The mere thought of losing your furry friend can be nerve-wracking. Whether you own a dog that loves to wander off from your yard or an avid hunter who constantly disappears during a walk in the forest, investing in a GPS tracker can offer a sense of security.
Image credits: Skyler Ewing
It’s a small device but packs a powerful punch, guaranteeing your canine companion’s safety even when they explore beyond their usual boundaries. Once you equip your furry friend with a GPS tracker, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you can quickly locate them.
We at Bored Panda have dedicated hours of research to find the best trackers available. Our criteria for selection included the range, reliability, and price, but most importantly, the absence of a subscription. Unlike many other options in the market, the dog trackers on our list offer reliable tracking without additional costs.
The information provided herein is for informational purposes only. Please refer to our disclaimer for more details.
Our Community Picks
Best Overall: Apple AirTag 4 $24.00
Runner-Up: Cube Tracker $24.95
Also Great: Pitpat Dog GPS Tracker $219.99
Note: All prices and deals listed are accurate as of the time of publishing. Please check the provided links for the most current pricing.
Smart Phone Compatible GPS Trackers
Bluetooth trackers or item finders are becoming popular with pet owners. It’s a plus if the tracker works with your phone, but some are brand-specific.
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Apple AirTag 4
Dimensions: 1.26 x 0.31 inches | Water Resistant: Splash, water and dust resistant | Battery Life: Up to a year | Weight: 0.39 ounces
The Apple AirTag 4 is affordable, easy to set up, and an extremely compact pet tracker. Many pet owners rely on the Apple AirTag to chase their belongings, including keys, wallets, and pets. This small and lightweight device has received numerous positive reviews from happy customers.
The AirTag is easy to attach to a pet’s collar and doesn't cause any discomfort. It must be paired with an iPhone and only syncs for a few minutes. It uses Bluetooth to connect when nearby or to other Apple devices when further away. AirTag works best in urban areas but may be less practical in remote locations.
What We Like:
• Affordable
• Small size
• Long battery life
What We Don’t Like:
• Limited service in the countryside
SAMSUNG Galaxy SmartTag2
Dimensions: 1.13 x 2.06 x 0.31 inches | Water Resistant: Yes, up to 30 minutes | Battery Life: Up to 500 days | Weight: 0.39 ounces
SAMSUNG Galaxy SmartTag2 is designed to work with SAMSUNG devices, and you’ll receive a notification on your phone if the tag isn't in close proximity. If you’re unsure about your dog’s whereabouts, simply turn on the “search nearby” mode, and the compass mode will guide you to them.
This intelligent tag connects via Bluetooth and can reach up to 120 meters, which is perfect for small spaces like dog parks and yards but not particularly useful if your dog has run off down the street.
The battery life of this tag is phenomenal, lasting almost a year and a half. Plus, it can be extended by 40% if used in power-saving mode.
What We Like:
• Low-cost option
• Reliable GPS tracker at short distances
• Very long battery life
What We Don’t Like:
• Not practical for long-range application
Compact GPS Trackers for Collars
Pet trackers should be small, lightweight, and discrete. They need to attach easily to the pet’s collar without causing any discomfort.
Cube Tracker
Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 x 0.25 inches | Water Resistant: Yes | Battery Life: Up to a year | Weight: 0.39 ounces
Cube Tracker can alert you to your dog’s whereabouts by ringing, vibrating, or flashing. It has its own app, making it compatible with Android and iOS devices.
However, the range of the tracker is only within 100 feet of your phone. This means you must be close to your dog for the tracker to work effectively.
What We Like:
• Inexpensive
• Easy to use
• Small enough to use it with a collar
What We Don’t Like:
• Tracker will stop working once you are more than 100 feet from your dog
Pitpat Dog GPS Tracker
Dimensions: 8.58 x 5.98 x 0.91 inches | Water Resistant: Yes | Battery Life: Several weeks | Weight: 1.06 ounces
PitPat Dog GPS Tracker doesn't store your dog’s location history but can pinpoint their real-time location with impressive accuracy within a few meters. This is made possible through the tracker’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies.
We’re big fans of the Pitpat app accompanying the GPS pet tracker, which provides valuable insights such as weight tracking and exercise goals for your furry friend. This is particularly useful for those trying to help their dogs shed some extra pounds.
The PitPat tracker is versatile, compatible with any collar type, and comes in a range of colors.
What We Like:
• iOs and Android-compatible
• A one-time purchase
• Wireless charging
• Unlimited range
• Activity tracking monitor works like a Fitbit
What We Don’t Like:
• Velcro straps could be sturdier on a $200+ gadget
Garmin Alpha T20 Tracking Collar
Dimensions: 3.2 x 1.8 x 1.4 inches | Water Resistant: No | Battery Life: 68 hours (136 with expandable pack) | Weight: 9.2 ounces
Garmin Alpha T20 Collar is a fantastic device that can be paired with Garmin handheld tracking devices. It isn't a tracker that can be used with your phone, but it enjoys and excellent reputation among the hunting and working dog community.
