Best GPS Trackers for Dogs UK

3 Best GPS Trackers for Dogs UK 2024 : Tested & Reviewed

Introduction to GPS Trackers for Dogs

Introduction to GPS Trackers for Dogs

My dog means the world to me and I’m sure you feel the same about your pet. There would be no worse feeling than to realise my dog had gone missing; where would I start in finding her?

With modern technology, a missing pet doesn’t have to mean a wild goose chase. In fact, thanks to the wide range of GPS trackers now available, you never need to worry about your pooch going missing again.

These trackers provide you with a way of locating your dog right from the palm of your hand using a smartphone app.

Of course, I’d always encourage pet owners to keep tabs on their dogs but being such curious creatures, wandering off may be inevitable from time to time.

If you’re keen to make sure that you’re always on top of your pet’s location then I’d strongly recommend investing in a tracking system. However, since there are many options out there, the last thing I’d want would be for you to choose something that didn’t quite meet your expectations.

That’s why I have tried and tested 3 of the best GPS trackers for dogs on the UK market today. Here, you’ll find information and reviews on the various products as well as some handy information on choosing the best GPS pet tracker for you and your canine companion.

Best GPS Trackers for Dogs at a Glance

In a hurry? If so, below are my top picks for the best pet steps and ramps selected by the most popular feature.

Best All Rounder & Value
Pawfit 3 GPS Pet Tracker GPS Dog Tracker 4G Live Satellite Tracking, Multiple Smart Alerts, Fully Waterproof Activity Monitor for Dogs & Cats, Unlimited Range, Remote Voice Recall,Fits All Collars
Best Design Options
tractive GPS Dog Tracker, Market leader, Worldwide real-time location tracking, Escape Alerts, Monitor Activity & Get Health Alerts, Dark blue
Best Lightweight & Compact
Weenect Dogs 2 - GPS tracker for dogs | Real-time GPS tracking | No distance limit | Smallest tracker on the market | Subscription required
Pawfit 3 GPS Pet Tracker GPS Dog Tracker 4G Live Satellite Tracking, Multiple Smart Alerts, Fully Waterproof Activity Monitor for Dogs & Cats, Unlimited Range, Remote Voice Recall,Fits All Collars
tractive GPS Dog Tracker, Market leader, Worldwide real-time location tracking, Escape Alerts, Monitor Activity & Get Health Alerts, Dark blue
Weenect Dogs 2 - GPS tracker for dogs | Real-time GPS tracking | No distance limit | Smallest tracker on the market | Subscription required
£46.74
£47.53
£49.99
Best All Rounder & Value
Pawfit 3 GPS Pet Tracker GPS Dog Tracker 4G Live Satellite Tracking, Multiple Smart Alerts, Fully Waterproof Activity Monitor for Dogs & Cats, Unlimited Range, Remote Voice Recall,Fits All Collars
Pawfit 3 GPS Pet Tracker GPS Dog Tracker 4G Live Satellite Tracking, Multiple Smart Alerts, Fully Waterproof Activity Monitor for Dogs & Cats, Unlimited Range, Remote Voice Recall,Fits All Collars
£46.74
Best Design Options
tractive GPS Dog Tracker, Market leader, Worldwide real-time location tracking, Escape Alerts, Monitor Activity & Get Health Alerts, Dark blue
tractive GPS Dog Tracker, Market leader, Worldwide real-time location tracking, Escape Alerts, Monitor Activity & Get Health Alerts, Dark blue
£47.53
Best Lightweight & Compact
Weenect Dogs 2 - GPS tracker for dogs | Real-time GPS tracking | No distance limit | Smallest tracker on the market | Subscription required
Weenect Dogs 2 - GPS tracker for dogs | Real-time GPS tracking | No distance limit | Smallest tracker on the market | Subscription required
£49.99
-

Last update on 2025-01-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Three of My Top Pick GPS Pet Trackers

  1. Pawfit 2 Pet GPS Tracker for Dogs
  2. Tractive GPS Dog Tracker
  3. Weenect Dogs 2 GPS tracker

1. PAWFIT 2 GPS Pet Tracker

PAWFIT 2 Pet Tracker Review

The Pawfit was an excellent pet tracker that currently retails for around £39.99. However, there were some features that this basic tracker was lacking so the brand has now launched the PAWFIT 2 with full GPS tracking and a whole host of other features that make it one of the most effective and reliable pet trackers on the market.

