We’ve Located the Best Dog GPS Collar Trackers—Plus Non-GPS Options

• This review contains affiliate links. Read more here.

If you have a dog who’s a master escape artist, hasn’t yet grasped the art of walking on a leash, or regularly spends time with a loving dog walker, pet sitter, or boards away from home, you know how important it is to know where your dog is at all times. Using a dog GPS collar tracker can give you peace of mind in all of these situations, no matter where you (or your dog) might be.

Not all trackers are built alike—and there are a lot of options on the market. Some rely on cellular service to locate your dog, while others use GPS, radio frequency (RF) technology, or even Bluetooth. Each type of tracker has pros and cons, and we’ve included examples of a few different styles in our list. The GPS device that’s best for you will largely depend on where you live, how good the cellular service is in your area, and how far you want to be able to track your pet.

Another important consideration when shopping for a tracker? Monthly fees. Some trackers require a subscription fee on top of the purchase price, which is important to factor in when deciding on a budget. You can also find models that have low or no fees at all—whether they’re a good fit or not depends on your and your pup’s needs.

It’s good to remember that GPS devices aren’t perfect, but they can be an important item in your pet parenting tool belt for keeping your four-legged friend safe and accounted for.

Whistle GO Explore (Verified Review)

Utilizing AT&T’s wireless network and Google Maps, the Whistle GO Explore will notify you whenever your dog leaves his designated safe space and provides live location tracking. In addition to GPS monitoring, the Whistle can also be used to track physical activity goals for your pet, as well as certain health behaviors—a feature we found surprisingly fun and useful.

Rover testers for the Whistle were able to find their dogs consistently in urban and suburban environments (including those with buildings, water, trees, and open fields), and they reported almost no calibration delays for dogs on the move—the fewest of any tracker we tested.

What we like:

• Contains a remote-activated built-in light and a long-lasting battery that can run for up to 20 days on a single charge
• Provides a weekly health report that monitors your pet’s licking, scratching, and sleeping
• Can be set up so that multiple owners all receive alerts
• Relatively small device compatible with a wide range of dog collars

Drawbacks:

• A monthly or yearly subscription plan is required
• Areas with poor cell service may see limited utility

Tractive LTE GPS Dog Tracker (Verified Review)

The Tractive GPS LTE is a lightweight, waterproof pet tracker designed for dogs over eight pounds. It offers GPS tracking in 150+ countries via an iOS and Android app or browser and relies on multiple cellular networks for comprehensive coverage.

Pet parents are able to set up designated “safe zones” and receive real time notifications if their pet enters or leaves the area. The basic subscription offers live tracking to quickly locate a lost pet, while the premium subscription lets you share your pet’s data with family and see 365 days of location history.

The Tractive device and subscription retail more affordably than competitors like the Whistle, with comparable location tracking but a less robust health monitoring system. Our Rover tester used the device to track her dog with ease and loved the peace of mind it offered.

What we like:

• 100% waterproof device with a sleek design that fits snugly to collars (with multiple color options)
• No range limitation; works in over 150 countries and utilizes multiple cellular networks & GPS satellites
• Provides live tracking and location history
• App is easy to configure and use
• Pet parents can receive alerts if pets enter or leave specific locations

Drawbacks:

• A monthly subscription plan is required (though it’s more affordable than many competitors’)
• Tracking ability can vary in areas with poor cell service
• The battery life lasts 8-10 days before it needs charging

Jiobit

This GPS-tracking device is intended for a whole host of tracking needs, from kids to pets. Lightweight and durable, it’s the right size for clipping to your dog’s collar and holds up to everyday play. Keep track of your pup through your smartphone with features such as live mode and custom geofencing. Plus, you can upgrade for more premium features, such as longer timelines of your pet’s location history.

