12 Best Dog GPS Trackers of 2024 [Monitor Location, Health, & More!]

My dog is an important member of the family, and his health and well-being are high on my list of priorities. Part of my responsibility as a dog owner involves keeping track of my pet’s location, and there’s no better way to do that than with a GPS dog tracker. Even with the best wireless dog fences and their intense popularity, some dogs still “escaped” the boundaries. Plus, if a dog happens to leave the safety of the invisible fence, it is possible for Fido to become lost or possibly stolen. Today, you can protect your dog by investing in a GPS tracker. 

GPS pet trackers, now more commonly coming in the form of GPS dog collars, give the location of your dog. Most products will even tell you if your pup is moving and in which direction. GPS trackers can also do double-duty as an activity tracker, and many have built-in fitness monitors as well. Yes, a GPS tracker for your dog is a great investment for a wide variety of reasons.  

The Best Dog GPS Tracker Collars of 2024 

How does one choose a dog tracker? Much of this depends upon your own personal needs. If you have a dog that likes to roam, a GPS tracker will not only work to keep it within a boundary that you set (such as your backyard) through the GPS dog fence system, but should Fido decide to wander, the GPS tracker will let you know his location. You should choose a tracker that fits the size of your dog and will keep a location on him depending upon the size of your property. You should also take into account whether you wish to use the tracker as a means of training your pup like what a dog training collar does. After all the reviews we’ve carried out, the Garmin TT 15 GPS Dog Tracker Collar comes on top as our favorite GPS dog tracker. 

Our Favorite: Garmin TT 15 GPS Dog Tracker Collar

The Garmin TT 15 Dog Tracker Collar is mounted on the top of a replaceable collar and accompanied by an antenna that is meant to track your dog up to nine miles. The collar is best for larger dogs or dogs with a neck that measures 24 centimeters or 9.5 inches in circumference. The Garmin TT 15 Dog Tracker Collar offers the ability to train your dog using both tonal correction and vibration stimulation. 

The Garmin TT 15 is water-resistant up to ten meters, so if Fido decides to roll in mud or take a swim, the collar will still work. It is not submersible, however, so prolonged exposure to wet conditions could hinder the functions of the product. This works well for sporting dogs, but, if you have a dog that likes to wander, you can track him day or night with the LED beacon that can be remotely accessed. 

>> Check out our in-depth Garmin TT 15 Dog Device Review <<

Best for Large or Giant Breed Dogs: Fi Series 2 GPS Tracker Smart Dog Collar

The Fi Series 2 GPS Tracker Smart Dog Collar has something to offer pet owners who want to keep track of their dog’s location, monitor his daily activities, and keep him in a proscribed boundary all in one product! With this device, you’ll get a collar that uses both GPS and cellular networks to keep track of Fido’s whereabouts. This is a bonus because GPS works well—unless one is dealing with heavy clouds, inclement weather, or tall buildings or trees near the location. When GPS monitoring doesn’t work, cellular towers will pick up the signal so you can rest assured you are getting Fido’s exact location. There is also an LED light function you can remotely access, and you’ll find that the battery will run for up to three months on one charge. 

The only bad thing that can be said about Fi smart dog collar is that it is geared toward larger dogs, particularly giant breeds. Our only wish is that this worked for small and medium-sized dogs as well! You can monitor your dog’s activity, which means you can see how many steps she takes per day and in what direction your pooch is traveling. 

>> Check out our in-depth Fi Series 2 GPS Tracker review <<

Best Real-Time Location Information: Whistle Go Explore Dog GPS Tracker

If you’re looking to find a GPS tracker that you can access via an app, the Whistle GO Explore GPS tracker is the product for you! This snazzy tracker will monitor your pet’s location in real-time, give you information on bad habits such as licking and scratching, and even allow you to use the app to create a fitness and nutrition plan! The app also allows you to send information to your vet regarding your pup’s health. 

The tracker allows you to set a boundary for your pup, and, should she escape, the app will alert you to the pup’s wanderings and turns on the lost dog mode. You’ll find out exactly where she is, and you’ll know in which direction she’s going too! The tracker is also water-resistant and can be submerged up to six feet. 

The only downside to this tracker collar is the fact that it cannot be in direct sunlight for any amount of time. (You’ll have to attach it to the bottom of her collar.) Otherwise, the Whistle Go Explore GPS tracker collar is offered at a great price with a battery that lasts for up to twenty days between charges. 

