{"id":2158,"date":"2026-01-25T13:48:02","date_gmt":"2026-01-25T13:48:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cheapticketboom.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/25\/best-gps-dog-collars\/"},"modified":"2026-01-25T13:48:02","modified_gmt":"2026-01-25T13:48:02","slug":"best-gps-dog-collars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cheapticketboom.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/25\/best-gps-dog-collars\/","title":{"rendered":"Best GPS Dog Collars"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"main_content\" class=\"col p-0\">\n<div class=\"hrSage\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"d-flex align-items-center\">\n<div class=\"flex-shrink-0\">\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/34\/82\/469690_13536_XSS.jpg\" class=\"rounded-circle img-fluid\" alt=\"Zach Lovell\" title=\"Zach Lovell\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\">\n             <\/div>\n<div class=\"flex-grow-1 ms-3\">\n             By Zach Lovell  \u22c5 Review Editor\u00a0 \u22c5 \u00a0<span class=\"small\">Updated August 4, 2025<\/span>\n             <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hrSage\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"summary_larger pt-2\">\n<div class=\"articletext\">\n<p>Finding the right GPS dog collar for you and your pet can offer peace of mind and invaluable health insights. The ideal model should be able to quickly locate your pup, whether they&#8217;re lost in the city or roaming the countryside, and can track their daily activities. <\/p>\n<p>Our crew of dogs have walked and ran over 100 miles while testing these trackers, from neighborhood strolls to adventurous off-trail hikes in the backcountry. We even put these options on mountain bikes and rode a standardized course to examine GPS accuracy.<\/p>\n<p>The top scoring GPS collar is the Tractive GPS, which was quick to locate our pups in testing and provides an extensive features list, including vitals tracking and health alerts. The monthly subscription costs of a GPS collar can be pricey, but the Pit Pat Dog is a subscription-free option that can save hundreds of dollars over the course of a dog&#8217;s life, as long as one doesn&#8217;t need the fastest GPS.<\/p>\n<p>Most of these models don&#8217;t include their own collar, so you might want to consider a new dog collar or dog harness for your furry friend. After a long day outdoors, a well-made dog bed can help your pup get the rest they need.\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"row mt-1\">\n<div class=\"col-12\">\n<div class=\"hrSage\"><\/div>\n<h2>Quick Look<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hrSage\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"d-flex w-100\">\n<div class=\"align-self-start pt-1 py-0\" style=\"width: 135px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520828_24541_S.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20200%20150'%2F%3E\" width=\"128\" height=\"72\" alt=\"Thumbnail photo of Tractive GPS\" class=\"lazy photo-center\" style=\"max-width:100%; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:100%; aspect-ratio: 128 \/ 72;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"w-100 flex-grow-1 ps-3 pt-1\">\n<div class=\"d-flex justify-content-start align-self-start pb-1 px-0 pt-0\" style=\"font-family: Open Sans; font-weight: 700; font-size: 1rem; color: #444;\">Best Overall GPS Collar<\/div>\n<div class=\"d-flex justify-content-start align-self-center py-1 px-0\" style=\"font-family: Georgia; font-size: 1.0rem; line-height: 1.2rem;\">Tractive GPS<\/div>\n<div class=\"d-flex justify-content-start align-self-end pt-1 py-0\"> READ MORE \u2193<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hrSage\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"d-flex w-100\">\n<div class=\"align-self-start pt-1 py-0\" style=\"width: 135px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520865_14704_S.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20200%20150'%2F%3E\" width=\"128\" height=\"72\" alt=\"Thumbnail photo of Pit Pat Dog\" class=\"lazy photo-center\" style=\"max-width:100%; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:100%; aspect-ratio: 128 \/ 72;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"w-100 flex-grow-1 ps-3 pt-1\">\n<div class=\"d-flex justify-content-start align-self-start pb-1 px-0 pt-0\" style=\"font-family: Open Sans; font-weight: 700; font-size: 1rem; color: #444;\">A Subscription-Free Option<\/div>\n<div class=\"d-flex justify-content-start align-self-center py-1 px-0\" style=\"font-family: Georgia; font-size: 1.0rem; line-height: 1.2rem;\">Pit Pat Dog<\/div>\n<div class=\"d-flex justify-content-start align-self-end pt-1 py-0\"> READ MORE \u2193<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hrSage\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"d-flex w-100\">\n<div class=\"align-self-start pt-1 py-0\" style=\"width: 135px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/92\/520736_3365_S.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20200%20150'%2F%3E\" width=\"128\" height=\"72\" alt=\"Thumbnail photo of Apple AirTag\" class=\"lazy photo-center\" style=\"max-width:100%; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:100%; aspect-ratio: 128 \/ 72;\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"w-100 flex-grow-1 ps-3 pt-1\">\n<div class=\"d-flex justify-content-start align-self-start pb-1 px-0 pt-0\" style=\"font-family: Open Sans; font-weight: 700; font-size: 1rem; color: #444;\">A Just-In-Case Model<\/div>\n<div class=\"d-flex justify-content-start align-self-center py-1 px-0\" style=\"font-family: Georgia; font-size: 1.0rem; line-height: 1.2rem;\">Apple AirTag<\/div>\n<div class=\"d-flex justify-content-start align-self-end pt-1 py-0\"> READ MORE \u2193<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hrSage\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"mb-5\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"articletext\">\n<h2>The Best GPS Dog Collars<\/h2>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"hrSage\"><\/div>\n<p>Full results from testing 5 top products are in our Product Comparison Table and Analysis &#038; Test Results sections.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"figure-chart\">\n<div id=\"chart_score_div\" style=\"width:100%; min-height:330px;\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"border border-dark-subtle mb-3 mt-2\">\n<div class=\"px-3 pt-3 pb-2 w-100\">\n<h2 style=\"color: #000; font-size: 1.5rem;\">Best Overall GPS Collar<\/h2>\n<p><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color: #555; font-size: 1.25rem;\">Tractive GPS<\/h3>\n<p>\n                <\/div>\n<div class=\"hrSage\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"px-3 award_table\" style=\"display: table; width:100%;\">\n<div class=\"award_left_col\" style=\"vertical-align:top; text-align:center; \">\n<div class=\"award_logo_left\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/images\/editors-choice_47x107.png\" width=\"107\" height=\"47\" alt=\"Editors' Choice Award\" title=\"Awarded to the very best overall products\" style=\"width: auto;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"z-index:1;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520828_24541_M.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20200%20150'%2F%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520828_24541_M2.jpg 415w, https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520828_24541_L2.jpg 830w\" data-sizes=\"100vw\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" alt=\"tractive gps\" class=\"lazy photo-center\" style=\"max-width:100%; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:100%; aspect-ratio: 300 \/ 169;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"award_right_col\" style=\"vertical-align:middle; text-align: center;\">\n<div class=\"award_logo_right\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/images\/editors-choice_47x107.png\" width=\"107\" height=\"47\" alt=\"Editors' Choice Award\" title=\"Awarded to the very best overall products\" style=\"width: auto;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-top: 14px;\">\n<div class=\"price_button\" data-role=\"none\"><span class=\"seeit\">Check price at Amazon <span class=\"small\" style=\"color:#FFF;\"><i>(on sale!)<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hrSage\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"px-3\">\n<div style=\"width: 100%; vertical-align: top; margin: 15px 75px 10px 0;\">\n<div class=\"rating_chart_left\">\n<div style=\"text-align:center;\" class=\"rating_chart_score table_score_top\">88<\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align:center;\" class=\"small\"><b>OVERALL<br \/>\nSCORE<\/b><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: inline-block; vertical-align: top; text-align: left; width: calc(100% - 149px);\">\n<ul class=\"rating_chart\">\n<li class=\"rating_chart_item\">\n<div class=\"rating_chart_label\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>GPS Reliability<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>9.1<\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"rating_chart_bar_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_score rating_bar_top\" style=\"width: 91%\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"rating_chart_item\">\n<div class=\"rating_chart_label\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Features<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>8.7<\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"rating_chart_bar_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_score rating_bar_top\" style=\"width: 87%\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"rating_chart_item\">\n<div class=\"rating_chart_label\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Ease of Use<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>8.9<\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"rating_chart_bar_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_score rating_bar_top\" style=\"width: 89%\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"rating_chart_item\">\n<div class=\"rating_chart_label\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Construction Quality<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>8.9<\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"rating_chart_bar_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_score rating_bar_top\" style=\"width: 89%\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"rating_chart_item\">\n<div class=\"rating_chart_label\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Size<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>7.5<\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"rating_chart_bar_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_score rating_bar_top\" style=\"width: 75%\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"plusminus_wrap\">\n<div class=\"plusminus\">\n<div style=\"padding:10px 0 10px 0;\"><strong>PROS<\/strong><\/div>\n<div class=\"iconProText\">Fast and reliable GPS<\/div>\n<div class=\"iconProText\">In-depth health tracking<\/div>\n<div class=\"iconProText\">User friendly<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"plusminus\">\n<div style=\"padding:10px 0 10px 0;\"><strong>CONS<\/strong><\/div>\n<div class=\"iconConText\">So-so battery life<\/div>\n<div class=\"iconConText\">Bulkier than others<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding:10px 0 10px 0;\"><strong>SPECIFICATIONS<\/strong><\/div>\n<table class=\"table table-bordered\">\n<tbody> <\/tbody>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"row\" style=\"width:50%; padding: 8px; color:#495057;\">Unique Features<\/th>\n<td style=\"width:50%; padding: 8px;\">Monitors vital signs, sleep and bark tracking, health notifications, remotely can light up, remote beeps for recall, easy to add other owners or dog walkers, connected with three cell providers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"row\" style=\"width:50%; padding: 8px; color:#495057;\">Subscription Required<\/th>\n<td style=\"width:50%; padding: 8px;\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"row\" style=\"width:50%; padding: 8px; color:#495057;\">Geofence<\/th>\n<td style=\"width:50%; padding: 8px;\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The Tractive GPS quickly became a favorite across our testing team due to its GPS locating speed and accuracy. Even when we were <em>miles<\/em> from the device, we could locate the Tractive in as little as a few seconds, as long as it was in cell service. The app was easy to navigate and allowed us to take full advantage of the many features offered by this model, from vitals tracking to geofencing to a remotely activated light. Our lead reviewer concluded, \u201c<em>While no GPS collar is perfect, the Tractive was among the most reliable options in our testing, and we were big fans of the health data.<\/em>\u201d This option doesn&#8217;t have the smallest profile in the lineup, and if you want something smaller, the Fi Series 3 has impressively small dimensions.   <\/p>\n<p>In a model that&#8217;s as feature-rich as the <strong>Tractive Dog 6<\/strong>, it&#8217;s no surprise that its battery life is on the shorter side, lasting around one week before needing a recharge. One reviewer commented, \u201c<em>With a device that tracks heart rate, respiratory rate, and alerts you when the dog has left home, there has to be some kind of trade-off.<\/em>\u201d We got used to the charging frequency and found it to be a small price to pay. If battery life is a priority, consider the <strong>Pit Pat Dog<\/strong>, which has a battery that lasts as long as three weeks, though its GPS is not as reliable. Otherwise, the Tractive is a top-tier GPS collar with bells and whistles that exceeded expectations and is worthy of your consideration.           <\/p>\n<p><strong>Read more:<\/strong> Tractive GPS review<\/p>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"photonormal\" style=\"width:100%; height:auto;\"><video controls=\"\" loop=\"\" muted=\"\" playsinline=\"\" webkit-playsinline=\"\" preload=\"none\" data-poster=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/videos\/8\/49\/206441_180.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/videos\/8\/49\/206441_180.mp4\" aria-label=\"This model from Tractive won over our whole testing team for it's consistent GPS performance and...\" class=\"img-fluid lazy gearlab_video\"><source src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/videos\/8\/49\/206441_180.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\"><\/source><\/video>        <\/div><figcaption style=\"width:100%;\">\n<div class=\"photo-caption\">This model from Tractive won over our whole testing team for it&#8217;s consistent GPS performance and detailed health analytics. \u00a0 <span class=\"photo-credit\">Credit: Zach Lovell<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"border border-dark-subtle mb-3 mt-2\">\n<div class=\"px-3 pt-3 pb-2 w-100\">\n<h2 style=\"color: #000; font-size: 1.5rem;\">A Subscription-Free Option<\/h2>\n<p><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color: #555; font-size: 1.25rem;\">Pit Pat Dog<\/h3>\n<p>\n                <\/div>\n<div class=\"hrSage\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"px-3 award_table\" style=\"display: table; width:100%;\">\n<div class=\"award_left_col\" style=\"vertical-align:top; text-align:center; \">\n<div class=\"award_logo_left\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/images\/top-pick_47x107.png\" width=\"107\" height=\"47\" alt=\"Top Pick Award\" title=\"The best for a specific application\" style=\"width: auto;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"z-index:1;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520865_14704_M.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20200%20150'%2F%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520865_14704_M2.jpg 415w, https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520865_14704_L2.jpg 830w\" data-sizes=\"100vw\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" alt=\"pit pat dog\" class=\"lazy photo-center\" style=\"max-width:100%; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:100%; aspect-ratio: 300 \/ 169;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"award_right_col\" style=\"vertical-align:middle; text-align: center;\">\n<div class=\"award_logo_right\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/images\/top-pick_47x107.png\" width=\"107\" height=\"47\" alt=\"Top Pick Award\" title=\"The best for a specific application\" style=\"width: auto;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-top: 14px;\">\n<div class=\"price_button\" data-role=\"none\"><span class=\"seeit\">Read the Review<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hrSage\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"px-3\">\n<div style=\"width: 100%; vertical-align: top; margin: 15px 75px 10px 0;\">\n<div class=\"rating_chart_left\">\n<div style=\"text-align:center;\" class=\"rating_chart_score table_score_mid\">73<\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align:center;\" class=\"small\"><b>OVERALL<br \/>\nSCORE<\/b><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: inline-block; vertical-align: top; text-align: left; width: calc(100% - 149px);\">\n<ul class=\"rating_chart\">\n<li class=\"rating_chart_item\">\n<div class=\"rating_chart_label\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>GPS Reliability<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>6.5<\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"rating_chart_bar_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_score rating_bar_mid\" style=\"width: 65%\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"rating_chart_item\">\n<div class=\"rating_chart_label\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Features<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>7.0<\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"rating_chart_bar_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_score rating_bar_mid\" style=\"width: 70%\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"rating_chart_item\">\n<div class=\"rating_chart_label\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Ease of Use<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>8.0<\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"rating_chart_bar_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_score rating_bar_top\" style=\"width: 80%\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"rating_chart_item\">\n<div class=\"rating_chart_label\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Construction Quality<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>8.1<\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"rating_chart_bar_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_score rating_bar_top\" style=\"width: 81%\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"rating_chart_item\">\n<div class=\"rating_chart_label\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Size<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>8.2<\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"rating_chart_bar_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_score rating_bar_top\" style=\"width: 82%\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"plusminus_wrap\">\n<div class=\"plusminus\">\n<div style=\"padding:10px 0 10px 0;\"><strong>PROS<\/strong><\/div>\n<div class=\"iconProText\">Doesn&#8217;t require a subscription<\/div>\n<div class=\"iconProText\">Effective health tracking<\/div>\n<div class=\"iconProText\">Easy to record walks<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"plusminus\">\n<div style=\"padding:10px 0 10px 0;\"><strong>CONS<\/strong><\/div>\n<div class=\"iconConText\">Locating can be slow<\/div>\n<div class=\"iconConText\">Not as reliable of GPS<\/div>\n<div class=\"iconConText\">No geofence<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding:10px 0 10px 0;\"><strong>SPECIFICATIONS<\/strong><\/div>\n<table class=\"table table-bordered\">\n<tbody> <\/tbody>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"row\" style=\"width:50%; padding: 8px; color:#495057;\">Unique Features<\/th>\n<td style=\"width:50%; padding: 8px;\">No subscription required, health tracking parses activity types, easy to log walks, live signal strength updates<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"row\" style=\"width:50%; padding: 8px; color:#495057;\">Subscription Required<\/th>\n<td style=\"width:50%; padding: 8px;\">No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"row\" style=\"width:50%; padding: 8px; color:#495057;\">Geofence<\/th>\n<td style=\"width:50%; padding: 8px;\">No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The Pit Pat Dog GPS tracker is one of the few options on the market today that does <em>not<\/em> require you to sign up for a subscription in order to access location services. The initial price is higher, but across the years of your dog&#8217;s life, this is a gargantuan cost savings that can add up to <em>hundreds<\/em> of dollars. However, this model isn&#8217;t quite as quick to locate your pup compared to other subscription-required options. Sometimes the PitPat only took 5 minutes to hone in on a location, but there were some instances where it took 30+ minutes, even when it was showing a strong signal. Our team offered some valuable insight: \u201c<em>When considering its low price to operate, the PitPat still might be a great choice for some dog owners who deem it unlikely for their pup to run off.<\/em>\u201d <\/p>\n<p>The <strong>PitPat<\/strong> has some nice health tracking features, so you can easily keep an eye on how much rest and activity your dog is getting on a daily basis through the app. It doesn&#8217;t have the ability to set a geofence, which can be a handy way to see if your dog has wandered from home, but it has a much better battery life compared to the high-end competition. If you don&#8217;t need the activity tracking and want something even less expensive, consider the Apple AirTag. It works well if you only need a \u201c<em>just in case<\/em>\u201d device for your well-behaved city dog. But we think the PitPat is a good compromise. Our head gear tester concluded, \u201c<em>The bargain-priced PitPat definitely belongs on your finals list if your dog likes to stick near you but you want some peace of mind if an unlikely event happens.<\/em>\u201d     <\/p>\n<p><strong>Read more:<\/strong> Pit Pat Dog review<\/p>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"photonormal\" style=\"width:100%; height:auto;\"><video controls=\"\" loop=\"\" muted=\"\" playsinline=\"\" webkit-playsinline=\"\" preload=\"none\" data-poster=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/videos\/8\/49\/206440_29726.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/videos\/8\/49\/206440_29726.mp4\" aria-label=\"As long as you don't need the highest performing GPS, the PitPat might be a decent option since it...\" class=\"img-fluid lazy gearlab_video\"><source src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/videos\/8\/49\/206440_29726.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\"><\/source><\/video>        <\/div><figcaption style=\"width:100%;\">\n<div class=\"photo-caption\">As long as you don&#8217;t need the highest performing GPS, the PitPat might be a decent option since it doesn&#8217;t require a subscription. \u00a0 <span class=\"photo-credit\">Credit: Zach Lovell<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"border border-dark-subtle mb-3 mt-2\">\n<div class=\"px-3 pt-3 pb-2 w-100\">\n<h2 style=\"color: #000; font-size: 1.5rem;\">A Just-In-Case Model<\/h2>\n<p><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color: #555; font-size: 1.25rem;\">Apple AirTag<\/h3>\n<p>\n                <\/div>\n<div class=\"hrSage\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"px-3 award_table\" style=\"display: table; width:100%;\">\n<div class=\"award_left_col\" style=\"vertical-align:top; text-align:center; \">\n<div class=\"award_logo_left\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/images\/top-pick_47x107.png\" width=\"107\" height=\"47\" alt=\"Top Pick Award\" title=\"The best for a specific application\" style=\"width: auto;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"z-index:1;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/92\/520736_3365_M.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20200%20150'%2F%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/92\/520736_3365_M2.jpg 415w, https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/92\/520736_3365_L2.jpg 830w\" data-sizes=\"100vw\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" alt=\"apple airtag\" class=\"lazy photo-center\" style=\"max-width:100%; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:100%; aspect-ratio: 300 \/ 169;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"award_right_col\" style=\"vertical-align:middle; text-align: center;\">\n<div class=\"award_logo_right\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/images\/top-pick_47x107.png\" width=\"107\" height=\"47\" alt=\"Top Pick Award\" title=\"The best for a specific application\" style=\"width: auto;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-top: 14px;\">\n<div class=\"price_button\" data-role=\"none\"><span class=\"seeit\">Check price at Amazon <span class=\"small\" style=\"color:#FFF;\"><i>(on sale!)<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hrSage\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"px-3\">\n<div style=\"width: 100%; vertical-align: top; margin: 15px 75px 10px 0;\">\n<div class=\"rating_chart_left\">\n<div style=\"text-align:center;\" class=\"rating_chart_score table_score_low\">58<\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align:center;\" class=\"small\"><b>OVERALL<br \/>\nSCORE<\/b><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: inline-block; vertical-align: top; text-align: left; width: calc(100% - 149px);\">\n<ul class=\"rating_chart\">\n<li class=\"rating_chart_item\">\n<div class=\"rating_chart_label\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>GPS Reliability<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>4.0<\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"rating_chart_bar_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_score rating_bar_low\" style=\"width: 40%\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"rating_chart_item\">\n<div class=\"rating_chart_label\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Features<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>5.0<\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"rating_chart_bar_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_score rating_bar_mid\" style=\"width: 50%\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"rating_chart_item\">\n<div class=\"rating_chart_label\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Ease of Use<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>6.0<\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"rating_chart_bar_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_score rating_bar_mid\" style=\"width: 60%\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"rating_chart_item\">\n<div class=\"rating_chart_label\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Construction Quality<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>8.5<\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"rating_chart_bar_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_score rating_bar_top\" style=\"width: 85%\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"rating_chart_item\">\n<div class=\"rating_chart_label\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Size<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>9.0<\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"rating_chart_bar_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_score