What we like:

• Runs on 5G-compatible networks to offer better coverage to rural areas than many cell-based trackers
• Return policy lets you test the product and return it for a refund if it isn’t a good fit for your area (though make sure to read the policy’s fine print)
• Battery life up to 10 days (depending on frequency of usage)
• Waterproof

Drawbacks:

• A monthly subscription plan is required
• In-app purchases are required for premium features, like extended timeline tracking

Fi Series 2 GPS Tracker Smart Dog Collar (Verified Review)

A tracker and collar all in one! Available in a range of sizes and colors, this collar is hardy—it can withstand up to 300 pounds of pull resistance and is waterproof in 1.5 meters of water. It uses the AT&T LTE-M network to send your pup’s location to an app on your phone, then updates it every two minutes once you enter “Lost Dog Mode.” For added safety, the tracker has a remotely controlled LED light for nighttime and can track sleep and activity.

Rover testers were a little wary of the activation time—it look them two to five minutes to get Lost Dog Mode up and running—but they appreciated a countdown to the next live update on their dog’s location. The “base” location perimeter feels large for metropolitan areas. If your home base is in a tight neighborhood, you may not get the signal right that your dog has escaped into your neighbor’s yard (as our tester witnessed).

It’s not the most serious tracker, but with fun fitness features, solid battery life, and social features in the app, the Fi Series is one of the most convenient and enjoyable.

What we like:

• Battery life adjusts based on Fi’s mode; one charge can last up to three months when regularly connected to a home Wi-Fi network
• Geofence detection enables you to receive alerts when your dog exits a designated safe zone
• App allows you to track your pup’s steps for fun and engage in neighborhood fitness competitions
• Comes in adjustable sizes, colors, and styles, with martingale, leather, and biothane bands
• Waterproof
• LED light is great for low-visibility outdoor time, such as nighttime walks in the city

Drawbacks:

• Reliability depends on AT&T network coverage and varies more steeply than other trackers from location to location
• Needs a minimum 1-year subscription to access features, though a 30-day free trial lets you test service

FitBark GPS Dog Tracker

For subscribers in areas covered by the 4G Verizon LTE-M network, this FitBark GPS dog tracker can not only monitor the whereabouts of your pet, but it can also track health-related issues, like your dog’s sleep quality, calories burned, and skin conditions.

What we like:

• Lightweight and waterproof, the tracker is compatible with any flat collar up to 1.5 inches wide
• Battery life typically lasts between 10 and 20 days
• The app allows you to add multiple pet parents so you, your family, and your sitter can all track your dog as needed
• Get alerts when your dog leaves a designated safe area (a Wi-Fi network)
• Lightweight (17 grams) and waterproof

Drawbacks:

• A monthly subscription plan is required
• Areas with poor cell service may see limited utility

Garmin T5 GPS Dog Collar

Garmin devices are popular among those who hunt with their dogs—and for a good reason. This Garmin dog GPS tracker is built into a collar equipped with an antenna that can help you locate your pup up to nine miles away. It doesn’t rely on cell networks, Wi-Fi, or apps for your phone, which makes it one of the best choices for those who can’t count on cell service or internet in their area.

The price is accordingly steep, since you need to buy a handheld tracker in addition to the collar—but pet parents with several dogs to track may find it more economical, since one handheld device can track multiple collars. The relatively short battery life means you can’t clip it on and forget it—but if you need a sturdy option for hiking, hunting, or long walks in the wilderness, the Garmin GPS Collar is hard to beat.

What we like:

• Has a nine-mile range, so it’s a good choice for rural areas and places with poor cell service
• Doesn’t require a smartphone or an app—or even internet
• No monthly subscription fee
• Built-in LED lights for extra visibility

Drawbacks:

• You must purchase a separate Garmin transmitting unit for the collar to work, making it an expensive option
• Short battery life ranging from 20 to 40 hours
• Has a minimum neck size of 9.5 inches, so it may not be an option for some toy breeds

Petfon 2 GPS Pet Tracker

For accurate real-time tracking, take a look at Petfon’s latest model, the Petfon 2. Boasting a 15% increase in tracking distance and a 10-second faster initial positioning time, the device is a serious upgrade from their previous version. Petfon allows users to view their pet’s activities and pinpoint their location with an easy-to-use app. You can also record voice commands to communicate with your dog remotely. Tracking range is up to 0.65 miles in dense urban areas and 3.5 miles in open spaces. 

