GPS Collars are the Best Tracking Collars for Your Dog – Here’s Why

This article was updated on 12 March 2024.

Ever had a pet dog break free and take off while out on a walk? Do you remember how scary it can be, not knowing if you can follow or if they will be able to come back? Sadly, dogs get distracted easily. Dogs that bolt and disappear are just one of the fears preying on anxious pet owners.

Data suggests that roughly 65.1 million households in the United States own at least one dog. According to a 2010 survey conducted by ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), around 15% of dog owners lose their pet at least once within a 5-year period. That’s over 10 million dogs every year. Of that number, only 93% ever make it back home.

Many pet owners have resorted to tagging their pets with a microchip to prepare for this scenario. Microchipping entails using a large needle to put a uniquely numbered chip under the dog’s skin. The chip is usually placed between shoulder blades. The chip contains information about the owner and can be read by a scanner when the dog is found.

Some pet owners, however, fear microchipping their dogs because of the risk of complications. Albeit rare, some dogs have been known to develop tumors at the site of the chip. Fortunately for these people, there is another option – a GPS tracking collar. This can help increase a lost dog’s chances of being returned to their owner. 

What is a GPS tracking collar, though? How does it work?

What is a GPS Dog Collar?

GPS stands for Global Positioning System. This system consists of satellites, receivers, and ground stations. It works by determining the distance between the receiver and the satellite. With this information, it can tell exactly where one is located.

Tracking collars are remote training collars merged with GPS technology. Simply put, they’re an e-collar with a GPS function. The receiver is attached to the collar strap. A radio signal is sent to the remote or transmitter with the dog’s exact location.

Because the GPS tracks the dog’s location and movement at all times, it allows the dog to go off-leash without the owner worrying where they are. This is why it’s rather popular with hunters. Hunting dogs typically cover wide terrains and longer distances. Bigger areas usually render beeper collars and dog bells useless. Having a GPS e-collar to track the canines effectively is an advantage.

Benefits of GPS Dog Tracking Collar

Some GPS tracking collars come with additional features that can let the owner know whether the dog is moving, stopped, or barking. Most are capable of tracking multiple dogs, too. Because it is essentially a locator beacon, it’s also beneficial in finding lost dogs. These features make owning one very appealing to many pet owners.

On top of these helpful features, there are also other benefits to using a GPS e-collar.

1. Health Monitoring

Dogs need exercise the same as humans. If you don’t spend every hour of every day with them, though, it can be hard to identify if they did anything other than lazing all day on the couch or yard. Here’s where GPS collars can help.

2. Connectivity

Remote training collars come with a remote. GPS collars do, too. Monitoring your pet’s whereabouts can be done through the LCD screen on the remote. However, many models can connect to smartphones, making real-time tracking and monitoring even more straightforward. Simply download the app, and you’re good. 

3. Training

With the many benefits and features, it’s no wonder GPS collars are a popular choice. But is it the only way to track lost and wandering canines?

Is a GPS Dog Collar Better Than Other Tracking Devices?   

Are GPS collars the only way to track lost dogs? The short answer is no. There are multiple options. There’s the microchip, as mentioned earlier, for one. ID tags are also widely and commonly used. There are radio telemetry collars that essentially work like GPS, only using radio signals. So what makes a GPS collar better than all the other options?

• GPS collars are more pet-friendly.

• GPS collars make returning lost pets easier.

• GPS collars allow you to respond to pet emergencies faster.

The Best GPS Collar for Your Dog

Photo: Dogtra Pathfinder2 Remote Training Collar  

What should you consider before buying a GPS collar?

1. Cost

GPS collar prices range from as little as $100 to over a thousand. But always remember that you get what you pay for. Cheaper collars may be made with flimsy materials that break down quickly, costing you more in the long run.

2. Battery Life

Every time a collar sends a signal to your mobile phone, it uses up the battery. Make sure that you choose a collar with high-quality batteries that last at least 24 hours.

3. Range and Accuracy 

The most significant advantage of GPS tracking collars is they work even when the dog is many miles away. So choose one that covers wider ground, especially if your dog is prone to running off.

4. Dog and Collar Weight

5. Extra Features

Because GPS trackers are more useful in outside situations, it’s essential to pick a collar that is both water- and high-impact resistant. Other notable extras that would be great to have are alarm buttons, energy-saving sensors, app connectivity, offline map mode, and expandability.

Pets are much-loved family members. But they can also be very curious and wander away, especially when off-leash. Getting a GPS tracking collar for your canine helps diminish the anxiety you feel every time you take your eyes off them. It also increases their chance of returning to you if they get lost. At the end of the day, the cost of getting one is worth the peace of mind it will give you and the freedom it will grant your furry friend.