the market. This ensures precise boundaries that pinpoint your dog’s location, even in remote areas.
  3. Customizable Boundaries: With SpotOn, you can create fences of any size and shape, up to 1,000+ acres. This allows you to design a containment area tailored to your property’s unique layout, including fencing across water and tricky terrain.
  4. Portable and Easy to Install: The SpotOn GPS Virtual Dog Fence does not require any hardware installation, making it an ideal solution for homeowners, renters, or those who frequently travel with their dogs. You can easily create fences at home, at a second home, or on the go.
  5. Optional Cellular Plan: SpotOn offers an optional cellular plan that allows you to track your dog and receive notifications if they leave the virtual fence. This adds an extra layer of security and peace of mind for dog owners.
  6. Long-lasting Battery: The device has a battery life of up to 22 hours on a single charge, allowing for a full day of outdoor activities without interruptions.
  7. App-enabled: SpotOn’s system can be managed through a smartphone app, making it easy for you and your family to create, save, and edit fences as needed.
  8. Smart and Waterproof: The device is designed to eliminate false warnings or corrections and never corrects a dog returning to the fence. Additionally, it has an IP67 waterproof rating, allowing your dog to swim, splash, and play in the rain.

 

10 Things Customers Loved About the SpotOn Invisible Fence

We analyzed over 100 online customer reviews about the SpotOn Virtual Fence, and here’s what real customers like best:

  1. Customizable containment area: The SpotOn system allows users to create custom containment areas without the need for buried wires, providing a flexible and hassle-free solution for keeping dogs safe.
  2. Versatile in various terrains: Customers have reported success using the system in different terrains, including wooded, hilly, and waterfront areas, making it suitable for a wide range of properties.
  3. Multiple property boundaries: The ability to save multiple property boundaries allows dog owners to easily use the system in different locations, such as when traveling or visiting friends and family.
  4. GPS tracking feature: The GPS tracking feature provides users with real-time information on their dog’s location, adding an extra layer of safety and peace of mind.
  5. Easy setup and user-friendly: Many customers have praised the ease of setting up the system and the user-friendly nature of the device and app, making it accessible for users of varying technical abilities.
  6. Suitable for large dogs: The SpotOn system has been reviewed as effective for larger dogs, providing a secure and reliable containment solution for a variety of breeds and sizes.
  7. No shock upon return: The system does not shock the dog when they return to the containment area after breaking through, promoting positive reinforcement for staying within the boundaries.
  8. Compatibility with traveling and camping: Users have reported success using the system while camping or traveling, providing a portable and adaptable containment solution for their dogs.
  9. High-quality customer service: Many customers have praised the helpful and responsive customer service provided by the SpotOn team, making it easier to troubleshoot issues and get assistance when needed.
  10. Provides freedom and safety for dogs: The SpotOn system allows dogs to roam and play more freely within their designated boundaries, while still ensuring their safety and preventing them from wandering off.

5 Things Customers Didn’t Love About The SpotOn Virtual Fence

Here are some areas of improvement customers would like to see with the Spot On Electronic Dog Fence:

  1. Expensive compared to other options: Some customers have noted that the SpotOn system is more expensive than other containment options on the market, making it less accessible for those with budget constraints.
  2. Poor collar buckle design: Several users have reported issues with the collar buckle, citing problems with durability and the risk of losing the monitoring unit due to the buckle not holding up well.
  3. Limited volume control for alert tones: A few customers have mentioned that the alert tones can be difficult to hear, particularly in noisy environments, and have suggested the need for volume control options.
  4. Collar size too large for smaller dogs: The current collar size is not suitable for smaller dog breeds, limiting the system’s usability for those with smaller pets.
  5. Android app issues and poor functionality: Some customers have experienced issues with the Android app, citing poor functionality and a need for improvements to enhance the overall user.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the SpotOn Virtual Dog Fence, and how does it work?
    • The SpotOn Virtual Dog Fence is a cutting-edge system that uses GPS technology to create invisible boundaries for your dog. It works by allowing pet owners to set up virtual perimeters anywhere, using a portable device and a compatible collar for your dog. When your pet approaches the boundary, the system emits warning signals and, if necessary, a static correction to encourage them to stay within the designated area.
  2. Can the SpotOn Virtual Dog Fence be used for any size or breed of dog?
    • Yes, the SpotOn Virtual Dog Fence is designed to be versatile and can accommodate dogs of most sizes and breeds. It’s important to ensure that the collar fits comfortably and securely on your dog, and the system allows for adjustments to suit different temperaments and training levels.
  3. How accurate is the GPS tracking on the SpotOn Virtual Dog Fence?
    • The GPS tracking used by the SpotOn Virtual Dog Fence is highly accurate, typically within a few feet. This ensures that the virtual boundaries you set are maintained with precision, offering reliable containment for your pet.
  4. What are the main features that differentiate the SpotOn Virtual Dog Fence from traditional physical fences?
    • The main features that set the SpotOn Virtual Dog Fence apart include its portability, flexibility in setting up boundaries anywhere, no need for physical installation, and the ability to store multiple maps or boundaries. Additionally, it offers GPS tracking and activity monitoring for your pet.
  5. How easy is it to set up and use the SpotOn Virtual Dog Fence?
    • Setting up the SpotOn Virtual Dog Fence is straightforward. Users can define boundaries through a mobile app by walking the perimeter or using map coordinates. The system is designed for user-friendliness, with intuitive controls and a clear setup process.
  6. Is the SpotOn Virtual Dog Fence suitable for use in all types of terrain and weather conditions?
    • Yes, the SpotOn Virtual Dog Fence is built to be durable and weather-resistant, making it suitable for use in various terrains and weather conditions. However, extreme conditions might affect GPS accuracy, so it’s advisable to monitor performance during such times.
  7. Can I create multiple virtual boundaries with the SpotOn Virtual Dog Fence?
    • Absolutely. One of the key advantages of the SpotOn Virtual Dog Fence is the ability to create and store multiple virtual boundaries. This is ideal for pet owners who travel or wish to have different containment areas in multiple locations.
  8. How does the SpotOn Virtual Dog Fence ensure the safety and security of my dog?
    • The SpotOn Virtual Dog Fence ensures your dog’s safety by providing consistent and reliable boundary enforcement and by offering customizable correction levels to match your dog’s temperament and training. Additionally, the system’s GPS tracking allows you to monitor your pet’s location in real time.
  9. What are the subscription fees or additional costs associated with the SpotOn Virtual Dog Fence?
    • While the initial purchase includes the collar and setup equipment, there may be a subscription fee for access to the GPS data and tracking services. It’s important to check the latest pricing and subscription plans directly from SpotOn for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
  10. Are there any training requirements or tips for acclimating my dog to the SpotOn Virtual Dog Fence?
    • Yes, training your dog to understand and respect the virtual boundaries is crucial for the effectiveness of the SpotOn Virtual Dog Fence. The system comes with training resources, and it is recommended to follow a consistent training schedule. Tips include starting with short training sessions, using positive reinforcement, and gradually increasing the difficulty as your dog becomes more comfortable with the boundaries.

Our Overall Verdict on the SpotOn Invisible Dog Fence

The SpotOn GPS Virtual Dog Fence offers an innovative, flexible, and portable containment solution for dog owners. With its patented True Location™ technology, extensive satellite coverage, and customizable fences, it ensures a secure and tailored experience. The waterproof device is easy to install, has a long-lasting battery, and comes with an optional cellular plan for enhanced security. Although the cost and occasional GPS shift may be minor drawbacks, the overall convenience and adaptability of this system make it a top choice, earning it a 4.5 out of 5-star rating.

Want to see other great products? Check out the 11 Best Invisible Dog Fences!

 

Recent Articles

Interested in learning even more about all things dogs? Get your paws on more great content from iHeartDogs!

Read the Blog