I’ve been trying out the PAWFIT 2 with my dog, Lilly. While I’d like to think that I wouldn’t ever have to use the tracking feature, there are some other nifty things that this device can do that come in useful as a dog owner. For example, it’ll track your pet’s activity and monitor their temperature.

There’s a lot more to discuss and I’ll cover all of the pros and cons of this device in my PAWFIT 2 pet tracker review. If you’re keen to keep an eye on your dog’s location and find them quickly and easily in the event they become lost, this is the type of technology you’ll benefit from.

PAWFIT 2 Main Features

  • Real time GPS tracking
  • Sound and light tracking
  • Temperature and activity trackers
  • Voice training
  • Smartphone app alerts
  • 6 day battery life
  • 5 hour UBS charging
  • Waterproof design
  • SIM card with coverage in both Europe and North America

PAWFIT 2 Pros & Cons

PAWFIT 2 Pet Tracker Review
PAWFIT 2 Pet Tracker
Materials and Durability
84
Features
90
Design/Practicalities
88
Value
90
What I Like
Live tracking
Activity monitor
Location tracking
3 months activity history (basic subscription) 6 months on premium
Great value for money
Google maps
Voice recall
Alerts – Temperature/Removal/Virtual Fence
IP68 Waterproof
What I Don't Like
Temperature tracking can be a little inaccurate at times
Some settings in the app are tricky to find
88
My Overall Rating
Full Review Here

 


2. Tractive GPS Pet Tracker

The main feature of the Tractive GPS dog tracker is the location tracking. This is done using GPS and what sets this device apart from some others, such as the PAWFIT is that it’ll work wherever you are in the world.

Not only does it boast unlimited range, but with the live tracking feature, you’ll never lose sight of your dog and the location updates every few seconds.

I really like the location history feature which gives you up to a year’s worth of data on where your dog has been. This shows you their favourite spots and is a handy tool to have in the unfortunate event that your dog goes missing as you’ll be able to check out the most common locations first.

When you are looking at the map, you’ll not only get information on where your pet is but also how fast they’re travelling. If that wasn’t enough, you can enter the AR function within the app to get real time directions to your pet.

In terms of accuracy, Tractive claims that the device is accurate to within about 25 feet. I’ve seen some people say that the accuracy isn’t quite as good but generally speaking, it’ll get you to within a small area of your pet so it’s easy to locate them. That said, there are more accurate trackers out there.

Using the map and GPS feature is a great way to locate your pet but I love that there are additional methods including an LED light and an alarm. You can simply follow these to find your pet. There are also several LED collars on the market for the Tractive GPS dog tracker.

Tractive Main Features

  • Real time GPS tracking
  • Activity monitor
  • In app leader boards for healthy competition
  • Family Sharing
  • Virtual Fence
  • Find Mode
  • Waterproof design

Tractive GPS Pros and Cons

Tractive GPS Dog Tracker
Materials and Durability
82
Features
84
Design/Practicalities
90
Value
88
What I Like
Live tracking
Activity monitor
Location tracking
Unlimited worldwide range
Can be used with existing collar
Family sharing
In app leader boards for healthy competition
Waterproof (up to 1 meter depth, 30 minutes)
What I Don't Like
No step tracker
GPS accuracy isn’t always spot on
Less functions compared to the Pawfit 2 – Alerts – Temperature/Removal/Virtual Fence & Voice recall
86
My Overall Rating
Full Review Here

 


3. Weenect Dogs 2 GPS tracker

The tracking feature of the Weenect device is, of course, the main reason you’re buying the product. What I loved was how accurate it was and on screen, within the app, you get information on the direction and distance of your pet.

