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The Best GPS Dog Trackers To Keep Tabs On Your Pup

While fences can typically keep your dog contained within your yard, if you have a pup who's a talented escape artist, you might want to consider a dog GPS tracker. These devices can help you keep tabs on your beloved pet, providing you with additional peace of mind. The best GPS dog trackers, including our top pick, the Whistle Go Explore, use Bluetooth and cellular technology to quickly pinpoint your dog's location so you can easily find them—no calling their name or shaking the treat bag necessary.

The best GPS dog trackers help you keep tabs on your furry friend and locate them quickly.

Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers

But there's more to a dog tracker than the type of connectivity it uses. It's also important to consider the range it covers, its size (you want to make sure it can fit comfortably onto your dog's collar) and potential ongoing subscription costs. There is no shortage of options, from a basic Apple AirTag to the Invoxia Minitailz GPS Tracker that can also monitor your dog's vitals; it all comes down to what you find best suits your needs and budget. After hours of research as well as incorporating firsthand experience using some of these trackers on our staff's pups, here are the best GPS dog trackers to help you keep an eye on your pet.

Best GPS Dog Tracker Overall: Whistle Go Explore

Best Bluetooth Dog Tracker For iPhone Users: Apple AirTag

Best GPS Dog Tracker With Health Monitoring: Invoxia Minitailz Dog Tracker

Best GPS Dog Tracker For Hiking: Link My Pet GPS Dog Tracker

GPS: YesMonthly fee: $8.25 per month or $99 annuallyWaterproof: YesBattery life: Up to 20 days

Pros:

Built-in night-light for late-night outings

Safe zone feature for quick, easy alerts

Health monitoring to keep tabs on your dog's wellbeing

Cons:

Not suitable for rural areas

The Whistle Go Explore uses AT&T's nationwide network and Google Maps for its location tracking metrics, providing a precise pinpoint for your pet anywhere. It's a partnership that's rarely seen in dog trackers–and thanks to this combo, you never have to worry about losing signal or missing an important transmission once it's set up.

It offers fantastic features, including a 24-hour timeline of your dog's day that indicates when your dog runs, plays or naps. If you take your pup on hikes, it sports a highly valuable IPX8 waterproof rating and a built-in night-light for adventures after dark. You can also set up safe zones, and if your pet strays from those areas, you'll receive alerts that can be delivered via email, text or an app push notification.

That said, there are reports of the device not working in very rural areas. If you're out in the middle of the woods, take a look at our pick for hikers, as the Link My Pet GPS Dog Tracker will be better suited to your needs. But if you live in a city or suburban area, this tracker will suffice just fine.

GPS: No (Bluetooth only)Monthly fee: $0Waterproof: YesBattery life: Up to one year

Pros:

Budget-friendly

Works with Find My app

One-year battery life for stress-free tracking

Cons:

Find My app needs to be close to an iPhone to work properly

Not recommended for rural areas

Doesn't support real-time data tracking

Many of the top dog trackers offer a subscription, but if you don't want to deal with this extra expense, the Apple AirTag costs around $30 before a discount and doesn't require a monthly or annual fee. It sends out a signal that any iPhone in the world can register: Mark the AirTag as lost, and any iPhone that comes close will anonymously report the AirTag's location to your device thanks to the Find My network.

It's handy, but there's a catch. The AirTag truly works best in urban or densely populated areas. Lose your dog in the middle of a hike or in a rural area, you're not going to get a signal and won't be able to track your dog. More importantly: Even if an iPhone is nearby, there's no real-time tracking, so you can see snippets of your pup's location, such as where the AirTag last pinged off an iPhone. And one more thing to note: You need to pick up a separate, third-party attachment accessory, like the AirTag Dog Collar Holder ($8) , the Caisateq Silicone AirTag Pet Collar Holder ($8) or the Cityway AirTag Dog Collar Holder ($8) to properly secure it to your pet.

GPS: YesYearly fee: $129.95Waterproof: IP67Battery life: Up to two weeks

Pros:

Can easily slide it onto any dog collar

Accurate location tracking

Useful AI health integrations

Cons:

It's pretty big if you have a smaller dog

Only annual subscription plans offered

Invoxia's Minitailz GPS Tracker uses a combination of Wi-Fi and cellular signals to keep spot-on tabs on your dog. Thanks to a no-frills ring attachment, it works with just about any collar you secure it to. Geofencing alerts will immediately let you know when your dog steps out of your virtual boundaries, too. That said, don't plan on it lasting longer than two weeks before it requires recharging.