rating_bar_top\" style=\"width: 90%\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"plusminus_wrap\">\n<div class=\"plusminus\">\n<div style=\"padding:10px 0 10px 0;\"><strong>PROS<\/strong><\/div>\n<div class=\"iconProText\">Approachable price<\/div>\n<div class=\"iconProText\">Very small<\/div>\n<div class=\"iconProText\">Unparalleled battery life<\/div>\n<div class=\"iconProText\">Doubles as a personal items locator<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"plusminus\">\n<div style=\"padding:10px 0 10px 0;\"><strong>CONS<\/strong><\/div>\n<div class=\"iconConText\">Only works with an Apple iPhone or iPad<\/div>\n<div class=\"iconConText\">Can only be located via Bluetooth from Apple products<\/div>\n<div class=\"iconConText\">Collar attachment not included<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding:10px 0 10px 0;\"><strong>SPECIFICATIONS<\/strong><\/div>\n<table class=\"table table-bordered\">\n<tbody> <\/tbody>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"row\" style=\"width:50%; padding: 8px; color:#495057;\">Unique Features<\/th>\n<td style=\"width:50%; padding: 8px;\">Uses Bluetooth for location, can be used to locate other personal items, no subscription required, incredibly light and small<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"row\" style=\"width:50%; padding: 8px; color:#495057;\">Subscription Required<\/th>\n<td style=\"width:50%; padding: 8px;\">No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"row\" style=\"width:50%; padding: 8px; color:#495057;\">Geofence<\/th>\n<td style=\"width:50%; padding: 8px;\">No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The Apple AirTag is a device well-known for locating personal items, but some dog owners have started using it as an alternative to a GPS collar to keep an eye on their pet. It doesn&#8217;t have the full capabilities of a true GPS collar, but it has some perks. We greatly appreciated the battery life of the AirTag, which can last up to one year before replacement, and if going on a trip, you might even borrow the device from your dog to keep an eye on luggage or car keys. It&#8217;s also the least expensive option we&#8217;ve tested, and it doesn&#8217;t require a monthly subscription, making this device several times less expensive than any other. It comes with a sharp decrease in capabilities, but our head tester suggested, \u201c<em>This option might be the right choice for a well-behaved dog who lives in the city, where an AirTag is more likely to be located, and the owner just wants a little extra peace of mind.<\/em>\u201d <\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s crucial to keep in mind that this is <em>not<\/em> a full-blown GPS collar. You won&#8217;t be able to find your pet if they wander into a remote area, as it can only be located if the AirTag is within Bluetooth range of an iPhone or iPad, which is generally under 100 feet. If you are an Android user, the <strong>AirTag<\/strong> isn&#8217;t going to work with your phone. All other devices we tested work well regardless of smartphone choice, and an option like the PetLink or the <strong>Tractive GPS<\/strong> will offer substantially more bells and whistles, though at a much higher price point. Ultimately, some dog owners will find the AirTag to fit their exact needs and budget, but make sure you&#8217;re managing expectations.    <\/p>\n<p><strong>Read more:<\/strong> Apple AirTag review<\/p>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"photonormal\" style=\"width:100%; height:auto;\"><video controls=\"\" loop=\"\" muted=\"\" playsinline=\"\" webkit-playsinline=\"\" preload=\"none\" data-poster=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/videos\/8\/49\/206438_2497.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/videos\/8\/49\/206438_2497.mp4\" aria-label=\"We found more consistent performance if the AirTag was in town rather than in the woods.\" class=\"img-fluid lazy gearlab_video\"><source src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/videos\/8\/49\/206438_2497.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\"><\/source><\/video>        <\/div><figcaption style=\"width:100%;\">\n<div class=\"photo-caption\">We found more consistent performance if the AirTag was in town rather than in the woods. \u00a0 <span class=\"photo-credit\">Credit: Zach Lovell<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2>Product Comparison Table<\/h2>\n<p><\/p>\n<form id=\"comparetable\" method=\"get\" action=\"\/topics\/home\/best-gps-dog-collar\/compare\" name=\"comparetable\">\n<div style=\"display: table;  width: calc(100% + 330px); margin: 0 -330px 4px 0; position:relative;\">\n<div style=\"display: table-cell; padding: 2px; text-align: left; width:50%;\">Displaying 1 &#8211; 5 (scroll right to see all products)<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: table-cell;  padding: 2px 20px 2px 2px; text-align: right; width:50%;\">< Previous | <button class=\"btn btn-outline-secondary\" style=\"--bs-btn-padding-y: .15rem; --bs-btn-padding-x: .5rem; --bs-btn-font-size: .85rem;\">Compare<\/button> | Next ><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content_table_xwide\" style=\"position: relative; padding: 0 50px 0 0;\">\n<p><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-circle-left\" style=\"font-size:64px;opacity:0.2;\"><\/i><\/p>\n<div id=\"ct-table-wrapper\" class=\"ct-table-wrapper\" style=\"width: 100%; overflow-x: scroll; overflow-y: hidden; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;\">\n<table class=\"compare_table table\" style=\"width: calc(100% - 15px); min-width: 1020px; vertical-align:top;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"compare_names_none\" style=\"vertical-align:middle;\">\u00a0<\/td>\n<th scope=\"col\" class=\"compare_items_none\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">\n<div style=\"display: block; width:100%; height:100%; position: relative; vertical-align:bottom;\">\n<div class=\"compare_rank_top\">\n<div class=\"compare_rank_left\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_top\" style=\"position:absolute; top:0px; left:0px;z-index:500;padding:0 3px;color:#FFF;font-size:0.75rem;line-height:1.0rem;\">#1<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"compare_rank_right\"><span class=\"small\" style=\"position:relative; top:-3px;\">Compare: <\/span><input style=\"width:14px; height:14px;\" type=\"checkbox\" name=\"gearid_array[]\" aria-label=\"checkbox\" value=\"61922\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"photo-128-left\" style=\"text-align:center; height:128px; width:auto; margin:0 auto; vertical-align:bottom; white-space: nowrap;\"><span class=\"img-vcenter\"><\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520828_24541_SM.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20200%20150'%2F%3E\" width=\"200\" height=\"113\" alt=\"tractive gps\" class=\"lazy photo-center\" style=\"max-width:100%; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:100%; aspect-ratio: 200 \/ 113;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"width:100%; padding-top: 8px; vertical-align:top; text-align:left; min-height:40px;\" class=\"compare_product_name\">Tractive GPS<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/th>\n<th scope=\"col\" class=\"compare_items_none\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">\n<div style=\"display: block; width:100%; height:100%; position: relative; vertical-align:bottom;\">\n<div class=\"compare_rank_top\">\n<div class=\"compare_rank_left\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_top\" style=\"position:absolute; top:0px; left:0px;z-index:500;padding:0 3px;color:#FFF;font-size:0.75rem;line-height:1.0rem;\">#2<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"compare_rank_right\"><span class=\"small\" style=\"position:relative; top:-3px;\">Compare: <\/span><input style=\"width:14px; height:14px;\" type=\"checkbox\" name=\"gearid_array[]\" aria-label=\"checkbox\" value=\"919921\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"photo-128-left\" style=\"text-align:center; height:128px; width:auto; margin:0 auto; vertical-align:bottom; white-space: nowrap;\"><span class=\"img-vcenter\"><\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/53\/516800_17915_SM.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20200%20150'%2F%3E\" width=\"200\" height=\"113\" alt=\"gps dog collar\" class=\"lazy photo-center\" style=\"max-width:100%; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:100%; aspect-ratio: 200 \/ 113;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"width:100%; padding-top: 8px; vertical-align:top; text-align:left; min-height:40px;\" class=\"compare_product_name\">Fi Series 3<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/th>\n<th scope=\"col\" class=\"compare_items_none\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">\n<div style=\"display: block; width:100%; height:100%; position: relative; vertical-align:bottom;\">\n<div class=\"compare_rank_top\">\n<div class=\"compare_rank_left\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_mid\" style=\"position:absolute; top:0px; left:0px;z-index:500;padding:0 3px;color:#FFF;font-size:0.75rem;line-height:1.0rem;\">#3<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"compare_rank_right\"><span class=\"small\" style=\"position:relative; top:-3px;\">Compare: <\/span><input style=\"width:14px; height:14px;\" type=\"checkbox\" name=\"gearid_array[]\" aria-label=\"checkbox\" value=\"919920\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"photo-128-left\" style=\"text-align:center; height:128px; width:auto; margin:0 auto; vertical-align:bottom; white-space: nowrap;\"><span class=\"img-vcenter\"><\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520849_30342_SM.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20200%20150'%2F%3E\" width=\"200\" height=\"113\" alt=\"gps dog collar\" class=\"lazy photo-center\" style=\"max-width:100%; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:100%; aspect-ratio: 200 \/ 113;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"width:100%; padding-top: 8px; vertical-align:top; text-align:left; min-height:40px;\" class=\"compare_product_name\">PetLink<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/th>\n<th scope=\"col\" class=\"compare_items_none\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">\n<div style=\"display: block; width:100%; height:100%; position: relative; vertical-align:bottom;\">\n<div class=\"compare_rank_top\">\n<div class=\"compare_rank_left\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_mid\" style=\"position:absolute; top:0px; left:0px;z-index:500;padding:0 3px;color:#FFF;font-size:0.75rem;line-height:1.0rem;\">#4<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"compare_rank_right\"><span class=\"small\" style=\"position:relative; top:-3px;\">Compare: <\/span><input style=\"width:14px; height:14px;\" type=\"checkbox\" name=\"gearid_array[]\" aria-label=\"checkbox\" value=\"62009\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"photo-128-left\" style=\"text-align:center; height:128px; width:auto; margin:0 auto; vertical-align:bottom; white-space: nowrap;\"><span class=\"img-vcenter\"><\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520865_14704_SM.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20200%20150'%2F%3E\" width=\"200\" height=\"113\" alt=\"pit pat dog\" class=\"lazy photo-center\" style=\"max-width:100%; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:100%; aspect-ratio: 200 \/ 113;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"width:100%; padding-top: 8px; vertical-align:top; text-align:left; min-height:40px;\" class=\"compare_product_name\">Pit Pat Dog<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/th>\n<th scope=\"col\" class=\"compare_items_none\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">\n<div style=\"display: block; width:100%; height:100%; position: relative; vertical-align:bottom;\">\n<div class=\"compare_rank_top\">\n<div class=\"compare_rank_left\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_low\" style=\"position:absolute; top:0px; left:0px;z-index:500;padding:0 3px;color:#FFF;font-size:0.75rem;line-height:1.0rem;\">#5<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"compare_rank_right\"><span class=\"small\" style=\"position:relative; top:-3px;\">Compare: <\/span><input style=\"width:14px; height:14px;\" type=\"checkbox\" name=\"gearid_array[]\" aria-label=\"checkbox\" value=\"61924\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"photo-128-left\" style=\"text-align:center; height:128px; width:auto; margin:0 auto; vertical-align:bottom; white-space: nowrap;\"><span class=\"img-vcenter\"><\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/92\/520736_3365_SM.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20200%20150'%2F%3E\" width=\"200\" height=\"113\" alt=\"apple airtag\" class=\"lazy photo-center\" style=\"max-width:100%; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:100%; aspect-ratio: 200 \/ 113;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"width:100%; padding-top: 8px; vertical-align:top; text-align:left; min-height:40px;\" class=\"compare_product_name\">Apple AirTag<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"compare_names\" scope=\"row\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">Awards<\/th>\n<td class=\"compare_awards\" style=\"vertical-align:top; text-align:left;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/images\/editors-choice_37x86.png\" width=\"86\" height=\"37\" alt=\"Editors' Choice Award\" title=\"Awarded to the very best overall products\" style=\"width: auto;\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"small\"><i>Best Overall GPS Collar<\/i><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_awards compare_odd\" style=\"vertical-align:top; text-align:left;\">\u00a0<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_awards\" style=\"vertical-align:top; text-align:left;\">\u00a0<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_awards compare_odd\" style=\"vertical-align:top; text-align:left;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/images\/top-pick_37x86.png\" width=\"86\" height=\"37\" alt=\"Top Pick Award\" title=\"The best for a specific application\" style=\"width: auto;\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"small\"><i>A Subscription-Free Option<\/i><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_awards\" style=\"vertical-align:top; text-align:left;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/images\/top-pick_37x86.png\" width=\"86\" height=\"37\" alt=\"Top Pick Award\" title=\"The best for a specific application\" style=\"width: auto;\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"small\"><i>A Just-In-Case Model<\/i><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"compare_names\" scope=\"row\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">Price<\/th>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">$69 List<br \/>Check Amazon <i>(on sale!)