>> Check out our in-depth Whistle Go Explore Dog GPS Tracker Review <<

Great for Any Breed: Cube Real-Time GPS Dog & Cat Trackers

The Cube Real-Time GPS Dog and Cat Tracker is a great product for those with adventurous canines and felines! You’ll get a handheld device that resembles a smartphone, and, in a way, the product functions much like a smartphone. You’ll have to make a monthly payment to Verizon for use of the product. However, wherever the handheld device goes, so does the ability to track. That means you can use the tracking device to locate bags or purses, your pets, your children, and more! 

The Cube Real-Time can be accessed via your computer or smartphone as well. Here, you can track the speed of your pet, get alerted when the device has a low battery, and you can set up alerts for when your dog leaves the boundary of the parameter you set for her. 

I can’t find anything very detrimental to say about this product. However, it does not offer activity tracking as other GPS trackers do. But, if you simply want to know your dog’s location and get alerts should Fido leave the said area, then the Cube Real-Time GPS Dog and Cat Tracker will work just fine for your purposes. 

>> Check out our in-depth Cube Real-Time GPS Dog & Cat Trackers Review <<

Great for Training Sporting Dogs: SportDOG Brand TEK Series 2.0 GPS Tracking

The SportDOG TEK Series 2.0 GPS Tracking collar is a great tool for training sporting dogs. In fact, with the purchase of additional collars, you can use one handheld device to train and monitor up to twenty-one dogs. Furthermore, you’ll be able to track these dogs for up to ten miles of the handheld’s location. 

The SportDOG TEK Series 2.0 GPS Tracking collar can be used to train and track dogs within a ten-mile radius of the handheld; however, it is not a GPS monitor in that it is meant to contain a dog (as some GPS monitors can do). The collar uses vibration and electronic correction for dogs. The GPS handheld holds thousands of topographical maps that are updated frequently with labeled roadways for the best accuracy of your dog’s location. These maps will continue to update throughout the life of the handheld device. 

You’ll find this tracker gives the most up-to-date information as it is using GPS and GLONASS technology to pinpoint your dog’s exact location. There are up to 99 levels of electronic correction available with this product. 

>> Check out our in-depth SportDOG TEK Series 2.0 GPS Tracking Collar Review <<

No Monthly Fee: PETFON2 Pet GPS Tracker

If you want a device that provides the ability to create an electronic fence for your dog, offers alerts when your pet goes out of the boundary and requires no monthly subscription, the PETFON2 Pet GPS Tracker could be the product for you. This GPS tracker allows you to download an app to utilize many features, but there’s never a monthly fee or annual fee to do so. 

The PETFON2 Pet GPS Tracker operates on local WiFi hotspots. This is great for urban areas (however, keep in mind the radius for the urban pup wearing this tracker is less than one mile), but in rural areas where there may not be WiFi hotspots, the product may not work as intended. 

However, the app allows you to use ten different LED lights to light up your pet at night, and you can also set sounds that alert your dog she is going near her boundary. There is no mention of electronic correction with this product. The collar is well priced for its features, and it fits most medium and large-breed dogs. 

>> Check out our in-depth PETFON2 Pet GPS Tracker Review <<

Best Non-Stimulation Tracker: Dogtra Pathfinder TRX 9-Mile 21

Many of us prefer a GPS collar that does not offer electronic correction, and the Dogtra Pathfinder 9-mile 21-dog Expandable Waterproof Smart Phone GPS E-collar does just that. It is approved by the UKC, AKC, and PKC sporting dog organizations, and it is touted as a training and tracking collar. However, there is no tonal correction either. 

Truthfully, this product is probably more of a GPS tracking tool than a training tool, even though the product claims it is great for sporting dogs, agility training, and ball training. The good news there is that the product requires no cellular connection in order to track your dog’s activity—it is GPS-only. With the purchase of extra collars and separate tracking devices, you can utilize one handheld device to track up to twenty-one dogs. The product works with Google Maps and GPS and tracks location for up to nine miles from the handheld device. There are no subscription fees, and you’ll get free updated maps for the life of the product. 

This product is meant for dogs weighing at least thirty-five pounds. 

Best No-Frills Tracker: Tractive LTE GPS Dog Tracker

If you want a GPS tracker for your pup, but you’re doing so on a budget, the Tractive LTE GPS tracker for dogs could be the product for you. Once you’ve purchased the tracker, which is under $40, you can utilize your smartphone to operate the product. You’ll download the Tractive app to your smartphone, and you’ll opt for a subscription plan. No pricing is mentioned for the subscription, so we can’t tell how much this will impact your budget. However, the Tractive tracker appears to be quite a feature-filled product at a low investment price. 