What’s more, there’s a Super-Live tracking mode which gives you updated information every 10 seconds so you’ll never lose track of your pet when you’re in pursuit of them.

One of the great things about the Weenect dog GPS tracker is that it comes with an embedded SIM card. This ensures that you have much better coverage than if you were to use your own SIM card that uses a single network. What’s more, the GPS tracking works in several locations around the world so it’s ideal if you and your pet plan to travel. It is important to keep in mind that while the tracker works in most of Europe, there is no coverage in Switzerland.

If, for some reason, you’re unable to access your smartphone, there is a Weenect website which you can access from your laptop or PC. Simply login to your account and all of your history and data will be there as well as a live map so you can still keep tabs on your furry friend.

Weenect Main Features

  • Embedded SIM card
  • Live tracking
  • Historical data
  • Recall training
  • Safe zones
  • Augmented reality

Weenect GPS Pros and Cons

Weenect Dog GPS Tracker Design
Weenect Dog GPS Tracker
Materials and Durability
80
Features
80
Design/Practicalities
90
Value
86
What I Like
Small and lightweight
No limit on distance
Activity monitor
Easy to use app that’s also available on the website
Safe zones with alerts
Very durable and comes with a case
Can also be used as a training tool – vibrate & ring
IP67 standard for waterproofing up to 1 metre deep
What I Don't Like
Less functions compared to the Pawfit 2 – Alerts – Temperature/Removal/Voice recall
84
My Overall Rating
Full Review Here

 


What To Look For When Buying A GPS Dog Tracker

A lot of dog trackers might look the same at first glance but there’s a good degree of variation between devices. For this reason, I think it’s really important to compare the features and make sure that you’re getting something that’ll do what it promises. Here are my top tips on selecting your GPS tracker.

Does It Have Live Tracking?

This isn’t a feature that all dog trackers have but, in my opinion, it’s one of the most useful. Live tracking allows you to see the location of your dog in real time.

If you’re out on a walk and your pet wanders off, you can check how far they’ve gone. In some cases, my dog might wander into the bushes only to return a few minutes later. Having the ability to see exactly what she’s up to gives me a good indication on whether it’s time to panic.

What’s The Range And Accuracy Like?

Best GPS Pet Trackers UK

If you put a tracker on your dog, you need to know that, in the event he goes missing, you’ll actually be able to track him. This means checking the range of the tracker as this can vary between models.

Most GPS trackers have excellent coverage provided that they are in range of the GPS satellites in space. However, you also have to consider that some trackers need to be within a certain range of your smartphone in order to provide you with the most up to date information.

If your pet has a tendency to go on lengthy adventures then I’d recommend getting a tracker with an unlimited range. On the other hand, if your dog merely hops over the fence into your neighbour’s garden then you might get away with something that just covers a few miles.

You’ll notice that there are also BlueTooth trackers out there. While a lot of people are now jumping on the bandwagon with these for finding things like their wallet or keys, they’re not ideal for pets. The range on a BlueTooth tracker is nowhere near as long as GPS

How Much Is The Subscription?

The upfront cost of a GPS dog tracker isn’t as much as you might think. On average, you’re looking at around £50 although I’ve seen some as low as £29.99! But this isn’t the only cost you’ll have to take into consideration.

These trackers require you to pay a subscription fee in order to be able to use the GPS tracking. You’ll usually be able to choose whether you pay annually or monthly but the cost shouldn’t be over the top.

Normally, I would expect to pay around £10 a month on average. That said, there are some subscriptions that are less than half of this but I would advise you to check what’s included before committing as you need to make sure the subscription covers your needs.

Check out the comparison table below to see the monthly subscription costs of my top 3 GPS Dog Trackers.