What we like: 

• No monthly service fees
• Self-activated colorful lights make it easier to spot your dog at night 
• Unique Rada searching feature shows you the direction your lost dog is moving
• Lightweight and durable
• Customized geo-fence lets you establish a safe zone for your dog, and alerts you if he decides to go rogue

Drawbacks: 

• Not for swimming: while the device is rainproof, it won’t withstand complete submersion
• You’ll need to keep the bluetooth controller with you
• Battery life only lasts 8-16 hours
• On the more expensive side

Cube Real-Time GPS Tracker

Compatible with any smartphone, the Cube GPS Tracker relies on Verizon’s network. It attaches to your dog’s collar and includes an SOS button, geofencing alerts, and the ability to ring your tracker remotely if you’re having trouble spotting your pet. Low-battery alerts are an especially nice touch.

What we like:

• Works nationwide off the Verizon network
• Battery lasts anywhere from 10 to 30 days (depending on usage)
• Comes with one-year warranty
• The ability to ring your tracker (good for pets that live in densely wooded or low-visibility terrain)

Drawbacks:

• Requires an annual or monthly subscription
• Areas with poor cell service may see limited utility

Best Non-GPS Dog Collar Trackers

Bluetooth trackers are more affordable than their fancier GPS cousins and have quite a few strong selling points—but the main con tends to be more limited range.

Pawscout Smarter Tag

The Pawscout pet tracker may have a limited range, but it offers something valuable: access to a lost-pet community. Other users of the app who come into contact with your lost friend will get an alert, which makes the device a popular choice for neighborhood pet communities. Nobody needs a hundred-dollar tracker if everyone nearby has a free app.

The device’s lightweight and small size are ideal for smaller pets, and there are no monthly fees. Plus, if your pet makes a habit of hiding indoors when distressed (think fireworks and thunderstorms), this is a fast way to track them down.

What we like:

• Uses Bluetooth tracking to keep tabs on your pet’s location
• Water-resistant
• Affordable
• Includes removable battery that lasts up to six months
• A good option for city dwellers with its lost-pet app community

Drawbacks:

• It only works within a 300-foot range, meaning that once your pet leaves your immediate area, you’re relying on other people with the app

Apple AirTags (Verified Review)

We’d be remiss if we didn’t cover Apple’s AirTags, which offer a unique take on Bluetooth tracking. Though Apple doesn’t market the AirTags for dogs, they’re wildly popular among pet parents—and for a good reason.

Because they rely on passing phones to locate a lost item, AirTags work phenomenally well in densely populated areas. Once you enter lost mode, you’ll receive address updates every time your pup comes within Bluetooth range of a compatible phone. You can even use the tag to leave a message to the finder.

The replaceable battery is designed to last a year or more, and each tag costs just $29—meaning under the right conditions, the AirTags rival some of the best GPS collars for dogs on the market for a fraction of the cost.

But there are some important drawbacks to consider, especially for those who live in less populated areas or worry about losing their dog in the wilderness. If no one comes across your pup, you won’t get any alerts—which severely hampers the product’s utility outside a city. For details, check out our full test of Apple’s AirTags for dogs.

Implant GPS Tracking Device for Dogs

A lot of pet parents want a GPS device for their dog that can be implanted so they’ll always be trackable, whether they have their collar or not. Unfortunately, an implantable dog GPS tracker isn’t currently available on the market. Only wearable GPS devices are widely available.

The confusion over the availability of GPS implants stems largely from a misunderstanding of how pet microchips work. Pet microchips are implanted under the skin, but they’re not GPS devices. They’re an internal ID tag that can be scanned by a vet or shelter to pull up your pet’s name and your phone number, even if your pet has lost their collar.

Microchips can’t be tracked remotely like a GPS device, so they can’t help you find your lost pet. It’s a good idea to get your pet microchipped—but it’s not the same as buying them a GPS device.

Further Reading

Got an app for that? We sure do! Download the Rover app.

• The 6 Best Dog Fitbits and Activity Trackers for Monitoring Your Pup’s Health and Fitness
• The Best GPS Cat Collars (and Why You Might Want One)
• How to Find a Lost Dog and Prevent Escapes
• The 9 Best Electronic, Robotic, and Self-Moving Dog Toys