Does your dog enjoy exploring around the neighborhood? Do you often take your pet on camping and hiking trips? Do you like traveling with your furry friend in tow?
These activities can be fun and help bond with your pet. But for pet parents around the world, it raises a valid security concern. What if your pet wanders off too far away? What if it hides away in an unfamiliar area? What if your pet goes missing?
In such scenarios, strapping your dog with a GPS tracker can be a possible solution. The real-time location of your dog can always be accessed through these GPS trackers. It could be equipped with sound and light alarms to improve your pet’s visibility.
But how do you select a GPS tracker for your dog? A simple Amazon search returns 1000 results. Several factors like design, size, features, and cost are important to consider before buying.
After thorough research and testing, we have prepared a list of the best dog GPS trackers without a subscription to help with your purchase decision. Let us get started.
Our Top Recommendation For Best Dog GPS Tracker Without Subscription!
- The tracking radius can reach up to 3.5 miles in open areas and 0.65 miles in urban
- Exclusive Anti-Loss Real Time Tracking
- Stronger Sound & Light Alarm and Simpler Operation Dog Tracker
4 Best No-Monthly Fee Dog Trackers
Our focus for this article is to bring you GPS trackers that are a one-time investment. These trackers do not require the cellular network to function. Thus, you do not have to invest in a SIM card or pay monthly fees.
Here are our top four GPS tracker recommendations to help keep your pet safe while being easy on the pocket.
- Aorkuler GPS Dog Tracker – Best Dog Tracker for Outdoor Activities
- Vebiso GPS Dog Tracker – Best Apple-Compatible Dog Tracker
- MODUS GPS Tracker for Dogs – Best Customer Rated Dog Tracker
- PETFON2 Pet GPS Tracker – Best Feature Rich Dog Tracker
1. Aorkuler GPS Dog Tracker – Best Dog Tracker for Outdoor Activities
Do you like traveling with your pet? Do you and your dog explore the outdoors with hiking and camping activities? If yes, the Aorkuler GPS tracker can help you keep track of your pet on such trips.
It is a set of tracker and controller devices that works without needing a cellular network. It uses technologies like GPS and Bluetooth to function.
Here is how the Aorkuler GPS tracker performs.
Design
The tracker is a compact device weighing about 1.07 ounces. You will receive straps with your purchase that you can use to attach the tracker to your dog’s collar.
The tracker has an IP67 waterproof rating, meaning it can withstand being in the water for a short duration. You will also receive a shell for the tracker for added protection.
You will track your dog using the controller, which is a medium-sized device weighing 1.90 ounces.
The tracker and controller have a battery capacity of 650 and 1000 mAh, respectively. The battery can last four to eight hours, depending on use and signal quality.
Usability
You do not need your phone or worry about using a new app for the tracker. The controller and tracker can work together to provide your pet’s location.
Power on both devices. Move the controller around to search for a signal. Once it acquires a signal, it should also detect the tracker’s location if it is in the range of 3.5 miles outdoors.
The controller, though, gives you the general direction of the tracker rather than the exact location. It will also tell you how far you are from the tracker; for example, you are currently 300 feet or 1000 feet away.
You can use the tracker for daily walks, but battery drain is an issue. Thus, we recommend using the tracker while traveling or during outdoor activities.
Features
The tracker is equipped with a voice and light alarm. If your dog is hiding in the bushes, you can walk in its general direction and activate the voice alarm to find it.
You can activate the light alarm at night to find your pet easily. The light rim around the tracker flashes blue, red, and green when activated.
| Product Specification | |
|---|---|
| Tracker Dimensions | 1.7 x 1.7 x 0.74 inches |
| Tracker Weight | 1.07 ounces |
| Controller Dimensions | 4.17 x 1.57 x 0.59 inches |
| Controller Weight | 1.90 ounces |
| Tracker Battery | 650 mAh |
| Controller Battery | 1000 mAh |
| Cost | $249.00 |
| Waterproof | IP67 waterproof |
| Warranty | NA |
Pros
- It does not rely on a cellular network to work.
- It has an IP67 waterproof rating.
- It provides sound and light alarms to help you find your pet quicker.
- Your privacy is protected as data is only transmitted between the controller and tracker.
Cons
- It can be an expensive tracker with a price point of around $250.