GPS Dog Tracker Subscription Comparision

Best All Rounder & Value
Pawfit 3 GPS Pet Tracker GPS Dog Tracker 4G Live Satellite Tracking, Multiple Smart Alerts, Fully Waterproof Activity Monitor for Dogs & Cats, Unlimited Range, Remote Voice Recall,Fits All Collars
Best Accessories Runner Up
tractive GPS Dog Tracker, Market leader, Worldwide real-time location tracking, Escape Alerts, Monitor Activity & Get Health Alerts, Dark blue
Best Compact Model
Weenect Dogs 2 - GPS tracker for dogs | Real-time GPS tracking | No distance limit | Smallest tracker on the market | Subscription required
Tracker
Pawfit 3 GPS Pet Tracker GPS Dog Tracker 4G Live Satellite Tracking, Multiple Smart Alerts, Fully Waterproof Activity Monitor for Dogs & Cats, Unlimited Range, Remote Voice Recall,Fits All Collars
tractive GPS Dog Tracker, Market leader, Worldwide real-time location tracking, Escape Alerts, Monitor Activity & Get Health Alerts, Dark blue
Weenect Dogs 2 - GPS tracker for dogs | Real-time GPS tracking | No distance limit | Smallest tracker on the market | Subscription required
Monthly Cost
£5.79
£12.00
£9.99
Annual Cost (Paid in one go)
£43.08 (£3.59 per month)
£72.00 (£6.00 per month)
£69.99 (£5.89 per month)
Multiple Year Cost (Paid in one go)
2 Years - £81.36 (£3.39 per month)
2 Years - £108 (£4.50 per month)
3 Years - £149.99 (£4.16 per month)
Minimum Monthly Commitment
None
None
3 months
Distance Limit
None
None
None
Waterproof Up To
3 metres deep
1 metre deep
1 metre deep
GPS Live Tracking
Virtual Fence
Remote Voice
Alerts – Temperature/Removal
Subscription 30 Day Guarantee
Price
£46.74
£47.53
£49.99
Best All Rounder & Value
Pawfit 3 GPS Pet Tracker GPS Dog Tracker 4G Live Satellite Tracking, Multiple Smart Alerts, Fully Waterproof Activity Monitor for Dogs & Cats, Unlimited Range, Remote Voice Recall,Fits All Collars
Tracker
Pawfit 3 GPS Pet Tracker GPS Dog Tracker 4G Live Satellite Tracking, Multiple Smart Alerts, Fully Waterproof Activity Monitor for Dogs & Cats, Unlimited Range, Remote Voice Recall,Fits All Collars
Monthly Cost
£5.79
Annual Cost (Paid in one go)
£43.08 (£3.59 per month)
Multiple Year Cost (Paid in one go)
2 Years - £81.36 (£3.39 per month)
Minimum Monthly Commitment
None
Distance Limit
None
Waterproof Up To
3 metres deep
GPS Live Tracking
Virtual Fence
Remote Voice
Alerts – Temperature/Removal
Subscription 30 Day Guarantee
Price
£46.74
More Information
Best Accessories Runner Up
tractive GPS Dog Tracker, Market leader, Worldwide real-time location tracking, Escape Alerts, Monitor Activity & Get Health Alerts, Dark blue
Tracker
tractive GPS Dog Tracker, Market leader, Worldwide real-time location tracking, Escape Alerts, Monitor Activity & Get Health Alerts, Dark blue
Monthly Cost
£12.00
Annual Cost (Paid in one go)
£72.00 (£6.00 per month)
Multiple Year Cost (Paid in one go)
2 Years - £108 (£4.50 per month)
Minimum Monthly Commitment
None
Distance Limit
None
Waterproof Up To
1 metre deep
GPS Live Tracking
Virtual Fence
Remote Voice
Alerts – Temperature/Removal
Subscription 30 Day Guarantee
Price
£47.53
More Information
Best Compact Model
Weenect Dogs 2 - GPS tracker for dogs | Real-time GPS tracking | No distance limit | Smallest tracker on the market | Subscription required
Tracker
Weenect Dogs 2 - GPS tracker for dogs | Real-time GPS tracking | No distance limit | Smallest tracker on the market | Subscription required
Monthly Cost
£9.99
Annual Cost (Paid in one go)
£69.99 (£5.89 per month)
Multiple Year Cost (Paid in one go)
3 Years - £149.99 (£4.16 per month)
Minimum Monthly Commitment
3 months
Distance Limit
None
Waterproof Up To
1 metre deep
GPS Live Tracking
Virtual Fence
Remote Voice
Alerts – Temperature/Removal
Subscription 30 Day Guarantee
Price
£49.99
More Information
-

Last update on 2025-01-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

 

How Long Does The Battery Last?

