Have you invested significant time and money in finding the perfect dog GPS tracker for your furry companion, aiming to provide additional security and peace of mind for yourself? However, research results often fall short of expectations.
As industry experts, we’ve analyzed many pet GPS trackers on the market and recommended two for you. But before revealing the results, there’s a crucial piece of information to share.
Starting from the objective context of your dog tracker usage, most dog GPS trackers operate on cellular networks and GPS, such as Tractive, Whistle, Fi, and FitBark, collectively referred to as subscription-based trackers. Brands like Garmin, Aorkuler, Petfon, among others, use different wireless technologies combined with GPS, eliminating the need for cellular signals and subscriptions.
The primary concern when purchasing a dog GPS tracker is to determine whether you have a strong enough cell signal. If your local cellular service is unreliable, you should consider non-subscription Dog GPS trackers. Conversely, with good cell servic, you have more choices with subscription-based GPS dog trackers.
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Many evaluations of GPS trackers for dog typically begin with a comparison of product parameters, but this is not the correct approach.
So, how do you assess whether the cellular network quality at your location meets the technical requirements of subscription trackers? Avoid relying solely on inputting postal codes into coverage maps; otherwise, you may face issues like “phone working fine, but tracker not working” and the nightmare of “subscription cancellation fees.” This map verification method, once heavily promoted by multiple brands, has been removed from their purchase pages due to its poor accuracy.
The most straightforward and effective method is to observe your phone’s signal strength at the planned dog tracker usage location. If the signal is close to full bars, you can proceed with a subscription-based dog tracker. If your phone signal is only 1-2 bars or intermittent, consider using a non-subscription dog tracker.
Now, you can narrow down your research list. Here are our specific recommendations:
1. Tractive (Good Cell Signal):
Recommendation: Consider trying Tractive.
- Why?
- Despite some negative reviews, Tractive holds the largest global market share and the most extensive research and development team in the pet GPS tracker industry. It balances relatively stable products with advanced features.
- Additionally, Tractive’s overall rating in cellular networks surpasses Whistle and Fi, allowing for a relatively faster response to your dog escape alerts.
- Note:
- If unsure about cellular signal quality, try it first before committing to significant subscription fees to avoid potential refund hassles. After all, reviews like subscription fee refunds are a nightmare are common at Tractive’s place.
- Virtual fences often have problems with false alarms due to the lack of GPS accuracy;
- The standby time doesn’t match the hype, and there is no official disclosure of specifications such as the capacity of the battery.
2. Aorkuler (Poor Cell Signal or Remote Areas):
Recommendation: Consider using Aorkuler.
- Why?
- Aorkuler represents innovation and has proven its stability in rural and suburban areas with poor or no cell signal, providing a unique compass-style tracking experience.
- Aorkuler dog GPS tracker Pro has become the non-subscription tracker of choice with its differentiated positioning, especially since the discontinuation of non-subscription products such as Petfon and Lynq.
- Additionally, Aorkuler has received high praise for customer service, ensuring efficient and pleasant issue resolution.
- Note:
- Aorkuler currently lacks certain features (such as an application), so if app-based functions (like electronic fencing) are crucial for you, it may not fully meet your needs.
- It’s also a bit short on standby time due to its full real-time tracking design.
After determining which type of dog GPS tracker you should choose, in addition to our recommendations, you can focus on these factors to better pick the right GPS tracker for your dog. We recommend that you evaluate and filter them in order of size and weight, subscription costs (included in the purchase price), water resistance, battery capacity, etc. …… We recommend that you evaluate and select the tracker in terms of size and weight (including purchase price), waterproofness, battery capacity, etc. to get the tracker that meets your needs.
