Top 5 GPS Dog Tracking Devices

Last Updated on June 3, 2025 by Dogs Vets

Direct research from product websites…

GPS dog tracking devices are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Being able to keep tabs on where your pup is at all times prevents disasters, like them wandering out of the house and getting stuck in a ditch.

But which device should you choose? That’s where this review helps. It runs through what we think are the best models available right now so you can avoid disaster.

PAJ PET Finder 4G

Our top pick is the PAJ PET Finder 4G. We like this option because it is so affordable, with prices ranging from just £9.99 to £14.99 (depending on the spec you choose) for the handset. As with many trackers on this list, you simply connect it to your smartphone so you can see what your pet is doing at any time of the day.

PAJ brings numerous benefits to its PET Finder 4G. These include things like its waterproof construction and lightweight design. The device fits around your dog’s neck, like a traditional collar, with the tracking unit fitting in-line with the rest of the material. PAJ makes it ultra-durable and gives you the option to fit on any collar so you don’t have to buy a compatible strap to go with it.

PROS:

• Rechargeable battery that lasts up to ten days
• Lightweight at just 48 grams
• Special alerts that notify you if your dog runs away from home
• Battery saving options when connected to WiFi
• Secure attachment that won’t fail as your dog plays
• See where your dog is at any time
• Included accessories such velcro straps to attach to the collar and USB charging cable

CONS

• Daily live tracking will drain the battery completely in 1 to 3 days
• Longer battery life is only possible using battery saving mode
• The supplied quickstart flyer doesn’t provide detailed troubleshooting guidance

Overall, the PAJ PET Finder 4G is our top choice. The small device is easy to fit to most collars and can provide dog location by connecting to the mobile network or WiFi.

PitPat Dog GPS Tracker

PitPat is another brand in the GPS dog tracking space we like. Its tracker provides location information alongside readouts for weight, activity levels and other metrics diligent owners care about.

PitPat sells its tracker for between £129.00 and £159.00, depending on whether it is running a sale. This upfront cost is substantial compared to most device vendors, but no subscription is needed, which PitPat claims could save owners £350 in three years. The vendor also promises to never charge you if your dog goes missing, which is all part of its lifetime commitment.

PROS:

• Returns allowed up to 42 days after purchase, even if scratched or damaged
• No subscription for life and no charge for dog-finding services
• Devices come with a one-year warranty but support is lifetime
• Easy wireless charging using a charging pad
• Works in countries across the globe.

CONS:

• High upfront price on devices
• Low-detail maps for showing dog location with minimal feature information
• Devices are only compatible with mobile in countries that allow roaming (mostly Western countries)
• Doesn’t work indoors

Garmin Alpha T 20 K Dog Collar

Unsurprisingly, Garmin is also in the GPS dog collar space, offering numerous models. The Alpha T 20 K is the pick of the bunch, designed for when you want to take your dog into rugged terrain. This device has a hard-wearing chassis and attaches to a compatible collar.

The Garmin is different from other devices on this list because it doesn’t rely on a WiFi or GPS, making it suitable for hikers, day trippers, and backpackers. It works by using the VHF collar to transmit a signal up to 6 miles away every five seconds to a handheld device you carry. As such, it is completely off-grid (except the GPS satellite connection), so you can truly use it anywhere.

Garmin also equips the Alpha T 20 K with an LED light beacon to identify and track your dog in low-light conditions. You can activate this remotely from handheld companion devices sold by the company, letting you track your pup in dense brush or forest.

PROS:

• Easy-to-replace battery packs with tracking up to 68 hours for the standard version (double for the extended battery pack)
• Robust design to fit dogs of all sizes
• Works with existing Garmin handhelds (useful if you already use the brand’s technology)
• Suitable for use in wild locations without mobile phone signal or WiFi access

CONS:

• Range of only six miles, making it unsuitable for owners wanting to track their dog in urban environments
• The separate receiver is sold separately, increasing the cost further
• Updates aren’t always real time and require you to wait for the system to provide new information
• The replaceable flex band on the collar is prone to damage and dogs have to wear an antenna

Ultimately, the Garmin Alpha T 20 K is for dogs and owners who prefer an outdoor life but still want to ensure safety. The device comes with automatic updates and the ability to connect to WiFi networks, but will also work in the wilderness where no conventional connectivity is available up to a range of six miles.

Pawfit 3 Dog GPS Location Tracker

The Pawfit 3 Dog GPS location tracker is another option worth considering. It provides all the usual tracking functionality, but also comes with a speaker that allows you to provide your dog with voice commands, even if they are out of earshot.

Pawfit 3’s primary appeal is its family sharing and multi-pet tracking systems. The brand understands that most pet owners have several dogs, and several people who want to know where they are. That’s why its system works across users and pets, offering real-time tracking to all.

The collar itself is secure and makes it simple to keep the tracker in place. The device also has a waterproof rating up to 3 metres for 30 minutes, ideal when you take the dog to the park or go hiking in nature.

If you want to geofence your dog with this device, you can. Simply set the safety zone on the companion app and get a warning every time your dog leaves the garden.

PROS:

• Waterproof and designed for adventure in parks and rural environments
• High connectivity speed and location resolution with 4G networking
• Regular tracking updates every five seconds
• Ability to provide dogs with voice commands, even if they are out of earshot
• 18-month warranty for ultimate peace of mind

CONS:

• Expensive upfront tracker cost (£59.99) and further subscription payments every month or year.
• Slower location updates on basic plans. Rapid updates require premium plans
• OpenStreetMap not included in basic plans

The Pawfit 3 is ultimately for owners who want to spend most of their time in urban or rural areas with 4G connectivity. The device works with multiple networks, but it does require a connection to function.

Tractive

Finally, Tractive offers a genuine multi-functional tracker for cats and dogs, offering GPS tracking alongside a host of additional features. This product is quite bulky but markets itself as something you can use as an early warning system for possible canine health issues.

As with other options on this list, you can set up safety fences and escape alerts. These tell you if your dog goes outside the permitted zone when unsupervised.

You can also get activity and sleep alerts (similar to a smartwatch). These tell you more about your dog’s mood and whether they are able to relax at night. Combined with heart and respiratory rate monitoring, these metrics provide a more detailed overview of dog health, something that adventurer and brand sponsor, Ben Fogle, supports.

PROS:

• Additional vital signs monitoring (alongside GPS) to detect dog health issues early
• Currently used by over a million pet owners
• Completely waterproof with a battery that lasts for up to 14 days
• Discount available on the upfront price for pet owners willing to sign up to email marketing

CONS:

• Bulky device due to the increased number of sensors it contains (not just GPS)
• Only fits larger dogs (not suitable for pets under 4 kg due to weight constraints)

Tractive has built a middle-of-the-road dog tracking device for most urban pet owners. However, the vital signs feature is a nice touch and makes the most of the space inside the unit, enabling you to track pet health better.

Dog GPS Tracker Comparison Table