Whether running around the park, out on a hike, or on a walk in the neighborhood, it’s always nice to have peace of mind that your dog won’t get too far.
A GPS dog collar can bring the peace of mind that your dog can be found no matter what!
There are a few different brands on the market, so how do you know which one is right for your pup?
We’ll compare two of the most popular GPS collars – Link AKC vs Whistle – to help you decide which is best for your furry friend.
Products at a Glance
| Features | Link AKC GPS Collar | Whistle Dog GPS Collar |
|---|---|---|
| Activity Tracking | Provides detailed activity insights | Personalize your dog’s activity goals and track your dog’s itching and water intake |
| Health Records | Keep track of appointments, medication, and any relevant health info | Ask a Vet feature where you can connect directly with a licensed vet from the app |
| Safe Zones | Customizable and default safe zone boundaries | “Safe Places” so you can mark spaces that are safe for your dog and can create more than one safe zone |
| Location Tracking | Reliable and accurate, the premium plan has real-time tracking | Get an update every 15 seconds |
| Subscription Plans | 3 plans after initial upfront cost that range from $6.95 to $9.95 | 2 plans – $9.95 per month or $69.95 lifetime |
| Battery Life | Up to 3 days on one charge | Up to 2 weeks on one charge |
| Durability | Water-resistant and shock resistant | Small, lightweight, shockproof & waterproof |
Link AKC
The Link AKC GPS smart dog tracker is a great way to keep track of your dog.
It uses GPS to track your dog’s location and monitor its activity level and health.
The collar is also lightweight and comfortable for your dog to wear, and it comes with a built-in LED light for safety.
The Link AKC app lets you see your dog’s current location and previous locations, while the activity tracking feature allows you to see if your dog is getting enough exercise.
You can also set up safe zones to be notified if your dog leaves the designated area.
If your dog needs medical attention, the app can send you reminders for appointments and medication.
Main Features
The Link AKC Smart Collar has many features that make it very beneficial for dog owners.
- Link AKC monitors your dog’s activity and provides detailed insights about their daily activity levels, so you know that your pet is getting the exercise they need.
- The Link AKC records your pet’s vet appointments and immunizations, so you can always access their medical history.
- Default and customizable safe zones that are expandable up to a 7,874-foot radius, so you can be sure that your pet is always safe.
- The Link AKC’s location tracking is reliable and accurate, so you can always know where your pet is.
- Link AKC sends instant alerts to your phone if your dog leaves the safe zone you created so that you can take action immediately.
Subscription Plans
The device itself is priced at $129, and there are four different subscription plans available:
- $9.95 per month
- $7.95 per month (1-year subscription)
- $6.95 per month (2-year subscription)
- $19.95 per month (premium plan)
What’s included in the Link AKC monthly plans?
For $9.95 per month, dog owners get the standard features, including GPS location tracking, location alerts, activity monitoring, and access to vet records.
The Premium Plan for $19.95 per month adds temperature and humidity alerts, real-time tracking, and an auto-track feature for up to 30 days.
Of course, with any pet wearables company, there’s always the question of battery life and customer support.
Link AKC promises up to 3 days of battery on a single charge (depending on use) and 24/7 customer support via text or chat.
Recurring costs not your thing? Check out our guide: GPS Tracker No Monthly Fee
Durability
The Link AKC is a highly durable product. It has a water-resistant coating and can be submerged up to 3 feet deep.
In addition, it is made from shock-resistant materials, making it ideal for use in a wide range of environments.
Finally, the Link AKC is backed by a 1-year warranty, ensuring you can enjoy its many benefits for years to come.
Read More: How Does FitBark Work? FitBark is an activity tracker to help keep your dog healthy. Here’s how it works!
Whistle
The Whistle GPS tracker is a pet activity monitor and GPS tracker.
This gadget tells you how far your pet has gone, the amount of time your pet has been active, and how much activity he or she gets.
This allows you to personalize your dog’s activity goals according to its age, breed, and weight.
This device will keep you updated on their progress and allows you to make changes depending on what they need.
The Whistle tracker also has a “Safe Places” feature so you can mark specific locations as being safe for your animal.
If your pet is prone to running off or escaping, this will be helpful for you.
Read our related article where we compare the Fi Collar vs Whistle. The Fi high-tech smart collar has won the praise of thousands of dog lovers. See how the Whistle compares!
Main Features
The Whistle tracker is an excellent product for pet owners who want to keep tabs on their furry friends.
Some of the main features of the tracker include:
- Be alerted as soon as your pet escapes, track his movement every 15 seconds and send out a signal to show his location from anywhere in North America.
- The Whistle tracker takes note of a few common behaviors in your dog, alerting you to a possible illness such as frequent itching and increased drinking.
- In terms of coverage, the Whistle tracker has you covered with excellent distance coverage thanks to AT&T.
- You can also create more than one customizable safe zone to ensure your pet is always where they’re supposed to be.
- Finally, the tracker is also affordable, small, lightweight, shockproof & waterproof – making it the perfect solution for busy pet owners on the go.
Read our related article, How Do GPS Dog Collars Work? Get in the know and learn about the tech behind GPS collars and trackers!
Subscription Plans
The device costs $129 and requires a monthly subscription plan for the service.
The subscription costs range from $9.95 per month to $69.95 for a lifetime membership, with yearly and two-year memberships available.
The subscription plans are mandatory, which can make the Whistle GO tracker expensive for us dog owners.
However, the tracker does come with a money-back guarantee within 90 days of order.
Overall, the Whistle GO tracker is helpful for dog owners who want to keep track of their pet’s location, but the high cost may deter some people.
Durability
The Whistle Tracker is a very durable device and is designed to handle immersion in water up to 50 feet.
It has IPX8 protection against dirt and shock, and it has been put through the wringer, as it was tested to be submerged for 30 minutes.
The device also comes with a bite-proof rubber attachment strap, making it safe for powerful chewers.
This makes the Whistle Tracker a versatile and durable device that can be used in various situations.
The battery life can last up to 2 weeks on one charge based on your dog’s activity levels, perfect for dog owners always on the go.
Watch the video below for a visual review of the Whistle Go Explore GPS dog collar:
Read our related article, Are GPS Collars Safe for Dogs? Recent revelations about GPS and cancer have raised concerns among pet owners. Here’s what to know.
Which Collar is Right for You and Your Pup?
If you are looking for a durable and versatile tracker that can be used in various situations, the Whistle Tracker is a great option.
However, if you are concerned about cost, the Link AKC may be a better choice.
Ultimately, the best GPS dog collar for you is the one that meets your needs and budget.
Other Interesting Reads