- The start-up guide needs to be descriptive.
2. Vebiso GPS Dog Tracker – Best Apple-Compatible Dog Tracker
If you want a budget-friendly Apple-compatible pet tracker, consider the one from Vebiso. It uses Apple’s Find My app to function. You do not have to deal with the hassle of buying a SIM or using a new app.
The tracker comes with an adjustable dog collar, which makes it a good choice for small to large dogs.
Here is how the Vebiso tracker performs.
Design
The tracker is a small circle-shaped device with a diameter of 1.25 inches. The device has an IPX5 water-resistant rating, meaning it can be used in light rain or snow.
The collar is made from high-quality nylon. It includes reflective stitching to provide better visibility at night.
To attach the tracker to the collar, you must loosen the screw, insert the tracker into the groove and tighten the screw back.
The tracker includes a CR2032 button battery, which can last for up to 365 days.
Usability
Setting up the Vebiso tracker is pretty straightforward. Hold the tracker near your compatible Apple device. Open the Find My app, select Add Other Item, and search for the tracker. Once detected, select continue, add name and emoji, and finish pairing the tracker to the app.
Now, you can use the Find My app to see where your pet is at any given time.
Features
The app can provide you with precise directions to where your pet is. For example, you can get instructions like 10 meters to your right. It can show you the best route to get your dog’s current location.
You can play a sound on the tracker if your dog is hiding.
| Product Specification | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.25 inches in diameter |
| Weight | 0.2 ounces |
| Battery | CR2032 button battery |
| Cost | $34.99 |
| Waterproof | IPX5 water-resistant |
| Warranty | NA |
Pros
- It is a budget-friendly dog tracker.
- It comes with an adjustable dog collar.
- It has a good battery life.
- It works with Apple’s Find My app.
Cons
- It does not offer a geofencing feature.
- It needs an Apple device nearby to function.
3. MODUS GPS Tracker for Dogs – Best Customer Rated Dog Tracker
The MODUS is another tracker that can only be used with Apple devices. It is one of the highly-rated Apple-compatible trackers on Amazon.
This tracker also uses Apple’s Find My app to provide you with location updates.
Here is how the MODUS tracker performs.
Design
The tracker has an IP67 waterproof rating. It has an adjustable dog collar made from faux leather, nylon, and polyurethane. The collar can be pretty bulky, so it is best used for medium to large-sized dogs.
You can purchase the tracker in different colors, like orange, green, and brown.
The tracker comes with a CR2032 button battery, which can last for up to a year. This is a benefit as you do not have to worry about charging the tracker every other day.
Usability
The setup process is similar to that of Vebiso. You turn on the tracker by long pressing it. A long continuous beep indicates the tracker is on.
Now add it to the Find My app by searching for a new device and tapping on Connect when your Apple device detects the tracker. And you are ready to use the tracker.
If you wish to turn off the tracker, simply press and hold it for five seconds. You should hear a small beep indicating the device is turned off.
Features
The tracker can help locate your pet and provide you with the best route to reach it.
You can play a sound on the MODUS tracker through the app. You must be around 100 meters near the device to establish a Bluetooth connection and for the function to work.
As the tracker must be near an Apple device to function, it is best used as a secondary means of tracking.
| Product Specification | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 21 x 0.99 inches |
| Weight | 4.97 ounces |
| Battery | CR2032 button battery CR2032 button battery Lasts for a year |
| Cost | Starts from $35.55 |
| Waterproof | IP67 waterproof |
| Warranty | Five years |
Pros
- The tracker has an IP67 waterproof rating.
- MODUS offers a good warranty on the tracker.
- Its battery can last up to a year.
- It uses Apple’s Find My app.
Cons
- It only works with compatible Apple devices.
- The tracker is bulky for small dogs.
4. PETFON2 Pet GPS Tracker – Best Feature Rich Dog Tracker
The PETFON2 is a no-monthly fee tracker that offers more than location updates. For example, you can set geofences and customizable voice commands. You can use multicolor lights in areas with low light to find your pet.
The tracker can be expensive, but as you do not have to pay subscription fees, it becomes a worthwhile investment in the long run.
Here is how the PETFON2 pet GPS tracker performs.
Design
The PETFON2 is a set of controller and tracker devices. Keep the controller to yourself and attach the tracker to your dog’s pet collar.
