We’ve Compared the Costs of 13 GPS Trackers for Dogs

There are many dog GPS tracker devices on the market today, and choosing the right option for your pet means analyzing various factors. One of the most important factors in choosing the right GPS tracker for dogs is likely to be the dog GPS trackers' service costs.

How Do GPS Dog Collars Work? 

GPS pet collars will typically connect to your smartphone, making it easy to view where your pet is in the palm of your hand. Some rely on Wi-Fi, but most have you set them up with Bluetooth. 

When in use, these dog collars work by sending a signal to your GPS. They rely on satellite information, just like any other GPS would. 

Most of these collars and trackers will have a very slight delay when sending your dog’s location to your smartphone.

It will depend on the area of coverage and the tracker itself. Some trackers will always track and send you your dog’s location.

Others will only send you the location if they are outside of your “safe zone.”

We've compared the service cost of ALL the most popular pet GPS devices for dogs to help you make a more informed decision.

This is not a round-up of the best GPS tracker for dogs devices, and if you're looking for proper dog GPS collars, take a look at this year's round-up of the best devices here.

You can find all the costs of the most popular GPS dog tracker devices down below. But the cost of service for a dog GPS tracker isn't the only factor you should be considering. You also need to account for the company's services and think about the comfort of the GPS device.

Some common services offered by multiple companies are:

• Real-time GPS location of the dog;
• Pet activity monitoring;
• Free iOS/Android app for tracking and health data;
• Ability to set boundary areas;
• Notifications when your dog crosses set points;
• Integrated light on the dog GPS collar to find your pet more easily in the dark and many more.

What to Pay Attention To?

The above list comprises the most valuable features of any such device, but anything additional or unique can add value.

For example, you may want a waterproof GPS tracker for dogs (which is useful for hunters with gun dogs or owners who like close to water reserves), and you'll need to pay attention to the range that the device covers well.

The comfort of a GPS tracker for dogs itself is another important consideration. For example, does the GPS device clips onto your pet's existing collar, or does it come with its own special GPS collar for dogs?

Is the device small and lightweight? What is the material made out of, and is it comfortable for the dog to wear?

Considering an overall price of a GPS tracker for dogs and the service costs is important, but don't get hung up on the money alone.

As with most tech products, you will likely need to pay more for a better service and additional features, some of which can be useful and even necessary, depending on how you intend to use your dog GPS device.

Before buying your next GPS tracker for dogs, please think of how it will be used and make a list of the most important features to you.

That way, you can find a device that will meet your needs and fit your budget.

After that, please take a look at our breakdown of these 13 dog GPS trackers service costs and see how either one fairs against others.

READ MORE: This Is Why Your Dog Needs A GPS Tracker

13 GPS Tracker for Dogs Costs Compared (2021)

1. Fi Smart Dog Collar

Get it Here: https://shop.tryfi.com/

The Fi Smart Dog Collar has probably been the most prominent GPS Dog Tracker on the market. If you own a dog, you most likely have been targeted by their ads on social media.

The Fi Smart Dog Collar provides a pretty amazing battery life; it can go up to a month or so between each charge. This GPS dog collar features a capability that allows the owner to set multiple “safe zones.”

Unfortunately, the Fi Collar only uses AT&T's cell towers for GPS tracking. This does not mean you have to have AT&T as a cell provider; it means that if you are in an area where there is little to no AT&T coverage (which you can find out here), then you will want to look at a different option.

2. WUF

Upfront Cost: $189.99
Subscription Fee: None

The WUF dog GPS tracker is a wearable device that serves as a tracker and an activity monitor.

This tracker also features a two-way audio connection so that you can call your dogs inside when they stray to the far end of your garden.

The WUF GPS tracker for dogs also allows you to set virtual boundaries for your pet, and it's one of the few dog GPS trackers, with service costs being completely FREE.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Wuf is no longer operational as of 2018.

3. VOYCE

Upfront Cost: $199
Subscription Fee: $9.50/month
Get it here: https://vandrico.com/wearables/device/voyce-dog-monitor.html

The Voyce GPS tracker for dogs is a rather unusual-looking dog collar device that focuses more on your pet's health and wellness information than actually being a GPS device.

If you are looking for a health tracker that provides information on your dog’s activity, respiration, heart rate, distance traveled, and so forth, then this is the device for you.

However, it's far from being the top option if location tracking is very important to you.

4. Whistle GO

The Whistle GO GPS tracker for dogs is one of the technology pioneers that combined GPS tracking with additional features.

It's also one of the most popular options that many pet owners choose today; however, you're paying both for a device and a subscription fee with Whistle.

