Buyer's Guide: Best GPS Trackers for Dogs

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Pet ownership has increased worldwide, and dogs are by far the pets of choice for most people. According to the World Animal Foundation, in the United States alone – where households with pets reached 70 percent of all households in 2022 – there were 69 million households with at least one pet dog.

For dog owners, the fear of losing their pet is real. According to a study by the American Humane Association, some 10 million pets get lost each year, and only 15 to 20 percent of lost dogs are ever recovered.

Fortunately, the pet industry has come up with an innovation – GPS pet trackers – to help address concerns about pets going missing.

A GPS tracker increases the chances of recovery by providing real-time updates on a pet's location, straight to the owner's smartphone.

What is a GPS tracker for dogs?

A GPS tracker for dogs is a device that uses Global Positioning System technology to monitor and track a pet dog's location.

The tracker, often attached to the dog's collar, connects to satellites and sends real-time location coordinates to an application on the owner's mobile device. This allows the owner to monitor the pet's location accurately. The dog tracking collar combines GPS with radio signals or cellular networks to transmit this information.

GPS trackers for pets come with a variety of features, the most common of which include real-time location tracking, geofencing, and activity tracking.

Real-time location tracking allows owners to monitor their pet's location in real time, while geofencing allows the owner to set up virtual fences around their home or other safe areas and get notified when the pet leaves the designated area.

Activity tracking can help monitor the pet's activity levels and ensure that they are getting enough exercise.

Some GPS dog trackers come with additional features such as health monitoring, temperature monitoring, and more. They can track the dog's daily steps, sleep quality, and calories burned, offering invaluable data to pet owners and veterinarians.

GPS trackers for dogs are quite different from the small microchip identification tags that many dogs have implanted beneath their skin. Microchips rely on someone finding the lost pet and “reading” the dog chip with a specialized electronic tool to be able to contact the owner to retrieve the pet.  They are useful for identification purposes – but since they do not have GPS capabilities like GPS dog trackers, they cannot provide real-time pet location.

While most dogs can be fitted with GPS trackers, it’s crucial for dog owners to consider the size and weight of the device in relation to their dog’s size and weight. This is due to the size of the GPS tracker and its battery. Owners must ensure that the GPS tracker is not too heavy or cumbersome for their dog to wear comfortably and safely.

Pointers for buyers of GPS trackers for dogs

GPS trackers for dogs offer numerous benefits, such as increased chances of recovery for lost pets, health monitoring, and geofencing capabilities. However, they also have some drawbacks like cost, battery life, and potential for sustaining damage.

As a B2B buyer, a comprehensive understanding of these pros and cons can help in making the best decision for your clients.

The global market for GPS trackers for dogs, as well as other pet accessories such as carriers, is a lucrative one amid growing pet ownership, as well as the increasing trend in owners treating their pets as members of the family.

Product Gallery

Here is a gallery of products chosen by our market analyst as representing trends in GPS trackers for dogs on offer from verified suppliers on Global Sources:

1. 4G LTE smart pet collar

Company: Shenzhen Motto Electronics Co. Ltd

Model LT100-31 from Shenzhen Motto has GPS, Wi-Fi, and LBS real-time positioning. It offers route history and footprints recording. The unit works on 4G, 3G and 2G networks. Shenzhen Motto specializes in GPS trackers and smartwatches for children.

Price: $21.5 to $24
MOQ: 100 units
Lead time: 7 to 15 days

 

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2. Six-month battery life

Company:  Huangyuxing Group Co. Ltd

Huangyuxing’s model HYX-GPST2 features Bluetooth 4.0 EDR and is compatible with smartphones running on iOS 9 and Android 9 and higher versions. It has a working distance of 50m and its CR2032 battery can last up to six months. Huangyuxing was established in 1991 and offers OEM/ODM services.

Price: $1.3 to $2.16
MOQ: 10 units
Lead time: 5 to 15 days

 

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3. 50m tag transmission range

Company: Qingdao Etrip Smart Pet Co. Ltd

From Qingdao Etrip, model PGT-#7765 has a transmission distance of 50m and works with Apple devices running iOS 14.5 and higher. The tag has a frequency range of 2400MHz-2483.5MHz, while that of its audible alarm is 20Hz-20kHz. It is powered by a 240mAh CR2032 battery. Unit dimensions are 5.4x3x0.6cm and weight is 8.83g. Qingdao Etrip has 25 years of manufacturing experience and has an in-house R&D center.

