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The first time I ever heard about a GPS collar for dogs, I was in my backyard tanning. Out of nowhere, a giant bundle of fur came barreling towards me.
At first, I was afraid of the dog. After all, I had no idea whose dog it was, and it was running at me.
Flash forward a couple of minutes and I have a random person knocking on my door. She introduces herself and tells me that she has been tracking her dog who escaped from doggie daycare.
Turns out, she had been tracking her dog for some time, but he kept running away every time she got close enough to get him. Needless to say, I thought the contraption was pretty cool.
This little bundle of fur isn’t the only dog to use this sort of collar though. Because of this fact, my team decided to research the best GPS collar for dogs in Canada this year.
After analyzing 19 products over 45 hours, as well as considering 877 consumer reviews, we have come up with the best GPS collar for dogs.
Spoiler alert, following our last update, our favorite GPS collar for dogs in Canada in 2023 is the Whistle FIT Pet Fitness Tracker. This dog collar tracks your dog, allowing you to monitor all their vitals for optimal health. Plus, it is waterproof!
If you want to know more about our favorite GPS collar for dogs and more, keep reading. This article gives you an extensive review of the seven best options and offers a convenient buying guide for buying assistance. Let’s get the 411 about these products.
Our Top Pick GPS Collar for Dogs in 2023
For owners who want to track nearly every aspect of their dog’s vitals, you won’t find one better than the Whistle FIT Pet Fitness Tracker. Although it does require subscription and the attaching mechanism isn’t necessarily the strongest, this option is by far the most reliable and tracks the most options.
Pros:
- Tracks all your dog’s major vitals
- Tracks you dog’s habits
- Send reports to your vet
- Additional features with the subscription
Cons:
- Subscription requires
- Faulty mechanisms
Our selection of the best models available right now:
GPS Collar for Dogs Comparative Table
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Top Pick
|
Whistle FIT Pet Fitness Tracker
|
9,1
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
Upgrade Pick
|
SportDOG TEK Series 2.0 GPS Tracking System
|
9,2
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
Budget Pick
|
Tracki Mini GPS Tracker
|
8,4
|
Check Price on Amazon |
Our Pick for The Best GPS Collar for Dogs
Presentation of the Whistle FIT Pet Fitness Tracker
The Best Overall
Whistle
The Whistle FIT Pet Fitness Tracker is a nifty little device that allows you to access all of your dog’s vitals and monitor their health habits. Whether you have a healthy dog or need to make sure your dog loses a few pounds, this GPS collar can help your dog reach its fitness goals in no time.
Whistle FIT Pet Fitness Tracker Video Review
What We Think of the Whistle FIT Pet Fitness Tracker
To get started, simply charge up the tracker, attach it to the blue collar attachment, and it is almost ready to start tracking your dog’s vitals. The last thing you need to do is subscribe to Whistle Fit, which you can pay for either monthly or annually.
Once you subscribe, you can start tracking your dog’s vitals immediately. What we really like about this collar is that it tracks everything about your dog’s health. This includes their activity levels, distance, calories, and more. It even tracks common patterns or habits, such as drinking, scratching, or licking.
Based on the result, you can actually send a 30 day report to your vet so that they can see the statistics in front of them in the case that there is an issue. Is your vet off duty? Don’t worry, the plan also comes with an on demand vet for immediate questions.
Another really unique feature about the Whistle FIT Pet Fitness Tracker is that it comes with a personalized nutrition calculator. You can get a customized diet based on your dog’s age, behaviors, breed, and more. Plus, it comes with health reminders so that you don’t forget about treatments, vets, or anything else.
This is a very good quality collar. I purchased the Squirrel Grey color, and it is pretty slate or dark grey. Overall, I’m very happy. It is well built and is made with high quality materials. Pay attention to sizing.
DeeJay
Although this collar is overall our best choice, it does come with some drawbacks. Most people don’t want to pay for a GPS collar when they also have to pay for a subscription. This makes it not the most affordable option.
Additionally, the GPS collar has some faulty mechanisms, which makes it difficult for the tracking bit to stay attached to the collar. Obviously, a GPS tracker that isn’t attached to your dog won’t do you much good.
With those downsides in mind, the Whistle FIT Pet Fitness Tracker is the overall best option because it is waterproof and tracks so many of your dog’s vitals. Your dog is sure to live a long happy life with this nifty tool!
