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Owning a furry companion comes with its fair share of commitments and duties. Ensuring our four-legged pals are in prime health and well-protected is not always a straightforward task. Similar to humans, our pets can face challenges in maintaining a healthy weight, particularly as they age and become less active. Additionally, the apprehension of losing sight of our beloved dogs despite our utmost vigilance can be quite unsettling. This is where the utilization of the best GPS dog collars can be a game-changer.
This is because we worry that they might run away. Fortunately, there are solutions to address these concerns and improve our cherished dogs’ health and well-being. In addition to receiving routine veterinarian care and making sure they are showered with love and attention, technology may play an important part in ensuring that they remain content, healthy, and safe.
We have put a number of different GPS collars and pet trackers through comprehensive testing. These devices are designed to keep track of the whereabouts and activities of our pets. Explore the following list, which contains our top picks across all categories. Be sure to check out our buyer’s guide at the conclusion of this piece for helpful hints on how to select the best product for your needs when making a purchase.
Best GPS Dog Collars Comparison Table
These wearable collars can assist you in ensuring that your dog or cat is both secure and healthy by monitoring the animal’s whereabouts as well as its activity. Find out which one is going to work best for your four-legged friend.
| Product Name | GPS Tracking | Cellular Network | Activity Monitoring | Virtual Fence | Battery Life | Water Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fi Smart Dog Collar Series 3 | Yes | LTE | Yes | Yes | Up to several weeks | Water-resistant |
| Tractive GPS Dog LTE Tracker | Yes | LTE | No | Yes | Up to several days | Waterproof |
| SpotOn GPS Collar and Fence System | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Up to several days | Waterproof |
| Halo 2 GPS Smart Collar | Yes | 4G | Yes | Yes | Up to several days | Water-resistant |
| Whistle GO Explore | Yes | 4G | Yes | Yes | Up to several days | Water-resistant |
Fi Smart Dog Collar Series 3
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| GPS Tracking | Yes |
| Cellular Network | LTE |
| Activity Monitoring | Yes |
| Virtual Fence | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to several weeks depending on usage |
| Water Resistance | Water-resistant |
| Size Options | Available in different sizes for various dog breeds |
The Fi Smart Dog Collar makes it easy to track your dog’s location, exercise, and sleep from your phone, and the third-generation model has big changes inside and out. Its tracking module is smaller and lighter, so it can be used with small dogs. It is also more durable, so it can handle chewers and leash pullers better, and it is now waterproof, so you can keep a closer digital eye on dogs who like to explore.
In testing, escape alerts took longer to arrive than with the previous model, but the Series 3’s updated GPS and cellular radios give faster position updates in the important Lost Dog Mode without draining the battery. As for the tracker’s style, you can now choose between patterned and solid blue, gray, pink, or yellow styles, as well as from a variety of third-party bands that are compatible.
The Good
- GPS tracking for real-time location monitoring
- LTE connectivity for reliable tracking
- Activity monitoring to track your dog’s exercise and health
- Virtual fence feature for setting boundaries and receiving alerts
The Bad
- Some users may find the subscription fee for cellular connectivity costly
Tractive GPS Dog LTE Tracker
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| GPS Tracking | Yes |
| Cellular Network | LTE |
| Activity Monitoring | No |
| Virtual Fence | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to several days depending on usage |
| Water Resistance | Waterproof |
| Size Options | One size fits all |
The Tractive GPS Dog LTE Tracker has the fastest escape alerts of any tracker we’ve looked at. It attaches easily and safely to your dog’s collar with a rubber clip. During testing, it took about a minute for an escape alert to be sent to me when my dog Bradley left and returned to a Safe Zone. That’s at least a minute faster than the Fi Series 3.
Even though the Tractive’s battery life could be longer and it would be nice to see more health and social features, it still has great GPS tracking for a fair price. Tractive’s GPS and LTE pet tracker comes in two versions, one for dogs and one for cats. The dog version is for dogs that weigh 8.8 pounds or more. Because the tracker is built into the collar, the Fi Series 3 is a better choice if your dog likes to play rough.