Price: $6.2 to $9.9
MOQ: 100 units
Lead time: 7 to 45 days

 

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4. IP67, with 20hr battery standby time

Company: Skylark Network Co. LtdS

Model ES335 from Skylark is IP67-rated and can operate between temperatures of -20 to 55 degrees Celsius. It is made of ABS and PVC, measures 49x46x20mm and weighs 25g. Skylark is an export company with 20 years of experience.

Price: $19.51 to $22.12
MOQ: 30 units
Lead time: 15 to 45 days

 

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5. USB-rechargeable tracker

Company: Ningbo EAP Electronic Technology Co. Ltd

Ningbo EAP’s model EAP-EPC03-B is an IPX7-rated dog tracker that supports GSM and GPS technology. Its 500mAh battery can be recharged via USB, with an hour’s charging able to support use of the tracker for up to 15 days. Ningbo EAP is an ISO 9001:2000-certified company that offers OEM/ODM services.

Price: $29.99
MOQ: 200 units
Lead time: 30 to 40 days

 

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6. Position recording

Company: Polywell Supply Management Co. LtdS

Model FPK-440 from Polywell Supply is a dog tracker with position recording and alarm function. It measures 23x19x2cm. Polywell Supply offers OEM and ODM services and is flexible with MOQs on customized orders.

Price: $0.9 to $1
MOQ: 100 units
Lead time: 10 to 15 days

 

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7. IPX7-rated with embedded SIM

Company: Shenzhen Eview GPS Technology

Shenzhen Eview’s model EV-09 A 12 is IPX7-rated and supports GPS, Wi-Fi, BLE and LBS tracking. It supports Bluetooth 4.0 and is equipped with an embedded SIM card. It has geofencing function and is compatible with iOS and Android. The unit measures 43x14.8mm and weighs 21g. Shenzhen Eview has been specializing in GPS trackers since 2009.

Price: $38 to $47
MOQ: 1 set
Lead time: 3 to 7 days

 

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8. 24hr real-time monitoring

Company: Wuxi MNC Pet Products Co. Ltd

The SPR-09-01 from Wuxi MNC offers 24hr real-time pet monitoring, last position recording and geofencing. It supports Bluetooth 4.0. The unit is powered by a CR2032 battery that can last up to three months. Wuxi MNC is an ISO 9001-certified company with 15 years’ manufacturing experience.

Price: $0.89 to $1.05
MOQ: 10 units
Lead time: 7 to 20 days

 

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9. IP67, with LED lighting

Company: Eastern Dynamics (Shenzhen) Technology Co. Ltd

From Eastern Dynamics (Shenzhen), model ED PT03 #N2 is an IP67 dog tracker with GPS, AGPS, Wi-Fi, and LBS location tracking that works on 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. The unit measures 50.1x41.1x15.4mm and has LED lighting. Eastern Dynamics (Shenzhen) was established in 2019. It has an in-house R&D department.

Price: $28.8
MOQ: 3,000 units
Lead time: 45 to 60 days

 

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10. 150hr battery standby time

Company:  Ouyi Technology Co. Ltd

Ouyi’s model OYRSV-001L-#8583 offers real-time monitoring and has a battery standby time of 150 hours. The unit also functions as an object tracker. Ouyi was founded in 1999 and has more than 20 years of manufacturing experience.

Price: $4.9 to $10
MOQ: 3 units
Lead time: 30 to 45 days

 

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Frequently Asked Questions About GPS Trackers for Dogs

What is the best GPS tracker for a pet?

The question of what makes the best GPS tracker for a pet is highly subjective and depends on the specific needs of the pet owner. However, models that offer multiple tracking and mapping features and have a working distance of 14.5km are regarded as among the best options.

When choosing a GPS dog tracker, it is always advisable to conduct research and consider factors such as build quality, durability, battery life, and compatibility with the dog’s size and weight.

Is there a GPS dog tracker that doesn’t require cell service?

Yes, there are GPS dog trackers that do not require cellular service. These types of trackers typically use satellite technology to communicate with the device and do not rely on phone networks. However, these satellite services do require a subscription.

It's important to note that while these types of trackers do not require cellular service, they may have limitations in areas with poor satellite coverage, such as dense forests or deep valleys.

Can I use an AirTag on my dog?

AirTag is a small, coin-shaped tracking device designed and developed by Apple Inc. to help users locate and keep track of personal items such as keys, wallets, backpacks, and other similarly sized items.