Whistle FIT Pet Fitness Tracker Specifications
- Brand: Whistle
- What’s Included: White Fit Tracker, 1 Hook and Loop Attachment, 1 Charging Cable, 1 Quick Start Guide
- Size Options: small, Small-Medium, Medium-Large, Large-XL
- Color Options: Green, Bolt Blue, Petal Pink, See Me Green, See Me Pink, Squirrel Grey, Whistle Camo
Whistle FIT Pet Fitness Tracker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Tracks all your dog’s major vitals
- Tracks you dog’s habits
- Send reports to your vet
- Additional features with the subscription
Cons
- Subscription requires
- Faulty mechanisms
Our Final Opinion About the Whistle FIT Pet Fitness Tracker
Quality 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.2 out of 5.0 stars
For owners who want to track nearly every aspect of their dog’s vitals, you won’t find one better than the Whistle FIT Pet Fitness Tracker. Although it does require subscription and the attaching mechanism isn’t necessarily the strongest, this option is by far the most reliable and tracks the most options.
Our Upgrade Pick for a GPS Collar for Dogs
Presentation of the SportDOG TEK Series 2.0 GPS Tracking System
Best For Frequent Flyers
SportDOG
Do you remember the GPS tracker we mentioned in the introduction? This is the one we were talking about. The SportDOG TEK Series 2.0 GPS Tracking System is the ultimate GPS dog tracker for dogs that are frequent flyers or tend to escape often. Though it costs quite a bit of money, you are guaranteed to find your dog, no matter what.
SportDOG TEK Series 2.0 GPS Tracking System Video Review
What We Think of the SportDOG TEK Series 2.0 GPS Tracking System
There is very little we don’t like about the SportDOG TEK Series 2.0 GPS Tracking System. Starting with the basics, it is incredibly powerful and accurate, allowing you to track your dog for 16 kilometers. Yes, you read that right. This system can track your dog for up to 16 kilometers. By working between the 902-928 MHz frequency, it works much like a high power walkie talkie.
If your dog gets into puddles or even fully swims while on the run, you don’t have to worry about the collar breaking either. It comes with DryTEK technology that is waterproof and submersible for up to 7.6 meters.
This is also a great option if you have more than one dog. It is expandable for up to 21 dogs, and it comes with additional add a dog collars, allowing all of the dogs to pop up on your handheld GPS screen.
This is the best system for tracking your dog. I lost mine twice in four years because of fireworks. I live in a subdivision next to a large forest. I can now track my dog no matter where he goes. The system is easy to set up and it was easy to use. Plus, the collar itself was rugged and great quality.
Old Yukoner
The one thing that makes the SportDOG TEK Series 2.0 GPS Tracking System less than ideal for most people is the price. This GPS system is over 8 times more expensive than our best overall pick, making it completely out of most people’s price range. If you can front the price, however, it comes with unlimited lifetime map updates, which is a plus.
For those who can afford a nearly $1000 system, you won’t find one better than the SportDOG TEK Series 2.0 GPS Tracking System. Its extreme range and power makes it the most accurate and reliable on the market, especially for frequent flyers. Just be ready to pay for it up front.
SportDOG TEK Series 2.0 GPS Tracking System Specifications
- Brand: SportDOG Brand
- What’s Included: Handheld device with antenna, GPS collar on red collar strap, Charging cradle, Adaptor, USB cable, Quick start guide, Lanyard, Gear bag, Basic training DVD and manual, Long contact points, Test light
- Size Options: One
- Color Options: One
SportDOG TEK Series 2.0 GPS Tracking System Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Wide tracking range
- Waterproof
- Lifetime of updates
- Durable
Cons
Cons
- Very expensive
Our Final Opinion About the SportDOG TEK Series 2.0 GPS Tracking System
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 3.5 out of 5.0 stars
Price aside, the SportDOG TEK Series 2.0 GPS Tracking System is the best GPS collar for frequent flyers. With a killer range and waterproof design, you will be able to track your dog no matter where they go.
Our Budget Pick for a GPS Collar for Dogs
Presentation of the Tracki Mini GPS Tracker
Best Value Pick
Tracki
If the thought of paying for our last recommended GPS horrified you, don’t worry. You’re not alone. That’s why we wanted to put the Tracki Mini GPS Tracker as our value pick. This GPS dog collar is affordable enough for anyone, yet it provides worldwide coverage to keep your pup safe.