The Tractive tracker is 100 percent waterproof, and it does offer the ability to track activity. The product claims you can monitor your dog’s location and activity from all across the United States, and you can also do this from over 150 countries worldwide. One testimonial claims the pet parent was at the airport monitoring his dog’s location, and he was able to send his dad to find the dog all from the terminal. The product also claims that you can monitor with no limit on the range. (The airport patron’s testimonial would attest to this.)

Like most GPS pet trackers, you can also use this product to set up a virtual fence, but there is no mention of any type of correction – electronic or tonal – to make sure your dog understands where boundaries are. There are no boundary flags included in the product description, which is typically a part of training your dog to accept the boundaries of your yard or property line. The only bad thing we can say about this product is that we have some unanswered questions, and, because this product is so much cheaper than other trackers/collars/virtual fences, we wonder if leaving out some of these features could actually be to the detriment of the user’s satisfaction. 

Great for Small Pets: Jiobit GPS Dog & Cat Location Monitor

This is the first monitor that is made for all sizes of cats and dogs, uses a combination of cellular, GPS, WiFi hotspots, and Bluetooth to provide accurate location settings, and offers an unlimited range for accurate location. It is also fairly easy on the pocketbook too! It is possible that you may incur some expense with the subscription; there is no information on the cost of the subscription or whether it is monthly or annual. However, the product description does state that you’ll receive a discount for every subsequent subscription you purchase (however, that means purchasing multiple tracker receivers in order to take advantage of this discount). 

This Bluetooth tracker allows you to track your pet both indoors and outdoors. It is meant to attach to the collar your pup already wears, and it is water-resistant as well as durable. However, it is made with plastic, so we’re not sure how this product will hold up over time. The mobile app will keep real-time location information on your pet’s whereabouts. The battery lasts up to seven days; the manufacturer offers low battery alerts, which is a boon. However, the WiFi connection and cellular connection of the device could have an effect on the life of the battery. 

Overall, this is a great tracker for smaller dogs, and it does not use electronic correction (that our research shows). This is great for keeping a location on smaller pets that like to wander. 

Best Waterproof Tracker: PETBIZ GPS Pet Tracker

The PetBiz GPS tracker is intended for both dogs and cats, and dogs of all sizes can utilize this product. You’ll get a battery that lasts for thirty days and is rechargeable. The product uses BB-IoT technology, which the company states will give pet parents up to 30 percent more location information than other GPS trackers. 

The PetBiz GPS tracker is reasonably priced, and it will not only track your pup’s location but will also provide activity tracking and nutrition information for your pup as well. In other words, if Fido travels so many steps per day, the PetBiz app will recommend to you exactly how many calories he needs in order to remain healthy. 

The PetBiz product also offers the ability to work as an e-Fence or virtual fence, and the app will alert you if Fido escapes his boundaries. However, there is no mention of tonal or electronic correction to your dog if he breaks that boundary line. For us, that means this tracker offers activity tracking and location information, but not training opportunities. 

One point to note – the PetBiz product will allow you a one-month trial subscription, but, after that, you’ll need to pay at least $2.99 per month for access to the app. The product description mentions “a choice of subscriptions” but does not mention what you get for each subscription level or which subscription offers all the amenities of tracking, activity monitoring, and location information. 

Best Compact Product: FitBark GPS Dog Tracker

If you are looking for an activity tracker that monitors a host of health issues for dogs, then the FitBark could be what you’re looking for. The FitBark monitor’s heart health, your dog’s stress level, monitors the dog’s discomfort level, and can even connect to your personal FitBit so that you can monitor your health with your furry pal! 

However, if you are looking for a GPS tracker in this product, you are out of luck. The product description states that this does NOT monitor location information for dogs. However, some pet parents used the FitBark to monitor whether the dog walker was taking Fido for the walks the dog walker is hired to do and others state they liked how the product monitors for skin issues and separation anxiety. 

Great Looking Collar and Durable: Link AKC Plus Smart Dog Tracker

There are so many good things to say about the Link AKC product! The leather collar looks like an ordinary collar you’d put on your furry pal, and there is no antenna to possibly be ripped off while Fido is on an adventure. The product uses tonal correction once you’ve set up a parameter or virtual fence. 

The only bad thing we can say about the product is that it requires a service plan through ATT, and pricing for the subscription is not listed. 

The product includes a direct link to the Pet Poison Helpline, location tracking across the United States, activity goals based on your dog’s breed and age, the ability to record your pup on a walk, the storage of vet records, and more. Plus, the Link product is reasonably priced. 