The Good
- GPS tracking functionality for accurate location tracking
- LTE connectivity for reliable tracking coverage
- Virtual fence feature to set safe boundaries and receive notifications
- Waterproof design for durability and water-based
The Bad
- Lack of activity monitoring feature
SpotOn GPS Collar and Fence System
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| GPS Tracking | Yes |
| Cellular Network | No |
| Activity Monitoring | Yes |
| Virtual Fence | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to several days depending on usage |
| Water Resistance | Waterproof |
Okay, so honestly, if all you need is a GPS collar and not a whole fence system, SpotOn may be too much (both in price and functions) for you. But if you want something to keep your dog close so he doesn’t get lost in the first place, track him if he gets away from his leash while you’re walking him, and even help you train your dog, SpotOn is a fantastic collar.
With SpotOn collar, you can set up and take care of up to 20 different fences in places from 0.5 to 1,000 acres in a quick and easy way. It is one of the most accurate GPS tracking devices for dogs because it has four satellite guidance systems and True LocationTM GPS technology.
The Good
- GPS tracking capability for accurate location tracking
- Activity monitoring to track your dog’s fitness and activity levels
- Virtual fence system for setting boundaries and receiving notifications
- Waterproof design for durability and water-related activities
The Bad
- Lack of cellular network connectivity may limit tracking range
Halo 2 GPS Smart Collar
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| GPS Tracking | Yes |
| Cellular Network | 4G |
| Activity Monitoring | Yes |
| Virtual Fence | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to several days depending on usage |
| Water Resistance | Water-resistant |
| Size Options | Available in different sizes for various dog breeds |
When Halo released their device in 2020, it blew the smart collar market wide open. The Halo 2 model, which has more special features for dog owners, is a newer version. It is a gadget that can be used as a GPS dog collar, a smart fence, and a lot of other things. This GPS collar for dogs can pinpoint your dog’s location to within 10 feet and comes with a 21-day training program. But it’s mostly used as a way to keep your dog inside.
Because it has so many extras, it is very expensive. Skip this pet tracker if all you want is a way to track your dog using GPS. The collar costs $999, but there is a reason for that. It also works as a health monitor and a silent fence, in addition to being a great GPS tracker. Before you buy the Halo 2 dog collar, you should definitely read our big review of it or check the price here (only use the official website to avoid crooks).
The Good
- GPS tracking functionality for real-time location tracking
- 4G cellular network connectivity for reliable tracking coverage
- Activity monitoring to track your dog’s fitness and activity levels
The Bad
- Battery life may require more frequent charging
Whistle GO Explore
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| GPS Tracking | Yes |
| Cellular Network | 4G |
| Activity Monitoring | Yes |
| Virtual Fence | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to several days depending on usage |
| Water Resistance | Water-resistant |
| Size Options | Available in different sizes for various dog breeds |
The Whistle GO Explore records your dog’s location, activity, and health in a compact size that fits on even small dog collars. Unlike most GPS trackers, the GO Explore’s missing dog option updates your pet’s location every 15 seconds. It fit on our tester dog’s collar without bothering them. Once clipped, it stayed. Its smart geofencing lets you set numerous “safe zones” that alert you when your pet departs.
Our experts liked how simple the tracker and app were to set up. It gives in-app graphs of your dog’s activity levels, details about their good and negative actions (including scratching and drinking water), and sleep records at a lower price than other premium trackers. “Advanced behavior algorithms” and an accelerometer help the device interpret each movement. The tracker uses your pet’s history and behaviors to determine when they drink or scratch.
The Good
- GPS tracking capability for real-time location monitoring
- 4G cellular network connectivity for reliable tracking coverage
- Activity monitoring to track your dog’s fitness and activity levels
The Bad
- Battery life may require more frequent charging
Questions and Answers
A: For many GPS dog bands, you have to pay a monthly or yearly fee to use the GPS tracking service. This monthly fee covers the cost of sending data and lets you keep track of where your dog is at all times. Before buying a GPS dog collar, it’s important to check the membership needs.
A: The accuracy of a GPS dog collar depends on the device and the surroundings. GPS tracking can be very exact in open areas with a clear view of the sky, usually to within a few meters. But in places with a lot of buildings or where signals are blocked, the accuracy may be lower.
A: GPS dog bands come in different sizes and can be used with different types of dogs. It’s important to find a collar that fits your dog well and keeps him safe. Some GPS bands are made just for small dogs, while others can be used with bigger dogs.