Its real claim to fame is the on-board AI, which is used to generate daily reports of your dog's health metrics. It monitors cardio and respiratory health, but it goes further, giving you detailed summaries to help provide a comprehensive picture of not only your dog's day but also their overall health. It's a very useful feature to have, but you have to be within Bluetooth range to view results.

MOST POPULAR

Amazon

Tractive GPS Dog Tracker (Dog 4)

GPS: YesMonthly fee: $5 to $13 per month, depending on selectionWaterproof: YesBattery life: Up to 10 days

Pros:

Available in two size options

Tracks your dog's real-time location

Works with several major cell service providers

Cons:

Extra $2 per month fee to protect the tracker against loss or damage

Tractive offers two different size options for your dog: Dog 4, designed for pets 8.8 pounds and above, and Dog XL, which is built for dogs over 50 pounds. The only difference is battery life. While the Dog 4 lasts up to 10 days on a single charge, the Dog XL can track your pup for up to 30 days. The built-in SIM card works with most major carriers, too, including Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. With this tracker, you get real-time updates when your dog is moving as well as notifications if your pup strays from the designated radius around your home.

Like others on this list, the Tractive GPS Dog Tracker features health-measuring metrics, including walking and activity goals for your pup. It's a nice add-on to make sure your dog gets enough exercise, but it's also affordably priced. Keep in mind that there are subscription plans: Basic is billed monthly and premium is billed annually, and they can start at $5 per month; the premium plan comes with international coverage for extra peace of mind if you travel with your pup.

GPS: YesMonthly fee: $13Waterproof: YesBattery life: 14 days

Pros:

Uses Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth and cellular tech to track your pet

Vet and medication management within the app

Integrated LED night light

Cons:

Mediocre battery life

Reports of malfunctioning hardware

If you take your dog on plenty of hikes, the Link My Pet GPS Dog Tracker is best suited for your outdoor adventures, in part thanks to its waterproof design and built-in flashlight features. Attach it to your dog's collar, and you can use GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and cellular technology to get real-time tracking information.

The app provides a slew of useful features, too. An activity monitor can help you set daily goals for your pet, basing it on factors like breed, age and more. When your pup is under the weather, a feature called Link Health provides a symptom analysis tool to help assess potential emergencies. It offers a tele-vet service for peace of mind, and there is also a storage option for your vet records in case of emergencies. That said, some users have reported malfunctioning hardware.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

At Forbes Vetted, we're proud of our extensive library of tech guides and recommendations. In particular, we have an ever-growing section of pet content—where we share our recommendations and professional insights for things including the best cat water fountains, the best dog food delivery services, the best self-cleaning litter boxes and much more.

This story was written by consumer tech and electronics editor Rebecca Isaacs, who has over five years of experience testing and writing about consumer technology. Isaacs grew up with a menagerie of Old English sheepdogs and mutts (some of whom were professional escape artists), and currently lives with three cats. As a proud pet owner, she knows what to look for in the best GPS dog trackers to keep your pets happy, healthy and safely monitored in your yard.

This story was edited by Emmy Favilla, Forbes Vetted's managing editor and pet parent to two large dogs and three cats. She regularly writes and edits pet content (including of our monthly Pet Peeves column) and is an animal rescue advocate and shelter volunteer.

The tech world moves fast, and we make every effort to keep up. This story was last updated in February 2025 to include professional insights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is The Best GPS Dog Tracker?

Based on our testing and research, the best GPS dog tracker is the Whistle Go Explore. It uses AT&T's network and Google Maps to provide real-time tracking of your dog. We also like that you can set up safe zones for your pet and receive instant alerts when your pup decides to practice his escape artistry and strays beyond those boundaries.

How Do GPS Dog Trackers Differ From Bluetooth-Based Trackers Like The Apple AirTag?

Alex Sarellas, managing partner and CEO at PAJ GPS, says it boils down to range. "Bluetooth-based trackers like the Apple AirTag are great for finding items within about 30 meters—perfect for keys or a wallet," he says. But dogs and pets are a different story, since 30 meters isn't very far, and odds are your pet has gone a much farther distance from your home. Some Bluetooth trackers like the Apple AirTag can ping off of other iPhones in the area, but it only works if there are other iPhones nearby–and it may not be in real time, too.