The collar uses Wi-Fi technology and radio GPS, with an impressive range of 9 miles. It updates every 2.5 seconds, allowing you to track your dog’s movements in real-time. The collar is designed to fit a variety of breeds and comes equipped with LED lights to help you identify your pet, even in low-light situations.
What We Like:
• Robust built quality
• Great for tracking and training
• 9-mile range
• Option for extended battery life
• One-time purchase
What We Don’t Like:
• Compatible handheld device isn't included
Wireless Fence Devices
Wireless pet containment systems prevent dogs from escaping and getting lost. They consist of a transmitter and a receiver device (collar) that allows you to see where your dog is on your property. During training, the boundaries should be set out in real life so your pet knows where the boundary is. Keep in mind that these collars aren't suitable for every pet, and it is worth discussing with your vet before making a purchase.
Petsafe Stay and Play Wireless Pet Fence
Dimensions: 11.49 x 11.65 x 10.31 inches | Water Resistant: Yes | Battery Life: 2 months
With PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Pet Fence, you can create an invisible boundary around your yard of up to 3-4 acres to keep your furry friends safe and secure within their territory. The best part is that there’s no need to install an actual fence in their yard, which can often be an eyesore, or to dig any trenches. All you need to do is plug in the transmitter nearby and keep it in constant communication with the collar your pet is wearing.
Training your dog to use the invisible fence is crucial in ensuring they stay within the designated area. Without proper training, there is a significant risk that your pet may escape from the “stay and play” zone. During the training period, we recommend keeping your pet on a long lead to ensure that they learn how to use the fence correctly.
What We Like:
• Comes with 50 boundary training flags
• Easy to set up
• There is an indicator that lights up when the battery is low
• Accurate GPS center point
What We Don’t Like:
• Volume could be louder
• Battery life doesn't live up to the promise
Petdiary GPS Wireless Fence System
Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.6 x 2.5 inches | Water Resistant: Yes | Battery life: 36 hours
You don't need any SIM card, app, or transmitter to use the Petdiary GPS Wireless Fence System. It’s a hassle-free way to create a virtual fence for your furry friend. The device uses satellite technology to set up a boundary as wide as 1000 yards.
If you’re tired of constantly keeping your dog on a lead to stop them from running away, then one of these collars could be the solution you’re looking for. With this device, you can free your dog to roam around your yard without any worries.
If your dog accidentally steps outside the boundary, the collar will vibrate, alerting them to their mistake and prompting them to turn back. However, training your dog to understand the vibration alerts and to stay within the boundary may take some time and effort.
Note: We suggest using the vibration mode over the static mode for gentle dog training. Most vets don't recommend static corrections, particularly for anxious or aggressive dogs.
What We Like:
Great for wide open spaces
One year warranty
What We Don’t Like:
Need to reposition the collar regularly during the day to prevent pressure sores
Not for pups under 20 pounds
Things You Should Consider Before Purchasing a Dog GPS Tracker
Before investing in an expensive dog GPS tracker, think of ways you will use it. Here are a few tips to guide you along the way.
Distance range. Some dog trackers have a limited range and can only detect your dog when it’s nearby. Once your dog goes beyond its range, the tracker won't work, and your dog may no longer show up on the tracking device. If your dog has a habit of straying far away, there may be better options than a tracker with a limited range. But, if your dog is small and tends to wander around your home or yard, a tracker with a smaller safe zone should be sufficient.
Size and weight. If you have a small pup such as a Chihuahua or Papillon, you’ll want to opt for a lightweight and comfortable tracker.
Accuracy. A tracker is only helpful if it’s accurate. Be wary of devices that claim to be precise over long distances despite having a small price tag.
Charging options. Some batteries only last a few hours, while others can continue for a year or more. If you have an outdoor dog, choosing a product with a longer-lasting battery is essential.
Value. GPS technology comes in all budgets, with expensive options offering extended range, activity tracking, and longer battery life.
FAQ
How do GPS trackers work?
Trackers can utilize various services, such as GPS, cellular technology, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. It’s worth noting that GPS trackers without a subscription don't use cellular data.
How long does a dog GPS tracker battery last?
This will depend on the type of tracker and the quality. We’ve seen products last anything from 3 hours to 1.5 years.
Is a tracker a replacement for a microchip?
It is still necessary to have your dog microchipped. This is a legal requirement in many parts of the world and provides a way of identifying your dog. Microchips don't give information about your pet’s location; they only contain a unique identification number.
