If you’re an RV owner who likes to take your dog on trips, you know that keeping them safe and happy is a top priority. Luckily, there are many ways to monitor and track your dog while on the road. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best options GPS dog tracking technologies.
After a broken leash incident in Acadia National Park, I was interested in solutions that helped me reunite with Woodford after we got separated. I found a few solutions, but I am always on lookout for the most accurate pet tracker that can keep me aware of my dog’s exact location and avoid the heartbreak of a missing dog.
I use quite a few bits of tech, dog travel gear (dog first aid kit, seatbelts, etc.), and other practices to keep Woodford safe when I am traveling with him. Whether you’re looking for a permanent solution or something portable, we’ve got you covered. So read on to find out more!
Fi Smart Dog Collar
Tracking your dog’s whereabouts is important for several reasons. First, it gives you peace of mind to know that your furry friend is safe and sound. Second, it can help you find your dog if they wander off or get lost. And third, it can help you keep track of your dog’s activity level and ensure they’re getting enough exercise. That’s why as a pet owner, I wanted a GPS collar.
The FI smart dog collar (referral link) makes tracking your dog’s whereabouts easy and convenient. Using GPS technology, the collar includes a GPS tracker that lets you see exactly where your dog is at all times. You can also set up custom alerts so that you’re notified if your dog leaves a designated area, like your RV while traveling. With the FI collar, you’ll always know exactly where your furry friend is – giving you peace of mind, no matter where you are.
For tracking your dog, the map feature is essential, as it shows your dog’s location in relation to your phone. In addition, a location history and activity tracker are available to keep track of your pooch’s movements.
Tractive GPS
Tractive GPS LTE, a waterproof and lightweight pet tracker for dogs over 8 pounds, is available. The Tractive GPS LTE offers GPS tracking in over 150 countries through an iOS or Android app, and relies upon multiple cellular networks to provide comprehensive coverage.
Pet owners can create “safe zones” for their pets and get real-time notifications when they enter or leave the zone. The basic subscription provides live tracking to locate lost pets quickly. The premium subscription allows you to share your pet’s information with loved ones and view 365 days worth of location history.
The Tractive subscription and device are more affordable than rivals like the Whistle. It has comparable location tracking, but less robust health monitoring.
Whistle
I found out about the Whistle (formerly Whistle Go Explore) dog health and location tracker after I found the Fi. This smart device for your dog provides both a GPS tracker and a health monitor all in one.
The Whistle’s wireless network and Google Maps will allow you to track your dog’s location and notify you when he leaves the designated area. The Whistle can track your pet’s physical activity and certain health behaviors.
It features a built-in remote-activated light and a long-lasting, rechargeable battery that can last up to 20 days. This weekly health report monitors your pet’s sleeping, scratching, and licking habits. Multiple owners can be set up to receive alerts. Whistle requires a subscription plan.
Waggle
There is a lot of debate about leaving your pet unattended in your vehicle. It can be dangerous to take them on long road trips during hot weather, as they can easily overheat. The Waggle monitor is a new device that helps keep dogs safe by monitoring their temperature while on the road. The monitor is located in your vehicle and uses sensors to track temperature and humidity. If the vehicle temperature is outside the range you set on your Waggle, you get an alert.
Waggle has three service plans that are billed monthly, or yearly at a discount. The complete plan provides the following features. Lower priced plans at the time of this writing didn’t offer all the features like Power Loss, Recovery alerts and Geofencing.
- Temperature Alerts
- Real-Time Alerts
- Humidity Alerts
- Power Loss & Power Recovery Alert
- Network Alert & Low Battery Alert
- Geofencing Alert
I feel a temperature monitor like the Waggle monitor is an essential tool for any dog owner who loves to hit the open road with their furry friend.
Garmin Sporting Dog Collars
If you’re an avid hunter or hiker, you know that there are some areas where cell phone coverage is spotty at best. In these situations, it’s helpful to have a GPS dog collar that doesn’t rely on a cellular network to function. Garmin makes many GPS dog collars that use radio tracking to pinpoint your pet’s location. These collars are great for occasional use, but they’re not meant for everyday wear. When choosing a tracker for your dog, consider how often you’ll use it and what type of terrain. That way, you can choose the best GPS dog tracker for your needs.
Apple AirTags
Apple’s new air tag Bluetooth locator is being marketed as a way to keep track of your belongings, but some people hope to use it for pet monitoring. However, there are many reasons why this is not a good idea. First of all, the range on Bluetooth devices is limited, so you could only track your pet if they were in close proximity. That’s why I would avoid Bluetooth trackers altogether. Secondly, Air Tags are not designed to be worn by animals, so they would likely fall off or become lost. Finally, Apple does not recommend using air tags for pet tracking, as they are not designed for that purpose. In conclusion, while Air Tags may seem like a convenient way to keep track of your pet, there are better options available.
Benefits and Disadvantages of Pet Trackers
A GPS pet tracker can provide many benefits that appeal to pet owners. They offer peace of mind by allowing you to always know where your pet is. Some Dog GPS trackers also come with features like geo-fencing, which allows you to set up a safe area for your pet and receive an alert if they leave that area.
However, GPS trackers have some disadvantages. They may require a monthly subscription to a cell service to work, and they only work if the tracker has a good signal from the GPS satellites, and your phone has a good signal from the cellular towers. If you live in a remote area or travel frequently with your pet, GPS trackers may not be the best option.
Another downside of GPS trackers is that they have relatively short battery lives, so you may need to recharge them more often than you would like. Finally, GPS trackers may not provide an exact location for your pet, but only an approximate location based on the GPS signal strength. Despite these disadvantages, GPS trackers can be a helpful tool for keeping tabs on your furry friend.
Keep Tabs on Your Dog and Keep them Safe
If someone ever stole my dog, I suspect I would have to channel my inner Liam Nielsen from Taken. That’s why I use a combination of a pet tracker and temperature monitors that allow me to receive alerts via my cell phone. I can only speak to the dog GPS I use (Fi Smart Collar) and the Waggle temperature monitoring device. This isn’t a best pet trackers review, but rather a list of dog GPS trackers for you to explore on your own. Though, I am anxious to try new technologies and improvements as they come out.