GPS Trackers & Collars for Dogs: Buyer’s Guide

Shopping GPS trackers and collars for dogs? This guide cuts the fluff so you can choose by coverage, battery life, and real-world features.

What Is a GPS Dog Collar

• A GPS dog collar is a piece of pet technology that can let you know where your dog is, nearly anywhere in the world. They achieve this by merging GPS and cellular networks. Here’s the basic workflow:
• GPS Satellite Fix: The collar comes with a GPS chip that communicates with satellites (just like your car’s GPS). It calculates it’s own latitude/longitude.
• Data Transmission: The collar also has a SIM card (yes, just like a phone) and send that location data to the internet using a cellular network (3G/4G/LTE).
• Smartphone App: Now the owner opens an app on your phone or computer, and the device fetches that location info in real (nearly) time and shows your dog’s dot on a map.
• Other sensors: TYPICALLY most collars also have an accelerometer and gyroscope, etc., to track activity (steps, resting) and health alerts. Some even come complete with lights, or bark detection.

Because they’re using cellular data, GPS collars usually need a subscription (say $5 to $15 a month) to keep that data flowing. Consider it as making a payment on your phone plan. In return, you receive actual worldwide coverage (as in, basically anywhere there’s a phone) and advanced features. If you want to understand the trade-offs involved in design, battery, and live tracking vs simpler options, our AirTag vs GPS Dog Trackers: Which Is Best? blog gives a clear breakdown.

Key Features of GPS Trackers

When it comes time to shop for a GPS dog collar, potential buyers should look for:

• Real Time Tracking: live tracking mode (updating location every few seconds) is a huge plus for actually knowing where your dog is. Most collars also offer “normal mode,” updated every minute or more, to conserve battery.
• Geofencing (Virtual Fence): Draw a virtual fence around a location on the map (i.e. your yard). If your dog digs out, you will be alerted instantly on your phone.
• Activity & Health Monitoring: A lot of the collars also function as Fit bits for dogs, monitoring steps, rest, licking, scratching and so on.
• Durability & Waterproofing: Check the IP rating (so, like, IP67 or IPX8).
• Battery Life: A few days to a few weeks, depending on features.
• Collar vs. Tag: Some trackers clip onto your own collar, while others are full collars.
• Size & Comfort: Make sure that it’s not too heavy or cumbersome for dog.
• Subscription & Plan Flexibility: Varies from monthly to annual options.

Types of GPS Dog Collars

Traditional GPS (GPS + Cell) Collars: These are the most common options and come with live tracking, geofences and activity tracking.

GPS “Fence” Collars (Containment Systems): Designed to form a wireless barrier for your dog. For those who care more about tracking health metrics than boundaries or geofencing, the best dog Activity Trackers 2025: Top Dog Fitness Trackers shows many collars that emphasize activity, sleep, and behavior alerts.

• Satellite (No Cell) Trackers: High-end collars that connect with phones and satellites are best used for remote places.
• Bluetooth Trackers (Like AirTag): Bluetooth Bluetooth isn’t GPS strictly speaking, but I’m mentioning it here because of battery life and cost (and limited real time tracking for some).

How to Set Up and Use Your GPS Collar

• Installation: Buckles onto your dog’s collar or belt with the included strap.
• App and Account: With the app, you can create an account to view maps, fences, and activity.
• Draw a Geofence: Establish the territory where the virtual fence should be created, using the app.
• Lost Dog Mode: Other devices get more frequent updates to find your pet faster.
• Battery Monitoring: Keep tabs on battery through an app; most come with notifications of low battery.

Example: Tractive GPS Collar

Check your pet’s location in real time, view a full history log of what they have been up to and ensure they are safe, wherever they may be. If they ever escape from your set boundary, Tractive will let you know instantly. The Tractive pet GPS tracker also works as a pet finder. But think of it this way, your chances of finding your furry friend are extremely high if you have a Tractive GPS device for dogs and cats. However, to give you additional assurance, you are also able to locate your pet in real-time on an integrated map.

We provide a SIM card already installed in the pet tracker when you buy it. The small tracker has an integrated SIM chip, which means that you do not need a sim card or contract. Whenever you’d like to know the location of your pet, the pet tracker will be able to help you. The internet but needs a cellular connection. You can enjoy unlimited data thanks to the built-in, unlimited data plan but please note that small subscription fee applies.

We offer the lowest subscription fees on the market. You can turn your Tractive dog GPS tracker into an adventure tracker. You love seeing your pet happy so there is not much in the world better for pet parents than an outing with your furry friend! Record your walkies, the next hiking adventure or the run in the park and share the path taken to your friends! Summing it up, Tractive dog GPS is fully capable. Why a Tractive dog tracking device? The Tractive is a pet tracker for dogs and cats of any size. Keep tabs on your fur baby, no matter where you are.

The Tractive has no range, so you can track your pet from A to B. The free Tractive app also gives you the option to share your pet’s place with your friends and family. For the global real-time tracking feature, subscribe now. It’s fast on location updates (within seconds if there is cell service). Drawbacks: battery life is so-so, and it’s a bit of a chunk. Plans start around $60/year. If you dislike ongoing fees, you might prefer models discussed in No-Subscription Dog Trackers: 5 Smart Options, which compare trackers with zero monthly costs.

Costs and Subscriptions

• Device Price: Typically $69-$129 (more for advanced versions).
• Monthly Fee: $5–$15/month (frequently with discounts for annual subscriptions).
• Contracts: Some have a minimum of 6 to 12 months.
• No-Sub Options: A couple of brands allow for one-time-purchase trackers (with some trade-offs for speed or features).
• Fine Print: Accessories, cases or training may not be included.

Comparing Popular GPS Collars (2025)

Tractive: A dependable all-purpose tracker backed by a solid app with plenty of features. Battery 3–5 days. Subscription $60–120/yr.

Fi Series 3: Extended battery life (2–3 weeks), slim design, advanced health tracking. Subscription ~$102/6mo or $192/yr.

Whistle GO Explore: Built-in health tracking (scratching, licking and heart rate) and vet chat. Battery ~17 days.

Garmin Astro/Alpha: Satellite with no monthly service fee. High initial cost (~600$+ for collar + handheld). Good for hunters and outdoors people.

GPS Fences (Halo, SpotOn, Dogtra): Great for containment. Halo needs a plan; Dogtra is no-subscription but with fewer features.

PitPat cheap, no subscription: ~3 week battery. Location tracking slower than some pricier trackers.

Summary & Tips

GPS collars are a great tool to have, but your selection will depend on lifestyle:

• For adventurers/hikers: Pick tough GPS + cell/satellite trackers like Tractive, Fi, or Garmin.
• For city/suburbs: AirTags and/or cheap-ass GPS like Tractive or PitPat work well enough.
• For fencing only: Look at Halo or Dogtra.

Before purchasing any GPS collar, getting the fit right is often overlooked our sizing guide at Discover your Dog’s Collar size with Inches & CM Quickly will help you avoid discomfort or inaccurate readings.