The Gate Was Open for Two Minutes. Why More Dog Owners Now Add GPS to the Collar

It only takes a moment for a curious dog to wander off.

It usually happens on an ordinary day. A delivery driver leaves the gate open, a door does not quite latch, or a leash slips out of a cold hand. Most dogs do not go far. Some do, and those minutes can feel very long.

That is why a growing number of owners now add a GPS tracker to their dog's collar. Here is what that kind of device does, how it differs from the ID you already have, and what to know before you buy one.

What your dog's ID already does

A name tag with your phone number and a registered microchip are still the essentials, and every dog should have both. But they work in one direction only: they help someone who has already found your dog to contact you. A microchip does not track anything. It only helps after a lost dog is scanned at a vet or shelter.

Why a phone-based tag is not the same thing

Small item trackers designed for keys and bags can be handy, but they do not have their own GPS. They rely on nearby phones to report their location, so they work best in busy areas and over short distances.

What a GPS collar adds

A GPS collar sits on your dog's everyday collar.

A GPS collar such as Fi has its own location tracking. Through the Fi app, you can see where your dog is on a map, and you can follow them live if they get out. Fi also offers a Lost Mode. When it is switched on, nearby Fi members can be alerted to help look, which the company calls Search Party.

The app shows your dog's location on a map.

The collar also records daily activity such as steps and walks, which some owners like to keep an eye on as part of their routine.

What to know before you buy

• There is a membership. GPS tracking depends on a cellular connection, so Fi's tracking features need a paid membership on top of the collar.
• It needs charging. Like any GPS device, the collar has a battery that needs to be topped up from time to time.
• It is not a replacement for the basics. Good recall training, a secure yard and up-to-date ID tags are still your first line of defense.

The bottom line

For dogs who are escape artists, love to roam, or spend time off-leash on hikes, a GPS collar can give owners real peace of mind. Fi currently offers a one-month free trial, so you can see whether it suits your dog and your routine before committing.

Fi is a trademark of its respective owner. Product features and offers are set by the manufacturer and may change.