You can also buy an amazing dog collar from PETFON. They are mostly available in three sizes – small, medium, and large. Measure your dog’s neck size and accordingly buy the collar.
The tracker is colored blue and white. It is the white part of the device that lights up.
PETFON2 has a battery life of 3 to 16 hours, depending on use. You can switch to power saving mode to extend battery life. Please note that you will stop receiving auto updates on your pet’s location, and you will check it manually on the app.
Usability
You will receive a charging box with your PETFON2 purchase. To begin using the device, ensure the controller and tracker are charged and activated. When you place both devices in the charging box, it should flash blue, indicating they are activated.
Next, you must register and create an account on the PETFON app. Scan both the devices and bind them to each other. If there are any updates available, download them for optimal performance.
You can now use the app to see where your pet is or set up virtual fences. The setup process is straightforward, but the user experience on the app could be better and needs improvements.
Features
The PETFON2 has a tracking range of 3.5 miles in open spaces and 0.65 miles in urban and dense areas. The controller and the tracker should be in each other’s range for you to get location updates. So, the tracker is best used when you go out for walking or hiking.
On the app, you can set up to three virtual fences. You will be notified when your dog crosses the safety boundary.
With the tracker’s voice command system, you can use preset commands or record new ones. If your dog goes beyond the set boundary, you can play the recorded command and tell it to get back home.
| Product Specification | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.65 x 1.65 x 0.7 inches |
| Weight | 0.9 ounces |
| Battery | Chip - SX1262 |
| Cost | Starts from $239.99 |
| Waterproof | IP65 water-resistant |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Pros
- You can track your pet in real-time.
- You can set up to three custom-shaped virtual fences.
- The tracker supports a sound and light alarm.
- In open spaces, it can track up to 3.5 miles.
Cons
- It has a short battery life.
- The tracker can be expensive.
How We Picked and Tested the Product Dog GPS Tracker Without Subscription?
We started shortlisting pet GPS trackers for testing with the help of online research. We went through several GPS trackers, their features, performance, and customer reviews. We paid special attention to the pricing factor to meet the article’s theme.
Once shortlisted, the trackers were tested separately for several weeks. We took different routes through the city and open spaces to test features and performance.
Key-Decision Making Factors
We considered the design and size of the tracker and whether it was suitable for small to large dogs. The trackers in the above list can be attached to existing dog collars, or adjustable dog collars are included with your purchase.
The four devices are pretty easy to set up and use. Only the PETFON2 tracker uses an app, while the rest can be used with the Find My app or the controller device itself.
As mentioned above, price was a major factor; thus, the recommendations are solely for no-monthly fee trackers. Two of the trackers are around the $250 mark, but it is a one-time payment that can be beneficial in the long run.
FAQ’s
No. It depends on the tracker design and model. The PETFON2 and Aorkuler trackers do not use cellular signals. But other pet trackers like the Whistle GO Explore and Halo Collar 3, which have tracking apps, need a cellular network to work.
No. You must check the IP rating to understand whether the tracker can withstand water exposure. For example, an IP67 waterproof rating means the device will be okay being in water for 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. An IP65 rating means the tracker can only withstand light rain and snow.
It depends on the tracker’s connective technology. If the tracker uses Bluetooth and WiFi, it may work indoors. But if the tracker uses GPS, it will not work indoors. This is because hindrances like trees and house walls can weaken signal strength, leading to inaccuracies.
Summary
A dog GPS tracker can provide peace of mind with location updates. If your dog tends to wander off, hide, or chase anything that moves, a GPS tracker is essential for your pet’s safety.
If you want Apple-compatible trackers, consider the ones from Vebiso and MODUS. If you need a tracker for intensive outdoor activities like hiking or camping, consider the Aorkuler tracker. And if you want a smart pet tracker that does all, the PETFON2 is a good choice.
We hope the above list helps you find the best dog GPS tracker without a subscription for your needs.
Carson Harris is a highly qualified author and expert in GPS tracking technology. With a background in electrical engineering and machine learning, he has established himself as a trusted source of information. Carson’s work experience at Garmin and Panasonic has further enhanced his expertise. He possesses creative skills in website design and AI applications. Known for his clear and concise communication, Carson’s articles on Trax Family’s website provide valuable insights on GPS trackers.