• Health

Are GPS Trackers Safe for Dogs?

A dog with two collars

Pet parents love GPS tracking devices because they help tabs on their dogs. Like most tech, though, there’s a risk of these gadgets emitting harmful electromagnetic fields (EMFs). 

But just how harmful are GPS tracking devices for dogs?

Key Takeaways

  • Pet GPS trackers emit very low EMF levels — Studies show that EMF exposure from dog trackers is thousands to millions of times lower than international safety limits, making them safe for everyday use.

  • Household electronics are the bigger EMF source — Devices like WiFi routers, laptops, and smart TVs emit far stronger and more constant EMFs than pet collars, posing a greater overall exposure risk for both pets and humans.

  • Simple habits can further reduce EMF exposure — Choose newer GPS trackers with efficient networks (3G or 4G), remove collars when not needed, and use harnesses to keep trackers farther from your dog’s head.

Are GPS Trackers Safe for Dogs?

A study published in the journal Animals assessed the health risks associated with radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) emitted by pet tracking devices. 

Luckily, they found that the exposure levels from pet trackers weren’t actually that bad. According to the study, GPS trackers are unlikely to cause negative health effects in dogs as the EMF levels are well below international safety limits. 

The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) sets the general public exposure limit for RF-EMFs at 10,000,000 µW/m². For comparison, the emissions from wearable GPS trackers for pets were measured in the range of just 10–1,000 µW/m², depending on distance and wireless technology used. 

That means even at close range, a dog’s exposure from a tracker is thousands to millions of times lower than the international safety threshold.

The Bigger EMF Culprits: Household Electronics

While pet trackers emit RF-EMFs, the study highlighted that routers and devices that connect to WiFi, like laptops and Smart TVs, pose a greater risk to our pet’s health. 

To compare, Wi-Fi routers and laptops emit about 1,000–5,000 µW/m² per device when in use. So when you account for all the devices in your home that are connected to WiFi—your cell phone, your TV, your laptop—their emissions can quickly add up. 

Plus, these indoor devices run continuously, while GPS collars only emit EMFs in short bursts, making them even more dangerous for our pets—and us.  

Why Worry About EMFs for Pets?

Research shows that EMFs can trigger stress responses in cells and even cause tiny breaks in DNA strands. In lab studies, male rats exposed to high levels of radiofrequency radiation were more likely to develop cancer.

When it comes to pets like dogs and cats, though, there aren’t many studies yet. What we do know is reassuring: at the low levels set by the ICNIRP, there’s no clear evidence that EMFs harm pets.

Choosing the Safest Pet Tracker

While GPS trackers pose little risk to your dog’s health, it’s helpful to know that certain types of trackers emit more EMFs than others. 

  • Cellular-based GPS trackers: These trackers use mobile networks to send your dog’s location to your phone. While the GPS receiver itself doesn’t emit EMFs, the cellular transmission does—which means slightly higher EMF exposure compared to other types.
  • Radio frequency (RF) trackers: RF trackers use low-power radio signals for short-range tracking, typically up to a few miles. They emit significantly lower EMFs compared to true GPS trackers. 
  • Bluetooth-based trackers: These trackers use Bluetooth technology to connect with your smartphone over short distances. They emit very low EMFs but are limited in range and not suitable for real-time tracking over long distances.
  • Hybrid trackers: Some trackers use a hybrid approach to improve accuracy and reserve battery life. For example, the Fi Series 3 dog collar uses Bluetooth connection when your pup is close to home, and activates GPS and cellular technology when they’re out of range.  

Tips to Minimize EMFs From Dog Tracking Collars

  1. Don’t leave GPS trackers on your dog: While pet trackers are generally safe, don’t leave them on your dog unnecessarily.
  2. Opt for GPS trackers with adaptive tracking modes: The less often your dog’s position is updated, the less EMFs are transmitted. Some GPS trackers, like Tractive, send less data when your pup is inactive, and can send more data when they’re active or lost, which can help reduce unnecessary EMF emissions.
  3. Avoid using pet trackers on puppies: When a puppy is exposed to EMFs, it can result in a higher dose rate compared to adult animals.
  4. Avoid trackers that use 2G: When choosing a dog GPS tracker, go for one that uses newer networks like 3G or 4G. These newer technologies are more efficient, so they use less power and give off fewer EMFs overall.
  5. Use harnesses instead of collars: The farther the tracker is from your dog’s head, the better. Using a harness that holds the tracker instead of a collar can help reduce harmful RF-EMF exposure.

The Bottom Line

According to the study, pet trackers emit minimal RF-EMFs and are safe for your dog. The primary concern should be the cumulative EMF exposure from household electronics. But by being mindful of device placement and usage, you keep your environment safe for you and your pet. 

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