Tracki Mini GPS Tracker Video Review
What We Think of the Tracki Mini GPS Tracker
The Tracki Mini GPS Tracker is a great tracking option for your dog, though it isn’t specifically made as a dog collar. With the magnet and belt clip, you simply attach the tracker to your dog’s collar, and it is good to go. It is about a third of the weight of many other options, and easily a third of the price.
The first thing we love about this product is its price. Many GPS dog collars are overly priced and simply cost a lot because they sound fancy. This GPS tracker, on the other hand, is fairly priced, though it does require a monthly fee. Still, you can use this product for many months without ever paying as much as you would on our last pick.
Another unique feature about this tracker is that it can be used worldwide. Most trackers work on a frequency or signal, meaning that they are country specific. This tracker, however, works with an international SIM card, allowing you to use it anywhere. Because of its versatility, the value goes up even more because it can go with you anywhere.
This is an amazing product, and I don’t know why more people don’t use it in their car too!
Dan
In addition to worldwide usage, it comes with customer support and they will send you a new tracker if the original one is lost. These two features increase the value even more, making it one of the best options for the money.
As you would expect with a budget pick, this isn’t the most attractive tracker. Even though it is lightweight, it looks really clunky. Plus, it is difficult to cancel the subscription. You will definitely need to talk to live support to do so.
Despite this huge drawback, you really can’t go wrong with the Tracki Mini GPS Tracker for its price. Not only is it more affordable upfront, but it comes with great value because of its great service, replacement systems, and more.
Tracki Mini GPS Tracker Specifications
- Brand: Tracki
- What’s Included: Device, Magnet, Belt clip, Key-chain, lanyard
- Size Options: One
- Color Options: One
Tracki Mini GPS Tracker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Track with app
- Tracker replacement if first is lost
- Versatile
Cons
- Unattractive
- Not made for dogs specifically
- Difficult subscription
Our Final Opinion About the Tracki Mini GPS Tracker
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Those on a budget will love the Tracki Mini GPS Tracker for its affordable price up front and long term value. Even though it isn’t the most attractive option on the market, you will certainly get your money’s worth for it, all while tracking your dog. That’s a win-win if you ask us!
Alternative Products to Consider
Presentation of the Tractive LTE GPS Dog Tracker
Location + Activity Tracker
Tractive
So far, every dog GPS collar we have looked at is either a location or activity tracker. The Tractive LTE GPS Dog Tracker is both in one, though, making it one of the best alternate products to consider.
Tractive LTE GPS Dog Tracker Video Review
What We Think of the Tractive LTE GPS Dog Tracker
The Tractive LTE GPS Dog Tracker provides live tracking, location, and activity monitoring for your dog. Whether you need a GPS tracker to help your dog lose weight or ensure that they don’t escape their fence, this is the tracker for you.
In terms of live tracking, the collar pinpoints your dog’s location. It even keeps history of all of the locations your dog visits for additional help. When you first get the collar, you can define a safe area. Every time your dog crosses the virtual fence, you will get notified.
Additionally, we like this tracker because it offers activity monitoring as well. In other words, it is an integrated dog fitness tracker that can help your dog stay fit or lose weight as needed.
This is a great tracker. I had to travel and leave my dog with my family. This gave me peace of mind even though I was 1500 miles away. I loved the virtual fence. It also told me whenever the battery was low. I would call them and make sure they charged it. All around, this tracker gave me great peace of mind while I was away.
Gina L.
The last thing we really like about this product is that it also offers worldwide location tracking. Of the four products we have looked at, this is only the second one that offers worldwide capabilities. The attachment is good in over 150 countries. You can also update the free app through iOS, Android, or any web browser.
Like all of the other GPS collars on this list, this one does require a subscription, which is a definite drawback. Additionally, the tracker does die pretty fast, which means you need to stay on top of charging it or else it could die while your pup has escaped.
If you stay on top of charging the collar, however, this one will help your dog stay safe and fit now and in the future. You can also use it with cats, which is a plus!
Tractive LTE GPS Dog Tracker Specifications
- Brand: Tracki
- What’s Included: GPS Tracker, Manual, USB Cable
- Size Options: One
- Color Options: One
Tractive LTE GPS Dog Tracker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- GPS tracker and fitness tracker in one
- Virtual fence
- Worldwide tracking
- Affordable
Cons
- Requires a subscription
- Dies quickly
Our Final Opinion About the Tractive LTE GPS Dog Tracker
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
The Tractive LTE GPS Dog Tracker is a great two in one because it allows you to check your dog’s location all while helping it reach its fitness goals. Although it does die pretty quickly, it has nifty notifications that tells your phone anytime your dog has escaped, the tracker needs charged, and more.
