Do You Need a Dog Tracker?

Our dogs are part of the family - we couldn’t imagine life without them. But we’ve all had that heart-stopping moment when our pooch runs off and disappears, even if only for a few minutes. It’s a horrible, gut-wrenching feeling.

One way to avoid that fear is by fitting your dog with a tracker. These devices let you see where your dog is at all times and can offer real peace of mind - especially if your dog is prone to wandering.

That said, before rushing to buy one, it’s important to remember that no tracker replaces good training. Always work on your dog’s recall first; technology should complement, not replace, a solid bond and reliable obedience.

What Kind of Tracker Should You Buy?

There are three main types of dog trackers on the market today, each with its own strengths, limitations, and price points:

Apple AirTags (and similar)

Apple’s AirTag (and equivalents) use Bluetooth technology to send out a signal that nearby Apple devices in the Find My network can detect.

• Range: roughly 30–45 m (100–150 ft) from any Apple device

• Price: from £24

• Best for: dogs in urban areas, where many Apple devices are nearby

Because AirTags don’t use GPS, they rely entirely on other Apple devices passing close enough to “ping” the location. In busy cities, they can work surprisingly well, but in rural areas they become unreliable.

Tractive

Tractive trackers are among the most popular dedicated pet GPS devices. They connect to a global GPS network, meaning they can show your dog’s location anywhere in the world, not just when an Apple device is nearby.

They also offer health and activity monitoring, including barking alerts and data such as heart rate, respiration, and activity levels - handy for dogs with health issues or prone to seizures.

However, there are a few drawbacks:

• Not suitable for dogs under 4 kg

• Larger dogs may require a bigger, more expensive model

• The tracker requires a paid subscription to function (around £84 per year in the UK)

• Accessories to attach it to a collar are sold separately

Still, for most family pets, Tractive strikes a good balance between affordability and advanced features.

Garmin

Garmin produces some of the most advanced - and expensive - dog tracking systems, popular among working and hunting dogs.

A full Garmin GPS collar system can cost around £720, but you’re paying for a professional-grade setup:

• GPS collar and handheld touchscreen tracker

• Track up to 20 dogs at once

• Integration with in-car devices

• Water-resistant and durable build

• Option to send a recall signal to the dog’s collar

For most city dog owners, this level of tech is overkill - but if you work dogs in rural areas, or want the most robust, subscription-free system available, it’s a strong investment.

Which One Is Right for You?

If you want peace of mind in an urban setting, an Apple AirTag or equivalent is a simple and affordable solution.

If you’d like more reliable, global coverage plus health and activity insights, Tractive is the best all-rounder. Though it comes with ongoing subscription costs.

For owners of working dogs or those who regularly roam off-grid, a Garmin tracker is the premium option, and while it’s expensive upfront, it may be cheaper in the long run than years of Tractive subscriptions.