GPS dog fences can be wireless, electric, non-shocking, portable, or may feature buried wires, and work via global positioning systems to build a barrier and keep track of your dog. Invisible dog fences require training your dog where the boundary is, using visual cues, sound, vibration, or shock. Your dog wears a special receiver collar that’s connected to the invisible fence boundary. You’re alerted should your dog leave the GPS fence area, and depending on your subscription service, will track your dog. Regardless of the type of GPS dog fence you choose, you set an invisible boundary for your dog, map the area with your phone or buried wires, and GPS zeroes in on your designated dog fence area.
Our veterinarian, Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, looked at a number of features to find the best GPS dog fences available and chose the SpotOn GPS Dog Fence as her top pick due to its location technology, wireless capabilities, and large boundary area. This GPS dog fence collar fits necks measuring 10 inches to 26 inches and features sensors that connect to the available GPS data to maintain your chosen fence boundary.
While this was Dr. Whittenburg’s top choice, she also offers a series of her top tips for what to look for in choosing the best GPS dog fence, a section on who should avoid purchasing them altogether, and she personally selected the best GPS dog fences for a variety of specific use cases.
In This Article
The Best 5 GPS Dog Fences
- Best Overall – SpotOn GPS Dog Fence
- Best Budget – BHCEY GPS Wireless Dog Fence System
- Best Non-Shocking – Wagz Freedom Smart Dog Collar
- Best for Multiple Dogs – WIEZ GPS Wireless Dog Fence
- Easiest Setup – JustPet GPS Wireless Dog Fence
GPS Dog Fences Compared
Here are the top picks from our veterinarian. Compare the ratings and key features of the different GPS dog fences to decide which is best for you.
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*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers.
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Who Should Buy a GPS Dog Fence
- You need a temporary dog fence – When you need a simple solution, a GPS dog fence is easy to set up and use, but your pooch does need training before using it.
- You need a portable dog fence – Compared to other types of portable dog fences out there, a GPS dog fence is wireless and tracks your dog via satellite.
- You travel with your dog a lot – If you’re on the road a lot with your dog, GPS is a handy tool to have with you. Non-shocking GPS units that track your pup can help keep your dog close.
Who Should Not Buy a GPS Dog Fence
- A GPS dog fence requires extensive training – If you’re not willing to train your dog with how the fence works, do not consider getting one.
- Your electricity, WiFi, or environment is unreliable – Do you have rolling blackouts? Does the weather knock the power out on a regular basis? Do you have a strong WiFi connection? Is there anything to interrupt a signal?
- Your dog is an escape artist – Though the tracking portion of a GPS dog fence helps to find dogs who have left the boundary area, the GPS dog fence that uses correction methods is not recommended for dogs who will do anything to leave the yard. Escape artists need strong physical fences.
Buying Guide: Research Tips From a Veterinarian
As a veterinarian, I often get asked how to choose a good GPS dog fence system. Here are some tips and best practices to consider when purchasing a GPS dog fence. Be sure to do adequate research, read GPS dog fence reviews, look for key features, and ask your friends, family, or veterinarian if they have any recommendations on GPS dog fence systems.
- Evaluate the area where you want to use the GPS dog fence – GPS dog fences do not work well in areas where there are overhead obstructions, such as tall buildings or trees. A traditional wireless GPS dog fence can struggle to function near some electronic devices and metal structures.
- Consider the lack of security for entering the fenced area – GPS dog fences don’t offer protection to the dogs inside the boundary area. People, predators, and other pets can enter and exit the GPS fence area freely.
- Consider the training needed – Patient training is required to help your dog learn the boundaries of a GPS dog fence.
How Much Do They Cost?
[pricetag] $200 [/pricetag]
GPS dog fences vary widely in price, but you’ll find the average wireless dog fence runs about $200. Depending on the features you want with your GPS dog fence, they can cost anywhere from as little as $40 to as much as $2,000. Additional costs also include any subscription services you may need with your GPS dog fence system.
Our Methodology: Why Trust Pet News Daily
Determine your needs before purchasing a GPS dog fence. Why do you need the fence? When and where will the wireless or electric dog fence be used? How much space do you need for your size dog? Does your dog fence need to be portable or temporary? Your answers will help determine which GPS dog fence is right for you and your pup. Some dogs can be trained to obey the boundaries of a wireless fence, but other dogs will need an actual fence to remain safe in the yard. – Dr. Jamie Whittenburg
The Best GPS Dog Fences: Full Reviews
1. Best Overall – SpotOn GPS Dog Fence
[amazon-box banner=”Our Vet’s Top Pick” asin=”B0BHY18WS2″ title=”The SpotOn GPS wireless dog fence features four GPS systems for keeping track of your dog.
The best GPS dog fence system is the SpotOn GPS Dog Fence due to its extensive tracking capabilities. This custom-shaped GPS dog fence allows you to create and save multiple boundaries, anywhere. Set up is easy – just walk the border of the area you want to be marked and the app does the rest. Compatible with AT&T and Verizon, SpotOn uses four global positioning systems, including the U.S., Russia, China, and European Union, with up to 30 satellites to track your dog.
SpotOn works independently, features noise-resistant, dual-feed antennas, and is a wireless GPS dog fence with no monthly fee. You have the option, however, of an add-on subscription service for the ability to track your pooch from anywhere, at any moment. Multiple motion sensors located in the collar (on the back of the neck for a clearer signal) track the trajectory, speed, and acceleration of your dog to get an accurate location within 3 feet. The unit does not correct your dog upon reentry.