The length of time your GPS tracker battery lasts really comes down to how you plan on using the device. There are some pet owners that want a permanent tracker that they can attach to their dog’s collar and forget about. In this case, I’d recommend getting something with a longer life battery so that you don’t have to keep removing it. There are some trackers whose battery can last up to 12 months on a single charge!

On the flip side, I know of pet owners that only use their trackers when they’re going out on an adventure. For example, if you’re headed out for a remote hike and are worried about your pet, attaching a tracker can give you peace of mind. However, in this case, you won’t need as long a battery life and could go for a device that can be charged overnight and then runs the following day.

The battery life of a pet tracker is an important consideration for pet owners, as it determines how long the device can operate without needing a recharge. Most GPS pet trackers have batteries that last between two days to several weeks, depending on the usage and features of the tracker. For example, the Pawfit 2 pet tracker has a battery life of up to 6 days, which is one of the longest-lasting batteries among pet trackers in the market. The Usage, GPS signal and Wi-Fi coverage all have an impact on the battery life, so the 6 days stated on the Pawfit 2 is based on an active pet who spends two hours in outdoor exercises daily and the rest of time staying at home with Home WiFi coverage with good phone signal. This tracker also has a low-battery notification feature that alerts pet owners when the battery is running low, allowing them to recharge the device in time to avoid any disruptions in tracking their pets. With a long-lasting battery, pet owners can have peace of mind knowing that their pets are being tracked and monitored effectively.

Is The Tracker Durable?

Dogs can be excitable and boisterous at times so attaching a flimsy tracker is only going to end in tears.

It’s vital to make sure that the tracker is robust enough to stand up to rough play, exploring and even the weather. Being outside doesn’t come with a guarantee of staying dry but many dog GPS trackers are waterproof so check the IP rating. The higher it is, the more water resistant the device will be.

Note that an IP code will have two digits. Only the second one relates to how waterproof the device is while the first is in reference to its resistance to dust.

The whole point of your GPS pet tracker is to keep track of your pet no matter the weather conditions or if your pet decides they need to cool of in a nearby lake, river or stream. When it comes to waterproofing, there are several options available when it comes to my top three pet trackers. The Pawfit 2 tracker is waterproof to a depth of 3 meters, making it an excellent choice for pets who love to swim. The Weenect pet tracker is also waterproof, but only to a depth of 1 meter. The Tractive pet tracker is also waterproof to a depth of 1 meter. All three trackers are good for submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. So if you have a water-loving pet, it’s important to choose a tracker that can withstand the elements.

Does The Dog Tracker Have Other Functions?

Does The Dog Tracker Have Other Functions?

Trackers that are designed purely for dogs often have a range of other functions which pet owners find very useful. For example, some double as a training device and may use noise or vibrations during training.

There are others that can monitor your dog’s activity, sleep and other things so you get an overall idea of their health and well being.

But one of the additional features that I like best is the ability to set up safe zones. When you do this, the system will automatically notify you in the event that your dog leaves this zone so you can get right onto bringing them back.

Here is a list of some of the most common features you can expect to find on a GPS pet tracker:

  1. Real-time location tracking
  2. Geofencing to set virtual boundaries for your pet
  3. Activity monitoring to track your pet’s movements and exercise
  4. Recall training (sound and vibration)
  5. Historical location tracking to see where your pet has been
  6. Two-way communication to talk to your pet or hear their surroundings
  7. SOS button for emergency situations
  8. Waterproofing to protect the tracker from water damage
  9. Long battery life to ensure the tracker lasts for days or even weeks
  10. Compatibility with a mobile app for easy tracking and management
  11. Lightweight and compact design for comfortable use on your pet.