<\/i><\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">$99 List<br \/>Check Price at Amazon<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">$100 List<br \/>Check Amazon <i>(on sale!)<\/i><\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">$230 List<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">$29 List<br \/>Check Amazon <i>(on sale!)<\/i><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"compare_names\" scope=\"row\" style=\"vertical-align:middle;\">Overall Score\u00a0<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/images\/nav_img\/sort_DESC.gif\" style=\"width:auto; vertical-align:middle;\" alt=\"Sort Icon\"><\/th>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar rating_bar_top\" style=\"width: 88%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">88<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar rating_bar_top\" style=\"width: 87%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">87<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar rating_bar_mid\" style=\"width: 83%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">83<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar rating_bar_mid\" style=\"width: 73%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">73<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar rating_bar_low\" style=\"width: 58%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">58<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"compare_names\" scope=\"row\" style=\"vertical-align:middle;\">Star Rating<\/th>\n<td class=\"compare_items\">\n<ul class=\"ratingSM o5star\">\n<li class=\"one\">1<\/li>\n<li class=\"two\">2<\/li>\n<li class=\"three\">3<\/li>\n<li class=\"four\">4<\/li>\n<li class=\"five\">5<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\t<span class=\"small\"><\/span><\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\">\n<ul class=\"ratingSM o45star\">\n<li class=\"one\">1<\/li>\n<li class=\"two\">2<\/li>\n<li class=\"three\">3<\/li>\n<li class=\"four\">4<\/li>\n<li class=\"five\">5<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\t<span class=\"small\"><\/span><\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\">\n<ul class=\"ratingSM o45star\">\n<li class=\"one\">1<\/li>\n<li class=\"two\">2<\/li>\n<li class=\"three\">3<\/li>\n<li class=\"four\">4<\/li>\n<li class=\"five\">5<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\t<span class=\"small\"><\/span><\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\">\n<ul class=\"ratingSM o45star\">\n<li class=\"one\">1<\/li>\n<li class=\"two\">2<\/li>\n<li class=\"three\">3<\/li>\n<li class=\"four\">4<\/li>\n<li class=\"five\">5<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\t<span class=\"small\"><\/span><\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\">\n<ul class=\"ratingSM o4star\">\n<li class=\"one\">1<\/li>\n<li class=\"two\">2<\/li>\n<li class=\"three\">3<\/li>\n<li class=\"four\">4<\/li>\n<li class=\"five\">5<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\t<span class=\"small\"><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"compare_names\" scope=\"row\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">Bottom Line<\/th>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">This tracker has it all, from accurate GPS locating to health analytics, making for a top-notch option for a variety of dogs<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">A reliable and well-constructed GPS collar with lots of features, but a high subscription cost<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">Simple and straightforward designs like this make it easy to keep an eye on your dog remotely<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">While this option isn&#8217;t the most reliable, it&#8217;s free of any subscription, making it a very inexpensive model in the long-run<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">A classic device for finding lost keys or a backpack that also can be used for your dog, though it&#8217;s best for dogs living in urban settings<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"compare_names\" scope=\"row\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">Pros<\/th>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">Quick and accurate GPS, great health tracking features, intuitive to use<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">Excellent durability, secure collar attachment, can run self-diagnostics<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">Quick to setup, easy to use, shares accuracy range in app<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">Subscription-free, effective health tracking, easy activity recording<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">Incredibly inexpensive, very small profile, phenomenal battery life, also useful for personal items<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"compare_names\" scope=\"row\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">Cons<\/th>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">Average battery life, bulkier than others<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">Expensive subscription, health tracking not as thorough<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">Dog hair gets stuck on velcro, variable gps accuracy<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">Less reliable GPS connectivity, slow to locate, can&#8217;t set geofences<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">Must have an iPhone or iPad, only locates with Bluetooth, must buy collar attachment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"compare_names\" scope=\"row\" style=\"vertical-align:top; white-space: nowrap;\"><span data-bs-toggle=\"tooltip\" title=\"Click on any Rating Category to sort by that metric.\">Rating Categories<\/span><\/th>\n<td class=\"compare_title\" style=\"vertical-align:top; background-color: #EEEEEE;\">Tractive<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_title\" style=\"vertical-align:top; background-color: #EEEEEE;\">Fi Series 3<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_title\" style=\"vertical-align:top; background-color: #EEEEEE;\">PetLink<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_title\" style=\"vertical-align:top; background-color: #EEEEEE;\">Pit Pat<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_title\" style=\"vertical-align:top; background-color: #EEEEEE;\">Apple AirTag<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"compare_names\" scope=\"row\" style=\"white-space: nowrap;\">GPS Reliability <span class=\"small\">(35%)<\/span><\/th>\n<td class=\"compare_items\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar\" style=\"width: 91%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">9.1<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar\" style=\"width: 85%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">8.5<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar\" style=\"width: 85%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">8.5<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar\" style=\"width: 65%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">6.5<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar\" style=\"width: 40%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">4.0<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"compare_names\" scope=\"row\" style=\"white-space: nowrap;\">Features <span class=\"small\">(20%)<\/span><\/th>\n<td class=\"compare_items\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar\" style=\"width: 87%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">8.7<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar\" style=\"width: 84%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">8.4<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar\" style=\"width: 80%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">8.0<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar\" style=\"width: 70%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">7.0<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar\" style=\"width: 50%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">5.0<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"compare_names\" scope=\"row\" style=\"white-space: nowrap;\">Ease of Use <span class=\"small\">(20%)<\/span><\/th>\n<td class=\"compare_items\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar\" style=\"width: 89%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">8.9<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar\" style=\"width: 88%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">8.8<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar\" style=\"width: 81%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">8.1<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar\" style=\"width: 80%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">8.0<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar\" style=\"width: 60%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">6.0<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"compare_names\" scope=\"row\" style=\"white-space: nowrap;\">Construction Quality <span class=\"small\">(15%)<\/span><\/th>\n<td class=\"compare_items\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar\" style=\"width: 89%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">8.9<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar\" style=\"width: 93%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">9.3<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar\" style=\"width: 82%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">8.2<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar\" style=\"width: 81%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">8.1<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar\" style=\"width: 85%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">8.5<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"compare_names\" scope=\"row\" style=\"white-space: nowrap;\">Size <span class=\"small\">(10%)<\/span><\/th>\n<td class=\"compare_items\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar\" style=\"width: 75%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">7.5<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar\" style=\"width: 92%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">9.2<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar\" style=\"width: 84%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">8.4<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar\" style=\"width: 82%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">8.2<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\">\n<div class=\"rating_bar_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar_scale_box\">\n<div class=\"sub_rating_bar\" style=\"width: 90%;\">\n<div class=\"rating_score\">9.0<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"vertical-align:bottom;\">\n<th class=\"compare_names\" scope=\"row\" style=\"vertical-align:bottom;\">Specifications<\/th>\n<td class=\"compare_title\" style=\"background-color:#EEEEEE; vertical-align:bottom;\">Tractive<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_title\" style=\"background-color:#EEEEEE; vertical-align:bottom;\">Fi Series 3<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_title\" style=\"background-color:#EEEEEE; vertical-align:bottom;\">PetLink<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_title\" style=\"background-color:#EEEEEE; vertical-align:bottom;\">Pit Pat<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_title\" style=\"background-color:#EEEEEE; vertical-align:bottom;\">Apple AirTag<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"compare_names\" scope=\"row\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\"><span style=\"color:#004276\">Unique Features<\/span><\/th>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">Monitors vital signs, sleep and bark tracking, health notifications, remotely can light up, remote beeps for recall, easy to add other owners or dog walkers, connected with three cell providers<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">GPS and LTE testing on-demand, sleeping tracking, sallelite imagery recording for walks, step counter, can add dog walkers or sitters to the app, in-app dog park locators, can run self-diagnostics, can create and name multiple geo fences.