Are you looking for a GPS dog collar?
Best dog tracker for hiking? What is the best dog GPS tracker for hiking and long walks? Do you really need a GPS collar or maybe a bluetooth dog collar is enough for your needs? What are the main differences between the two, and how to choose the right pet tracker for your needs? These are the questions you will find answer to in this guide.
Check the list below to find the best dog tracker for your buddy.
Best Dog GPS Tracker 2023
What are the options? And which one to choose?
Which ones are the best GPS collars for dogs right now?
Before we continue, let’s get something straight — you will need to buy two things, a tracker and a collar. Because mostly they don’t come in a set. Most of the trackers mentioned below are only trackers. You will still need a dog collar, a regular collar or a regular design LED dog collar.
1. Tractive LTE GPS Dog Tracker (Click for More Details)
A real-time GPS tracker for dogs that works in over 150 countries.
Overall, the best dog GPS tracker for hiking, our favorite.
A great pet tracker is almost like a phone, and just like a phone it needs a SIM card. It means extra costs and also extra safety for your pet. The tracker works everywhere where there is mobile network, and just like your phone’s GPS it provides very accurate location data — you always know where is your dog. That is the best thing about the Tractive Dog Tracker.
Another great thing about this tracker is that it allows you to be notified whenever your pet leaves any area you have marked.
SIM card is included, you have to pay only for the service.
The tracker works also as a dog fitness tracker.
BATTERY LIFE: around 10 days
2. Whistle Go Pet Tracker (Click for More Details)
A waterproof dog location and fitness tracker.
One of the cutest and coolest dog collar trackers.
Just like the Tractive, it is small, easy to use via an app and with great battery life. Another similarity is that it also requires a SIM card to operate (it is included). Thanks to the SIM card, not only location data is very accurate, but you are also able to see your pet’s location from anywhere in the world. You can see where your four-legged friend is also while you yourself are on a vacation.
Track your pet in real time and get notifications whenever it leaves your yard.
This device is also a fitness tracker that comes with an on demand veterinary help via chat in the app.
BATTERY LIFE: around 10 days
3. Garmin GPS Dog Collar Astro 900 – Dog Tracking Bundle (Click for More Details)
A GPS dog tracking collar bundle for training and hunting.
The tracker is rugged and built to withstand a lot. As one of the best GPS dog trackers it is also waterproof. Unlike most of the trackers this one uses 900 MHz FHSS radio frequencies to follow your dog or dogs. The main and most visible difference from users perspective is that you don’t need internet for that. One receiver can track up to 20 dogs.
For added accuracy the tracker uses both GPS and GLONASS systems.
BATTERY LIFE: 20 – 40 hours
4. Bartun GPS Dog Tracker (Click for More Details)
A real-time small dog GPS tracker (suitable for cats).
Overall the best GPS dog collar for small dogs.
Tracking your dog with your phone has never been this easy. Simply connect the tracker to the app on your phone, and you are all set. You can now see the exact location of your pet in any given moment. One of the biggest drawbacks of GPS trackers is that they aren’t accurate indoors, that’s why I really like this trackers LED light and ringtone feature.
If you can’t see your pet, just make the tracker play a ringtone.
The tracker is IPX7 waterproof.
BATTERY LIFE: 2+ days
Zero Monthly Fee GPS Dog Tag
5. Petfon Pet GPS Tracker (Click for More Details)
A long-distance pet GPS collar tracker without a SIM card.
As I already mentioned, a great pet tracker is almost like a phone, and just like a phone it needs a SIM card. It gives extra accuracy and you are able to track your pet even from the other side of the world. But not all trackers are the same. There are also also long-distance trackers without a SIM card.
The only real drawback is the range.
It is better than with Bluetooth trackers, but not half as great as with the best long distance pet trackers with SIM service. In this case it is between 0.65 miles in downtown/densely populated area to 3.5 miles in open environment.
The other drawback is the price. This tracker costs more than its competitors. At the same time you pay more only once, and there is no any monthly fee.
Overall a great and reliable weather-resistant dog tracker with GPS.
BATTERY LIFE: 8 – 16 hours
Short Distance / Bluetooth Pet Tracker
6. Tabcat v2 Pet Tracker (Click for More Details)
A short distance pet tracker for small dogs and cats.
Weighting only 0.175 oz / 5 grams, the tracker is extremely lightweight and thus suitable for different purposes. There are two tags in a set. The Tabcat Pet Tracker works both indoors and outdoors. It doesn’t have a GPS and you don’t need a subscription service, because the tracker uses RF technology.
Its maximum range is up to around 600 ft or around 182 meters.
There are two tags in a set.
BATTERY LIFE: 12+ months
7. Cube Smart Tracker (Click for More Details)
A multi-purpose, waterproof Bluetooth tracker.
The tracker is extremely lightweight — only 0.42 oz / 12 grams. It is also very versatile and can be used for a lot of different purposes. You can both use it to find your pet or your keys. As long as they are in the range of up to 100 ft / 30 meters. Not only the tracker is waterproof, but it also works in sub-zero temperatures.
Just ring the tracker and find what you are looking for.
BATTERY LIFE: one-year replaceable battery
GPS Collar vs Bluetooth Dog Collar
What are the main differences between the two?
It’s actually very simple – the range and purpose of use.
You see, the biggest advantage of GPS collars is that they can help you find your dog even from thousands of kilometers away. They can be costly, but you will always know where is your pet. At the same time they are very bad indoors — they aren’t accurate. Because they are made for outdoors.
Bluetooth dog collars on the other hand are made for short distances only. They are cheap, easy to set up and use, but only reliable when your pet is a short distance away, let’s say in another room.
And that is it.
Hiking With Dog off Leash
Sometimes that just isn’t an option because of other people.
Other times it’s a bad idea because of the safety of your dog. It may just run away. It does get safer, however, once you have GPS on dog collar, and can track your buddy also from a greater distance. Still for the best experience it is very important to know your dog well before going on a hike together (and also don’t forget about training for hiking).
If you’re a very active hiker, it’s a good idea to have a dog with an equal energy level and physical abilities. Not all dogs are fit for hiking long distances.
It’s also important to understand what your dog can and can’t do. Not all dogs are great for hiking and extra long walks. Not all will do well off the leash and in the wilderness. On this website, we talk more into detail about what makes a great hiking dog. Because, yes – hiking with a dog can be a very rewarding experience.
What is your experience with dog tracking collars? What’s the best dog GPS tracker you have tried so far?
Featured photo by Damir Mijailovic from Pexels
Please note that the information provided in these articles is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional advice from a veterinarian or dog trainer. Always consult with a qualified expert before making decisions regarding your dog’s health, well-being, and training.