Best GPS Dog Collar Review Guide For 2023-2024

Best GPS Dog Collar Review Guide For 2023-2024 – There are few feelings as terrifying as not knowing where your dog is and if he or she is safe. For this reason, GPS Dog Trackers are becoming increasingly popular among pet parents everywhere–but not all devices are created equal. We combed through the most popular GPS trackers on the market today in order to help you find the best fit for your unique situation. Our overall top pick was hands-down the Whistle 3 GPS Pet Tracker & Activity Monitor. It’s accurate, long-lasting, and reasonably priced–an all-around winner. So keep reading our Best GPS Dog Collar Review Guide For 2020-2021 to find out more.

Best GPS Dog Collar Buyers Guide For 2023-2024

How To Choose:

The criteria we used when rating these collars was based on the following. They’re listed in order of most important to less important aspects of the collar. Though, everything is taken into account for the final rating and should give you a good idea on what collar to choose.

Range:

How far can the device track your dog? Is it limited to a specific region? Some devices only work in the US or on specific cellular networks, while others may be restricted by relative distance–for example, “4 miles from the tracking device.”

Tracking:

How do you, the pet parent, actually see the tracking data for your dog? The vast majority use a free iOS or Android app, but some are completely self-contained systems. If you don’t own a smartphone, this is going to be particularly important, because some don’t have web functionality at all.

Battery Life:

How long can the device track your dog on a single charge? It’s easy to overlook battery life, but is actually one of the most important pieces of the puzzle. Your GPS tracker can only work so long as it is up and running, so you need a device that won’t die when you need it most. It’s important to note that we’re looking at tracking time–not just the amount of time the device can technically be on and running.

Design:

How do you attach the GPS to your dog? Many options clip or slide onto your dog’s existing collar, while others come already embedded in a full collar.

Size & Weight:

Is it big and bulky, or lightweight? You don’t want a tracker that is too large for your dog or might hurt their neck. We’ve included measurements and weight to help you get the clearest picture of the full bulk of the device.

How GPS Pet Trackers Impact Your Dog’s Health:

The moment your dog goes missing, the American Humane Association says that it is imperative to look for them immediately. Start by quickly going through the local area and then begin searching nearby shelters.

Tragically, the truth is that only 15.8% of pets who go into shelters are reunited with their owners. Fortunately, you can lessen your chances of becoming a statistic by investing in modern-day GPS pet tracker technology. With the right device for your unique situation, you can have peace of mind that your dog’s location is always at your fingertips.

Microchip vs GPS Tracker:

Microchips are excellent for helping veterinarians or shelters identify your dog immediately–and we highly recommend getting one for each of your dogs. But, microchips do have their limits. They cannot tell you where your dog is and are even prone to shifting overtime. And even more unfortunately, sometimes shelters don’t have the technology to detect all microchip types.

This is why we believe in treating the microchip as your safety net, but relying on other means to keep your dog safe on a day-to-day basis, like a GPS tracker.

What to Keep in Mind:

GPS trackers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and types. There’s no universal right answer, so be sure to keep your specific needs in mind as you browse these reviews.

• Do you live in a rural or populated area? If cellular service is spotty, 100% self-contained GPS tracking systems will likely be more reliable.
• Would you like to set customized safety zones? Many devices allow you to designate specific areas as “safe” for your dog. When your dog wanders from these area, you receive an alert.
• Do you care about monitoring your dog’s location history? Devices keep different amounts of information over different periods of time. Are you only looking at the past 24 hours, or would you like more data to comb through?
• Are you looking for something simple, or all the bells and whistles? Often, GPS tracking devices come with technology very similar to fitness bands for humans. You can track your dog’s activity level, calories burned, exertion, and more.
• How long should your battery last? If you remove your dog’s collar every night, charging may not be an issue. But if time is limited, you likely want a device that can hold a charge across multiple days.
• Are you willing to pay a subscription fee? Many of these devices–notably, the ones connected to cellular networks–actually have their own SIM cards and require small monthly payments.

Now that you have a better sense of what you’re looking for, we hope you enjoy the following reviews.

Black+Decker Smart Dog Collar

With a big name like Black+Decker, you’d expect a high-quality, accurate product–and the Smart Dog Collar hits the nail on the head. Although some users complain of a somewhat complicated interface, once you get the device up and running, it works like a charm. In addition to finding your dog’s current location, you can also view things like their history and favorite routes . . . and speak to them with 2-way audio. Overall, our main complaint is the interface is notoriously hard to use.