<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">Live updates on GPS accuracy range, can triangulate with cell phones and wifi networks, decent health tracking<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">No subscription required, health tracking parses activity types, easy to log walks, live signal strength updates<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">Uses Bluetooth for location, can be used to locate other personal items, no subscription required, incredibly light and small<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"compare_names\" scope=\"row\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\"><span style=\"color:#004276\">Subscription Required<\/span><\/th>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">Yes<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">Yes<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">Yes<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">No<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"compare_names\" scope=\"row\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\"><span style=\"color:#004276\">Geofence<\/span><\/th>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">Yes<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">Yes<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">Yes<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">No<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"expanded_specs\">\n<th class=\"compare_names\" scope=\"row\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\"><span style=\"color:#004276\">Monthly Subscription Cost with 1 year plan<\/span><\/th>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">$9.00\/month<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">$15.75\/month<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">$8.25\/month<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">N\/A<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">N\/A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"expanded_specs\">\n<th class=\"compare_names\" scope=\"row\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\"><span style=\"color:#004276\">Monthly Subscription Cost with 2 year plan<\/span><\/th>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">$6\/month<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">$14.12\/month<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">$6.25\/month<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items compare_odd\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">N\/A<\/td>\n<td class=\"compare_items\" style=\"vertical-align:top;\">N\/A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-circle-right\" style=\"font-size:64px;opacity:0.2;\"><\/i><\/p>\n<div class=\"small_link\" id=\"specs_show_hide\" style=\"padding-top: 5px;padding-bottom: 10px;\">Show Full Specification Details \u25bcHide Full Specification Details \u25b2<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\n<\/form>\n<p><\/p>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"photonormal\" style=\"width:100%;\">\n<div class=\"content_table_xwide\">\n<div class='fb-photo-caption'>We tested these GPS collars across concrete sprawls and alpine playgrounds to make our examination as thorough as possible.<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class='fb-photo-credit'>Credit: Zach Lovell<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520823_28645_XL.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20200%20150'%2F%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520823_28645_M2.jpg 415w, https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520823_28645_L2.jpg 830w, https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520823_28645_XL.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520823_28645_XXL.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"100vw\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" alt=\"gps dog collar - we tested these gps collars across concrete sprawls and alpine...\" class=\"lazy photo-center\" style=\"max-width:100%; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:100%; aspect-ratio: 1024 \/ 576;\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"content_table_xwide\">\n<div class=\"photo-caption\">We tested these GPS collars across concrete sprawls and alpine playgrounds to make our examination as thorough as possible. \u00a0 <span class=\"photo-credit\">Credit: Zach Lovell<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"blogTip\">\n<div class=\"blogTipText\"> <strong>GPS vs Bluetooth:<\/strong> For those living in an urban setting, a GPS collar might be overdoing it. Many BT trackers will ping off the closest cell phone or other smart device, alerting you to your furry friend&#8217;s exact location, while large buildings can obstruct a GPS signal. If you&#8217;re in a densely populated area, chances are Fido is going to walk right by an iPhone when he decides to take himself for a walk around the block.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2>How We Tested<\/h2>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>We prioritize real-world and hands-on testing here at GearLab to ensure our examination of GPS dog collars is as thorough as possible. We run through our daily pet routines to make sure our findings are accurate and true-to-life. Each model was scrutinized for its GPS location accuracy and speed, using ground-truthing and distance measurements via satellite imagery. We took a deep dive into the features and ease of use of each collar, going on lengthy outdoor walks, and simply leaving the devices on dogs for an extended time to examine the health tracking components. We researched the construction materials of each device and, to test durability, we deliberately took our pups for lake swims and allowed them to play in the mud (they loved it). Lastly, we weighed and measured each option to score sizing. For a full detailed breakdown, check out our article on how we tested GPS dog collars.<\/p>\n<p>We rate GPS Dog Collars on <strong>five performance metrics<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>GPS Reliability <em>(35% of overall score weighting)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Features <em>(20% weighting)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Ease of Use <em>(20% weighting)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Construction Quality<em>(15% weighting)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Size <em>(10% weighting)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"photonormal\" style=\"width:100%;\">\n<div>\n<div class='fb-photo-caption'>We made sure each test was carried out side-by-side so our findings were comparative, with our final scores in each metric offering clear winners.<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class='fb-photo-credit'>Credit: Zach Lovell<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520799_8546_L2.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20200%20150'%2F%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520799_8546_M2.jpg 415w, https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520799_8546_L2.jpg 830w\" data-sizes=\"100vw\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" alt=\"gps dog collar - we made sure each test was carried out side-by-side so our findings...\" class=\"lazy photo-center\" style=\"max-width:100%; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:100%; aspect-ratio: 830 \/ 467;\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"photo-caption\">We made sure each test was carried out side-by-side so our findings were comparative, with our final scores in each metric offering clear winners. \u00a0 <span class=\"photo-credit\">Credit: Zach Lovell<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2>Why Trust GearLab<\/h2>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>This review is headed by Zach Lovell, who first started working in product testing and design over 10 years ago. He&#8217;s been a dog owner and dog lover most of his life, growing up with two golden retrievers. Fast forward to the present day, and he&#8217;s the proud dog dad of a Bernese mountain dog named <strong>Maya<\/strong>. Zach has tested and written about dozens of products, from outdoor equipment to massage guns. For this review, he brought in a couple more 4-legged friends to help with testing: <strong>Bodie<\/strong> and <strong>Vinny<\/strong>, and sought the opinion of their owners to get a well-rounded view of each GPS collar for this review.<\/p>\n<div class=\"photonormal\">\n<div id=\"photoab_464998799\" class=\"carousel slide\" style=\"margin-bottom: 100px; padding:0;\">\n<div class=\"carousel-inner\">\n<div class=\"carousel-item active\">\n<div style=\"display:flex; width:100%; justify-content: center;\">            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520843_10672_L2.jpg\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" alt=\"the real stars of this review were our pups, who thoroughly enjoyed...\" class=\"d-block w-100\" style=\"max-width: 700px; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:394px; aspect-ratio: 830 \/ 467;\">            <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"carousel-item\">\n<div style=\"display:flex; width:100%; justify-content: center;\">            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520862_22908_L2.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520862_22908_S.jpg\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" alt=\"the real stars of this review were our pups, who thoroughly enjoyed...\" class=\"d-block w-100 lazy\" style=\"max-width: 700px; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:394px; aspect-ratio: 830 \/ 467;\">            <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"carousel-item\">\n<div style=\"display:flex; width:100%; justify-content: center;\">            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520779_31173_L2.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520779_31173_S.jpg\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" alt=\"the real stars of this review were our pups, who thoroughly enjoyed...\" class=\"d-block w-100 lazy\" style=\"max-width: 700px; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:394px; aspect-ratio: 830 \/ 467;\">            <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"carousel-item\">\n<div style=\"display:flex; width:100%; justify-content: center;\">            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520780_27796_L2.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520780_27796_S.jpg\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" alt=\"the real stars of this review were our pups, who thoroughly enjoyed...\" class=\"d-block w-100 lazy\" style=\"max-width: 700px; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:394px; aspect-ratio: 830 \/ 467;\">            <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"carousel-item\">\n<div style=\"display:flex; width:100%; justify-content: center;\">            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/92\/520762_18997_L2.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/92\/520762_18997_S.jpg\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" alt=\"the real stars of this review were our pups, who thoroughly enjoyed...\" class=\"d-block w-100 lazy\" style=\"max-width: 700px; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:394px; aspect-ratio: 830 \/ 467;\">            <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>  <button class=\"carousel-control-prev\" type=\"button\" data-bs-target=\"#photoab_464998799\" data-bs-slide=\"prev\">    <span class=\"carousel-control-prev-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>    <span class=\"visually-hidden\">Previous<\/span>  <\/button>  <button class=\"carousel-control-next\" type=\"button\" data-bs-target=\"#photoab_464998799\" data-bs-slide=\"next\">    <span class=\"carousel-control-next-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>    <span class=\"visually-hidden\">Next<\/span>  <\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"carousel-indicators\" style=\"padding-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px;  margin-right: 5%;  margin-left: 5%; margin-bottom: -80px; height: 80px\">    <button type=\"button\" data-bs-target=\"#photoab_464998799\" data-bs-slide-to=\"0\" class=\"active\" aria-current=\"true\" aria-label=\"Slide 1\" style=\"border:0; height:100%; width: 80px;\">      <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"d-block w-100\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520843_10672_XS.jpg\" alt=\"Button for slide 1\">    <\/button>    <button type=\"button\" data-bs-target=\"#photoab_464998799\" data-bs-slide-to=\"1\" aria-label=\"Slide 2\" style=\"border:0; height:100%; width: 80px;\">      <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"d-block w-100\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520862_22908_XS.jpg\" alt=\"Button for slide 2\">    <\/button>    <button type=\"button\" data-bs-target=\"#photoab_464998799\" data-bs-slide-to=\"2\" aria-label=\"Slide 3\" style=\"border:0; height:100%; width: 80px;\">      <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"d-block w-100\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520779_31173_XS.jpg\" alt=\"Button for slide 3\">    <\/button>    <button type=\"button\" data-bs-target=\"#photoab_464998799\" data-bs-slide-to=\"3\" aria-label=\"Slide 4\" style=\"border:0; height:100%; width: 80px;\">      <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"d-block w-100\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520780_27796_XS.jpg\" alt=\"Button for slide 4\">    <\/button>    <button type=\"button\" data-bs-target=\"#photoab_464998799\" data-bs-slide-to=\"4\" aria-label=\"Slide 5\" style=\"border:0; height:100%; width: 80px;\">      <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"d-block w-100\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/92\/520762_18997_XS.jpg\" alt=\"Button for slide 5\">    <\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"photo-caption mt-2 mb-3 text-center\">The real stars of this review were our pups, who thoroughly enjoyed all of the roaming time required for testing.