AirTag uses Bluetooth technology to communicate with nearby Apple devices and can be tracked using the Find My app on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

To use AirTag as a pet tracker, a pet owner would need to attach the AirTag to a dog's collar or harness by using a keyring or adhesive mount. The AirTag can then be tracked using FindMy app on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

However, AirTag is not specifically designed for pet tracking and there are some important considerations to keep in mind.

Firstly, AirTag is not designed to be a pet tracker and may not be suitable for tracking a dog's location in all situations. For example, if your dog gets lost outside of Bluetooth range – which has a limited range of about 100 feet – the AirTag will not be able to provide you with their real-time location. The AirTag does not have a GPS receiver, so it cannot give precise location data.

Additionally, while AirTag is water-resistant, it is not waterproof, so it may not be suitable for use in situations where your dog is likely to get wet or swim.

Another important consideration is the safety of your dog. If you decide to attach an AirTag to your dog's collar, you should make sure that it is securely fastened and does not pose a choking hazard. You should also ensure that the AirTag is not causing any discomfort or irritation to your dog.

What is the market size of GPS Trackers for dogs?

According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global pet tracker market size was valued at $938.9 million in 2021 and is expected to grow at 10.3 percent CAGR to reach $2.6 billion by 2031.

Key market drivers are rising disposable incomes among pet owners and the humanization of pets, the trend in which pets are treated like members of a family and given comforts and privileges that humans enjoy.

What are the trending GPS trackers for dogs?

Based on current trends, some of the top GPS trackers for dogs include the Fi Series 3 dog tracking collar, the Jiobit GPS Dog Tracker, and Whistle Health & GPS Tracker.

The Fi Series 3 is a dedicated dog collar with a built-in GPS tracker and is widely recognized as one of the best overall choices due to its design, ease of use, and functionality.

The Jiobit GPS Dog Tracker, on the other hand, has been thoroughly tested and provides accurate location updates in real time.

Another trending model is the Whistle Health & GPS Tracker, which not only tracks a dog's location but also monitors their health and fitness.

What is the most important selling point of GPS trackers for dogs?

The most important selling point of GPS trackers for dogs is their ability to provide real-time location tracking. This feature ensures the safety and security of dogs, especially when they are away from home.

The durability, battery life, and size of the tracker are important selling points as well.
What are the most important factors buyers consider when buying wholesale GPS trackers for dogs?

GPS-based pet trackers can be a useful tool for owners of dogs and other pets. Here are some important factors for wholesale buyers to consider when choosing models:

1. Battery life: GPS trackers for pets require battery power to operate and battery life can vary depending on the device, with some having a battery life of only a few days while others can last for several weeks or months. Pet owners should be prepared to recharge or replace the battery as needed.

2. Signal loss: GPS signals can be weakened or blocked by physical barriers such as buildings, trees, and hills. This can result in signal loss or inaccurate location data. In addition, some GPS trackers use cellular data to transmit location data, which can be affected by network coverage or signal strength.

3. Accuracy: GPS location data can be affected by factors such as satellite availability, signal strength, and environmental conditions. This can result in inaccuracies in location data.

4. Size and weight: GPS trackers for dogs come in a variety of sizes and weights, and some may be too bulky or heavy for smaller pets. The choice of GPS tracker should be appropriate for the dog’s size and weight.

5. Potential discomfort or injury: Some GPS trackers are attached to a pet’s collar or harness, which may cause discomfort or injury to the pet if the device is too heavy or poorly designed.

How does one find trustworthy wholesale manufacturers of GPS trackers for dogs?

Searching online B2B platforms, attending industry trade shows, and seeking referrals or recommendations are some ways that professional buyers can find trustworthy wholesale manufacturers of GPS trackers for dogs:

1. Online B2B platforms: You can search for manufacturers on Global Sources and other B2B platforms that enable buyers to browse through a large number of suppliers and compare their products, prices, and services. Global Sources is a reputable platform that has been connecting buyers with verified suppliers for over 50 years. It has a strict verification process for suppliers and offers buyer protection programs to ensure a safe and secure transaction.

2. Industry trade shows: Attending relevant trade shows and exhibitions is a great way to meet manufacturers and get a hands-on look at their products.

3. Referrals and recommendations: Buyers can also ask for referrals and recommendations from industry experts, pet store owners, or other B2B professionals who have purchased GPS trackers for dogs in the past. This can help you find reliable manufacturers who have a good track record of providing quality products and services.

When evaluating manufacturers, it's important to consider factors such as their experience in the industry, certifications and licenses, quality control processes, production capacity, and customer service. You should also request samples and conduct a factory audit, if possible, to ensure that the manufacturer meets your requirements and standards.