Last Updated on 03/08/2025 by Liza Brits
As an Amazon Associate, PetSmartify earns from qualifying purchases (at NO additional cost to you)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
If your dog has ever darted off unexpectedly or slipped out of the yard, you know the anxiety that comes with not knowing where they are. Whether you have a backyard escape artist, an off-leash adventurer, or just want added peace of mind, a GPS tracker for dogs is a great solution.
These smart devices let you monitor your dog’s location in real time using GPS, so you can quickly track them down if they wander too far. Some also use Bluetooth or radio frequency (RF) technology to help find your dog within a shorter range — ideal for indoor tracking or backup support when GPS is weak.
Modern dog trackers go beyond location, offering features like virtual fences (safe zones), activity monitoring, and even health tracking. Whether you’re training a pup, hiking with your best buddy, or just want to sleep easier at night, a dog tracker can help keep your furry friend safe.
What are the Benefits of GPS Trackers for Dogs❓
✅ Peace of Mind: Having a GPS tracker allows you to always know your dog’s location. Whether they’re at the dog park or running off-leash in the woods, you can track their movements in real-time.
✅ Safety & Security: GPS trackers are designed to quickly locate your pet, reducing the chances of them getting lost for good.
✅ Versatility: Many dog GPS trackers work internationally and are ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
The 4 Best GPS Trackers for Dogs in 2025
1. Tractive Dog 6 (2025 Release) – No. 1 in Amazon’s Best Sellers for Pet Trackers
Best for: Dogs 8 lbs (3.5kg) and above.
The Tractive GPS Tracker uses GPS satellites to track your pet’s location. The tracker works with an integrated SIM card that connects automatically to local mobile networks and reports the location to the app (Android and iOS). This device ensures you always know where your pet is.
Pros
✅ Real-time GPS tracking with unlimited range. Live location updates every 2-3 seconds, ensuring you can monitor your dog’s movements accurately or find them quickly if they have escaped.
✅ Health monitor that tracks sleep and activity, and alerts you to any changes in your dog’s heart and respiratory rates.
✅ Learns and tracks your dog’s normal behavior and barking. Sends alerts if your dog is barking more or less than usual.
✅ Create safe zones and receive alerts when your dog leaves the designated area.
✅ Location history access to retrace your dog’s steps, if lost.
✅ Up to 14 days battery life on a single charge with extended life using power-saving zones.
✅ Lightweight (1.4 oz/40 grams), durable and waterproof.
✅ Bright LED light and sound for easier tracking.
✅ Worldwide coverage in 175+ countries.
Cons
❌ Subscription fee required (starting from $5/month).
❌ Good cellular coverage is required for the tracker to function properly.
Customer Reviews:
“The Tractive XL GPS Tracker & Health Monitoring has been a game-changer for keeping track of my dog’s location and well-being. As a dog parent to a large and energetic Australian Sheperd, this tracker has provided peace of mind and valuable health insights that I didn’t know I needed.“
“Easy to use, and love the interactive app for alerts, location, etc. It works perfectly to keep tabs on our Great Pyrenees within our property lines. Super long lasting battery!! Would recommend to anyone to keep track of dogs.“
2. Pawfit 3 GPS Pet Tracker
Best for: Dogs or cats weighing over 8 lbs (3.5 kg).
The Pawfit 3 GPS Pet Tracker connects to GPS satellites to determine the location, and uses 4G cellular network to transmit data to the Pawfit app.
Pros
✅ Real-time 4G GPS tracking with updates every 5 seconds.
✅ Smart voice recall feature allows you to record 5 voice commands that can be played to call your dog back, even when they are out of sight.
✅ Activity monitor to tracks your pet’s steps, distance traveled, and calories burned, helping you monitor their health. You can set daily fitness goals for your pet and get alerted when your pet reaches them.
✅ Set up to 10 safe zones and receive alerts if your dog strays outside of them.
✅ Lightweight (0.96 oz/27 grams) and waterproof.
✅ Battery lasts up to 8 days and takes 2.5 hours to charge. Alerts will be sent when the battery is low.
Cons
❌ Requires a subscription plan (starting from $4.75/month).