A GPS dog tracker can work over much longer distances to help you safely and accurately locate your pet. "As long as the device is charged and has a signal, you can track your dog almost anywhere, whether they're across the neighborhood or miles away in the woods," says Sarellas.

What Key Features Should I Look For In A GPS Dog Tracker?

Real-time tracking is a important. The best GPS dog trackers will instantly alert you if your dog leaves its safe zone, so you can quickly find your pup.

Alex Sarellas, managing partner and CEO at PAJ GPS, also recommends waterproofing features in a dog tracker. "Dogs have a special talent for finding water—whether it's a puddle, a pond, or a full-on rainstorm. A water-resistant device with IP67 or higher can survive rain, mud, or even a quick swim," he says.

You'll want to make sure your dog tracker has a long battery life too. All of the picks on our list last a minimum of two weeks, so you don't have to worry about recharging every other day.

Finally, comfort is key. "A bulky tracker will make your dog uncomfortable, and if it bugs them enough, they'll find a way to remove it," Sarellas says. He recommends keeping the GPS dog tracker under 50 grams.

I Use An AirTag To Track My Dog And Amazon Has A 4-pack Of Apple's Trackers For A Massive 30% Off Right Now

When they first launched, I didn't really understand the point of the AirTags. But then I got one and saw how useful they really are for keeping track of, well, pretty much anything — including my dog.

They're not the cheapest though, which is why it's such a big deal that the Apple AirTags four-pack is down to just $69 on Amazon right now — its lowest ever price on the site.

And you don't really have to do anything to set them up — connect them to your phone and Apple account, and then the tracker automatically joins Apple's Find My network so it can be located whenever it's near any iPhone.

If you have an iPhone, AirTags are easily among the best key finders, as they're pretty small, last a long time (thanks to the included CR2032 battery) and securely (and privately) can be found whenever they're in range of any iPhone.

This is why many people use them to track luggage too, which can get easily lost in transit, but often around other people. This is also how I ended up attaching one to my dog's collar, even though Apple doesn't explicitly recommend this.

If you live in a rural or sparsely populated area, a GPS pet tracker is going to be a better option, but I live in a city so it's rare there aren't people about. But since the AirTags don't come with a case, I also bought the Otterbox Rugged AirTag Case to clip it to the dog's collar or harness.

Of course, as this is an Apple product, and as we noted in our AirTags review, these are really only a good choice if you have an iPhone. If you use Android, then you'll want something like the Tile Life360 Mate four-pack which is down to just $55 at Amazon right now and plays well with Apple and Google's devices.

Today's best Apple AirTag 4 Pack deals

James is Tom's Guide's Buying Guide Editor, overseeing the site's buying advice. He was previously Fitness Editor, covering strength training workouts, cardio exercise, and accessible ways to improve your health and wellbeing.At his first job at as a sales assistant in a department store, James learned how important it is to help people make purchasing decisions that are right for their needs, whether that's a fountain pen to give as a gift or a new fridge for their kitchen.

This skill stayed with him as he developed a career in journalism as a freelance technology writer and, later, as Buying Guide Editor for MakeUseOf, where his interest in fitness combined with his commitment to impartial buying advice.

This is how he came to join Fit&Well as Fitness Editor, covering beginner-friendly exercise routines, affordable ways to boost your wellbeing, and reviewed weights, rowing machines, and workout headphones.

James is an advocate for sustainability and reparability, and focuses his reviews and advice through that lens to offer objective insights as to whether a specific product or service will be right for your needs.

10 Best Dog Gps Tracker No Monthly Fees

10 Best Dog Gps Tracker No Monthly FeesElectronicsRecombu Product Features

Not Require a Monthly Fee、a Cellular Network、a Mobile Phone ：Aorkuler GPS tracker is No Subscription, NO MONTHLY FEE, NO ACTIVATION FEE. Aorkuler dog tracker Not rely on phone signals or mobile phones to track a lost item. With real time tracking allows you to provide more reliable protection during outdoor activities.

The Best Way To Avoid Privacy Leaks Is Not to Provide Any Data ：The data of you and the dog will only be transmitted between the dog GPS tracker and the controller, Aorkuler dog gps tracker has no APP and will not collecting any of your privacy. This dog tracker can be used freely.

