Keeping track of your dog gives you peace of mind, especially if your pet tends to wander or has a habit of escaping.
Dog trackers use GPS technology to show you where your dog is in real time.
They attach to your dog’s collar and connect to an app on your phone, so you can find your pet quickly if they go missing.
A good dog tracker helps you set up safe zones around your home or yard and alerts you when your dog leaves those areas.
Some trackers also monitor your dog’s activity levels and health metrics, which can be useful for keeping your pet fit and healthy.
The battery life, range, and monthly subscription costs vary between different models, so you need to consider what matters most for your situation.
When choosing a dog tracker, you should pay attention to the type of tracking technology it uses, the size and weight of the device, and how long the battery lasts between charges.
Monthly subscription fees can add up over time, so factor that into your budget.
The tracker should be waterproof and durable enough to handle your dog’s daily activities.
Best Dog Trackers
We know how important it is to keep your furry friend safe and sound.
Below is our full list of the best dog trackers to help you stay connected with your pet no matter where they wander.
Pawfit 3 GPS Pet Tracker
The Pawfit 3 offers reliable satellite tracking with helpful features like voice commands and escape alerts, making it a solid choice if you’re willing to pay for the monthly subscription.
Pros
- Connects to multiple satellites for accurate location tracking across Europe and North America
- Built-in LED light and speaker let you find and communicate with your dog in different situations
- Battery lasts up to 8 days on a single charge with quick 2.5-hour charging time
Cons
- Requires a monthly subscription starting at £3.39 to use the tracking features
- The device is a bit chunky when attached to your dog’s collar
- Battery life can vary depending on how often you use it and signal strength in your area
The Pawfit 3 uses 4G network technology to give you real-time updates on where your dog is at any moment.
You can see their location on a map through the app, which helps you keep track of their movements throughout the day.
The tracker works with over 3 satellite systems to pinpoint your pet’s position.
One standout feature is the virtual safe zone that sends you an alert if your dog leaves the area you’ve set up.
This escape notification arrives within seconds, giving you time to react quickly.
The LED light on the device makes it easier to spot your pet when it gets dark outside.
You can record up to 5 voice commands that play through the tracker’s speaker.
This feature works well for recall training or just letting your dog hear your voice when they’re far away.
The device also monitors your dog’s activity levels and keeps a 24-hour history of where they’ve been.
The tracker is fully waterproof and weighs only 27 grams, so it won’t weigh your dog down.
It fits on any collar and charges in about 2.5 hours.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to maintain an active subscription for the GPS tracking to work since it relies on the built-in SIM card and data connection.
Fi Series 3+ Smart Dog Tracker
The Fi Series 3+ offers nationwide GPS tracking with no range limits and detailed health monitoring, making it worth considering if you need comprehensive dog tracking beyond basic location features.
Pros
- Real-time GPS tracking works anywhere without distance restrictions
- Monitors multiple health behaviors including barking, scratching, and eating patterns
- Battery lasts up to three months between charges
Cons
- Requires a membership subscription to access tracking features
- May send occasional false escape alerts
- Only comes in specific sizes that might not fit all dogs
The Fi Series 3+ stands out because it uses cellular networks instead of Bluetooth.
This means you can track your dog across the entire country, not just within a few hundred feet.
When your dog leaves a safe zone you’ve set up, you’ll get an alert right away on your phone.
The collar does more than just show location.
It watches your dog’s daily activities and can tell when they’re barking, licking, scratching, or eating.
This information appears in the app so you can spot changes in behavior that might signal health problems.
You get up to three months of battery life, which is better than many other GPS trackers.
The collar also has a built-in LED light and is waterproof.
Your dog can swim or play in the rain without damaging it.
The app lets you upload vet records and store them in one place.
You can also share access with family members so everyone can check on your dog.
The collar works with Apple Watch if you want to check your dog’s location from your wrist.
Keep in mind that the collar needs a subscription to work after the first year.
Some users report getting false alerts when their dog hasn’t actually left the safe zone.
The collar comes in set sizes, so you’ll need to measure your dog’s neck carefully before ordering.
Fi Series 3+ Smart Dog Collar
The Fi Series 3+ is a solid choice if you want nationwide GPS tracking with no range limits and detailed health monitoring, though you’ll need to factor in the ongoing subscription cost.
Pros
- Provides real-time GPS tracking across the country without distance restrictions
- Monitors multiple behaviors like barking, scratching, and eating using AI technology
- Battery can last several weeks between charges with normal use
Cons
- Requires a monthly subscription to access tracking features
- Battery life may fall short of the advertised three-month claim
- Higher upfront cost compared to basic GPS trackers
The Fi Series 3+ uses cellular technology to track your dog’s location anywhere in the country.
Unlike Bluetooth trackers that stop working after a few hundred feet, this collar keeps working no matter how far your dog wanders.