Presentation of the Garmin T5 GPS Dog Collar
Rugged Use Pick
Garmin
If you live in a more rural environment, you probably want something a bit more sensitive and stronger than the other collars we have mentioned so far. The Garmin T5 GPS Dog Collar is by far the best option you should get if your dog may find itself in more extreme conditions.
Garmin T5 GPS Dog Collar Video Review
What We Think of the Garmin T5 GPS Dog Collar
When you first look at the picture of this dog collar, you may be alarmed by the giant antenna that comes off it. Though unattractive, it really helps to protect your dog in the case that it gets lost in some extreme circumstances.
The Garmin T5 GPS Dog Collar is a high sensitivity GPS with GLONASS. The device itself comes with a rechargeable battery, but you can add an extended range antenna in the case that you go hunting or somewhere else more rural with your dog.
In addition to the high range antenna, it also comes with an LED beacon light and rescue mode. These two features are unique to this collar in that most trackable dog collars do not come with anything of the sort. This is definitely a great addition for dogs that may find themselves in extreme conditions.
This collar works great, and it makes hunting more fun. It is compatible with my Astro 320. Make sure you update your Garmin before using it, though. If you don’t update it, it won’t work.
Allen
Plus, the entire system is water resistant up to 10 meters. This is a special and needed feature given that the collar is designed for more tough usage.
The biggest downside of this collar is its lifespan. It only stays charged for about 20 to 40 hours. This wouldn’t be an issue in the city but given that this collar is designed for more rugged use, we wish it would last longer in the case you couldn’t get to your pup in time.
Hopefully, you would be able to find your dog before the collar died, though. Regardless of the battery lifespan, this really is the top option for active dogs with rural and rugged needs.
Garmin T5 GPS Dog Collar Specifications
- Brand: Garmin
- What’s Included: Dog tracking device, rechargeable battery, collar strap, standard and extended range antenna, charge clip
- Size Options: One
- Color Options: One
Garmin T5 GPS Dog Collar Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Sensitive GPS
- Extended range antenna included
- Water resistant
- LED light and rescue mode
Cons
- Short battery life
- Expensive
Our Final Opinion About the Garmin T5 GPS Dog Collar
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
If you plan to take your dog hunting or in some other more extreme condition, select the Garmin T5 GPS Dog Collar. Even though it does have a short battery life, it comes with safety features to keep your pooch safe, even during a worst case scenario.
Presentation of the Whistle Go Explore
Lightweight Pick
Whistle
If you are experiencing a bit of DeJa’Vu, it’s not because you’re crazy. This GPS dog collar is the same brand as our best overall pick. We recommend the Whistle Go Explore because of its small and lightweight option, allowing your dog to stay on the go.
Whistle Go Explore Video Review
What We Think of the Whistle Go Explore
The Whistle Go Explore is a two in one GPS dog collar that is comfortable and lightweight. It provides you real time location tracking and health monitoring. This is a great all-in-one tool. Plus, it is lightweight so that it doesn’t disrupt your dog’s playing.
Like the other Whistle GPS collar, you must subscribe. Once you subscribe, you have real time location tracking with AT&T nationwide network. Using Google Maps, you can easily locate your pet, no matter where they are located.
The Whistle Go Explore also tracks your dog’s health and fitness, much like the already mentioned best overall pick. It can send you weekly notifications and wellness reports that monitor things like your dog’s sleeping or licking habits. You can even send a 30 day report to your vet.
I bought this a month ago as a secondary safety feature for my dog. I absolutely love it, but I don’t know what to do when there’s no signal, like in the back country. The battery life is great, though it depends on how much activity your dog does. I’m curious to use this more!
Lenka S.
For further health and fitness, it also tracks your dog’s activities and allows you to set goals. Based on your dog’s breed, age, and weight, it even offers food portion recommendations to help your dog stay at an optimal and healthy weight.
Even though this is an overall good option, it is primarily only good for those with AT&T already. Though you do not need AT&T for this to work, many users complained that it was difficult to use and utilized without access to their own AT&T service. Even if you do have AT&T, this collar is limited whenever there is no signal.
For those with AT&T, the Whistle Go Explore is a great choice because it allows your dog to stay active and explore without holding them down or the risk of being lost.
