Do Dog GPS Trackers Work Without Cell Service?

Many dog parents want to know if dog GPS trackers work without cell service, especially those who like to take their dogs to the suburbs for fun. In fact, there are a few dog GPS trackers that work without cell phone service.

There are two types of dog GPS trackers on the market. The first type is the dog GPS tracker that relies on cellular networks to transmit data. The second type is the dog GPS tracker that uses radio technology and Hop Tek to transmit location data.

And the second type of dog GPS tracker is exactly what dog parents in areas without cell phone service need.

Many dog parents searching for answers on Google have articles that give the wrong answer. It is not a comprehensive answer such as the one stated in the picture. This can give dog parents the wrong message if they are not familiar with dog GPS trackers.

Moreover, there are no dog GPS trackers on the market that can alternate between cellular and radio technology to transmit data.

1.Dog GPS Trackers

Most dog parents live in rural or suburban areas. When taking their dogs out for outdoor sports, the dogs may be lost. So, dog parents buy a dog GPS tracker for their dog can protect their dog's safety.

In these places usually no cellular network, Tractive, Whistle, Fi3 this type of dog GPS tracker can't work properly.

They all require the participation of a cellular network in their working process. They work similarly to human mobile phone communication.

After the GPS is located, it requires a good cellular signal from both the dog’s tracker and the owner’s phone to enable real-time tracking.

If one of the parties has a poor cellular signal, the tracker will save the tracking record. After reconnecting with the cellular signal, it will transmit it to the phone app.

When dog parents use this type of dog GPS tracker in areas with no cellular signal, it is far less effective at tracking than in the city.

So, dog parents in areas without cell service can use the second type of tracker. For example, Aorkuler, SportDOG TEK 1.5, and Garmin Alpha 200i.

1.1 Aorkuler Dog GPS Tracker

Aorkuler dog GPS tracker uses radio technology to transmit location data. It can track the location of the dog in real time in rural and suburban areas. Dog parents only need to carry the controller to see the dog's location information.

It does not require the parents to use a cell phone app, so the Aorkuler can work normally when there is no cell phone service.

Aorkuler's tracker has a small size and is suitable for small dogs. Dog parents can also wear it for their dogs when small dogs are resting at home. It does not increase the weight burden on the dog.

The Aorkuler dog GPS tracker can only track one dog while working. However, dog parents do not have to pay a monthly subscription fee after purchasing an Aorkuler device. This can reduce the financial burden on dog parents.

1.2 SportDOG TEK 1.5

SportDOG previously released the SportDOG TEK 2.0, which is currently discontinued. However, it's SportDOG TEK 1.5 is still in regular production and sold. It uses Hop Tek technology to transmit location data.

SportDOG TEK 1.5 also uses a handheld device to receive dog location information instead of a cell phone app. Dog parents don't need to worry about being unable to track their dog in real time in areas without cellular signals.

This dog GPS tracker is large and not suitable for small dogs to wear daily. For medium and large dogs, dog parents can remove it after outdoor adventures so as not to burden the dog.

This product can track multiple dogs at the same time. Some of its features are related to hunting, so it is more suitable for dog parents to use for tracking hunting dogs.

1.3 Garmin Alpha 200i

The Garmin Alpha 200i is mainly used for training and tracking a dog's location. It calculates the longitude and latitude of the dog after receiving the GPS signal. It then transmitted the data via radio technology to the dog's parent's handheld device.

When the dog is too far away from the owner to use radio technology, the Garmin Alpha 200i can use the Iridium satellite network to transmit data.

However, a prerequisite for using this feature is that the dog's parents need to subscribe to a satellite service.

Some of its features require the dog parent to download the Garmin Explore App on their cell phone. But it doesn't affect the dog's parents to view the dog's location information on the handheld device.

The Garmin Alpha 200i can track up to 20 dogs. Its built-in inReach technology also adds two-way messaging, interactive SOS alerts, and more.

Its larger size makes it more suitable for medium to large dogs. Dog parents can choose different dog GPS trackers according to the size of their dogs.

2.Summary

Some dog GPS trackers can work without cell phone service. Such as the Aorkuler Dog GPS Tracker, SportDOG TEK 1.5, and Garmin Alpha 200i.

They don't require a cellular network and can track your dog's location in real time while exploring the suburbs.

Additionally, these dog GPS trackers do not require a monthly subscription fee from the dog's parents.