You get instant alerts when your dog leaves a safe zone you set up, and the Lost Dog Mode gives you rapid location updates if your pet goes missing.
The collar tracks more than just location.
It monitors your dog’s daily steps, sleep patterns, and activity levels throughout the day.
The AI system can even detect specific behaviors like licking, scratching, and eating, which helps you spot potential health issues early.
The device fits into a stainless steel collar frame that’s waterproof and durable.
An LED light built into the collar helps you spot your dog in the dark.
You can share access with family members or dog walkers so everyone can check on your pet.
The subscription requirement is something you need to consider before buying.
The collar needs this service to provide GPS tracking through cellular networks.
Battery performance seems to vary, with some users charging every five days instead of the promised three months.
Apple Watch users can view their dog’s location and activity right from their wrist.
The built-in AI assistant answers questions about your dog’s behavior and sends reminders for vet appointments and vaccinations.
You can also upload and store your dog’s medical records in the app.
Weenect Dog XS GPS Tracker
The Weenect Dog XS offers real-time tracking with a lifetime warranty, though you’ll need to budget for monthly subscription costs and may find the battery life falls short of your expectations.
Pros
- Updates your dog’s location every second in Superlive mode, giving you accurate tracking information
- Works across multiple networks including 5G-ready technology and covers over 100 countries without distance limits
- Comes with a lifetime guarantee where Weenect repairs or replaces your tracker if something goes wrong
Cons
- Requires an ongoing subscription starting at £4.16 per month with a three-month minimum commitment
- Battery drains faster than advertised, with some users reporting less than 24 hours of use
- The holder can let the tracker slip out too easily, causing you to lose it during walks
The Weenect Dog XS is built to handle your dog’s outdoor adventures.
The waterproof design meets IP68 standards, which means it can survive being underwater up to one meter deep for an hour.
This makes it suitable for dogs who love swimming or playing in wet conditions.
You’ll get continuous location updates with this tracker.
The Superlive feature sends a new GPS position every second, so you can watch your dog move in real-time.
The tracker connects to multiple networks and works internationally, giving you peace of mind whether you’re at home or traveling abroad.
The battery performance presents a mixed picture.
While the company claims up to 10 days of battery life with power-saving features, actual use often differs.
Some owners report the battery doesn’t last a full day, which could be frustrating if you need all-day tracking.
Setting up the device is straightforward.
The tracker comes with a SIM card already installed, and the app works on both iPhone and Android phones.
Customer service gets positive feedback from users who needed help, with quick response times and helpful support staff.
The tracker weighs just 27 grams, making it one of the lighter options available.
This low weight works well for smaller dogs who might struggle with heavier devices.
However, you should know that the holder attachment could be more secure, as some users have lost their trackers during outdoor activities.
Tractive Smart Dog Tracker
This tracker gives you strong monitoring features and works across many countries. You’ll need to budget for the monthly subscription that starts around £4.50.
Pros
- Tracks your dog’s location in real-time across 175+ countries wherever cellular service exists
- Monitors heart rate and breathing patterns to catch health problems early
- Battery lasts up to two weeks between charges
Cons
- Requires ongoing subscription payments that add up over time
- Some users report the attachment piece broke quickly
- Alerts may come after your dog has already wandered fairly far from set boundaries
The Tractive Smart Dog Tracker brings peace of mind when your dog explores off-leash. You can see where your pet goes in real-time through your phone.
The device works in over 175 countries as long as there’s cell service in the area.
Your tracker does more than show location. It watches your dog’s vital signs like heart rate and breathing.
This feature helps you spot health issues before they become obvious problems.
The escape alert system lets you draw virtual fences around safe areas. You’ll get notified on your phone if your dog crosses these boundaries.
However, some owners mention the alert arrives after their dog has already gone a decent distance.
Battery life reaches up to 14 days depending on how you use it. The 2025 version includes a brighter light and louder sound than older models.
The device comes with an olive-colored protective cover.
You need to pay for a monthly subscription to use this tracker. The service starts at £4.50 per month and covers the SIM card and data costs.
The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.
PETLOC8 Dog GPS Tracker
This tracker offers solid location features and a week-long battery. You’ll need to factor in subscription costs that aren’t immediately clear upfront.
Pros
- Real-time location updates help you find your dog quickly when they wander off
- Seven-day battery life means you won’t constantly worry about recharging
- Waterproof design protects the device during rainy walks or water play
Cons
- Requires a subscription to work, which isn’t obvious until you set up the app
- Customer reviews mention durability issues with the attachment pieces
- App and support materials are primarily in English, which may limit accessibility
The PETLOC8 gives you the ability to track your dog’s location through your smartphone. You can set up zones around your yard or neighborhood and get alerts when your dog crosses those boundaries.
The device clips onto your existing collar without any special tools.
