These 8 Smart Dog Collars Can Track Everything From Your Pup's Health Stats to His Location
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You're dog isn't just your snuggle buddy—they're your furry best friend. In addition to giving them nutrient-rich grub and lots of love (and belly rubs, of course!), there are a myriad of ways to keep your dog safe and healthy. That's why investing in a smart dog collar is worth it.
Similar to your Apple watch or FitBit, a smart dog collar provides information about your pup's critical physiological data (like heart rate), GPS monitoring, and more, says Carley Faughn, Ph.D., CAAB, a board-certified applied animal behaviorist and researcher with the Best Friends Animal Society.
There are a variety of smart dog collars for you to choose from based on your needs; almost all link to an app on your phone, so the information is readily available, Faughn says. Though these high-tech collars aren't necessary for every family, if you have a dog that likes to wander, the GPS alone could be a lifesaver.
Or, if your pup has medical conditions, like seizures, a smart dog collar can be helpful to keep track of their symptoms. "There are also features that show what position your dog is in at various times of the day, such as laying on the left side more often than the right side, duration of laying down and standing, and more," Faughn says.
With Faughn's help, we've rounded up the top eight smart dog collars on the market today.
Shop the Best Smart Dog Collars
Related: Does Your Pet Need a Slow Feeder Bowl?
Halo Collar 2+ GPS Dog Collar & Wireless Virtual Fence
Designed by celebrity dog trainer Cesar Milan, this smart dog collar is versatile, durable, and, yes, expensive. While it's the most costly option on our list, the price is justified. You can choose between black or white straps, which are available in sizes from small to extra large. And while your pup needs to be five months old before you can start using the lightweight collar, the rubberized and plastic materials mean they can keep it on all the time—and in any type of weather.
In addition to GPS and activity tracking, you can use the collar as a replacement for invisible fence technology. This is a huge savings, since installing an invisible fence can run between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on the amount of space you're fencing in. With this accessory, you can activate 20 geofences in the dedicated app—or take a walk in your front yard to designate how far your pup can go.
Since it's the brainchild of Milan, it's no surprise that it has training mechanics, too. You can record custom commands your dog can hear, and the app will provide insight into your pup's activity and responses. Plus, three subscription plans make this a bit more accessible for many price ranges and families.
Whistle Go Explore Collar
This collar offers so much peace of mind. Once you purchase and set up the device, it uses Google Maps and AT&T's wireless network to create a safe space for your dog to explore. Maybe this is your backyard—or your third-floor apartment. Wherever you live, if your pup steps one paw out of the designated zone, you'll receive a notification. The collar is also waterproof and durable, so even if your four-legged friend rolls in the mud, he'll be safe (and his collar will be, too).
Reviewers rave about this option's long-lasting battery life—the collar can go 20 days on a single charge—and its ability to ping multiple pet parents with alerts. In addition to the safety GPS component, Whistle GO also sends a weekly health report card that includes activities like movement and habits like licking, sleeping, and scratching. You'll need to opt into a monthly or yearly subscription to put this smart dog collar to work.
Here's the downside: If you're in a remote area where AT&T service is limited, your pup isn't protected.
Fi Series 2 GPS Tracker Smart Dog Collar
If you're looking for a solid budget smart collar, pick this one. Not only does it come with positive reviews from pet parents, but it seemingly does it all—without breaking the bank. To start, its design is durable and waterproof (and your four-legged friend can't chew through it).
There are many more advantages: You can choose from various sizes and colors, including pink, blue, yellow, and gray. The included rechargeable battery should have juice for up to three months. And for pups who play outside after sunset? Use the light feature to spot them in the backyard.
To track your pup's location, this collar uses LTE-M and GPS networks, which work even in very remote areas, reviewers rave. Since you probably want to know other health stats, too, the Fi provides an activity and sleep tracker that details any patterns you might need to know. When you first purchase this smart dog collar, you can choose a one to three-year subscription, including a 30-day free trial, just to ensure it's the right fit for your pup and family.
Garmin T5 GPS Dog Collar
If you're a runner or adventure-seeker, you're likely familiar with Garmin. They're widely considered the leader in fitness trackers, particularly among the elite athlete crowd. This dog collar was initially developed for pet parents who like to hunt with their four-legged friends, but it's also suitable for lazier pets. It has an impressive GPS and doesn't need cellular networks, WiFi, or your phone to work—instead, Garmin included a built-in GPS tracker with an antenna. According to the company's website, this smart dog collar can track your pup as far as nine miles away.
The price matches the prestige technology, and keep in mind you'll also need to purchase a handheld tracker, too. However, if you have a pack of pups you call your own, it could be a meaningful purchase, since you only need one hand-held device to track several collars. This option also features LED lights for nighttime bathroom breaks and the battery life is solid for a full day (or up to 40 hours for less active dogs). That's the only drawback: You will need to charge it for tomorrow's trek.
Tractive GPS Dog Tracker
Compared to other smart dog collars on our list, this pick is smaller, more lightweight, and less expensive. But it still packs a big punch for your pup. Like most other options, it provides live-location tracking, activity data, and an app companion that details your pet's stats. Waterproof and long-lasting, it doesn't come in any other color but white—but reviewers say it can last up to five days on a single charge.
Like the more expensive Halo collar, you can designate an invisible fence and get notified if your pup exits the area. You can also choose between two subscription offers—basic and premium—that are differentiated by the amount of information they offer about your dog's routine.
SpotOn GPS Smart Fence
Speaking of invisible fences: This is a smart dog collar and fence set. When used together, they provide the exact location of your pup for up to 18 hours on a single charge.
To set up the invisible fence, you can create boundaries outside (or inside, if you need to). It works across a half-acre of space and will alert you if your dog crosses the line. As a bonus, you can designate multiple areas through the same collar and app. So, if you don't want your dog in your baby's nursery, you can mark that separate (in addition to, say, the front yard). Here's the best part: You can create up to 1,000 virtual fences. Subscriptions are available monthly, yearly, or for two years at a time.
And if your dog likes to splash in puddles or gets caught in a rainstorm? Don't sweat it—the collar is waterproof.
FitBark GPS Dog Tracker
Here's another lightweight and waterproof smart collar that's budget-friendly. While it won't prevent your pup from saying (or barking) hello to delivery drivers, it will ensure that you know where your pet is. It uses the 4G Verizon LTE-M network to provide accurate GPS location and tracks health-related data for your dog, including calories burned, time sleeping, and even any skin conditions. According to reviewers, you can expect the battery to last between 10 to 20 days, depending on how many hours you use it daily.
You will need a subscription package to use this device—and if you're in an area where Verizon service isn't reliable, you may not be covered. However, for day-to-day tracking at home, this will definitely meet your needs.
Jiobit
Technically speaking, this isn't just a smart dog collar. In fact, it's not a collar at all—it's "the world's smallest GPS tracker" that you can clip onto your pet's current collar. It has been used to track pets, as well as kids and the elderly.
It powers through all 5G compatible networks in your area, so you can likely rely on it regardless if you're in the country or a bustling city. It's lightweight, waterproof, and has a battery life that lasts up to 10 days. You will need to subscribe to a subscription plan via their app to see any data on your pup—but it's a great option if you don't want to constantly remove a collar to charge it.
