Looking for the best GPS tracker for your dog? These devices can help you pinpoint the location of your missing friend, enabling you to find or rescue them. For this review, we tested 5 GPS trackers for dogs and also incorporated the opinions of experts. We promise that this article will truly assist you 🙂

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Buying Guide

GPS stands for Global Positioning Service, a technology developed by the US Department of Defense.

It continues to be utilized in various fields to this day. You’re probably familiar with its most common applications, such as navigation systems.

For proper dog tracking, satellites are employed. You might be wondering what satellites have to do with the GPS receiver.

You might be curious about how this tracking works. Unfortunately, it’s not a straightforward answer.

Every GPS tracking system utilizes SPS, which stands for Standard Positioning Service. This technology is accessible to everyone. Its accuracy is around 15 meters. Due to a satellite change, the accuracy has been improved to 7.8 meters.

Regarding the tracking of a GPS tracker for dogs, multiple technologies are typically employed.

One well-known technology is GSM. This method of location determination operates via mobile phone networks. Therefore, many GPS trackers for dogs also use SIM cards.

In the following 5 points, we’ll show you what to consider when purchasing a GPS tracker for dogs.

This way, you can ensure that you’ll never lose sight of your beloved companion again.

1. When is a GPS Tracker for Dogs Useful?

In essence, a GPS tracker for dogs is useful when your dog has escaped. Of course, we all want to avoid this situation. After all, you never know what might have happened to the animal.

Perhaps they simply wanted to go on an adventure, or worse, they were stolen.

Purebred dogs are often targeted for theft. These facts are undoubtedly very sad. However, we must face them. Dogs can be stolen, and it could happen to you too.

Therefore, a GPS tracker is an indispensable companion for your dog’s everyday life.

2. The Benefits of a GPS Tracker

A GPS tracker for dogs can be useful in many cases. Even the most obedient dog can suddenly take off if you don’t have them on a leash.

You can never be completely sure that your companion is always nearby.

Especially when a female dog is in heat, she may not always respond to your calls.

The same goes for males. If a male dog smells a female in heat, he will not be able to contain himself and will want to get to her as quickly as possible.

Furthermore, there are some breeds that are true escape artists. For them, not even a garden fence can be a major obstacle.

Some have the ability to simply dig under the fence or free themselves from their collar. They don’t want to upset their owner, but rather explore the surroundings.

Therefore, you won’t be able to get around having a GPS tracker for dogs.

A GPS tracker is particularly popular among hunters. Hunters spend a lot of time with their hunting dogs in the wilderness.

The free-roaming quadrupeds certainly have all the opportunities to romp around in the forest. On the other hand, they can also stray from the hunter and continue to sniff around in the woods.

If his furry companion doesn’t come back to the hunter? Then a GPS tracker can be an excellent solution to quickly find the runaway.

How much does a GPS tracker for dogs cost?

GPS devices for dogs themselves are not a significant cost. The main expenses come from subscription fees, which vary depending on the provider. The fees can vary greatly. There are also trackers available without a subscription. These are suitable, for example, for short-term use on vacation, when otherwise roaming charges would apply. However, in most cases, a SIM card is required in addition to the tracker. Therefore, before the first use, it’s essential to clarify which countries are supported by the provider.

3. GPS Tracker without Monthly Costs

The use of trackers is associated with monthly costs. That’s why many dog owners refrain from purchasing such a device.

The fees are charged by the manufacturers to cover the costs of the SIM cards and the app. However, we believe that the fee is not justified.

Consider over what period of time you really want to use a GPS tracker. This way, you’ll save money.

Otherwise, it may also be that you can do without certain additional features.

Some devices offer the option to pay the service fee for 2 years in advance. This way, you’ll at least save some money.

To put it simply: Unfortunately, there are hardly any models that can be used completely without monthly fees. Most of these devices have a very low purchase price.

However, you have to pay the monthly fees. Then there are the devices that are more expensive. However, the fees are already included in the price.

The price differences after two years of use are rather small. Therefore, when making a purchase, you can focus on the quality of the device.

4. Dogs in Hunting

As mentioned, when choosing the right device, you should focus on quality and reliability.

During hunting, your furry friend will often be on their own. If you can’t locate them anymore, the GPS signal must not fail. Additionally, the risk of injury is higher during hunting.

Therefore, every second counts in such a situation. A missing cell phone signal or failure of the app could become a major problem for you.

GPS trackers for dogs are available for under 100 euros in many cases. However, devices for hunting are more expensive.

But why is that?

Traditional tracking devices rely on an app that serves as a receiver. The devices need an internet connection to function.

In larger forest areas, you don’t always have a mobile network available.

With 4-network SIM cards, you will have reception for SMS. However, the connection to the internet is rather poor.

There are special devices that score points with their accessories. They have an external device with a 3-inch (about 8 cm) touchscreen and a collar.

The collar serves as a transmitter. The receiving device has pre-installed maps for all countries in Europe.

The big advantage here is that you can also use the device offline. This way, you can locate your dog even in forest areas.

5. Additional Features

There are some devices equipped with useful additional features. These include live tracking and the geo-fence.

With live tracking, you can track your beloved pet in real-time.

You don’t have to check all day where your pet is. Additionally, you can quickly find them in an emergency.