Whistle Go Explore Specifications
- Brand: Whistle
- What’s Included: Device, Magnet, Belt clip, Key-Chain, lanyard
- Size Options: One
- Color Options: Magenta, Blue, Green, Taupe, Grey
Whistle Go Explore Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- GPS tracker and fitness tracker in one
- Lightweight
- Send reports to your vet
- Addition features with the subscription
Cons
Cons
- Subscription required
- Not ideal for those without AT&T
- Does not work when signal is down or lost
Our Final Opinion About the Whistle Go Explore
Quality 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
The Whistle Go Explore is a great lightweight choice if you want a second eye on your dog. You should definitely only use it if you live in the city or somewhere else with consistent AT&T coverage.
Presentation of the PETFON Pet GPS Tracker
Subscription-Free Pick
PETFON
Finally! A GPS collar that does not come with a subscription. The PETFON Pet GPS Tracker allows you to track your dog in real time without the need to pay a monthly or annual fee. Though it is more expensive upfront than many of the other options, at least you don’t have to be hassled by monthly payments!
PETFON Pet GPS Tracker Video Review
What We Think of the PETFON Pet GPS Tracker
The PETFON Pet GPS Tracker is designed so that it can track your dog in real time. Simply follow the instructions with the PETFON app, and you will be able to pinpoint your dog’s location at any point. If your dog is lost when it is dark outside, the collar can even light up, making it easier for your dog to be spotted.
Something else that’s great about this option is that you can define a safe area. Anytime your dog leaves this area, you get a notification on your phone. Plus, you can activate voice commands into the collar that you can control through your phone.
Many GPS dog collars are bulky and ugly, but not this one. The PETFON Pet GPS Tracker is incredibly small and compact, meaning that it won’t disrupt your dog whenever they’re playing or trying to get comfy. It also won’t look like an eyesore to you.
I have a hunting Beagle who’s a great dog, but she can run away. I’ve been using this tracker to track her. I love it. The tracker actually fell off my dog in a swampy area and they gave me a new tracker at a discounted price, despite the fact that it was NO way their fault that it fell off. It has worked great for me and I love their customer service!
David C.
The biggest issue we have with this product, and the reason why it is listed last on this roundup, is that it doesn’t track long distance. When in dense spaces (like in a city), it can only track up to 0.65 miles. In open spaces, it can track 3.5 miles. This is not enough coverage for super quick or curious dogs.
It also only has a lifespan that last between 8 to 16 hours. This won’t even last you an entire day, which seems a bit useless in certain scenarios.
PETFON Pet GPS Tracker Specifications
- Brand: PETFON
- What’s Included: PETFON tracker, charging station, instructions
- Size Options: One
- Color Options: One
PETFON Pet GPS Tracker Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Subscription-free
- Compact
- Voice commands
- Light up
Cons
Cons
- Short range
- Short battery life
Our Final Opinion About the PETFON Pet GPS Tracker
Quality 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.2 out of 5.0 stars
The PETFON Pet GPS Tracker is a leading dog GPS collar because it is subscription free and comes with a number of useful features for whenever your dog is lost. It might not be the best option for rambunctious dogs, but it can be a great sense of security.
Presentation of the Apple AirTag 4 Pack
The Multi-Pack Alternative
Apple
The Apple AirTag 4 pack is the best thing to buy if you want to keep track of your pet as well as other items. Setup to an iPhone is an incredibly easy and quick process, and the range is essentially limitless as long as there are other iPhones around. It is the best choice for keeping track of multiple essentials, pet included.
Apple AirTag 4 Pack Video Review
What We Think of the Apple AirTag 4 Pack
An Apple AirTag does not work like other dog trackers. Rather than emitting its own signal that connects to a handheld device or app, an Apple AirTag relies on the presence of other iPhones. It can only be tracked if an iPhone is within 30 ft and has Bluetooth enabled, but since your phone can use the location of all other iPhones to track the tag, the range is essentially limitless in a populated environment.
These tags can be useful for tracking keys, wallets, luggage, backpacks, and even your lost dog or cat. It isn’t the best option for off leash hikes in remote areas, due to the absence of other iPhones in that kind of environment, but it is incredibly efficient and precise for tracking animals loose in a neighborhood, for example. It is water resistant and therefore protected against water damage. It is quite prone to scuffs, however.
My little dog is an escae artist, so I decided to get a tracker to put on her collar. I have been an Apple user for a long time, so the AirTag seemed like the right fit. It was really easy to set up and I like that the range is essentially limitless as long as there are iPhones around. Since she only ever gets loose in the neighborhood, its really easy to find her quickly.
jenna m.