<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2>Analysis and Test Results<\/h2>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>After miles and miles of doggie walks and off-leash adventures (where allowed), a few standout models won distinctions in various categories. <\/p>\n<div id=\"chartColumn\" class=\"content_table_xwide\" style=\"padding: 0; margin: 0 15px 0 0; height: 602px; position:relative;\">\n<div id=\"pricevalue_chart_div\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"pv_overlay_above\">\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; color: #990000;\">Worse Value<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"pv_overlay_below\">\n<div style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; color: olivedrab;\">Better Value<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<h3>What&#8217;s the Best Value?<\/h3>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Context is everything when determining the value of a purchase. If you need all the bells and whistles, a GPS dog collar is going to cost you a pretty penny. While they might be less costly up front for the device itself, many have the added cost of a monthly subscription. If you&#8217;re planning on using your doggie collar for a long time, we recommend locking in a multi-year rate, which can make the monthly cost more affordable. If you&#8217;re willing to sacrifice performance and certain features, there are also affordable options out there that don&#8217;t require a subscription at all. <\/p>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"photonormal\" style=\"width:100%;\">\n<div>\n<div class='fb-photo-caption'>There are several different GPS collars on the market at various price points and monthly subscription costs, so you&#8217;re bound to find the right fit for you and your pup.<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class='fb-photo-credit'>Credit: Zach Lovell<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520790_17901_L2.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20200%20150'%2F%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520790_17901_M2.jpg 415w, https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520790_17901_L2.jpg 830w\" data-sizes=\"100vw\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" alt=\"gps dog collar - there are several different gps collars on the market at various...\" class=\"lazy photo-center\" style=\"max-width:100%; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:100%; aspect-ratio: 830 \/ 467;\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"photo-caption\">There are several different GPS collars on the market at various price points and monthly subscription costs, so you&#8217;re bound to find the right fit for you and your pup. \u00a0 <span class=\"photo-credit\">Credit: Zach Lovell<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Models like the <strong>Tractive GPS<\/strong> boast excellent scores across the board, and the monthly subscription cost is fairly reasonable. If purchasing a subscription for a couple of years, the <strong>PetLink<\/strong> is a great option with a low monthly payment. If you&#8217;re looking to save money, the <strong>PitPat<\/strong> is more pricey up front, but has absolutely no subscription, making it one of the least expensive models in the long run. Lastly, if you&#8217;re really only considering one of these trackers for a little peace of mind and aren&#8217;t willing to spend big bucks, the highly affordable <strong>Apple AirTag<\/strong> might be worth looking into if you use an iPhone.<\/p>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"photonormal\" style=\"width:100%;\">\n<div>\n<div class='fb-photo-caption'>The PetLink offers a very reasonable monthly price if you&#8217;re willing to commit to a two year period.<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class='fb-photo-credit'>Credit: Zach Lovell<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520845_3231_L2.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20200%20150'%2F%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520845_3231_M2.jpg 415w, https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520845_3231_L2.jpg 830w\" data-sizes=\"100vw\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" alt=\"gps dog collar - the petlink offers a very reasonable monthly price if you&#039;re willing...\" class=\"lazy photo-center\" style=\"max-width:100%; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:100%; aspect-ratio: 830 \/ 467;\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"photo-caption\">The PetLink offers a very reasonable monthly price if you&#8217;re willing to commit to a two year period. \u00a0 <span class=\"photo-credit\">Credit: Zach Lovell<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><\/p>\n<h3>GPS Reliability<\/h3>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The whole point of a GPS dog collar is to locate your dog, so we weighted this metric the heaviest, and used a few different testing methods to make sure the GPS reliability of each device is actually helpful and accurate. We use satellite imagery to measure the distance between the real location and each device&#8217;s measured location from its app. Then, we outlined a standardized circuit and tracked a person biking with the collar along the set route. Lastly, we used each device for several adventure hikes with our pups, taking them off leash and letting them roam where allowed. For each of these tests, we examined the time needed to find the device as well as accuracy.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"figure-chart\">\n<div id=\"chart_GPS_Reliability_div\" style=\"width:100%; min-height:330px;\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The <strong>Tractive GPS<\/strong> leads the pack in this metric, consistently locating the paired device in under two minutes as long as the Tractive had decent cell service. As with any of these top-performing models, if the device doesn&#8217;t have cell connectivity, you&#8217;ll have a tough time finding your pup. <\/p>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"photonormal\" style=\"width:100%;\">\n<div>\n<div class='fb-photo-caption'>We found the Tractive to be quick to locate whether we were close or far away from our pups, as long as the device had cell coverage.<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class='fb-photo-credit'>Credit: Zach Lovell<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520833_20678_L2.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20200%20150'%2F%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520833_20678_M2.jpg 415w, https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520833_20678_L2.jpg 830w\" data-sizes=\"100vw\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" alt=\"gps dog collar - we found the tractive to be quick to locate whether we were close or...\" class=\"lazy photo-center\" style=\"max-width:100%; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:100%; aspect-ratio: 830 \/ 467;\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"photo-caption\">We found the Tractive to be quick to locate whether we were close or far away from our pups, as long as the device had cell coverage. \u00a0 <span class=\"photo-credit\">Credit: Zach Lovell<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The <strong>Tractive<\/strong> also has a Bluetooth radar function, which is helpful if you&#8217;re close to your pup but still aren&#8217;t sure <em>exactly<\/em> where they are; for example, in dense brush or at night.<\/p>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"photonormal\" style=\"width:100%;\">\n<div>\n<div class='fb-photo-caption'>The bluetooth radar is a nice addition when you&#8217;re close, but can&#8217;t quite pinpoint your dog.<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class='fb-photo-credit'>Credit: Zach Lovell<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520813_8763_L2.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20200%20150'%2F%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520813_8763_M2.jpg 415w, https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520813_8763_L2.jpg 830w\" data-sizes=\"100vw\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" alt=\"gps dog collar - the bluetooth radar is a nice addition when you&#039;re close, but can&#039;t...\" class=\"lazy photo-center\" style=\"max-width:100%; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:100%; aspect-ratio: 830 \/ 467;\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"photo-caption\">The bluetooth radar is a nice addition when you&#8217;re close, but can&#8217;t quite pinpoint your dog. \u00a0 <span class=\"photo-credit\">Credit: Zach Lovell<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The <strong>Fi Series 3<\/strong> comes in close behind, with a strong showing in most of our tests. It lagged a few times as we got more remote, but otherwise it was a top performer. The <strong>PetLink<\/strong> performed almost as well, with just a slight GPS drift in its accuracy. The PetLink offers cellphone and WiFi triangulation if there isn&#8217;t a GPS signal, offering a nice backup location method. <\/p>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"photonormal\" style=\"width:100%;\">\n<div>\n<div class='fb-photo-caption'>We were able to closely follow along with the Fi collar from home while our pup was going for a hike with another person.<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class='fb-photo-credit'>Credit: Zach Lovell<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/92\/520750_22207_L2.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20200%20150'%2F%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/92\/520750_22207_M2.jpg 415w, https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/92\/520750_22207_L2.jpg 830w\" data-sizes=\"100vw\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" alt=\"gps dog collar - we were able to closely follow along with the fi collar from home...\" class=\"lazy photo-center\" style=\"max-width:100%; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:100%; aspect-ratio: 830 \/ 467;\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"photo-caption\">We were able to closely follow along with the Fi collar from home while our pup was going for a hike with another person. \u00a0 <span class=\"photo-credit\">Credit: Zach Lovell<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>If you don&#8217;t want to pay for a subscription, consider the <strong>PitPat<\/strong>. It still has a SIM card and utilizes cell coverage, giving it a wide range of use. However, the PitPat was a bit more challenging to work with; we experienced significant lag times that were sometimes over half an hour, despite a reportedly strong signal. We did experience some faster location times, but it&#8217;s important for you to consider how important the GPS location speed is for you in an instance where you&#8217;ve lost your pup. <\/p>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"photonormal\" style=\"width:100%;\">\n<div>\n<div class='fb-photo-caption'>We found the coverage to be a bit variable in our testing areas with the PitPat, but with some patience, we were able to eventually locate the device.<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class='fb-photo-credit'>Credit: Zach Lovell<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520861_29111_L2.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20200%20150'%2F%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520861_29111_M2.jpg 415w, https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520861_29111_L2.jpg 830w\" data-sizes=\"100vw\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" alt=\"gps dog collar - we found the coverage to be a bit variable in our testing areas with...\" class=\"lazy photo-center\" style=\"max-width:100%; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:100%; aspect-ratio: 830 \/ 467;\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"photo-caption\">We found the coverage to be a bit variable in our testing areas with the PitPat, but with some patience, we were able to eventually locate the device. \u00a0 <span class=\"photo-credit\">Credit: Zach Lovell<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The <strong>Apple AirTag<\/strong> is another subscription-free model, but it&#8217;s the lowest scorer in the GPS reliability metric. It actually doesn&#8217;t use GPS at all, and can only be located via Bluetooth from neighboring iPhones or iPads. This might be all you&#8217;re looking for as a \u201c<em>just-in-case<\/em>\u201d model, especially if you&#8217;re in the city. But if your pup likes to roam free in the wilderness, we&#8217;d recommend you look elsewhere.<\/p>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"photonormal\" style=\"width:100%;\">\n<div>\n<div class='fb-photo-caption'>Around town, the AirTag worked surprisingly well, since it was often within 100 feet of an iPhone or iPad. In the wilderness, we had a very tough time picking it up at all unless a hiker happened to wander by.<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class='fb-photo-credit'>Credit: Zach Lovell<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/92\/520732_24598_L2.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20200%20150'%2F%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/92\/520732_24598_M2.jpg 415w, https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/92\/520732_24598_L2.jpg 830w\" data-sizes=\"100vw\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" alt=\"gps dog collar - around town, the airtag worked surprisingly well, since it was often...\" class=\"lazy photo-center\" style=\"max-width:100%; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:100%; aspect-ratio: 830 \/ 467;\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"photo-caption\">Around town, the AirTag worked surprisingly well, since it was often within 100 feet of an iPhone or iPad. In the wilderness, we had a very tough time picking it up at all unless a hiker happened to wander by. \u00a0 <span class=\"photo-credit\">Credit: Zach Lovell<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><\/p>\n<h3>Features<\/h3>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>A GPS tracker isn&#8217;t only good for locating your pup; many models offer an impressive list of other cool features. We logged over 100 miles walking and running with our dogs, unearthing every feature in a real-world setting. We also made sure to leave the collars on the testing pups for an extended period of time to examine health tracking features.