The best dog GPS tracker to keep an eye on your pooch

Keeping your pup safe and sound with a tracking device.

best dog GPS tracker

by Rosie Floyd |
Updated on

The best dog GPS trackers offer a great way to keep your pup safe and your anxieties at bay. We've all been there where dogs go sniffing or get lost when out and about on a walk. With this nifty piece of tech, you can just add to their collar, and you'll never have to worry about losing sight of your dog again, which is why they’re a great dog walking accessory.

If you’re wondering how does a dog GPS tracker work, they basically are little collar attachments with a GPS loaded inside them so you can keep an eye on your pooch if they go walkabout. They’re designed to plot your pet’s location on a map that’s connected to an app on your smartphone. So, if your dog ever goes walkabout by themselves or bolts off chasing something into the unknown, you just need to get your phone out to hunt them back down, no more using a dog whistle to try and get your dog to return to you.

Best dog GPS tracker at a glance:

While the primary function of dog GPS trackers is to pinpoint your pup’s exact location, many trackers have additional features that make them a worthwhile kit to invest in. You can often use them to record the route of your walks and the length of them as well, and some even provide stats on your pup’s health based on their activity, so you can keep an eye on them from that perspective too.

When it comes to choosing the right tracker for you and your pooch, there are a couple of factors to consider. We’ve explored these in more detail in our FAQs, but you want to think about the overall size and weight, the battery life, how durable it is, the compatibility with your smartphone and what additional fees you may have to pay to access the full functionality of your chosen tracker. Ready to invest? Here are our top picks for the best dog GPS tracker.

The best dog GPS trackers to buy UK

Best dog GPS tracker overall

Credit: Rosie Floyd/Take a Break
Price: $69.00

I put the Tractive GPS Dog 6 Tracker to the test with my energetic Cockapoo, Bella. My first impression is that the tracker is super light, and Bella didn’t seem to notice it around her neck at all, which is a win in itself. However, it did look a bit bulky sitting on her collar around her neck. Setting it up was a breeze, and the Tractive app is really easy to use. One of the standout features is the live tracking, as I could see exactly where Bella is in almost real time. You can also set up virtual fences to alert you when your pup has left their designated "safe zone". I found that feature incredibly useful for when Bella was at my mum's house, as she has a bigger garden but when setting it up to use at my home, it didn't work so well as it kept saying my virtual fence was too small so I was getting alerts that Bella was out of the safe zone but really she was napping on the sofa. This GPS tracker is equipped with walk tracking that allows you to monitor walks in real time. I like that you can see how long you've been out on your walk and how far you've gone straight from the lock screen, but you do need to remember to hit "start" within the app before you head out, or else it won't record it. One area of improvement for me would be the battery life, as I found it a bit hit or miss. It lasted well over a week at my house, but drained within a day or two at my mum's house, where she has weak Wi-Fi. All in all, though, the Tractive GPS Dog 6 has definitely brought me peace of mind. If your dog’s a bit of an explorer, this tracker could be just what you need!

Want to know more about mine and Bella's experience with this GPS tracker? Take a look at our Tractive Dog 6 Review.

Pros

  • Easy setup with a user-friendly app that even someone who isn't tech savvy could navigate
  • Virtual fencing alerts so it'll send you a notifcation when your dog leaves a set safe zone

Cons

  • It does look a bit bulky on your dog's neck
  • Struggles to set up smaller virtual fencing so sometimes sends false alerts
Battery life:Up to 10 days
Subscription needed?Yes, from £4 a month
  • Unlimited range
  • Virtual fence
  • Sleep tracking
  • Activity tracking
  • Location history
  • Waterproof
  • Shock-resistant

Best compact dog GPS tracker

Weenect GPS TrackerWeenect/Amazon

Next up is another top-rated choice on Amazon, the Weenect GPS Tracker. It has a simple and easy-to-use design, and it's straightforward to apply to your dog. This is the most compact model in the Weenect range, so it's great for smaller dogs. It clips easily onto a collar and doesn’t get in the way during zoomies, which is always a win. The standout feature is the ability to set safe zones, so if your curious canine escapes, you’ll get an alert that they’ve left, so you can spring into action before they wander too far.

Pet parents love how user-friendly the Weenect is as the setup is quick, the app is intuitive, and the real-time tracking is spot on. Some users mention that the battery life could be better, especially if you’re using live tracking frequently, as it drains daily. Others have noted that the coverage could vary in remote areas, so it might not be ideal if you live in a rural setting, but for most other areas, you will always be able to keep tabs on your pooch.