Customer Reviews:
“I recently bought the Pawfit Dog Collar for my Great Pyrenees, and I have to say, it’s been a game changer! Living on a farm, my dog spends a lot of time patrolling the property, so I needed something that would keep track of him, especially since he’s often out of sight. The Pawfit collar has exceeded all of my expectations.“
“I’ve enjoyed using the Pawfit 3s for over a year and recently decided to try the Pawfit 3 for my new dog. Like its predecessor, the Pawfit 3 maintains the same design but seems to operate on a different network, which I found to enhance the network connection noticeably. The location accuracy is spot-on, matching that of the 3s.“
3. Petcube GPS Tracker for Dogs
NB: Please note that products that might have a “Frequently Returned Item” badge does not necessarily mean the product is defective or bad. It often reflects return patterns like customer confusion, wrong size ordered, or return abuse.
Best for: Medium to Large Dogs
The Petcube GPS Tracker connects to LTE GPS satellites in the USA to determine the location, and uses cellular networks to transmit data to the Petcube app.
Pros
✅ Real-time GPS tracking with updates every few seconds.
✅ Activity monitor to tracks your pet’s steps, distance traveled, and calories burned, helping you to monitor their health.
✅ Set up safe zones and boundaries and receive alerts if your pet strays outside of them.
✅ Lightweight and waterproof design.
✅ The location history map allows you to retrace your dog’s steps of frequently visited areas.
✅ LED Light, buzzer, and also features a glow-in-the-dark silicon case to assist in locating your pet.
✅ Battery lasts up to 30 days in power-save mode and takes 1 hour to recharge.
Cons
❌ Requires a subscription plan (starting from $5/month).
Reviews:
“This is the fifth gps pet tracker that I’ve tried and it’s the one I’ll be keeping! My main criteria were obviously location accuracy and battery life, costs, customer service. I love that this tracker is small and lightweight. It also comes with a great silicone sleeve that fits most width collars as you can see in the pics. It’s easy to remove the tracker to charge it and then pop it back into the sleeve without having to remove the whole thing from the collar.“
“I ordered the Petcube Tracker and 360 Camera after moving to an apartment complex with my pup who was having a hard time adjusting. The products are both well made and have a good design. Both devices were super easy to set up and get connected; with 1 app to monitor them both. The tracker comes in a silicone cover which glows in the dark.. which I thought was a great touch! Overall these Petcube devices put my mind at ease, knowing I’m keeping my fur baby safe and protected!“
NB: Please note that products that might have a “Frequently Returned Item” badge does not necessarily mean the product is defective or bad. It often reflects return patterns like customer confusion, wrong size ordered, or return abuse.
4. Aorkuler Tracker for Dogs (No Subscription)
Best for: All dog sizes
The Aorkuler Tracker for Dogs utilizes radio frequency technology without the need for cellular networks or subscription fees.
Pros
✅ Real-time tracking within a range of up to 5 kilometers (3.5 miles) in open areas and approximately 1 kilometer (0.65 miles) in urban or dense spaces.
✅ No subscription fee offering a one-time purchase solution.
✅ Lightweight, (1.08 oz/30 grams) durable, and waterproof.
✅ Battery lasts up to 15 days on daily walks, and takes 2 – 3 hours to fully charge.
✅ User-friendly and easy to use for all ages.
✅ Sound and light alerts to assist you in finding your dog quickly.
Cons
❌ Limited tracking range, especially in urban or dense areas.
❌ Does not have smart features such as geofencing, health tracking, etc.
Customer Reviews:
“After extensive research, we chose the Aorkular Tracker 2. It’s been a game changer. No fees, quick charging, simple to set up and use. Even in our thick woods, I have a great idea where the pup is and how far away. Though it sometimes takes a few minutes for the tracker and controller to hook up with satellites, this tool works well and is very simple to use.”
“The simplicity of the tracker is just what we needed. Works very well! Great peace of mind!”