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"figure-chart\">\n<div id=\"chart_Features_div\" style=\"width:100%; min-height:330px;\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Once again, the <strong>Tractive Dog 6<\/strong> leads the charge, with extensive and functional features that range from location tracking to health analysis. You can set multiple geofences, which simply allows you to set a boundary around a home or any area, and will notify you if your dog wanders outside that boundary. The health tracking includes vitals like heart and respiratory rate, and even keeps an eye on barking, sleep minutes, and activity minutes. The Tracker also has a remotely activated light and beep, which are uncommon yet invaluable features if you&#8217;re walking in the dark or if your dog has a trained recall.  <\/p>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"photonormal\" style=\"width:100%;\">\n<div>\n<div class='fb-photo-caption'>From vitals tracking to activity logs, the Tractive has several features we grew to love.<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class='fb-photo-credit'>Credit: Zach Lovell<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/94\/520882_4804_L2.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20200%20150'%2F%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/94\/520882_4804_M2.jpg 415w, https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/94\/520882_4804_L2.jpg 830w\" data-sizes=\"100vw\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" alt=\"gps dog collar - from vitals tracking to activity logs, the tractive has several...\" class=\"lazy photo-center\" style=\"max-width:100%; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:100%; aspect-ratio: 830 \/ 467;\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"photo-caption\">From vitals tracking to activity logs, the Tractive has several features we grew to love. \u00a0 <span class=\"photo-credit\">Credit: Zach Lovell<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The <strong>Fi Series 3<\/strong> also boasts excellent scores in this metric. It offers geofencing capabilities, decent health tracking, and a great app display of walks, which can be shared to social media or texted like a doggie version of Strava. We also loved the self-diagnostics that examine the signal strength and functionality of the device.<\/p>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"photonormal\" style=\"width:100%;\">\n<div>\n<div class='fb-photo-caption'>Some dog owners will love the Strava-esc quality walk recording, which can be shared via text or social media.<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class='fb-photo-credit'>Credit: Zach Lovell<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/92\/520752_8353_L2.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20200%20150'%2F%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/92\/520752_8353_M2.jpg 415w, https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/92\/520752_8353_L2.jpg 830w\" data-sizes=\"100vw\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" alt=\"gps dog collar - some dog owners will love the strava-esc quality walk recording...\" class=\"lazy photo-center\" style=\"max-width:100%; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:100%; aspect-ratio: 830 \/ 467;\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"photo-caption\">Some dog owners will love the Strava-esc quality walk recording, which can be shared via text or social media. \u00a0 <span class=\"photo-credit\">Credit: Zach Lovell<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Less pricey models like the <strong>PitPat<\/strong> have barebones functionality, and don&#8217;t offer geofencing or as many neat features. It does still provide health analysis and even parses activities into running, playing, walking, and resting. The <strong>AirTag<\/strong> does technically allow you to create geofencing, but that&#8217;s about it for features there.<\/p>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"photonormal\" style=\"width:100%;\">\n<div>\n<div class='fb-photo-caption'>While it isn&#8217;t the most feature-rich, the PitPat offers a decent map on its app and some nice health tracking.<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class='fb-photo-credit'>Credit: Zach Lovell<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520858_19350_L2.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20200%20150'%2F%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520858_19350_M2.jpg 415w, https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520858_19350_L2.jpg 830w\" data-sizes=\"100vw\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" alt=\"gps dog collar - while it isn&#039;t the most feature-rich, the pitpat offers a decent map...\" class=\"lazy photo-center\" style=\"max-width:100%; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:100%; aspect-ratio: 830 \/ 467;\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"photo-caption\">While it isn&#8217;t the most feature-rich, the PitPat offers a decent map on its app and some nice health tracking. \u00a0 <span class=\"photo-credit\">Credit: Zach Lovell<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><\/p>\n<h3>Ease of Use<\/h3>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Over the course of our testing process, from unboxing to field time, we kept detailed notes about how easy it was to get each model up and running, as well as using features on a daily basis. Options that scored best offered fast setup times and intuitive use of features. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"figure-chart\">\n<div id=\"chart_Ease_of_Use_div\" style=\"width:100%; min-height:330px;\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The <strong>Fi Series 3<\/strong> and <strong>Tractive GPS<\/strong> are quite easy to use. We were able to start tracking our pups in a matter of minutes after charging and setting up our accounts. They both offer intuitive apps, and we could access the data we wanted easily. The <strong>PetLink<\/strong> was another user-friendly option, with a simple interface and quick access to the live button. <\/p>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"photonormal\" style=\"width:100%;\">\n<div>\n<div class='fb-photo-caption'>We were big fans of the PetLink&#8217;s simplicity, with a highly intuitive app and minimal setup time.<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class='fb-photo-credit'>Credit: Zach Lovell<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520846_30410_L2.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20200%20150'%2F%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520846_30410_M2.jpg 415w, https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520846_30410_L2.jpg 830w\" data-sizes=\"100vw\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" alt=\"gps dog collar - we were big fans of the petlink&#039;s simplicity, with a highly...\" class=\"lazy photo-center\" style=\"max-width:100%; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:100%; aspect-ratio: 830 \/ 467;\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"photo-caption\">We were big fans of the PetLink&#8217;s simplicity, with a highly intuitive app and minimal setup time. \u00a0 <span class=\"photo-credit\">Credit: Zach Lovell<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The <strong>PitPat<\/strong> had a simple design that did well in this metric, partially because there weren&#8217;t as many features to work through. The <strong>AirTag<\/strong> had mixed results due to the necessity of an iPhone. If you don&#8217;t have an iPhone, this simply won&#8217;t work. If you do have an iPhone, the setup process will be familiar. In the Find My app, you&#8217;ll also be able to track your iPhone, other AirTags, and other Apple devices with ease.<\/p>\n<h3>Construction Quality<\/h3>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Any dog accessory is bound to get dragged through mud, water, and brush, so it&#8217;s important that your GPS device can withstand the abuse. We logged big days outdoors and allowed our pups to roll and swim wherever they pleased with these devices on. We also looked at each model&#8217;s dust and water ratings from the manufacturers.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"figure-chart\">\n<div id=\"chart_Construction_Quality_div\" style=\"width:100%; min-height:330px;\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The <strong>Fi Series 3<\/strong> offers a robust stainless steel construction and a secure attachment to the collar. With an IP68 rating, this option is dust-tight and can handle water submersion for prolonged periods, making this a great choice if your dog likes to play rough. The <strong>Tractive<\/strong> has an IP67 rating and has a fairly durable plastic casing with a rubber collar attachment that held up well throughout testing. <\/p>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"photonormal\" style=\"width:100%;\">\n<div>\n<div class='fb-photo-caption'>If your dog likes the water and is notoriously hard on their toys or collars, the stainless steel Fi option is a worthy choice.<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class='fb-photo-credit'>Credit: Zach Lovell<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520817_7355_L2.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20200%20150'%2F%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520817_7355_M2.jpg 415w, https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520817_7355_L2.jpg 830w\" data-sizes=\"100vw\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" alt=\"gps dog collar - if your dog likes the water and is notoriously hard on their toys or...\" class=\"lazy photo-center\" style=\"max-width:100%; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:100%; aspect-ratio: 830 \/ 467;\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"photo-caption\">If your dog likes the water and is notoriously hard on their toys or collars, the stainless steel Fi option is a worthy choice. \u00a0 <span class=\"photo-credit\">Credit: Zach Lovell<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The <strong>PetLink<\/strong> and <strong>PitPat<\/strong> also have IP67 ratings, though they both use velcro to attach the device to the main collar. We found this attachment system to work well throughout our testing period, but it collected hair on long-haired dogs. Surprisingly, the <strong>AirTag<\/strong> also has an IP67 rating, but you&#8217;ll need to purchase a collar attachment from a third-party manufacturer. <\/p>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"photonormal\" style=\"width:100%;\">\n<div>\n<div class='fb-photo-caption'>The PetLink performed equally well on the first and last day of testing, even when our dogs drug it through lakes and rivers.<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class='fb-photo-credit'>Credit: Zach Lovell<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520838_5993_L2.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%20200%20150'%2F%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520838_5993_M2.jpg 415w, https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520838_5993_L2.jpg 830w\" data-sizes=\"100vw\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" alt=\"gps dog collar - the petlink performed equally well on the first and last day of...\" class=\"lazy photo-center\" style=\"max-width:100%; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:100%; aspect-ratio: 830 \/ 467;\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"photo-caption\">The PetLink performed equally well on the first and last day of testing, even when our dogs drug it through lakes and rivers. \u00a0 <span class=\"photo-credit\">Credit: Zach Lovell<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><\/p>\n<h3>Size<\/h3>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>While differences in size may not be as crucial for large dogs, smaller pups will feel the extra ounces around their necks and might appreciate a more modestly sized GPS collar. We weighed and measured each device and compared our findings. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"figure-chart\">\n<div id=\"chart_Size_div\" style=\"width:100%; min-height:330px;\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The <strong>Fi Series 3<\/strong> has a slim design that&#8217;s hardly visible on some dogs. Close behind is the <strong>AirTag<\/strong>, which is about the size of a fat quarter on its own but gets a bit bulkier when you add an after-market collar attachment. The otherwise star-studded <strong>Tractive<\/strong> is one of the largest we tested, with an elongated rectangular shape and a greater width. <\/p>\n<div class=\"photonormal\">\n<div id=\"photoab_466261770\" class=\"carousel slide\" style=\"margin-bottom: 100px; padding:0;\">\n<div class=\"carousel-inner\">\n<div class=\"carousel-item active\">\n<div style=\"display:flex; width:100%; justify-content: center;\">            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520867_22403_L2.jpg\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" alt=\"depending on your dog's size, the dimensions of a gps collar might...\" class=\"d-block w-100\" style=\"max-width: 700px; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:394px; aspect-ratio: 830 \/ 467;\">            <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"carousel-item\">\n<div style=\"display:flex; width:100%; justify-content: center;\">            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520866_21998_L2.