As for the geo-fence, it is a special zone or virtual space.

As soon as your dog moves out of the designated zone, you will be notified immediately. This invisible fence is particularly suitable for young dogs or puppies.

Product Reports in Detail

🥇 Top Recommendation

This device is available as a subscription. You pay from $5 per month. After receiving the tracker, you must activate the subscription on the website. The device is used with a SIM card. It is small, lightweight, and waterproof. Furthermore, it allows for precise location tracking and is suitable for pets weighing over 10 pounds (4.5 kg).

This GPS tracker for dogs enables real-time tracking and position history. Moreover, the device can be used in over 150 countries. It is attached to the collar and allows you to determine the exact position of the animal using the Tracktive app or on PC. This way, you will never again fear losing your pet.

>> For the complete Tractive review

Premium Recommendation

This tracker from goTele features real-time tracking, SOS, geo-fencing, offline maps, is waterproof, and shockproof.

A significant advantage is that neither monthly fees, a SIM card, nor a network are required. This tracker is not primarily made for dogs.

Therefore, it offers additional features that you may not necessarily need for your pet. Depending on the location, you can send messages to other goTele devices at a distance of 1 to 5 kilometers without a network connection.

Price-Performance Recommendation

With this device, you can track your dog’s location via an app. It is small, lightweight, about the size of a matchbox, and can be easily attached to a collar or harness without bothering your dog. Additionally, the tracker is waterproof.

You get the tracker as a complete set. The M2M SIM card is already integrated. So you can use the tracker right away, just register online, and you’re good to go.

The device has important alarm functions, such as when your dog leaves a predetermined area. You can easily set up these functions and others in the app. Furthermore, you can train your dog to come back when the tracker emits a sound.

Free App

Like other trackers, a free app is provided where you can view the GPS data. The device is relatively flat and weighs only 30 grams. This means it does not interfere with the dog’s collar.

Additionally, the Simmotrade tracker has a geo-fence function, through which you will be immediately notified on your smartphone if your pet leaves the designated area you set. The GPS tracker has a 500 mAh LI-ion battery. This allows it to remain in standby mode for up to 200 hours. The standby mode turns on automatically after 10 minutes without movement. If your dog starts wandering again, the device will also automatically turn back on.

There is a free website for real-time tracking and route analysis via PC. The tracker has a very robust housing and is therefore also perfect for hunting dogs. The GPS positioning deviates by a maximum of 5 meters.

With Live Tracking

The Pawfit tracker works with an already integrated SIM card with network coverage in Europe and North America. Like the other devices, you need to sign up via a smartphone app and can then read the data.

With unlimited live tracking, you can quickly find your dog with an accurate location, with updates every 5 seconds.

What makes this tracker special is that it can send different alarm signals. For example, when the device is removed from the collar, when your dog crosses the user-defined and virtual boundary, or when the ambient temperature is unusual.

Advantages include remote voice commands. This way, you can train your dog remotely and speak to him even when he is out of earshot. Just play the recorded voice commands from the tracker’s speaker.

Conclusion

When it comes to our furry friends, safety always comes first. A GPS tracker for dogs can be a real lifesaver in case of an escape and gives us the assurance that we can always find our beloved pet quickly and safely.

Even if your dog usually obeys well, they may unexpectedly run away in certain situations. With these devices, you can enjoy nature with your dog without worry, knowing that you can act immediately in case of an emergency.

And the best part: Some devices even offer great additional features like live tracking and geo-fencing. Make sure to choose a high-quality and reliable device so that it works in case of an emergency.

Give your dog the freedom they deserve while also protecting them with a reliable GPS tracker.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some manufacturers of GPS trackers?

Here is a list of manufacturers and brands:

Has there been a test for GPS trackers by Stiftung Warentest?

Unfortunately, Stiftung Warentest has not conducted any tests on GPS trackers for dogs yet.

Is there a GPS implant for dogs?

Certainly, it would be advantageous if there were a GPS implant. Unfortunately, we have to answer this question with no.

There is a misconception that the chip implanted by the veterinarian can also be located via GPS. This rumor is not correct. Rather, it is a chip that you must register your dog with.

This microchip has a unique 15-digit number. It is implanted under the skin of your pet. This way, your loyal friend can be identified by the veterinarian if found alone.

You should also have the chip number recorded in your EU pet passport.

Difference between a dog chip and a GPS tracker

With a chip, you can clearly identify your dog if they are found. However, you cannot track them with this chip.

Real-time dog tracking, on the other hand, is enabled by a GPS tracker for dogs. However, you do not implant this sensor. Instead, you attach it to their collar.

This is because GPS trackers are still too large to implant. Likewise, a power source would also need to be implanted.

Therefore, implantation seems unthinkable up to this point.

Is there an alternative to GPS tracking?

There can be many reasons why you haven’t yet opted for a GPS tracker for dogs.

Perhaps the device is too expensive or too bulky for you. Perhaps you don’t need it because your furry companion never leaves your side.

However, there may still be situations where your dog is briefly out of sight.

For walkers, drivers, or cyclists, they become invisible. This is especially the case in autumn and winter.

To ensure your pet’s safety, you can put a light-up collar on them.

This way, you may not be able to locate them after they disappear, but you can ensure that it never gets that far in the first place.