Do you worry about your dog’s safety when they are alone? Do you have concerns about their health? Do you want to know what your dog is up to during the day?
A dog GPS tracker is a device that can help in the above scenario. The tracker can provide location updates and also help find your pet with live tracking mode.
If your dog’s health is a concern, these trackers can help monitor their activity levels and sleep quality. Some go a step further and monitor behaviors like scratching.
You can access history details to know where your pet goes, who they are with, and what they do during the day.
But how do you select the best dog GPS tracker when you have many options available? To help with your purchase decision, we have researched, tested, and shortlisted five quality dog trackers. Let us go through them.
Our Top Recommendation For Best Dog GPS Tracker!
- Simple one-tap setup instantly connects AirTag with your iPhone or iPad
- Replaceable battery lasts over a year
- AirTag is IP67 water and dust resistant
5 Best Dog GPS Trackers: Our Top Picks
With a dog tracker, you can always have peace of mind knowing where your beloved pet is. It can also help you better care for your pet with insights into their health.
We have put together a list of dog trackers that are lightweight, easy to attach, set up, and use. Here are our top 5 recommendations.
- Apple AirTag – Best GPS Tracker for iPhone/iPad Users
- Jiobit Gen 2 – Best Customer-Rated Dog GPS Tracker
- Tractive Dog 4 – Best Budget-Friendly Dog GPS Tracker
- Whistle GO Explore – Best Feature-Rich Dog GPS Tracker
- FitBark GPS 2nd Gen – Best Lightweight Dog GPS Tracker
1. Apple AirTag – Best GPS Tracker for iPhone/iPad Users
If you already use an iPhone or iPad, the AirTag could be a good buy. It is an inexpensive tracker that does not require service plans to work.
It relies on being within 30 feet of an iPhone or iPad; it uses Bluetooth for proximity finding. So, it is best used as a secondary method of tracking your pets.
Here is how the Apple AirTag performs.
Design
The AirTag is a small circular device weighing 0.39 ounces. The device is splash, water, and dust resistant. It has an IP67 rating. The AirTag can get scuffed easily, so consider buying a cover to improve durability.
The device includes a coin cell battery. The battery can last up to a year, depending on how you use the AirTag.
The device cannot be directly placed on the dog’s collar. You will need a basic case and loop attachment accessory.
Usability
You will need an iPhone with iOS 14.5 or later or an iPad with iPadOS 14.5 or later for the AirTag to work.
Setting up the AirTag takes a few minutes. You should have services like Bluetooth, location, and Find My turned on your phone.
Hold the device near your phone and tap on Connect. Register using your Apple ID, and you are done. You can now find your AirTag using the Find My app.
Features
If you have taken your dog to a playground or an activity center, the AirTag can help keep an eye on your pet. You can ping the device or use the Precision Finding feature to find your dog.
The pinging sound is not that loud, but you can skip this feature if your pet is sensitive to noises.
The Precision Finding feature can also be helpful if your dog tends to hide around the house. On your phone, you can see the distance and direction you need to move in to find your pet’s hiding spots.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimension | Diameter - 1.26 inches, Height - 0.31 inches |
| Weight | 0.39 ounces |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth for proximity finding, Apple-designed U1 chip for Ultra Wideband and Precision Finding, NFC tap for Lost Mode |
| Battery | User-replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery |
| Tracker Cost | One tracker - Starts from $29Pack of 4 - Starts from $88.99 |
| Subscription | No subscription plans are required |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Pros
- The AirTag is easy to set up.
- It does not require a service plan.
- It has excellent battery life.
Cons
- It does not support location features like geofences.
- It cannot track activity.
2. Jiobit Gen 2 – Best Customer-Rated Dog GPS Tracker
If you are looking for a pet-parent-approved tracker, consider buying the Jiobit Gen 2. It has a rating of 4.0 out of 5 from over 2300 ratings.
It is one of the lightweight trackers on the list, with several attachment options. It currently offers coverage in the US only.
Here is how the Jiobit Gen 2 performs.
Design
The Jiobit tracker weighs only about 0.6 ounces. It has an integrated attachment loop that attaches to your pet’s collar. The device is as small as a cookie and is water-resistant.
You can buy silicon sleeves to keep the tracker protected. You can also opt for a breathable fabric sleeve that works well with collars with buckles.
The battery can last up to 30 days, depending on the tracker’s use. If your pet is active or you proactively try to check its location regularly, the battery may drain faster, lasting about a week.
Usability
Ensure the Jiobit tracker is charged before you start with the setup process. Download the Jiobit app and create your account.
Next, pair the tracker and your phone. Once paired, you can connect to the WiFi and set up the tracker alerts.
The Jiobit help center is well organized. You can find informative articles on the Jiobit device, setup process, battery, and notifications.
Features
The Jiobit tracker can be used on small to large dogs and even cats. You can set up geofences and receive notifications when your pet crosses a predefined safe area. The geofence alerts can take about 1 to 3 minutes.