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520866_21998_S.jpg\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" alt=\"depending on your dog's size, the dimensions of a gps collar might...\" class=\"d-block w-100 lazy\" style=\"max-width: 700px; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:394px; aspect-ratio: 830 \/ 467;\">            <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>  <button class=\"carousel-control-prev\" type=\"button\" data-bs-target=\"#photoab_466261770\" data-bs-slide=\"prev\">    <span class=\"carousel-control-prev-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>    <span class=\"visually-hidden\">Previous<\/span>  <\/button>  <button class=\"carousel-control-next\" type=\"button\" data-bs-target=\"#photoab_466261770\" data-bs-slide=\"next\">    <span class=\"carousel-control-next-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>    <span class=\"visually-hidden\">Next<\/span>  <\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"carousel-indicators\" style=\"padding-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px;  margin-right: 5%;  margin-left: 5%; margin-bottom: -80px; height: 80px\">    <button type=\"button\" data-bs-target=\"#photoab_466261770\" data-bs-slide-to=\"0\" class=\"active\" aria-current=\"true\" aria-label=\"Slide 1\" style=\"border:0; height:100%; width: 80px;\">      <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"d-block w-100\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520867_22403_XS.jpg\" alt=\"Button for slide 1\">    <\/button>    <button type=\"button\" data-bs-target=\"#photoab_466261770\" data-bs-slide-to=\"1\" aria-label=\"Slide 2\" style=\"border:0; height:100%; width: 80px;\">      <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"d-block w-100\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520866_21998_XS.jpg\" alt=\"Button for slide 2\">    <\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"photo-caption mt-2 mb-3 text-center\">Depending on your dog&#8217;s size, the dimensions of a GPS collar might be a substantial part of your decision making.<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2>How to Pick the Best Dog GPS Collar for Your Pup<\/h2>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Learning a bit about how GPS collars work, what features they offer, and where they will be most reliable can help you find a decent option that&#8217;ll work great for you, your pup, and your budget.<\/p>\n<div class=\"accordion accordion-flush\" id=\"accordionbfa98a7b7f95\" style=\"border-top:thin solid; border-bottom:thin solid; border-color:#CCC; margin-top:-1px; padding-top:1px;\">\n<div class=\"accordion-item\">\n<h3 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"flush-headingbfa98a7b7f95\">      <button class=\"accordion-button\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#flush-collapsebfa98a7b7f95\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"flush-collapsebfa98a7b7f95\" aria-label=\"button to show How Does a GPS Collar Work?\">        <strong>How Does a GPS Collar Work?<\/strong>      <\/button>    <\/h3>\n<div id=\"flush-collapsebfa98a7b7f95\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#accordionbfa98a7b7f95\">\n<div class=\"accordion-body articletext\">Most GPS collars in this review use LTE cell service for location, which is why numerous models require a subscription, just like a cell phone. While shopping, it&#8217;s worth looking into the product details to see how it connects to a network and to your device. Some options may rely on Bluetooth, some can only connect to one cell service provider, and some can do a combination of both. If GPS reliability is the most important metric for you, consider an option that can connect via multiple cell service providers.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion accordion-flush\" id=\"accordion3de52fd63f76\" style=\"border-top:thin solid; border-bottom:thin solid; border-color:#CCC; margin-top:-1px; padding-top:1px;\">\n<div class=\"accordion-item\">\n<h3 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"flush-heading3de52fd63f76\">      <button class=\"accordion-button\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#flush-collapse3de52fd63f76\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"flush-collapse3de52fd63f76\" aria-label=\"button to show Can I Truly Rely on GPS to Find My Dog?\">        <strong>Can I Truly Rely on GPS to Find My Dog?<\/strong>      <\/button>    <\/h3>\n<div id=\"flush-collapse3de52fd63f76\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#accordion3de52fd63f76\">\n<div class=\"accordion-body articletext\">GPS is a crucial aspect of modern life, from car navigation to location services we use in various apps. But how reliable is it when looking for your dog? As mentioned previously, many models connect via cell service, so if your device does not have cell coverage, it won&#8217;t work very well at all. Additionally, if a collar uses Bluetooth for location, it will need to be within 100 feet of a Bluetooth-enabled device to be located. Check what kind of coverage is available in the area where you spend the most time with your dog, and make sure it matches the devices you are considering. While GPS is rarely perfect, we&#8217;ve found it to be dependable enough to locate a dog when they&#8217;re in cell range, with the GPS reading often getting within 50 feet or less of the tracker. Keeping your dog near you is still the best way to keep an eye on them, but tools like GPS collars make it easier to give them a longer electronic leash, so to speak.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion accordion-flush\" id=\"accordion292c08fc210d\" style=\"border-top:thin solid; border-bottom:thin solid; border-color:#CCC; margin-top:-1px; padding-top:1px;\">\n<div class=\"accordion-item\">\n<h3 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"flush-heading292c08fc210d\">      <button class=\"accordion-button\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#flush-collapse292c08fc210d\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"flush-collapse292c08fc210d\" aria-label=\"button to show What Features Do I Need?\">        <strong>What Features Do I Need?<\/strong>      <\/button>    <\/h3>\n<div id=\"flush-collapse292c08fc210d\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#accordion292c08fc210d\">\n<div class=\"accordion-body articletext\">Outside of basic location functions, there are a few other features that can be nice to have. We like having a geofence, or an area drawn in the device&#8217;s app that creates a sort of boundary around your home or any zone you don&#8217;t mind your pup roaming around in. It <em>is not<\/em> an electric fence, but it notifies you when your dog has left that area, which can be a quick way to know exactly when your dog goes rogue. Many devices let you draw several geofences so that you can create different ones for friends&#8217; homes, dog sitters&#8217; yards, or a piece of land you let your dog roam free on. Health analytics can also provide interesting information. You can set activity goals to keep your pup healthy and keep an eye on their sleep. Some models even offer vital monitoring and notify you when their vitals stray from normal, spurring a potential vet visit.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"photonormal\">\n<div id=\"photoab_1024438935\" class=\"carousel slide\" style=\"margin-bottom: 100px; padding:0;\">\n<div class=\"carousel-inner\">\n<div class=\"carousel-item active\">\n<div style=\"display:flex; width:100%; justify-content: center;\">            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/94\/520883_19460_L2.jpg\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" alt=\"from daily minutes of activity to heart rate, several options offer...\" class=\"d-block w-100\" style=\"max-width: 700px; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:394px; aspect-ratio: 830 \/ 467;\">            <\/div>\n<div class=\"photo-caption mt-2 mb-3\">From daily minutes of activity to heart rate, several options offer far more than GPS location. \u00a0 <span class=\"photo-credit\">Credit: Zach Lovell<\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"carousel-item\">\n<div style=\"display:flex; width:100%; justify-content: center;\">            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520801_1105_L2.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520801_1105_S.jpg\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" alt=\"if you could see your dog roaming free in backcountry environments...\" class=\"d-block w-100 lazy\" style=\"max-width: 700px; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:394px; aspect-ratio: 830 \/ 467;\">            <\/div>\n<div class=\"photo-caption mt-2 mb-3\">If you could see your dog roaming free in backcountry environments like this, consider an option that can utilize multiple cell providers&#8217; coverage. \u00a0 <span class=\"photo-credit\">Credit: Zach Lovell<\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"carousel-item\">\n<div style=\"display:flex; width:100%; justify-content: center;\">            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520841_30599_L2.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520841_30599_S.jpg\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" alt=\"the tech has gotten very good with devices like these, making it...\" class=\"d-block w-100 lazy\" style=\"max-width: 700px; width:auto; height:auto; max-height:394px; aspect-ratio: 830 \/ 467;\">            <\/div>\n<div class=\"photo-caption mt-2 mb-3\">The tech has gotten very good with devices like these, making it much easier to find your dog if they run off. However, if the device doesn&#8217;t have a strong signal it can be challenging to find your pup. \u00a0 <span class=\"photo-credit\">Credit: Zach Lovell<\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>  <button class=\"carousel-control-prev\" type=\"button\" data-bs-target=\"#photoab_1024438935\" data-bs-slide=\"prev\">    <span class=\"carousel-control-prev-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>    <span class=\"visually-hidden\">Previous<\/span>  <\/button>  <button class=\"carousel-control-next\" type=\"button\" data-bs-target=\"#photoab_1024438935\" data-bs-slide=\"next\">    <span class=\"carousel-control-next-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>    <span class=\"visually-hidden\">Next<\/span>  <\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"carousel-indicators\" style=\"padding-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px;  margin-right: 5%;  margin-left: 5%; margin-bottom: -80px; height: 80px\">    <button type=\"button\" data-bs-target=\"#photoab_1024438935\" data-bs-slide-to=\"0\" class=\"active\" aria-current=\"true\" aria-label=\"Slide 1\" style=\"border:0; height:100%; width: 80px;\">      <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"d-block w-100\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/94\/520883_19460_XS.jpg\" alt=\"Button for slide 1\">    <\/button>    <button type=\"button\" data-bs-target=\"#photoab_1024438935\" data-bs-slide-to=\"1\" aria-label=\"Slide 2\" style=\"border:0; height:100%; width: 80px;\">      <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"d-block w-100\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520801_1105_XS.jpg\" alt=\"Button for slide 2\">    <\/button>    <button type=\"button\" data-bs-target=\"#photoab_1024438935\" data-bs-slide-to=\"2\" aria-label=\"Slide 3\" style=\"border:0; height:100%; width: 80px;\">      <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"d-block w-100\" src=\"https:\/\/djd1xqjx2kdnv.cloudfront.net\/photos\/39\/93\/520841_30599_XS.jpg\" alt=\"Button for slide 3\">    <\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>\nThere&#8217;s no feeling worse than losing a pet, but with a GPS collar, you can speed up the search time and get them back in your arms faster. We&#8217;ve identified and personally tested several options that will work for both your dog and your needs, giving you peace of mind that your four-legged family member won&#8217;t stray too far from home.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<p>\n\u2014<i>Zach Lovell<\/i><br \/>\n<br \/> \n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Zach Lovell \u22c5 Review Editor\u00a0 \u22c5 \u00a0Updated August 4, 2025 Finding the right GPS dog collar for you and your pet can offer peace of mind and invaluable health insights. The ideal model should be able to quickly locate your pup, whether they&#8217;re lost in the city or roaming the countryside, and can track [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2159,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2158","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home-garden"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cheapticketboom.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2158","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cheapticketboom.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cheapticketboom.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cheapticketboom.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cheapticketboom.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2158"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/cheapticketboom.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2158\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cheapticketboom.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2159"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cheapticketboom.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2158"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cheapticketboom.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2158"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cheapticketboom.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2158"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}