Portable, with the option for indoor use, this GPS dog fence does not require a base station or power source. The unit never uses correction inside, regardless of the boundary that’s set. The SpotOn collar comes with a charging base and wall charger and features a 1-year warranty and 45-day money-back guarantee.
- Four GPS systems, up to 30 satellites
- Boundary size up to 1,000+ acres
- Portable, good for travel
- Comes with training program
- Not suitable for all dogs
2. Best Budget – BHCEY GPS Wireless Dog Fence System
Our budget pick is the BHCEY GPS Wireless Dog Fence System. Covering a range up to 776 acres, with a 3,280-foot radius, this GPS unit features a wireless fencing system that includes the GPS collar, adjustable collar belt, and charger. There are no wires to bury nor are there any transmitter boxes to deal with. The battery takes about three hours to fully charge, and the collar lasts approximately 15 hours per charge.
The BHCEY wireless GPS dog fence uses sound, vibration, or shock for correction, and your dog needs to be trained to learn where the perimeter is. Set up your desired boundary through the collar by entering the fence radius and adjusting the correction method intensity. The GPS dog fence system is waterproof and will work in wet weather. It also comes with a 2-year warranty.
- Long battery life up to 15 hours
- Covers up to 776 acres
- 2-year warranty
- Does not track your dog
- Not suitable for all dogs
3. Best Non-Shocking – Wagz Freedom Smart Dog Collar
Our veterinarian chose the Wagz Freedom Smart Dog Collar as the best non-shocking GPS dog fence. This GPS dog fence system works with the Wagz app using cellular service, WiFi, and Bluetooth. With an annual or monthly subscription fee, keep track of your dog accurately within 10 feet. As long as you have a good signal, create a boundary anywhere that’s a half-acre or larger at least 15 feet from your house. Using non-shocking corrections, such as vibration, sound, and visual cues, this dog fence system requires training your dog to understand the boundaries.
The Wagz GPS dog fence also monitors your pup’s health. Keep track of your dog’s step count and exercise activity while she’s out running around. Monitor her sleep health as well. Average battery life for this unit is anywhere from 4 to 24 hours, depending on your dog’s activity level. For dogs who go out sporadically and normally lie around inside near the WiFi connection, battery life can last up to a full day. For pups who just can’t sit still, battery life lasts about 4 to 6 hours.
- Non-shock correction methods
- Monitors sleep and health
- A good option for running or walking together
- Does not track your dog
- Only as good as your cell service
- Not suitable for all dogs
4. Best for Multiple Dogs – WIEZ GPS Wireless Dog Fence
For multiple-dog households, our veterinarian chose the WIEZ GPS Wireless Dog Fence as the best GPS dog fence for multiple dogs. Using 12 satellites to maintain the boundary, this GPS dog fence unit covers a radius up to 3,281 feet. No extra transmitter is needed; the system just requires the collar to be fully functional.
Set up with the WIEZ dog fence is easy – connect the probes to the collar, position the receiver unit, set the distance you want, and adjust the correction method intensity. The adjustable correction methods include vibration, sound, and shock. Two GPS receiver collars are included.
- Offers a 2-year warranty
- Easy to set up and use
- Uses 12 satellites
- Not suitable for all dogs
- Does not track your dog
5. Easiest Setup – JustPet GPS Wireless Dog Fence
The easiest GPS dog fence to set up is the JustPet GPS Wireless Dog Fence, according to our vet advisor. JustPet is a wireless correction fence, featuring three alarm methods: sound, vibration, and shock. Using GPS to set up your invisible boundary fence, this GPS system doesn’t require wires, stakes, or a base transmitter. The receiver collar allows you to adjust the level of correction intensity. The correction methods give a warning multiple times before ceasing.
Covering up to 776 acres, the JustPet GPS wireless dog fence can have a boundary up to a 3,281-foot radius. This GPS unit is best suited for wide open spaces where there are no obstructions. The wireless receiver collar is outfitted with a rechargeable battery that features a 15-hour charge after 3 hours of charging. The collar can sit on standby for up to 30 hours on a full charge.
- Easy to set up and use
- Portable
- Does not track your dog
- Not suitable for all dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
These dog fencing systems can be frustrating or even ineffective for some dogs. Obstructions, power outages, or failure to recharge the components can lead to fence failure and put your dog at risk of escape and injury. And though many GPS dog fence systems offer alternative correction methods, such as vibration or sound, shocking your dog for correction is a method not all owners are comfortable with.
Additional Resources
Looking for more information about dog fences? We have a library of in-depth information about various aspects of dog fences. Including tips and ideas for keeping your dog from jumping and building your own dog fence:
- 90+ creative and inexpensive dog fence ideas
- DIY dog fence ideas to build your own dog fence
- How to keep a dog from jumping a fence (or climbing a fence)
- How to keep a dog from digging under a fence
- How tall should a dog fence be?
As well as in-depth reviews of each category of dog fence (with recommendations generated by licensed veterinarians):
- The best dog fences (overall)
- The best in-ground dog fences
- The best portable dog fences
- The best GPS dog fences
- The best invisible dog fences
- The best wireless dog fences
- The Best Outdoor Dog Fences
And in-depth product reviews of some of the leading dog fence brands:
Pet News Daily writers are experts in pet care, health and behavior. We are members of Society for Professional Journalists and practice ethical journalism.