Product Details:

• GPS & Activity Tracking – Always know the exact location of your best friend with precise GPS! Track how far they roam, how much they play, and what routes are their favorites using our companion app and your mobile device.
• Customizable Geofence Zones – Use the app to trace safety zones around your yard or favorite park, and get instant alerts when your dog has gone outside those limits. This product requires 2g service and won’t work overseas or evidently in the Virgin Islands
• 2-Way Audio – Stay connected with your dog from anywhere! With 2-way audio you can call them home, reassure them when you are away, and hear them respond, giving both you and your dog peace of mind even when you are apart.
• Water Resistant & One Size – Don’t worry about your dog taking a quick dip, the BLACK+DECKER Smart Dog Collar is water resistant up to three feet. This collar is designed for medium to large sized dogs, and will fit a 15” to 21” neckline.
• Virtual Dog Tag – OLED display keeps your dog’s name and your contact information visible in case your dog goes missing. A customized message can also be displayed for special circumstances.
• Product is dependent upon 2G coverage. Please ensure you have 2G coverage in your area prior to purchase (see 2G coverage map or call 833-GET-WAGZ).

Pros:

• Can speak to your dog with 2-way audio
• Supports custom safety zones
• Activity tracking functionality
• 1-year warranty

Cons:

• Subscription service required
• Medium-high price point
• Not for small dogs
• Short battery life
• Very complicated interface

Link AKC Smart Collar

The Link AKC Smart Collar is a great all-in-one solution for parents of multiple dogs. With the Link App, it’s extremely easy to accurately track more than one pet at a time. The GPS system has high praise for being incredibly accurate and not having any issues being spotty. Our only complaints are that the device itself is a bit bulky–it would replace your standard collar–and the temperature alerts can be frustratingly inaccurate. Aside from that, this is a solid pick. It even digitally stores your pets’ medical records for easy trips to the vet!

Product Details:

• Service Plan: Link AKC is like a smart phone for your dog & requires service plan connectivity to allow data to be transmitted. Includes an extended warranty, a size guarantee, and access to the Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison control center
• Size Guarantee: Don’t stress about which size to order, LINK AKC will exchange your collar for free just call Customer Service at 866-772-6055
• Activity Monitoring And Sound Training: Activity goals are customized by AKC to your dog’s age, breed, and size to allow for accurate daily activity monitoring. Remote turn-on sound to help with training.
• Adventures Feature: Record, remember, and share special walks, hikes, and other adventures with your dog
• Battery Life: Lasts up to 3 days, and is impacted by the strength of your cell signal, how often you use GPS, and the strength of GPS signal, just like your smart phone. GPS signals can be inhibited by environmental factors such as thick wooded areas.
• Link AKC Smart Dog Collar: The only GPS and activity tracker you will ever need to keep your dog safe, healthy, and happy. Works with iOS and Android. Have questions or need support call 866-772-6055
• Location Tracking Nationwide In United States: Know your dog’s location with fast and accurate GPS tracking enabled by the AT&T cellular network (Service plan required). Be alerted if your dog leaves designated safe zones
• Saftey Features: Temperature Alerts if your dog’s environment is too hot or cold. LED LIGHT on collar with remote turn-on LED light to see and be seen. VET RECORDS can be stored in app to make dog ownership easier with a place to store important records

Pros:

• Monitor activity and temperature
• Integrated LED lights
• Comes in classic leather or sport styles
• Easy set-up for multiple dogs

Cons:

• Subscription service required
• Can only be used in the US
• Requires a base station
• Bulky (best for dogs >15 lbs)

Whistle 3 GPS Pet Tracker & Activity Monitor

If you’re looking for a device that is reliable, accurate, affordable, long battery life, and lightweight, you cannot go wrong with the Whistle 3. It uses a combination of Wifi, GPS, and cellular technology–so your pup will rarely be out of reach. The device comes with all the expected bells and whistles, like custom safety zones, proactive alerts, and activity tracking. The complaints are few and far between, but it is important to note that Whistle 3 is most accurate in areas where AT&T cell signal is relatively strong. Additionally, it only stores location data for 24 hours. You will be hard-pressed to find a better device at this price point.

