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:
• Best dog GPS tracker overall: Tractive GPS Dog 4 – View on Amazon UK
• Best compact dog GPS tracker: Weenect GPS Tracker – View on Amazon UK
• Best dog GPS tracker with voice and light tracking: Pawfit 3 Pet GPS Tracker – View on Amazon UK
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 2024
Best dog GPS tracker overall
Tractive/AmazonIf you're looking for a dog tracker, then chances are you've already heard of Tractive. One of the top-selling brands for GPS pet trackers, they have everything you could need. Small, sleek and lightweight with a live mode and unlimited range, you'll always be able to keep an eye on your loved pet. It even has high-tech features like location history and activity trackers, as well as being able to set safe spaces that will alert you when your pooch is out of there. Not sure whether to invest? This has a 30-day money-back guarantee included with the subscription.
Customer review: "Some dogs will leave up to several hours before coming back - like my Springer. But my life of calling and whistling for hours sick with anxiety is finished because I always know where she is to go and get her. Always. Even when travelling. I have had Tractive devices for 4 years now and I would not do without anymore."
Pros
- No distance limit for tracking your pooch
- You can use the app to record the distance and time of your walks
Cons
- Some reviewers have reported that the live tracking was a bit slow
Best compact dog GPS tracker
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. One of the best things about this tracker is that you can set up safe zones so if your pup leaves the area, you'll get an alert that they've escaped, so you can immediately take action to get them back to safety.
Customer review: "Very easy to use and set up. The map appears pinpoint accurate! Have attached to harness as would be too large for our miniature cockapoo to wear on her neck collar, don't think she's even noticed it in terms of weight."
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
Best dog GPS tracker with voice and light tracking
Pawfit/AmazonOne thing that stands out about the Pawfit 3 Pet GPS Tracker is that it has a built-in speaker that you can programme it with up to five personalised voice commands which can be used for training your pup when they're far away from you. However, this also provides the opportunity to programme it with your information so people can contact you directly if your pup ever gets lost. As well as major features like activity trackers and history, it's equipped with LED light and soundtracking to make your pup more visible if they do get lost.
Customer review: "I did a lot of research and read a lot of reviews and this one seemed to be the best. It's very accurate it tells me exactly where he is, and it tracks his route and his exercise and steps. The battery is brilliant, it lasts for weeks. I would definitely recommend it to anyone whether your dog is a runner or just to give you please of mind if they ever do run off. It is well worth the price."
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
- Some reviewers felt the accuracy of the GPS could be better
Best activity monitor dog GPS tracker
KIPPY EVO/AmazonIf you're looking for a high-tech option that focuses on your dog's activity, the KIPPY EVO is a great choice that will help you see tracking easily. From distance travelled to speed and altitude, as well as sleeping, relaxation and playing, you can compare these trends to dogs similar in age, weight and type. Super savvy. It also comes in a choice of colours, so you can get a tracker to match your pooch's collar and harness.
Customer review: "Very accurate live monitoring when in clear areas. Useful details about the activity while away from home. Not Easy to fix to narrow collar."
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
Best mini dog GPS tracker
Tracki/AmazonWe're not forgetting about our small doggies here. This Tracki Mini tracker is almost as small as a coin, so it's super compact and lightweight. Its size doesn't take away from the features, though, with all of the high-tech monitoring you could want and a rechargeable battery that lasts between two and five days. With over 30,000 reviews on Amazon, it's sure to be a winner.
Customer review: "The device is great, it is the smallest one I can find on the market, the battery life meets our needs, and with this price and affordable subscription fee, I am very happy with it."
Pros
- Super compact and lightweight
- 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
6.
Apple AirTag
Best Apple GPS tracker
Apple/AmazonWe've all heard of these nifty Apple AirTags by now, and the smart thing is you can even use them as GPS trackers for your pet. All you need is a compatible Apple product, link it up to your 'Find My' app, and attach it to your dog's collar with an accessory. No subscription is needed, and precision tracking is included. It may not have as many features as other dog trackers, but a super efficient and easy-to-use solution.
Customer review: "It's peace of mind having one on the dog collar as he bolts given any opportunity and the thought of him going missing is horrible. This at least would be a sure way to track his location. The batteries are still fine and haven't needed replacing yet and it's been 8-9 months since I purchased them."
Pros
- No subscription required once you've bought it and connected it to your phone
- Easy to connect if you've got an iPhone
Cons
- You need to buy a separate keyring to put the Air Tag in in order to attach to your dog's collar
Best heavy-duty dog GPS tracker
TKSTAR/AmazonWe've all been there - out and about on a walk when suddenly your dog is rolling around in the mud or has jumped into the water! Luckily, there's a dog tracker that's highly durable and waterproof. Coming in a compact design, the TKSTAR Mini Waterproof Tracking Device has real-time free tracking and positioning accuracy of up to five meters, so you'll never have to worry about your pooch getting stuck in the mud again.
Customer review: "Works very well for me. Accurate GPS and 4G location. Helpful advice line but most of what you need to know is easily found on the web. Main functions tell you where the unit (car/dog/child) is and can track movements over any recent 24-hour period. You can set a circular boundary and you will be notified if the unit leaves this area."
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
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% 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 Pets, Homes and Garden 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.