What is a GPS dog tracker? 

A GPS dog tracker uses GPS satellite information to give pet parents real-time location information on a dog. The product is often a tracker your dog wears and a handheld device you keep. However, some GPS trackers work by downloading an app on your smartphone. Either way, the tracker is worn on a collar, and the tracker uses GPS to give you real-time location on your smartphone or the handheld. 

GPS is considered highly accurate; however, there are some drawbacks to GPS. Some trackers won’t work properly if the skies are heavily overcast, or there is inclement weather. In addition, some GPS satellites won’t work accurately if the dog is near tall buildings or tall trees. 

Many GPS trackers will tackle this issue by integrating cellular service into the product. That way, if for some reason GPS satellites are not working accurately, you can find the location of your dog by cellular tower signals. 

Most GPS trackers will tell you the location of your pet, if he is traveling the direction he’s traveling, and will do this in real-time. 

Advantages of GPS Dog Trackers 

At one time, dog trackers utilized WiFi or cellular service to detail a dog’s location. With GPS trackers, location information is much more accurate. Most of the GPS trackers on our review list gave the common feature “offers real-time location information.” Plus, most trackers will offer a handheld or the ability to download accurate maps. They also update these maps continually. 

Most GPS dog trackers also offer other amenities besides location information. Some trackers will offer activity monitoring, health monitoring [1], the ability to send information to one’s vet, training opportunities, among other features. 

Different Types of Dog Tracking Devices 

There are a host of dog tracking devices. Some dog tracking devices are simply location accuracy devices that will let you know where your dog is at any given time. However, most dog tracking devices today do so much more. 

Many GPS trackers also work as training devices. They have both tonal and electronic correction capabilities, which means that they can operate as a “shock collar.” However, most of these trackers offer the ability to choose what type of correction you wish to choose. If you feel that electronic correction is not an option, you can choose tonal correction for training your dog. 

Many GPS trackers can also act as virtual fences. This means you can set up a parameter around your property (some trackers can work in a small, backyard area while others cover many miles). Once you set the parameter, the correction is used to reinforce boundaries (pet parents should take the time to train their dog as to the boundaries; many GPS trackers also come with flags you can set up around the virtual fence area, and dogs will remember that the flags represent the boundary). 

Finally, GPS tracking devices can also work as activity trackers. This means they can work just like a FitBit or fitness tracking app works for a human. Some GPS tracking devices will tell how many steps your dog takes, how often they rest, and even others will tell what nutritional information your dog needs based on size, activity level, and breed. 

Tips for Buying Dog GPS Trackers 

First, consider your own personal needs. If you have a small backyard you intend to set up for Fido’s playground, then a GPS tracker that also serves as a virtual fence will work best. You need to make sure that you take time to train your dog, using tonal correction (some GPS devices offer a vibration that is not harmful to your dog – this could also be an option). Once you have trained your dog and he knows the boundaries of the yard, you can feel free to use the GPS tracker to keep him in the yard. 

Some pet parents want a GPS tracker that is also a training device. This is especially true for those working with sporting dogs [2]. They should choose a collar that can accommodate more than one dog; the additional collars are not very expensive, and the handheld device you use to track the sporting dogs will alert you to the whereabouts of all the dogs in your sporting party. 

Some GPS trackers will track up to nine, ten, or more miles from the handheld device. A few are unlimited in their range. You might want to consider one of these trackers if your dog likes to wander. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the best GPS tracker for dogs?

For our money, the Garmin TT tracker works well and is a great value. You’ll get the ability to track and train multiple dogs. The Garmin TT is made to work as an activity tracker as well as a GPS tracker. It has a wide range for locating your dog (or dogs) should one of them run astray. 

Keep in mind that the Garmin TT works best for sporting dogs. It can be used as a training device as well as a tracker, and it can track multiple dogs. It is also one of the best values for your money. 

Are Dog GPS trackers worth it?

If you have a dog that likes to roam, or if you want to set up a virtual fence for your dog, then a GPS tracker is well worth the money! Many GPS trackers serve multiple functions aside from tracking your dog’s location. They can be activity trackers, or they can provide information on the overall health of the dog. Some use GPS trackers as a training tool. 

If any of the above fits your needs for the health and betterment of your dog, then yes, a GPS tracker is well worth the money you’ll spend. 

Is there a GPS tracker for small dogs?

Yes. The PetBiz tracker fits on any size dog’s collar for up-the-minute location information. Trackers that fit on the collar of any dog or trackers that are intended for use by dogs or cats are both sufficient to use for small dogs.