Aorkuler Dog Gps Tracker Up To 3.5 Miles In An Open Environment : The tracking radius can be up to 3.5 miles in an open environment and 0.65 miles in downtown/dense space. Aorkuler Dog GPS tracker Use the Low power and long-range wireless technologies with high-precision RF, GPS chips, High sensitivity antenna and optimized design.

Up to 8H Continuous Real-Time Tracking and Ultra-Long Standby Time : Take your beloved dog to go hiking and Real-Time Tracking for a Whole Day ，different from traditional 4g GPS tracker , Aorkuler GPS Dog Tracker is a real-time tracking mode without delay of cellular network，not a positioner.With stronger built-in battery and optimized algorithms,Aorkuler support Ultra-long standby time.

Simpler and Easier Real-Time Dog Tracker, Not Traditional 4G Positioner : Aorkuler GPS Dog Tracker With such a simple screen design, say goodbye to the complicated steps and the complex maps. Find whatever you've lost, with ease! Gives a strong sense of security and is always reliable.

Product Features

[Portable＆Convenient] Mini Key Tracker is a miniature tracking device with a compact and cute design, GPS tracker device can be used as a wallet finder easy to carry and attached to a key ring or other frequently lost items to guide you to find.

[One-click Search] Bluetooth Key Locator Alert Double tap on the button on the app will make your phone beep, the key finder helps you to quickly find any misplaced item without wasting time.

[Bluetooth Connection＆Range] Anti-lost key finder connects to your phone bluetooth and finding app, and can map the location of your car keys to help you find items with a range of more than 100 inches.

[Long Battery Life＆Support] The smart key locator is

[Compatibility] Ultrs-light no burden tracker supports iOS system and Android 4.3 or higher (requires Bluetooth 4.0). You can download the "Searching" App from the App Store, or scan the QR code attached to the manual to download the software.

Product Features

🐕NO MONTHLY FEE, ANTI-LOST RADAR SERCHING: Petfon GPS tracker is free of any service fee.The small, durable, and rainproof device allows you to track your pet's activity and pinpoint his/her location in real time. Petfon GPS tracker combines GPS, WiFi, bluetooth, and long distance wireless technologies.The unique Radar serching feature can help you find the direction of the lost dogs.

🐕REAL-TIME & LONG DISTANCE TRACKING: Petfon GPS Tracker will update you the loation of your pets every 10seconds during blutooth mode, and every 20 seconds(more choice can be choosed) during LoRa mode. Be the quickest in GPS tracking market. The tracking ranges can be up to 0.65 miles in downtown/dense space and 3.5 miles in an open environment.

🐕4 MODE FENCES: With Petfon GPS tracker you can define a Safe Fence/Danger Fence around your pet's location and get notified instantly if your pet leaves/gets in that area. You can also set up your family Wi-Fi as the fence boundary,which will be more accurate. And the Blutooth lense is specical for walking or hiking outdoor with your pets,give them freedom to run.

🐕LIGHT WEIGHT,MULTICOLOR ALERT,CUSTOMIZABLE VRINGTONG:The Petfon GPS tracker is small and durable (42mm*42mm*18mm, Weight: 27.6g).You can also activate the colorful lights(11 Led lights choice) on the PETFON GPS tracker to locate your pet more easily in dim light or at night time. Voice commands can be recorded and stored on the tracker to communicate with your pets remotely.

🐕LONG STANDBY BATTERY and RAINPROOF: The rainproof feature enables it to work in wet weather but do not working for swimming. Petfon GPS Tracker's battery can last up to 8-16 hours and comes with a compact charging station. It can recharge the device multiple times, which is perfect for going off the grid.

Product Features

LIVE TRACKING & LOCATION HISTORY - Follow your furry friend's every step in real-time on your phone. See where your dog has been and what they've been up to.

SUBSCRIPTION PLAN NEEDED - Monthly, 1 year, 2 year and 5 year plans available starting at $4.99 per month. Try risk free with a 30 day money back guarantee.

VIRTUAL FENCE - Mark safe spaces, like your garden, and know the moment your dog leaves one - and when they come back safely.

ALL-DAY ACTIVITY MONITORING - Track active time, rest and calories burned. Set fitness goals. Keep your buddy in great shape with Tractive GPS for dogs.

SMALL, LIGHTWEIGHT & 100% WATERPROOF - Running through the forest, rolling in the mud or a dip in the lake are no problem for Tractive.

WORLDWIDE LOCATION TRACKING - Use your GPS tracker for dogs throughout the USA, Canada and 150 other countries. Manage all features via the free Tractive GPS app for iOS and Android or in any browser.

