If you walk your dog off-lead anywhere near open country, a GPS tracker is the cheapest insurance you can buy. Here is how to choose one in the UK, and what the specifications actually mean in daily use.
Coverage matters more than accuracy
Every modern tracker claims accuracy within a few metres. What varies is coverage: a tracker on a mobile data network keeps reporting across the countryside, while a Bluetooth tag only helps within about 60 metres of your phone.
Battery life is the real differentiator
Look for at least five days of mixed use. Trackers that report their position every few seconds drain in under a day — sensible devices slow their reporting when the dog is at home and speed up when they move away.
Fit and durability
A tracker lives outdoors. Check the water rating, and check the fitting: a heavy unit on a thin collar rotates and rubs. Choose a housing designed for the collar width your dog already wears.
Subscriptions
Devices using mobile data need a data plan. Factor twelve months of subscription into the price before comparing against a cheaper tag.
What we recommend
For most UK owners: a mobile-data collar with five-plus days of battery, an IP67 or better rating, and a clearly priced data plan. Browse the collection for the models we stock.