These features can vary depending on the brand and model of the GPS pet tracker, but they are all designed to help you keep your pet safe and secure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a good GPS pet tracker in the UK must have certain features to ensure that it is effective in keeping pets safe and secure. These features include real-time tracking, geofencing, long battery life, waterproofing, and reliable communication. Additionally, the tracker should be affordable, have a user-friendly interface, and offer good customer support. By considering these factors, pet owners can choose the best GPS pet tracker to suit their needs and ensure the safety of their furry friends.

In my opinion and from my testing, the Pawfit 2 Pet GPS Tracker for Dog meets all these criteria and as a result is my top pick. Why not get your pet tracker now using the link below.

Sale
Pawfit 3 GPS Pet Tracker GPS Dog Tracker 4G Live Satellite Tracking, Multiple Smart Alerts, Fully Waterproof Activity Monitor for Dogs & Cats, Unlimited Range, Remote Voice Recall,Fits All Collars
  • 🐾Real-Time GPS Tracking: Tap into over 3 satellites for precise pet location calculations. Get instant updates on your Pawfit app via mobile network, with live mapping to keep an eye on your furry companion's every move.
  • 🐾Unlimited Range: Using advanced 4G technology, Pawfit 3 dog tracker works perfectly across Europe and North America. With its built-in SIM card, there are no limits to Pawfit's tracking range as long as there is network coverage.
  • 🐾Built-In LED Light & Escape Alert: Should your pet venture beyond the designated virtual safe zone, rest assured that your phone will receive instant notifications. The bright LED light featured on the Pawfit 3 GPS pet tracker helps you spot your pet even in low-light environments.
  • 🐾Speak to Your Pet: Stay connected to your pets even when they're out of earshot. With the built-in speaker, Pawfit 3 dog GPS tracker allows you to communicate with your pet through up to 5 personalized voice commands, which can also be a training aid.
  • 🐾Works with Subscription: Our subscription plans cover all the costs of the integrated SIM card and data, starting from just £3.39 per month (varies based on subscription plan). Enjoy a risk-free trial period and benefit from a 30-day refund guarantee.

Last update on 2025-01-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

 

The Complete Guide GPS Trackers for Dogs Video

Cooming soon.

Helpful GPS Pet Tracker Videos


Pawfit 2 Setup Video


Tractive GPS Dog Tracker – Initial Activation And Setup


Weenect Dogs 2 Guide Video

GPS Dog Tracker FAQs

Do dog trackers work without mobile service?

This largely depends on the device you are using. Some still operate when there is no service while others don’t. This is an important thing to check before buying, especially if you live in a remote area where network coverage isn’t always reliable.

How do GPS dog trackers work?

Global Positioning Systems, commonly known as GPS work by sending and receiving signals from satellites. This creates coordinates which are then sent to your phone as a location, allowing you to find your pet.

Are GPS dog trackers safe for my dog to wear?

As long as the device is not too heavy or your dog doesn’t feel uncomfortable or nervous wearing a collar then there is no reason that a GPS tracker would be unsafe.

How long will the battery last on a dog GPS tracker?

The battery life on your GPS tracker will vary by device. There are some that must be charged every day while others have a battery life of up to one year. What’s more, the battery may last longer when the signal is better as it doesn’t have to work as hard.

Are GPS trackers worth it for dogs?

If you want to ensure the safety of your pet and be able to locate them, should they go missing then a dog GPS tracker is a worthwhile investment. They are also great for monitoring your pet's excercise, distance travelled, calories burned, active and rest hours.

Do dog GPS trackers also work on cats?

Most dog GPS trackers are slightly too large for cats. However, there are some very small versions like the Weenect dog tracker that weighs just 25 grams. This may also be a better idea for smaller dog breeds.

 

 

Mark Haley Author
Product Reviewer and Author at  | Website |  + posts

For more than a decade I have been working with and reviewing a wide variety of household products, including pet related mobility products. My many years' of experience writing articles and creating helpful videos for various blogs and publications, have allowed me to recognise the benefits and shortfalls of a wide range of products and tools; providing me with the ability to not only identify what makes a good purchase, but also to help you choose a suitable product for your exact needs and requirements.

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