Comparison Table
| Feature | Tractive GPS Tracker | Pawfit 3 GPS Tracker | Petcube GPS Tracker | Aorkuler Tracker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | All sizes | Dogs & cats over 3.5 kg | Medium to large dogs | All dog sizes |
| Tracking Tech | GPS + LTE (works in 175+ countries) | GPS + 4G | LTE GPS + cellular | Radio Frequency |
| Live Tracking | ✅ Every 2–3 seconds | ✅ Real-time | ✅ Every few seconds | ✅ Within 3.5 miles open; ~0.6 miles urban |
| Geofencing | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Health Monitoring | ✅ Activity + Bark alerts | ✅ Activity + Calories | ✅ Activity + Calories | ❌ No |
| Voice Recall | ❌ No | ✅ 5 voice commands | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Waterproof | ✅ Yes | ✅ IP68 rated | ✅ IP68 rated + glow case | ✅ IP67 rated |
| Battery Life | 🔋 Up to 10 days | 🔋 Up to 8 days | 🔋 Up to 30 days (power-save mode) | 🔋 Up to 15 days |
| Subscription Needed | ❌ Required (from $5/mo) | ❌ Required (from $4.75/mo) | ❌ Required (from $5/mo) | ✅ No subscription |
| Smart Features | Activity, Barking Alerts, Power Saving Zones | Voice Commands, Step Counter | LED Light, Buzzer, Glow Cover | Basic location only |
| Customer Reviews Highlight | “Peace of mind, easy to use, great for health tracking” | “Accurate, great range, good for rural use” | “Reliable, best GPS I’ve used, glow-in-the-dark cover” | “Simple, effective, works well in woods, no fees” |
Things to Keep In Mind When Choosing a Dog GPS Tracker:
- Battery Life: If your pet is active or you’re using the tracker on long trips, choose one with a longer battery life.
- Range: Consider where you are tracking your pet to determine the range that will be suitable.
- Size and Comfort: The tracker should be lightweight and comfortable for your pet.
- Subscription Fees: Many GPS trackers require subscription fees. Consider whether the price of the tracker and subscription fits your budget and if the value of the service justifies the cost.
- Real-time Tracking: Choose trackers with this feature if you’re concerned about losing your pet during outdoor adventures or if they tend to wander off.
- Geofencing Capabilities: This feature is especially useful for dogs that are prone to running away or escaping from your yard.
- Tracking Accuracy: Check the accuracy of the GPS or signal tracking system, especially if you’re using it in rural or wooded areas where signals might be weak.
- Price: Balance the cost of the tracker with its features, durability, and subscription fees. Sometimes paying a little more upfront gives you better quality and service.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can make a more informed decision when choosing a GPS tracker that best meets your pet’s needs and fits your lifestyle.
🐶 FAQs – Dog GPS Trackers
Do GPS trackers work without cell service?
Some dog GPS trackers (like the Aorkuler Tracker) work without cell service by using radio frequency technology. However, most popular options like Tractive, Pawfit, and Petcube require cellular connectivity to transmit real-time location data to your smartphone app.
Is a subscription required for dog GPS trackers?
Yes, most GPS trackers (Tractive, Pawfit 3, Petcube) require a monthly or yearly subscription to enable features like live tracking, location history, and health monitoring. However, Aorkuler is a no-subscription alternative if you prefer a one-time purchase.
How accurate are dog GPS trackers?
Most GPS trackers are accurate within a few meters, especially in open areas. Tractive and Petcube offer live location updates every few seconds, giving you reliable real-time tracking. In dense areas or indoors, accuracy may slightly decrease due to signal interference.
Which GPS tracker is best for large dogs?
All four trackers are suitable, but for larger dogs, Petcube and Tractive are popular choices thanks to their durability and longer battery life. Pawfit is also a solid option, especially if you want voice recall or enhanced activity tracking.
Can I use these trackers for small dogs?
Yes! Trackers like Tractive and Pawfit 3 are lightweight and designed for pets over 3.5 kg, making them ideal for small to medium-sized dogs. Just make sure the collar is a comfortable fit and not too bulky.
Are dog GPS trackers waterproof?
Yes! All the trackers featured here are waterproof, perfect for active or water-loving pups!
Do dog GPS trackers have health monitoring?
Yes, Tractive, Pawfit 3, and Petcube track your dog’s activity, rest, steps, and calories burned. Tractive even detects unusual barking behavior, which can be an early sign of distress or health issues.
What’s the battery life like?
Battery life varies: Petcube up to 30 days, Aorkuler up to 15 day, Tractive up to 10 days, Pawfit up to 8 days. If battery life is a top priority, Petcube and Aorkuler are great options.
You might also like
PetSmartify is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through the links provided, at NO additional cost to you.