Product Details:

• New Whistle models available: Whistle go explore and Whistle go
• Nationwide location tracking: pinpoint your pet’s location with this top-rated SMART GPS activity tracker for your pet anywhere AT&T 3g cellular service is available.
• Proactive alerts: get text, app or email notifications when your pet leaves home.
• Get health insights: monitor your pet’s daily activities and know how your pet measures up for their age, weight and breed.
• Long battery life: lasts up to 7 days! Battery life may vary depending on your pet’s activity, Wi-Fi signal strength and pet’s time spent out of Wi-Fi.
• Durable & waterproof: Built to survive every swim with your pet! Waterproof for up to 3 feet for 30 minutes. Recommended for pets 8 lbs. + and attaches to any collar or harness up to 1” Wide. Note: the notches on the top and Bottom of the back of the device are part of manufacturing process.
• Subscription & Wi-Fi required: affordable monthly or annual plans cover connection to AT&T nationwide network to track & monitor your pet. No new phone contract required. Wi-fi is also required during the Whistle setup.
• Age Range Description: All Life Stages

Pros:

• Saves location history
• Activity tracking functionality
• Uses Wifi, GPS, and cellular technology to pinpoint location
• Recharges battery in 2 hours
• Supports custom safety zones
• No base station required
• 30-day trial period

Cons:

• Subscription service required
• Only works within the US
• Some complaints about the rubber strap breaking
• Information only stores for 24 hours

Eureka Technology MARCOPOLO Advanced Pet Tracking Tag

The Marco Polo Advanced Pet Tracking Tag by Eureka Technology is as an excellent choice if you live in an area with poor GPS reception and struggle with cellular service. It uses radio waves similar to walkie talkies, so its accuracy depends on the density of the area you’re using it in (for example, it works incredibly well in open space, but in a densely wooded area, the range is more limited). Unfortunately, you’ll also need to purchase the Marco Polo locator separately–but if you live in a rural area, this is a tough option to beat.

Product Details:

• Operates with all Marco Polo Locators, sold separately, adds one pet to your system or may be used to upgrade existing Marco Polo systems
• Works anywhere, totally self-contained, no GPS or cell network required, no monthly service contracts, ideal for traveling with your pets
• Tracking tags weigh only 0.8 oz., can be used for prolonged swimming and are tough enough for the most active pets
• Rechargeable battery on pet’s collar lasts up to 6 weeks while being continuously monitored
• When combined with the pinpoint accuracy of the Marco Polo Locator, the Advanced Tracking Tag is an ideal solution for locating cats

Pros:

• No subscription service required
• Great alternative to GPS and cellular service based collars
• Incredibly long battery life
• Very tough against wear and tear
• Supports up to 3 dogs

Cons:

• Must also purchase the Marco Polo Locator
• No custom safety zones

Garmin Alpha 100 TT

If you’re ready to drop nearly 1K on the world’s best dog tracking device, look no further than the Garmin Alpha 100 TT. The monstrous price point gives you unparalleled accuracy and professionalism, including the ability to track 20 dogs at once. The entire system is self-contained–there’s no app, website, or subscription fee–and all the data is sent straight to a specialized handheld GPS tracking device. It was made with serious hunters in mind, giving them the ability to call their dogs off unwanted game’s trail from miles away. It’s definitely overkill for monitoring your pup in the neighborhood, but definitely a top-of-the-line product.

Product Details:

• Multi-Dog Tracking – Track up to 20 dogs or fellow hunters when using additional Alpha 100 handhelds or TT 15 (standard and/or mini) dog devices (may also use T 5 dog devices for tracking only), each sold separately.
• Emergency Alert – Ability to send your location with an emergency alert to other Alpha users within the area.
• Preloaded Mapping – Preloaded detailed TOPO U.S. 100K maps comparable to 1:100,000 scale USGS maps.
• Color Touchscreen – 3” color touchscreen display. Display type : Transflective, 65-K color TFT touchscreen
• View Dog Stats- Use the included electronic compass to measure each dog’s speed, distance and the direction being traveled, plus receive notifications when your dog is on-point or treed; also includes barometric altimeter

Pros:

• No subscription service required
• Tracks up to 20 dogs at once
• Tri-Tronics electronic dog training technology
• Tracks speed and direction
• Completely self-contained system
• Preloaded with topographic maps

Cons:

• Bulky with a large antenna

Conclusion:

Keeping your dog safe is what GPS trackers are all about. The technology in this field is ever evolving, but when it comes down to it, what matters most is accuracy: can you find your pup quickly in an emergency?

There are a lot of duds out there, but there are also just as many devices that take full-advantage of our globe’s incredible network of GPS satellites, WiFi, and cellular service. And if you choose carefully, you may just walk away with some awesome bells and whistles.

We hope these reviews inside our Best GPS Dog Collar Review Guide For 2023-2024 gave you some peace of mind with your GPS dog tracker search!