Pros

  • Compact size, so it's ideal for smaller dogs
  • You can set up an anti-escape alert so you know the minute your pup has left their 'safe zone'

Cons

  • Some reviewers have found that battery drained quickly, so it needed charging every day
Battery life:Up to three days
Subscription needed?Yes, from £8 a month
  • No distance limit
  • Live tracking
  • Anti-escape alert
  • Training alerts
  • Location history
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Best dog GPS tracker with voice and light tracking

Pawfit 3 Pet GPS TrackerPawfit/Amazon
Price: $199.99

If you’ve ever struggled to call your dog back from across the park, the Pawfit 3 Pet GPS Tracker is here to help. This clever little device doesn’t just keep tabs on your pup’s location, it lets you record up to five personalised voice commands, which it plays from a built-in speaker. That means you can train your dog from a distance and provide your contact info in case they get lost, all in one compact tracker.

Pawfit 3’s LED light and sound-tracking features really shine when your furry explorer decides to go on a nighttime adventure. Several users mentioned how helpful the bright light was for spotting their dogs in low visibility, and the sound feature is a bonus when they’re hidden behind trees or bushes. A few reviewers mentioned the setup is a bit fiddly, especially when syncing with the app for the first time. But once up and running, the majority agreed it offers fantastic peace of mind.

Pros

  • Can be programmed to add voice commands for training but also to add your personal information that can be played when your pup gets lost
  • Has light and sound tracking for further visibility

Cons

  • A few reviewers mentioned the setup is a bit fiddly, especially when syncing with the app for the first time
Battery life:Up to six days
Subscription needed?Yes, from £5.79 a month
  • Fully waterproof
  • Fitness tracker
  • Voice recall
  • Unlimited range
  • Voice commands
  • Walk history
  • Up to 19 pets

Best activity monitor dog GPS tracker

KIPPY EVO Dog Tracker GPSKIPPY EVO/Amazon

If you’re looking for a high-tech option that does more than just track location, the KIPPY EVO is a great choice. This device doesn’t just tell you where your furry friend is, it shows you how much ground they’ve covered, how fast they’re moving, and even how well they’re sleeping. From distance travelled to speed and altitude, as well as sleeping, relaxation and playing, the KIPPY EVO gives you a full picture of your dog’s lifestyle. Plus, you can even compare your dog’s stats with others of the same breed, weight and age.

Users rave about how fun and insightful it is to track playtime, relaxation and movement trends over time. It also comes in different colours that you can match to your dog’s collar or other walking accessories. While it is small in size, some reviewers felt that the tracker was a little bulky so this may be better suited to large breeds than small ones.

Pros

  • You can track the length of your dog's walk, sleep and their overall health rate in the app
  • Comes in five different colours, brown wood, green forest, grey stone, pink petal, yellow lemon

Cons

  • Some reviewers felt it was a little bulky
Battery life:Up to seven days
Subscription needed?Yes, from £3.33 a month
  • Safe areas
  • Activity monitoring
  • Live tracking
  • Personalised messaging
  • Activity comparison

Best mini dog GPS tracker

Tracki Mini 4G GPS TrackerTracki/Amazon

Rrp: $18.88

Price: $17.72
Alternative retailers
Walmart$12.88View offer
Newegg$18.88View offer
Newegg$18.88View offer

We're not forgetting about our small doggies here. The Tracki Mini 4G GPS Tracker takes the crown as the best mini dog GPS tracker, thanks to its tiny size but mighty tracking powers. Roughly the size of a coin, this pocket-sized pal is perfect for petite pups who don't want to be weighed down by a bulky tracker. You shouldn't let its teeny size fool you, as the Tracki Mini is packed with high-tech features like real-time GPS tracking, worldwide coverage, and a rechargeable battery that lasts anywhere from two to five days, depending on usage. It's also super easy to attach to a collar, which makes it a breeze for everyday use or adventurous outings.

With over 45,000 reviews and counting, dog parents love how this tracker gives them peace of mind when out and about with their fur babies. Many rave about how accurate the tracking is and how easy the app is to use. That said, a few pet parents did feel the monthly subscription fee was a bit steep considering the device's low upfront cost. However, if you're looking for a compact, reliable tracker for your pup, the Tracki Mini is a hard one to beat.

Pros

  • Super compact and lightweight so it's a great choice for small dogs
  • Rechargeable battery last between two to five days

Cons

  • Some reviewers feel like the subscription is expensive in relation to the cost of the tracker itself
Subscription needed?No
  • Real-time tracking
  • Unlimited distance
  • Five-year history
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Compatible with smartphones
  • SOS panic button

Best Apple dog tracker

Apple AirTagApple/Amazon

I’m sure you’ve all heard of these nifty Apple AirTags by now, and the smart thing is you can even use them as trackers for your pet. All you need is a compatible Apple device (like an iPhone or iPad), link it up to your ‘Find My’ app and pop it on your dog’s neck with an AirTag dog collar or tag holder attachment. The AirTag is a no-fuss option for those with Apple products, as it offers simple integration with your existing tech. How it works is by using a Bluetooth signal to detect other iPhones and Apple devices using the Find My Network, which sends its location to your iCloud so you can see it on your phone.