The battery stands out as a practical feature since it can last up to a week before needing a charge. This makes it useful for longer trips or outdoor adventures.
The waterproof rating means rain and splashes won’t damage it.
However, you’ll discover the device needs a monthly subscription after you’ve already bought it and started setting things up.
Some dog owners have reported that the silicone pieces used to attach the tracker can break, especially if your dog is active or plays rough.
Customer service appears responsive when problems come up, but dealing with broken parts can be frustrating.
The app works on both iPhone and Android devices. You can share access with family members so everyone can help keep an eye on your dog’s location.
The interface shows your dog’s current spot and keeps a history of where they’ve been throughout the day.
PitPat Dog GPS Tracker
The PitPat tracker works well if you want a no-subscription GPS option. You should know it can struggle in rural areas with poor mobile coverage.
Pros
- You never have to pay monthly fees since the lifetime SIM is included for free
- The battery lasts several weeks between charges, so you won’t constantly need to plug it in
- It uses real satellite tracking instead of just Bluetooth, giving you unlimited range to find your dog
Cons
- The GPS signal can be slow or unreliable in countryside locations and wooded areas
- Some features like recording walks require a paid subscription despite claims of no fees
- The tracker takes longer to start up compared to other brands on the market
The PitPat stands out because you don’t need to worry about monthly bills piling up. Your purchase includes everything you need to track your dog for years without extra costs.
The device connects through satellites rather than relying on Bluetooth, which means you can locate your pet from anywhere.
Battery life is a strong point for this tracker. You’ll get around five weeks of use before needing to recharge it.
The wireless charging makes this process simple and safe for your dog’s device.
The tracker holds up well against water and rough play. It’s lightweight enough that your dog won’t be bothered wearing it on their collar.
The company makes these in the UK, which appeals to buyers who want to support local businesses.
However, the GPS performance depends heavily on mobile coverage in your area. If you live in rural locations or walk your dog through forests and open fields, you might experience delays.
The device can take 30 seconds or more to pinpoint an exact location, which could feel frustrating during an emergency.
While the marketing emphasizes no subscription fees, some app features do require payment to unlock. This includes recording your walks and accessing certain activity tracking tools.
The basic tracking function works without payment, but the full experience costs extra.
The activity monitoring features go beyond just location tracking. You can see how much exercise your dog gets and receive feeding suggestions based on their activity level.
Vets helped design these features, which adds credibility to the health recommendations.
Veeind Smart Pet Tracker
This tracker offers a budget-friendly way to keep tabs on your dog if you’re an iPhone user. It only works with iOS devices.
Pros
- No monthly fees means you save money over time
- Works with Apple’s Find My network for wide coverage
- Waterproof design handles rain and wet conditions
Cons
- Only compatible with iOS devices, so Android users can’t use it
- Relies on other Apple devices nearby to update location
- Some users report difficulty during the setup process
The Veeind Smart Pet Tracker connects directly to your iPhone through the Find My app. You won’t need to download a separate app or pay monthly subscription fees.
This makes it a simple choice if you already use Apple products.
The tracker uses Bluetooth and the Find My network to show your pet’s location. When your dog wanders beyond Bluetooth range, other Apple devices in the area can detect the tracker and send you updates.
This works well in cities or busy areas where lots of people have iPhones.
Setup requires you to update your device software and press the function button until you hear a beep. You then add it through the Find My app like you would an AirTag.
The lightweight holder attaches to your dog’s collar without causing discomfort.
The IP68 waterproof rating protects the tracker from rain, puddles, and wet grass. Your dog can play outside in any weather without damaging the device.
The materials are non-toxic, which matters if your pet tends to chew on collar attachments.
Lost Mode sends you alerts when the tracker disconnects from your phone. If someone with an Apple device comes near your lost pet, you’ll get a location update.
This feature works best in areas with good Apple device coverage.
The biggest limitation is the iOS-only compatibility. If you have an Android phone, this tracker won’t work for you at all.
You’ll need to look at other options that support your device type.
wanwaytech GPS Tracker for Dogs
This tracker gives you reliable location updates and useful backup features like a QR code. You’ll need to factor in the monthly subscription costs and potentially deal with some app issues.
Pros
- You get real-time location updates and can check where your dog has been throughout the day
- The QR code tag means someone can contact you even if the battery dies
- Four different tracking modes let you balance battery life with how often you need updates
Cons
- The app can be slow to update and some users report payment processing problems
- You’ll pay ongoing subscription fees starting at around $9.60 per month
- Setup might take a few tries to get working properly
The wanwaytech GPS Tracker offers you several ways to keep tabs on your dog. You can choose tracking mode for updates every 30 seconds when you need close monitoring.
If your dog is just hanging around the house, power saving mode checks in once an hour to preserve battery.
The virtual fence feature lets you mark safe zones on your phone. When your dog wanders past those boundaries, you’ll get an alert right away.
