Whether you have a full-fledged escape artist on your hands or are just looking for some extra peace of mind, GPS collars are one of the best tools owners have to track their dogs in real-time. A must-have item for dogs that travel, hike, or camp with their owners — here are the top 5 GPS collars for dogs!
5. The Whistle Go-Explore 2.0
A GPS dog collar with all the bells and whistles — pun intended, the Whistle Go Explore 2.0 features top GPS tracking technology, plus numerous health tracking functions. You can track your dog’s steps, sleep, and even how much time they spend licking or scratching to stay ahead of potential health problems. The Whistle attaches to any collar and is waterproof and shockproof.
The Whistle app offers health and wellness insights and even allows you to connect with a vet for questions, track eating habits and behavioral signs, and even scan their poop for an AI health analysis. Ahh, the future of technology!
Pros and Cons of the Whistle Go-Explorer 2.0:
Pros:
- GPS powered by AT&T's 4G LTE-M network
- Tons of extra health features and alerts
- Can be used with any collar
Cons:
- Most features require a paid subscription
- 15-day battery life
- Too big for small dogs (under 25 pounds)
Best for: All dogs and owners that want top health-tracking features.
4. The Fi Collar Series 3
One of the top dog GPS collars on the market, the Fi Collar offers advanced GPS satellite technology, plus tons of extra features. Owners can track their dog’s whereabouts in real-time, get alerts if they leave the house, and monitor their dog’s activity. All in a durable, waterproof, and “adventure-proof” package.
The Fi app is great for tracking your dog’s steps and sleep habits and even lets you connect with other Fi users in your community (if you choose to). You can also add assigned family members or dog walkers and get alerts when your dog is with them, see where they went, and how long they walked.
Pros and Cons of the Fi Collar:
Pros:
- Uses GPS and LTE-M Cellular technology
- Escape detection alerts
- Battery lasts up to 3 months
- Offers small dog sizes
Cons:
- Some features require a paid subscription
- Not compatible with other collars, must use Fi band
- Not as many health and fitness options as some other trackers
Best for: Adventure dogs that travel, hike, camp, and swim.
3. Fitbark
A GPS tracker with advanced satellite technology and plenty of health-tracking features, the Fitbark offers the best of both worlds. You can track your dog in real-time, get alerts if they leave home, and assign dog walkers through the app. You can also track health and activity stats like steps, sleep, restlessness/pacing, scratching, and more.
One of Fitbark’s most raved about features is its ability to integrate with human activity trackers. You can integrate Fitbark with your own activity tracker like Fitbit or Apple Watch to get alerts, view stats, and even set exercise goals together.
Pros and Cons of the Fitbark:
Pros:
- Uses both LTE-M and NB-IoT satellite technology
- Battery lasts up to 6 months
- Can be used with any collar
- Light enough for small dogs
- Comes in 10 colors
- Offers multiple options for subscription plans
Cons:
- Does not work without a subscription
Best for: All dogs and owners that want smartwatch integration.
2. Tractive
A no-frills GPS dog tracker, the Tractive offers reliable GPS tracking and basic health tracking features at an affordable price. You can track your dog’s location in real time, get alerts if they leave home, and track their activity and sleep.
The Tractive app allows you to monitor your dog’s daily activity including steps and sleep and even gives a daily wellness score. The app is simple, straightforward, and easy to use.
Pros and Cons of the Tractive:
Pros:
- Uses LTE satellite coverage
- Can be used with any collar
- Offers small dog sizes
- More affordable than most GPS collars
- Offers multiple options for subscription plans
Cons:
- Most features require a subscription
- Bulkier than some other trackers
- 10-day battery life
Best for: All dogs and owners that want basic GPS and health tracking.
1. PetPace
One of the most high-tech options on the market, the Pet Pace offers advanced GPS tracking with some of the most sophisticated health tracking features, designed by veterinarians. Together with GPS, the Pet Pace uses thermometers, acoustic sensors, and accelerometers to track your pet's activity, temperature, pulse, respiration, posture, and much more.
Through the PetPace app, you can track your pet’s health stats, get pain scores, and even connect with a vet. Pet Pace also has a seizure monitoring function for pets with epilepsy and other neurological conditions. The data collected can provide useful insight for your veterinarian. Pet Pace is also working on additional disease management functions for future use.
Pros and Cons of the PetPace:
Pros:
- Uses advanced satellite tracking
- Developed by veterinarians with a medical-centered app
- Has high-tech sensors that track vital signs
- Offers small dog sizes
- Offers multiple options for subscription plans
Cons:
- Requires a subscription
- Must be used with PetPace collar band
- Bulkier than some other trackers
- Not waterproof (water resistant)
- Pricier than most other trackers
Best for: All dogs and owners that want the most advanced health tracking available.