This dog GPS tracker utilizes cellular technology to track and locate your dog at all times.

A particularly small device, the Whistle slips right onto any dog collar and provides feedback through a mobile app compatible with both Android and iOS systems.

5. The Paw Tracker

Upfront Cost: $99.95
Subscription Fee: $9.95/month
Please get it here: https://www.thepawtracker.com

The Paw Tracker is similar to the Whistle but is a less popular option and slightly more expensive on the upfront cost. It also has only one subscription fee option, which is on the higher end when compared to Whistle.

The Paw Tracker is large but lightweight, and this dog GPS device clips right onto your dog’s collar and relies on GPS satellites to locate your pet at all times.

Once the GPS satellites have located your dog, coordinates are relayed via cell service to help you to find your pooch. Pretty simple, and it works.

6. Squeaker Buddy

Upfront Cost: $250
Subscription Fee: $99.99/year
Get it here: https://www.squeakerdogs.com

The Squeaker Buddy is an LED-lit GPS tracker collar for your dog, and so far, it's one of the most expensive options in upfront costs we've seen when comparing dog GPS tracker service costs.

But note that their subscription fee is for a year, unlike other pet GPS trackers that charge monthly; this breaks down to about $8.30 per month (still not cheap).

Squeaker Buddy dog GPS collar allows for your pet's activity monitoring and provides information like your dog's body temperature and heart monitoring.

Information is displayed both through a mobile app and on a small OLED screen on the dog collar itself. Since it is built into a collar, the Squeaker Buddy is available multiple sizes for different dogs.

7. Tile

A tile is a finder tool that is not specifically designed as a pet GPS; however, it can be used as a dog collar tag. The small tag works with the Tile app on your phone.

If your dog gets lost while wearing the title tag on his collar, you can ring their tile from your phone when he's within 100 feet.

While Tile is clearly the most affordable one when comparing GPS tracker for dogs service costs, it is slightly impractical for a lost pet. However, the Tile app also allows you to activate a unique “Notify When Found” feature.

This feature works by notifying you when another Tile user passes by your pet wearing their tile collar tag. This individual passing by will trigger an alert through the Tile system to let you know where your pet was last seen.

8. Link AKC Smart Dog Collar

The Link, AKC Smart Collar for dogs, is a GPS-enabled dog collar and winner of the CES 2017 Best of Innovation award (source).

This dog GPS collar not only provides GPS information but also tracks your pet's activity and provides custom activity recommendations based on the data from your dog.

The GPS collar also has temperature alerts, a remote light that can be turned on so that you can see your dog in the dark, and a remote sound feature to communicate with your dog from a distance.

Tech experts rate this GPS tracker for dogs very high, so don't be put off by the lack of reviews on this one; it's a new device about going big next year.

9. Whistle 3 Location Tracker

The Whistle 3 is a reliable staple for trying out your first GPS dog collar.

If a dog ends up leaving home, it allows you to track wherever they go. This collar uses GPS, cellular, WiFi, and Bluetooth to find out your dog's location.

The Whistle 3 is not only small and lightweight, but it also has a top-notch GPS tracker and activity tracker built into it. It also allows you to set up a subscription plan and customer alerts.

This means that you can not only track your dog’s location but that you can also keep track of his/her activity level needed based on their unique breed, weight, and age.

10. Tractive GPS Tracker

When discussing GPS trackers for dogs and their service costs, naturally, I should mention the now very famous Tractive dog tracker. Like Whistle, it is one of the most popular trackers for pets and is used by most pet owners who choose to track their dog's activity.

The Tractive GPS Tracker for dogs is a small and simple pet tracking device with a built-in GPS capability, similar to many others I've already mentioned on this list.

It works with Android and iOS devices, and you can track your dog’s movements wherever you are. Take a look at Samantha's video review of Tractive (linked below) to learn more about how this device works.

REVIEW: Tractive GPS Pet Tracker Review

11. iGPS Tracker

Upfront Cost: $79.95
Subscription Fee: $9.95/month
Get it here: Facebook.com (yes, really)

A shock-resistant GPS tracker for dogs, the GPS Pet Tracker fits on to any dog collar and allows you to set up safe areas and boundaries for your dog.

Text alerts will be sent whenever your pet passes through the boundaries you set, and Google search will give voice prompts to take you to exactly where your pooch is if he does escape.

Not much can be said about the iGPS Pet Tracker since it's a relatively new device that not many dog owners have tested.

The company also doesn't have its own website, doesn't provide enough information about the tracker, and sells it through its Facebook store. If you decide to try this one, please let us know your opinion in the comments!

