Pet-Friendly Smart Home Series: GPS Trackers for Dogs and Cats.
You may have heard the story of Bobbie the Wonder Dog, a mix breed shepherd that traveled over 2,500 miles to return home to his family after going missing. However, this story seems to be the exception. When most families lose their dogs, they are unlikely to find them again so easily. Statistics from the ASPCA show that only 6% of dog owners were able to find their missing pet at a local animal shelter. This can be heartbreaking for everyone involved, as most consider our dogs part of the family.
To prevent your dog from going missing, the ASPCA and vets permanently across the United States recommend that you put a tracking device on your pet. Dogs with trackers have the best chance of being recovered. Cellular-based GPS collars are a real-time solution to a missing pet when every second counts. These collars allow you to always see your dog’s location and set a geofence. This means you get an alert whenever your dog wanders outside the secured area. To help you keep your pet safe, we have listed the 8 Best GPS Trackers for Dogs below.
Dogtra Pathfinder
The Dogtra Pathfinder is one of our list’s most powerful dog trackers. This dog collar has a built-in GPS tracker with a range of 9 miles and can be expanded to trace up to 21 dogs at a time. The device is easily adjustable and fits dogs of all sizes. It includes e-collar technology, which provides a quicker way of tracking and training your dogs from your smartphone.
The Dogtra Pathfinder operates without using cellular data by running in offline map mode. It is a one-time purchase, as you do not have to pay for expensive monthly navigation packages.
With this product, you will gain access to Google Maps and the ability to set up customizable geofence alerts. This e-collar enables you to track your pet with better live-action detail and accuracy, as it has a quick two-second update rate and powerful zoom capacity. The maps are also updated regularly to ensure precision. Customers love that the collar is fully waterproof and features 3.5-hour rapid-charge batteries. Most buyers confirmed that they are now more relaxed about their dog’s safety since they purchased the Dogtra Pathfinder.
Garmin TT 15 Mini Dog Device
The Garmin Mini Dog Device is specially designed with your small dog in mind. This collar fits dogs that measure as little as 9.5″ in neck circumference. It is also lightweight, enabling your tiny pup to carry it easily and prevent the device from slipping off. The collar features a sleep mode that saves battery by turning the device off using your smartphone. However, when fully charged, the battery is expected to last from 16 to 30 hours, providing you with constant updates on your dog’s location. The Garmin Mini Dog Device is waterproof, so you can rest assured that it is safe for your pup to wear while on a rainy day walk.
Customers love that the collar is water resistant for up to 10 meters and trackable for 9 miles. This comforts them that their dog will be safe in all different terrains. Most buyers compliment the product’s features and ability to control even the most unruly dogs.
Marco Polo Pet Tracking System
If you have a giant bear as a life companion and wish to keep them safe, then the Eureka Marco Polo Advanced Pet Monitoring System may be perfect for you. One of the best features of this product is that it works virtually everywhere in the United States, allowing you to travel worry-free with your beloved pet. The device is entirely self-contained and works without using outside connections or GPS. The system is a one-time purchase and does not come with any costly monthly fees.
If you lose your dog, you only need to press a single button to begin the search with real-time distance and direction updates. The tracking tags included with this device are manufactured with extended swimming sessions and rugged terrains in mind, allowing this collar to be perfect for your active pet. Customers love that this collar’s rechargeable battery can last up to 6 weeks and that they no longer have to continually monitor their dog as this device does it for them.
Findster Duo+ Pet Tracker
The Findster Duo+ Pet Tracker allows you to track up to 3 dogs using the same device. This tracker lets you set up a confined area where your pet can roam safely, and it also works as a pet activity monitor, helping you check your pet’s fitness and activity levels. Because this device does not depend on cellular coverage, it works everywhere, including when you’re off-grid.
The collar is waterproof and shock-resistant, allowing you to take your pet everywhere.
Customers love that they receive a range of over 3 miles in most outdoor areas. The battery life of this product has also gotten a lot of compliments, with most buyers saying that their charges last for up to 3 days.
Garmin T5 GPS Dog Collar
This is our second product on the list by Garmin, and that is because this company has worked hard to make itself one of the best in the business. Many pet owners swear that Garmin is the reason they were reunited with their loving pets after they went missing. The high-sensitivity GPS comes with a range of 9 miles and boasts an impressive map system. This collar includes LED beacon lights and Rescue mode to ensure your pet is found as soon as possible.
Most buyers love that they do not have to constantly recharge the device as one full charge gives you 40 hours of usage. The collar allows you to walk in the rain and visit the beach because it is water resistant for up to 10 meters.
Tractive 3G Dog GPS Tracker and Pet Finder
The Tractive Dog GPS Tracker is a lightweight GPS tracking device for large to medium dogs. This product is like a tag you can easily attach to your dog’s collar or harness. With this tag on, your pet can be tracked in real time, and the location of your puppy is always available to you. This device can also provide you with a full location history of your pet. This feature is especially useful in your dog is petnapped. Tractive allows you to define a safe area with the Virtual Fence feature and get instant alerts if your pet wanders from the field.
However, customers’ favorite feature of this product is its ability to be used in over 150 countries. You can manage all of the device’s features and access your pet’s location using the free Tractive GPS app or any browser from anywhere in the world. This means that you can now keep an eye on your pet even when you go on vacation.
Whistle 3 GPS Pet Tracker & Activity Monitor
The Whistle 3 GPS Pet Tracker & Activity Monitor provides concerned dog owners a way to monitor their pets nationwide. The device sends you updates on your pet’s location via text, app, or email. You can also use the app to check your pet’s location history over the last 24 hours to see what they were up to.
The Whistle 3 includes an activity monitor to help you ensure that your dog receives the right amount of exercise for its age and breed.
Most customers love that The Whistle 3 has a longer battery life of 7 days compared to similar GPS trackers on the market. However, many buyers complain that because this device is identical to a cell phone for your dog, it requires a monthly subscription plan for cellular connectivity.
Hangang Pet Tracker
The Hangang Pet Tracker is one of the easiest-to-use dog trackers on our list. This device has its own app that lets you get real-time updates about your dog’s location. You can also use the app to monitor tracker features such as Low Battery Alarms and Geo-Fence.
Most customers say they love using this device to monitor multiple dogs simultaneously. They also comment on how easily you can charge the Hangang Pet Tracker using the included wall adaptor.
However, as with the previous device, this device also requires a monthly subscription. Because it is similar to your cell phone, this tracker offers cellular service using an integrated SIM card. This company can be reached at all times using its customer service staff.
Keep Your Dog Safe
If you’re a dog owner, you must know they can find unbelievable ways of escaping. Sometimes several hours or days can pass before you realize your pet is missing. Nearly 40% of all dogs feel some sort of noise anxiety which can cause them to frighten quickly. Under this type of fear, your dog may get very far quickly, and it can be difficult for you to find them. A dog GPS tracker lets you track your dog on your phone until you can reunite with them.