Once your phone is within 30 ft of the item or animal, the tracker tag can make a sound to help you pinpoint its location. You will need to purchase attachment straps separately, but the 4-pack itself is fairly affordable, especially since each tracker battery lasts for up to a year. Setup is incredibly easy, but keep in mind it is only usable by iPhone users.
Apple AirTag 4 Pack Specifications
- Color: Silver
- Range: 30ft within an iPhone
- Waterproof: Water resistant
- App or Handheld Unit: App
Apple AirTag 4 Pack Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Has a built in speaker to help locate small items
- Easily attaches to a dog collar and app pairing is very easy
- Can use the location of other iPhones (securely) to expand range infinitely
- No subscription needed like many other pet trackers
Cons
Cons
- Requires user to have an iPhone, and can only be tracked if other iPhones are within 30 ft
- Straps for attachment need to be purchased separately
- Designed for items instead of pets, so missing some common features like activity tracking
Our Final Opinion About the Apple AirTag 4 Pack
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Apple AirTag 4 pack is an excellent choice for anyone with the desire to track all of your important items or multiple animals from a single device. It has its limitations, but it doesn’t require a subscription and has the most unique tracking system of any GPS dog collar on the market.
Why Should You Trust Us?
All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks. The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.
What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?
- Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
- Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
- Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
- Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?
In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.
In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.
Things to Know Before Buying a GPS Collar for Dogs
What is the point of a GPS collar for dogs?
A GPS collar can help you and your dog in three ways: activity tracking, location tracking, or both. Activity tracking can help your dog much like your own Fitbit or Apple Watch will. It helps track calories and other nutritional goals. This is a great option for overweight dogs who need to lose weight.
Location tracking will help out in the case that your dog escapes or gets lost. This is a great option for city dogs who don’t necessarily know not to run away. It is also great for hunting in more rugged environments when your dog could get injured while out and about.
Why does my GPS collar come with a subscription?
Almost all GPS dog collars come with a subscription. The subscription is necessary because most dog collars work with a cellular service. Without the cellular service, there wouldn’t be a way to actively monitor the dogs action’s or locations.
How accurate are GPS dog collars?
No GPS dog collar is 100% accurate, but some are more accurate than others. The accuracy will depend on multiple factors, such as the service signal strength, interference, and clear line of sight. All of these factors will make it difficult to pinpoint your dog’s exact location, but it should get you close enough to your dog that you should be able to spot or call them.
How to Properly Choose Your GPS Collar for Dogs
Picking the right GPS dog collar can be tough since all manufacturers try to up sell their products. To make sure you make an informed decision, here are the four most important factors to think about in order to choose the right collar for your dog:
Battery Life
To us, battery life is the very first factor you should consider. Many GPS tracking collars have incredibly short battery lives, which require you to charge them nearly every day. This is a big red flag to us because a dead GPS collar is a non-tracking collar. The last thing you want is for the collar to die while your dog is lost.
Select a GPS that can last a couple of days without charging. More extensive collars, such as those made for the outdoors and rugged scenarios, will have shorter battery life spans because they won’t be used constantly. If you want this to be your dogs go-to collar, make sure it has a long battery life.
Range and Accuracy
The second most important factor to consider is range and accuracy. Much like a dead collar, a collar with a short range means nothing if your dog goes past the range. More so, the collar isn’t very helpful if it doesn’t accurately pinpoint your dog’s location.
Any reputable GPS dog collar will tell you the suitable range. Select one that meets your specific needs. Options with longer ranges will have a shorter battery span. For some people, they might not need a long range. Simply select a range that makes the most sense for you and your pup.
Durability
Let’s face it, even the most well behaved dogs get into a lot of messy situations. Make sure your GPS collar is durable and able to stand up against rain, mud, and impact. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on a GPS collar only for it to break prematurely. Make sure that it is made from high quality materials that are also water resistant.
Tracking Device
Finally, the last factor to consider is the tracking device itself and its tracking mechanism. Most tracking devices today are connected to cellular service, which allows you to download an app. This is a super convenient feature that all people love.
If you anticipate taking your dog out of cellular range often, you might want to opt for a radio-based signal instead. This will offer more consistent service, but it is definitely bulkier and more expensive. Select a tracking device and mechanism that makes the most sense for you and your dog.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of GPS Collar for Dogs allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.