Product Features

🐕NO MONTHLY FEE, ANTI-LOST RADAR SERCHING: Petfon GPS tracker is free of any service fee or monthly fee.The small, durable, and rainproof device allows you to track your pet's activity and pinpoint his/her location in real time. Petfon GPS tracker combines GPS, WiFi, bluetooth, and long distance wireless technologies for accurate real-time positioning.The unique Rada serching feature can help you find the direction of the lost dogs.

🐕REAL-TIME & LONG DISTANCE TRACKING: Petfon GPS Tracker is easy to install and use. Just download the Petfon app and follow the instructions. With the app, you can view your pet's activities and pinpoint his location at any time. The tracking ranges can be up to 0.65 miles in downtown/dense space and 3.5 miles in an open environment. But it will be effected by surarroundings.

🐕GEOFENCING,MULTICOLOR ALERT,CUSTOMIZABLE VOICE COMMAND: With Petfon GPS tracker you can define a safe area around your pet's location and get notified instantly if your pet leaves that area. You can also activate the colorful lights on the GPS tracker to locate your pet more easily in dim light or at night time. Voice commands can be recorded and stored on the tracker to communicate with your pets remotely.

🐕LONG STANDBY BATTERY,LIGHT WEIGHT & RAINPROOF: The Petfon GPS tracker is small and durable (42mm*42mm*18mm, Weight: 27.6g). The rainproof feature enables it to work in wet weather but do not working for swimming. Petfon GPS Tracker's battery can last up to 8-16 hours and comes with a compact charging station. It can recharge the device multiple times, which is perfect for going off the grid.

🐕Different from Petfon1, Petfon2 is blue rather than grey, and it is sturdier and more dirt resistant. Petfon2 firmware and software have been optimized so it is more sensitive & stable. The tracking distance is 15% further and the initial positioning time is 10 seconds shorter than Petfon1, which makes the tracking quicker and more accurate.

Product Features

🔎【ANTI-LOST KEY FINDER】The smart key tracker is a great gadget to alert you when you are about to forget your belongings. Pair to the app and keep it running at back-end, your phone and key locator will both ring to alert you once it is disconnected, perfect for traveling to avoid losses.

🔎【PORTABLE & CONVENIENT】The smart key finder is designed in compact size and easy to carry around. You can put it in your wallet as a wallet finder or in the bag with your phone as a phone finder or as any other item finder, bringing convenience wherever and whenever you are.

🔎【LONG BATTERY LIFE & STYLISH】The Bluetooth key tracking device is

🔎【FIND YOUR ITEMS】The key locator is a great gadget to help you search and locate items you always misplaced. Simply attach it to your luggage, wallet, keychain or pets. If you fail to find your belongings, double click the button on the app and it will make your phone beep to assist you to find items quickly and easily.

🔎【COMPATIBILITY】You can check the map location when you disconnect the anti-loss device on your phone; support iOS system and Android 4.3 or higher (require Bluetooth 4.0). You can download the App "iSearching" from the App store, or scan the QR code that comes with the manual to download the software.

Product Features

🔎【LONG BATTERY LIFE & STYLISH】The Bluetooth key tracking device is

Product Features

🔎【LONG BATTERY LIFE & STYLISH】The Bluetooth key tracking device is

Product Features

【ANTI-LOST KEY FINDER】The smart key tracker is a great gadget to alert you when you are about to forget your belongings. Pair to the app and keep it running at back-end, your phone and key locator will both ring to alert you once it is disconnected, perfect for traveling to avoid losses.

【PORTABLE & CONVENIENT】The smart key finder is designed in compact size and easy to carry around. You can put it in your wallet as a wallet finder or in the bag with your phone as a phone finder or as any other item finder, bringing convenience wherever and whenever you are.

【LONG BATTERY LIFE & STYLISH】The Bluetooth key tracking device is

【FIND YOUR ITEMS】The key locator is a great gadget to help you search and locate items you always misplaced. Simply attach it to your luggage, wallet, keychain or pets. If you fail to find your belongings, double click the button on the app and it will make your phone beep to assist you to find items quickly and easily.

【COMPATIBILITY】You can check the map location when you disconnect the anti-loss device on your phone; support iOS system and Android 4.3 or higher (require Bluetooth 4.0). You can download the App "iSearching" from the App store, or scan the QR code that comes with the manual to download the software.

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