If your dog is lost, you can use the Live Mode for turn-by-turn tracking updates. These updates are available every 15 seconds.
You can add the dog sitter, dog walker, or other people who help look after your furry friend to the care team. You have control over what type of permissions the care team members have.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimension | 1.96 x 1.45 x 0.47 inches |
| Weight | 0.63 ounces |
| Connectivity | LPWA CatM1 Cellular + GPS + WiFi + BLE |
| Battery | Rechargeable lithium-polymer |
| Tracker Cost | Starts from $126.99 |
| Subscription | Starts from $8.33 to $16.99 |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Pros
- The tracker is lightweight, weighing about 0.6 ounces.
- You can share location with unlimited contacts.
- It offers live location reporting every 10 seconds.
Cons
- Geofence alerts can take 1 to 3 minutes.
- Battery drains in a couple of days with consistent use.
3. Tractive Dog 4 – Best Budget-Friendly Dog GPS Tracker
If you are looking for a budget-friendly dog tracker with good features and performance, consider the one from Tractive.
You can buy the tracker for under $50. Its basic and premium plan prices range from $6 to $13/mo. Tractive is a combination of a location and wellness tracker.
Here is how the Tractive Dog 4 performs.
Design
Dimension-wise, Tractive is a longer device than the other trackers on the list. But it weighs about 1.2 ounces, so it is still lightweight enough for your pet. It can fit onto dog collars that are up to 1.1 inches wide.
Tractive is waterproof with an IPX7 rating. You can buy the tracker in a white, blue, or coffee color. There are different colored and printed covers available for the device.
It has a lithium-ion polymer battery that can last for up to 10 days. The battery does work as advertised, but features like live tracking can shorten battery life.
Usability
Start with charging the Tractive device for a minimum of two hours. Do not use a fast charger, as it can damage the tracker battery.
Download the Tractive app on your phone and pair it with the tracker. You will have to enter the 8-digit code at the tracker’s back during this step. Select a subscription plan.
Now, you can add dog-specific details like breed, gender, age, and weight, which will be used for wellness monitoring.
Features
The tracker provides location updates every 2 to 60 minutes, depending on your dog’s activity level.
You can set up virtual fences in circles, rectangles, or custom shapes. These fences could be around your home or office.
You will receive an alert if your dog leaves such an area. The notification can take up to a minute or two. You can get updates every 15 seconds to a minute with live tracking.
Tractive also monitors your dog’s activity level and type, for example, walking and running. It can track sleep quality as well.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimension | 2.7 x 1.10 x 0.66 inches |
| Weight | 1.2 ounces |
| Connectivity | GPS, LTE/4G, 2G |
| Battery | Rechargeable, Lasts up to 10 days |
| Tracker Cost | $49.99 |
| Subscription | Starts from $6 to $13/month (depending on billing cycle) |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Pros
- It is a budget-friendly tracker with low monthly fees.
- Unlimited live tracking is available.
- Other caregivers can track your dog with family sharing.
Cons
- It would help if you had a premium subscription for global coverage.
- Location updates may get delayed.
4. Whistle GO Explore – Best Feature-Rich Dog GPS Tracker
If you are looking for a dog tracker that does all, consider the Whistle GO Explore. It offers GPS tracking, health monitoring, activity tracking, daily check-ins, and vet consulting sessions.
It is a mid-priced product that requires a yearly subscription to work.
Here is how the Whistle GO Explore performs.
Design
The Whistle tracker is a small device weighing under 1 ounce. With the collar attachment, the weight can go up to 1.2 ounces, which is still a lightweight option for pets. It is suitable for dogs weighing 20 lbs and more.
The device is waterproof with an IPX8 rating. It is available in the colors gray, green, and magenta.
It has a 520 mAh lithium-ion battery. The tracker takes up to two hours to get a full charge. And a single charge can last you about 20 days. It, of course, depends on the usage.
Usability
You should set up the tracker at home because it will need to connect to a WiFi network. Download the Whistle app, register, and add details about your dog. Next, pair your phone with the tracker.
You must initially add a safe place; that is why you set up the tracker at home. Then, you can choose a service plan and pay.
You can now track your dog’s location and monitor its activities. You can do so only through the app; no web interface is available.
Features
You can get escape alerts when the dog leaves or enters a safe place. You can set up to 10 safe places. In the Find My Pet mode, the location updates can be as frequent as 15 seconds.
It can track activity levels and provide details like calories burned, distance, and rest. You can view the summary for the day with the 24-hour timeline feature.
It can also track behaviors like scratching and licking, which could help identify health issues sooner.
If you need to ask questions about your pet’s health or have doubts about how to care for them, you can connect with a vet through the app.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimension | 1.8 x 1.4 x 0.7 inches |
| Weight | Under 1 ounce |
| Connectivity | GPS, 4G LTE-M |
| Battery | Rechargeable lithium-ion battery 520 mAh |
| Tracker Cost | Starts from $94.57 |
| Subscription | $99/year |
| Warranty | 6 months |
Pros
- You can add up to 10 safe places.