While it doesn’t require a monthly subscription compared to other dog trackers, the range won’t be as far or wide because it requires your pooch to come into contact with other Apple devices for their location to be updated to you. This would probably be fine if your dog went for a wander in a built-up area, like a town or city, as there would be plenty of people walking around with an Apple device, but it would be few and far between in the countryside so it could be a while before the location gets updated. Still, for everyday walks or for peace of mind at home, the AirTag is a lightweight, budget solution that is a fab choice for Apple users who want a basic tracker with no extra fees.

Pros

  • No subscription required once you've bought it and connected it to your phone
  • Easy to connect if you've got an iPhone or iPad

Cons

  • As it doesn't use GPS, it requires your pup/the AirTag to come into contact with other Apple devices for the location to update
Battery life:Over a year
Subscription needed?No
  • GPS precision tracking
  • Simple set-up
  • Compatible with iOS
  • Lost mode
  • Water resistant

Best waterproof dog GPS tracker

TKSTAR Mini Waterproof Tracking DeviceTKSTAR/Amazon

We’ve all been there when we’ve been out on a walk and our dogs suddenly decide to roll around in the muddiest puddle or jump in a pond or river. Luckily, the KSTAR Mini Waterproof Tracking Device is highly durable and waterproof, so it’ll still work even when your pup has gone down and got soggy. This tracker is compact yet tough with a waterproof shell and real-time GPS tracking to give you peace of mind. With a positioning accuracy of up to five meters, you’ll know exactly where they are.

Pet parents have praised its durability and reliable location tracking, especially in remote areas where coverage could be patchy. Many love that it supports real-time tracking with no subscription fees, which is a big win for budget-conscious owners. However, some users mentioned that the initial setup instructions could use a bit of a polish. A few found the manual confusing and had to rely on online videos to help them get started. However, once it’s up and running, they agree it’s worth the effort.

Pros

  • Waterproof and durable, so it's ideal for dogs that love swimming in rivers and rolling around in the mud on their walks
  • Accuracy of up to five meters so you can easily pinpoint the location of your missing pup

Cons

  • Some reviewers felt that the instructions for setup weren't very clear
Battery life:Up to 90 days
Subscription needed?Subscription needed?
  • Live tracking
  • High positioning accuracy
  • Low power alarm
  • Instant SMS google map link
  • Free sim card

How we chose the best dog GPS trackers UK

All of these dog GPS trackers have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered quality, connectivity and ease of use in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching dog GPS trackers to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

And, with pets big and small on our team, where possible, we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by us and our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval.

FAQs

Are dog GPS trackers worth it?

As dog owners, we’d do anything to keep our pups safe and knowing where they are at all times is a big part of that. For that peace of mind alone, we’d say that dog GPS trackers are 100 per cent worth it. If your pooch ever slipped their lead while out on a walk or they found a way to get out of your garden and go walkabout, the best GPS trackers will soon help you be reunited with your canine companion. So, you can put on your dog walking coat and head out with your pooch safe in the knowledge that the GPS tracker will help you to keep an eye on your pup at all times.

How do I choose a dog GPS tracker?

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the best dog GPS tracker for your pooch. We’ve explored them below:
Size and weight:
Choose a dog GPS tracker that’s the right size and weight for your pooch. Your pooch will not want to wear a tracker that’s uncomfortable, so you’ll want to bear in mind whether your chosen tracker is suitable for your dog. For example, smaller dogs will need one that’s lighter compared to bigger dogs that can withstand the weight of a heavier tracker.
Battery life:
A GPS tracker for dogs will only work if it has sufficient battery to run, so it won’t be a lot of use if you go to check on the whereabouts of your beloved furry bestie and it’s flat. If you’re someone who likes to go on long walks with your dog or you’re heading on a camping holiday with your pooch where electricity isn’t widely available, make sure you’ve got a tracker that has a long battery life so you’re not worrying about the charge running out.
Durability:
Look for a tracker that’s able to withstand everything your dog and the elements has to throw at it. If your pup likes to get down and dirty, make sure your chosen tracker is a heavy-duty one that’s able to stand up against a bit of rough play. If your pup loves a swim in local rivers or ponds, or if you like to head out on walks even if it’s raining, you may want to consider one that’s waterproof or water resistant up to a certain level.
Compatibility:
Most dog GPS trackers will require you to have a smartphone so you can see where your dog is heading via an app. You’ll want to make sure the tracker you pick is compatible with your phone and/or your operating system, like iOS (if you have an Apple iPhone) or Android (for Samsung or Google Pixel owners, for example).
Subscription:
Some dog GPS trackers require subscriptions to unlock the full range of benefits, like real-time tracking and historical location data. Make sure you consider the cost of the subscription and whether it fits within your budget.

Rosie Floyd is a Senior Home & Pets Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.

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