This works well if you want to let your dog roam the backyard without constantly watching.
Your tracker comes with both a beeper and a light to help locate your dog. The device snaps onto most standard collars without special tools.
It’s built to handle water splashes and muddy conditions with IP67 protection.
The QR code on the tracker adds an extra safety layer. If someone finds your dog and the battery is dead, they can scan the code to reach you.
This backup system has helped owners reunite with their pets when the GPS portion stopped working.
You should know that some buyers have experienced app lag and payment glitches during setup. A few users were charged multiple times when subscribing.
The tracking can sometimes update slower than expected, which might frustrate you if you need immediate location information.
Buying Guide
When you’re looking for a dog tracker, you need to think about what matters most for your pet’s safety. Not all trackers work the same way.
Understanding the key features helps you make the right choice.
Types of Tracking Technology
You’ll find two main tracking methods available. GPS trackers use satellites to show your dog’s exact location in real-time.
Bluetooth trackers work within a shorter range, usually up to 300 feet, and rely on your phone’s connection.
Important Features to Consider
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | How long between charges – from days to months |
| Range | Distance the tracker works – unlimited for GPS, limited for Bluetooth |
| Water Resistance | Protection level for rain, swimming, or wet conditions |
| Weight | Light enough for your dog’s size and comfort |
| Subscription | Monthly fees for GPS service or one-time purchase |
Size and Comfort
Your dog’s comfort should guide your decision. Small dogs need lightweight trackers that won’t weigh them down.
Larger dogs can handle heavier devices with more features.
Cost Factors
Think about both upfront and ongoing costs. GPS trackers often require monthly subscriptions for service.
Bluetooth trackers usually cost less but have limited range. Your budget and needs will help you decide which option works better for you and your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many dog owners have questions about choosing the right tracker for their pet. Some trackers work without monthly fees, while others offer features like satellite tracking or extra durability for large dogs.
What are the leading dog trackers available without a subscription fee?
The Tractive GPS tracker and the Apple AirTag are popular options if you want to avoid monthly payments. The Apple AirTag costs around $29 and uses Bluetooth technology to help you find your dog within a limited range.
It works best in areas with many iPhone users nearby.
The Fi Series 3 collar offers a subscription-free mode with basic features, though you’ll need to pay for full GPS tracking. Some Bluetooth trackers like the Tile Pro also work without subscriptions but only track your dog when they’re close by.
How do consumer reports rate the top dog trackers on the market?
Consumer Reports highlights the Whistle Go Explore and Tractive GPS as top performers. These trackers earned high marks for location accuracy and battery life.
The Whistle Go Explore received praise for its health monitoring features and reliable notifications.
The Fi Series 3 scored well for its long battery life, lasting up to three months between charges. Garmin trackers also ranked highly for durability and tracking range.
Most highly-rated trackers do require monthly subscriptions between $5 and $10.
Which dog trackers are best suited for larger breed dogs?
The Garmin Alpha 10 and Fi Series 3 work well for large dogs because they attach securely to wider collars. The Fi collar comes in sizes that fit neck measurements up to 34 inches.
It’s designed to stay in place even when your dog runs or plays hard.
The SportDOG TEK 2.0 is built tough for active large breeds. It can track your dog up to 10 miles away and handles rough outdoor conditions.
The Whistle Go Explore also works for bigger dogs and includes a durable clip that won’t fall off easily.
Can you recommend a durable and reliable dog GPS tracker chip implant?
No GPS tracker chips for implanting in dogs currently exist. The microchips that vets implant in your dog don’t have GPS technology.
These chips only store your contact information and work when someone scans them with a special reader.
GPS trackers need batteries and antennas that are too large to safely implant. You’ll need to use a collar-mounted or harness-attached GPS tracker instead.
These external devices give you real-time location tracking that implanted chips cannot provide.
Are there dog trackers that use satellite GPS for more accurate location tracking?
The Garmin Astro 900 and Alpha 10 systems use both GPS and GLONASS satellites for better accuracy. This dual-satellite approach helps you track your dog in areas with heavy tree cover or rough terrain.
The tracking works even when you’re miles away from cell towers.
The Whistle Go Explore and Tractive GPS also use satellite GPS combined with cellular networks. This combination gives you more reliable tracking in different environments.
Most modern dog trackers use GPS satellites as their primary tracking method.
Which is the most user-friendly dog tracker from Garmin for everyday pet owners?
The Garmin T5X is the easiest Garmin tracker for regular pet owners to use.
You pair it with a simple handheld device that shows your dog’s location on a map.
The setup takes just a few minutes and doesn’t require a smartphone.
The device has a clear screen that’s easy to read outdoors.
You can track your dog up to 9 miles away without needing cell service.
The battery lasts 40 to 80 hours depending on how often you check your dog’s location.