12. Petpace

Upfront Cost: $199.95
Subscription Fee: First year free, then $14.95/month
Get it here: https://petpace.com

The Petpace is a more advanced dog GPS tracker than most of those devices I've already mentioned above.

It provides advanced and very detailed health statistics of your canine and GPS capability for locating your pet.

Petpace, like a few other dog GPS devices, has been around for a while now and seems to be getting more attention from dog owners.

However, this is a larger device, and it's also the most expensive option on this comparison list of dog GPS trackers service costs (both in upfront fees and monthly subscription fees).

I'd say Petpace, due to its higher costs, is better suited for dog parents who have a good reason to pay these high costs, such as being in the process of diagnosing a specific health condition of the dog.

13. Petfon Dog GPS Collar Tracker and Activity Monitor

The Petfon Dog GPS Collar Tracker for dogs is a smaller device that fits right onto your dog’s collar, and due to its lightweight, is not a heavy burden to smaller dogs.

It's another fairly new dog GPS tracker and DOES NOT require any subscription fees.

The Petfon Dog GPS Collar Tracker device works directly with the Petfon browser-based app, which allows you to use it without cell service. It also allows you to display multicolor lights to locate your dog when there is little to no light.

This device allows you also to set a safe area and an alert system for when he/she steps out of that area.

Non-GPS Collars for Those Who Want an Alternative to GPS Trackers for Dogs

While GPS collars are a great choice for your dog, they are not the only option. Tracking collars without GPS typically use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or radio frequency signals to pinpoint where your dog is. Keep in mind that non-GPS collars may have a more limited range than the GPS version. However, that range is likely to travel with you, especially in the case of a Bluetooth connection. 

1. Marco Polo 

No Subscription Fee

Get it here: Marco Polo

This pet collar can work anywhere and doesn’t require cellular service, GPS, or an internet connection. It has a range of up to two miles and a long battery life. You can set up a Safe Zone and then turn on tracking if your dog leaves that zone. Multi-pet families can use the same locator with up to three dogs. 

2. Pawscout

No Subscription Fee

Get it here: Pawscout

The tracker from Pawscout relies on Bluetooth to track your dog, and it delivers a range of up to 300 feet. One cool feature is that if your dog ventures further than 300 feet away from your smartphone, you can take advantage of community tracking. You can even add your dog’s medical information in the smartphone application if someone else in the community finds your dog and needs to know something important, such as allergies.

Common Questions about GPS Dog Collars

The following information may also be useful as you search for a GPS dog collar. 

Which Dog Tracking System Is the Best? 

Any of the systems we mentioned above in this review are great options.

Remember, you want something comfortable for your dog and with good reviews. 

How Much Does It Cost to Put a GPS in Your Dog?

A GPS dog collar is the most affordable and convenient way to put a GPS in or on your dog.

Expect to pay about $5 to $10 per month, plus a one-time fee of anywhere from about $30 to $300. More expensive versions are also available. 

Can You GPS Chip Your Dog? 

Yes, when you microchip your dog, you can include a GPS chip in addition to your personal information.

GPS dog collars also offer a great supplement. 

Do I Need to Chip My Dog If He Has a GPS Collar? 

Keep in mind that you should still chip your dog. Microchips can’t fall off as a collar might.

They also provide important information, including your contact details, if someone else finds your dog. 

You should still use a collar, as well, even if you have a microchip. Think of it as a backup if something goes wrong with the microchip.

There is also the bonus that you don’t need any special equipment to read the collar — just your smartphone. 

Do GPS Dog Trackers Work? 

Yes! As long as you buy a reliable one, such as those on our list, GPS dog collars work well.

They rely on satellite data and can help you find your dog. 

How Can I Track My Lost Dog? 

A GPS dog collar is a great way to track your lost dog.

You should also share your dog’s information and pictures on social media, local shelters, and flyers in the local community.

Talk to people you know, as well as neighbors, and ask them to be on the lookout for your dog.

Remember to check local shelters. 

What’s the Difference Between a GPS Dog Collar and a Bluetooth Dog Collar?

A GPS dog collar can track your dog no matter where he goes. By contrast, a Bluetooth dog collar only works in smaller distances.

You have to be within a few dozen meters of your dog for it to work. 

Can I Use a GPS Dog Collar on Cats? 

Yes, you could use one of these collars on cats, but with a few caveats.

It would be best if you typically opted for a smaller and slimmer device because cats are smaller than dogs.

It would be best if you also took care when choosing the tracker. Some have difficulties identifying the unique movements of cats.

READ NEXT: How To Choose the Best Dog GPS Tracker

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