- It can track activities like running, walking, resting, and playing.
- It can monitor scratching and licking behaviors.
Cons
- It has a short warranty period.
- Tracking is available only through the app.
5. FitBark GPS 2nd Gen – Best Lightweight Dog GPS Tracker
If you want a GPS tracker for your small pet, consider the FitBark GPS tracker. With a weight of 0.56 ounces, it is the lightest dog-friendly GPS tracker on the list.
The monthly plans are relatively cheaper, with fees varying from $5.95 to $9.95/mo. It offers GPS tracking and in-depth health monitoring details.
Here is how the FitBark GPS 2nd Gen performs.
Design
The FitBark GPS can be used on dogs weighing from 5 lbs to 240 lbs. The device can fit flat collars up to 1.5 inches wide. It is a waterproof device with an IP67 rating.
Your purchase includes the tracker, a cover, ten zip ties, a charging cable, and a guide. The tracker cover can be removed and washed. You can buy other covers in colors like blue, purple, orange or pink.
The FitBark GPS has a good battery life. The battery can last anywhere from 3 to 5 five weeks, depending on use.
If the pet is with you or mostly stays home, the battery could last up to 2 months. If you use live tracking mode frequently or have an active pet, the battery can drain in a week.
Usability
Setting up the tracker is similar to the other dog trackers we have seen. You must download the FitBark app, create an account, and input dog-specific information. You pay for a service plan and are set to use the tracker.
What you may find unusual is that you will attach the tracker to your dog’s collar using two zip ties. The zip ties must be replaced whenever you wash the tracker cover or move the device to another dog collar.
Coming back to the app, it has to be said that the performance is a bit disappointing. We experienced data syncing and lagging issues.
Features
You can create safe places and then receive entry and exit alerts. Connect safe places to a WiFi connection to extend battery life.
The tracker’s health monitoring works on a unique BarkPoints system. It uses the built-in activity sensor to categorize events like play, active, and rest time. It then gives bark points to such events.
The tracker can also track the quality of nocturnal sleep. You can adjust the time window through the app.
If you want to get healthy with your dog, you can add your fitness tracker data to the FitBark app. The compatible human fitness trackers include HealthKit, Google Fit, and Fitbit.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimension | 1.86 x 1.18 x 0.61 inches |
| Weight | 0.56 ounces |
| Connectivity | On-board/mobile phone GPS, WiFi and cell towers |
| Battery | Rechargeable lithium-ion polymer |
| Tracker Cost | $99.95 |
| Subscription | $5.95 to $9.95/mo, depending on the type of plan |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Pros
- It is a lightweight tracker suitable for small to large dogs.
- It has a relatively good battery life.
- It can monitor activity levels and nocturnal sleep quality.
Cons
- The FitBark app performance could be more consistent.
- Location updates can get delayed.
How We Picked and Tested the Dog GPS Tracker?
Our search for the best dog GPS tracker started with online research. We looked through several GPS trackers, their design, size, collar compatibility, features, performance, and pet-parent reviews.
We shortlisted trackers and tested them for two weeks. We took help from the team and their furry friends and tested the tracker on a small dog like a Poodle to a mid-sized dog like a Labrador.
Key-Decision Making Factors
Here are some of the factors that we paid special attention to.
1. Weight
This was important as a heavy tracker may irritate your dog. It may try to get rid of the device. So, the trackers on the list are lightweight, with the heaviest tracker weighing only 1.2 ounces.
2. Attachment
How easily can you attach the tracker to your dog’s existing collar? Apart from AirTag, have attachment options included with the purchase.
3. Device Durability
The trackers on the list are waterproof or water-resistant. You also have the option of buying accessories to extend the durability of the device.
4. Features
The above trackers provide a mix of GPS, activity, and health monitoring features. The AirTag, though, should only be used for secondary tracking.
5. Cost
All trackers are under the $130 mark. The service plans are also on the lower end.
FAQ’s
The GPS trackers from FitBark and Jiobit work well for small dogs as they are small and weigh less than an ounce. Apple AirTag is another tracker that can be used as a secondary means of tracking small dogs.
The Tractive GPS tracker works internationally; it offers coverage in over 175 countries. The Apple AirTag can also work globally as long as Apple devices around it can communicate with iCloud.
Dog GPS trackers can provide you peace of mind with their location updates. Some trackers can help track your dog’s activity levels and provide helpful information with health monitoring capabilities. These devices are not a necessity, but they can help you better care for your dog.
Summary
Dog GPS trackers have evolved to provide a host of other wellness and health monitoring capabilities.
Location tracking features include location updates, live tracking mode, virtual fence entry/exit alerts, and on-demand location details.
Most of these trackers can monitor activities like walking, running, playing, resting, sleeping, and eating. Some can also monitor behaviors like scratching and licking.
While choosing the best dog GPS tracker, consider factors like device size and weight, dog weight and collar compatibility, ease of setup and use, features, and reviews.
We hope our list of dog GPS trackers helps you find the right one for your furry friend.
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.