The Best GPS Trackers for Dogs Living in the City

City life offers endless stimulation for dogs—parks, smells, people—but it also brings risks. From open gates to unexpected escapes during walks, urban environments can be unpredictable. That’s why having a GPS tracker for your dog in the city is a game-changer for peace of mind. Whether you're in a high-rise apartment or a walk-up near a busy street, these urban-friendly dog GPS trackers help you keep tabs on your pup in real time.

We've researched and reviewed the best GPS dog trackers for city living, focusing on features like accuracy, size, battery life, and mobile app performance. Here are our top picks for 2025.

1. Fi Smart Dog Collar Series 3 – Best Overall GPS Tracker for Dogs in the City

Why it’s ideal for urban dogs:
The Fi Series 3 uses GPS, LTE, and Wi-Fi to provide pinpoint tracking. It’s sleek, lightweight, and built into a durable smart collar. The app sends real-time escape alerts and includes a live location map—perfect for navigating crowded city streets.

Bonus: Offers step tracking and a dog-specific activity monitor.

2. Whistle Go Explore 2.0 – Best GPS & Health Tracker Combo

Why it’s great for apartment dogs:
This small but powerful tracker combines real-time GPS location with health monitoring. Track your dog’s location, daily activity, sleep patterns, and even potential health issues with the built-in wellness features. Works well in dense urban areas thanks to Wi-Fi and cellular signal syncing.

Battery Life: Up to 15 days

3. Tractive GPS Dog LTE Tracker – Best Budget Option

Why it’s perfect for city pet parents:
At under $50, the Tractive GPS LTE tracker provides live tracking with unlimited range and fast refresh rates. The app includes a “virtual fence” feature to alert you if your dog leaves a designated safe zone—ideal for apartment courtyards or dog parks.

Subscription required: Yes, but low-cost monthly plans

4. Apple AirTag (With Dog Collar Attachment) – Best for iPhone Users

Why it works for dogs in urban apartments:
While not designed specifically for pets, Apple AirTags work surprisingly well in cities due to the dense network of nearby Apple devices. It’s a great backup tracker for dog owners with iPhones, especially in crowded neighborhoods or high-rise buildings.

Note: No real-time tracking or pet-specific features

What to Look For in a City Dog GPS Tracker

When choosing a GPS tracker for your dog in an urban area, look for:

• Live tracking updates

• Long battery life

• Small, lightweight design

• Virtual fence/geofencing

• Strong connectivity (LTE/Wi-Fi)

Urban environments can interfere with some signals, so choose a tracker designed to perform well around tall buildings and congested areas.

Final Thoughts

The best GPS dog trackers for city life give you security and your pup a bit more freedom. Whether you're navigating a crowded dog park or worried about apartment building exits, these smart devices keep your dog safe and close—even when you're not.