Blog: How to Monitor Your Dog’s Location While They’re Out with a Dog Walker

As a dedicated dog owner, we understand keeping your dog safe is your top priority, especially when they’re in someone else’s care. While most walkers are responsible and skilled, it’s natural to feel a bit uneasy when someone else is handling your beloved pet. That’s where technology, like a PetLinkGPS, comes in. With these devices, tracking your dog’s whereabouts in real-time and ensuring their safety has become much easier. Here’s a guide on why monitoring your dog’s location is essential, the best options for tracking, and extra steps you can take to keep your dog safe when they’re out with a walker.

Why monitor your dog’s location? 

Monitoring your dog’s location is a crucial step in maintaining their safety, whether they’re at home, on a walk, or with a pet sitter. Dog walkers usually follow a set route, but dogs are curious creatures, and a sudden squirrel chase or unexpected distraction can lead them to dart off or get temporarily separated from you or the dog minder. In unfamiliar hands, even the best-trained dogs can react unpredictably, potentially ending up lost. Tracking your dog can give you peace of mind by allowing you to follow their location, monitor for any detours or mishaps, and receive alerts if they leave a designated area. 

Another important reason to monitor your dog’s location is accountability. GPS tracking helps ensure that your dog is receiving the care and attention promised. In a world where pet safety is a top priority, it’s reassuring to know that you can check in and make sure your dog is being well-cared for at all times. 

Solutions for monitoring your dog’s location

Several solutions are available to help you track your dog, and each comes with its own set of benefits. Dog GPS trackers and Apple AirTags are two common solutions that are quite different from each other and offer different benefits.

GPS trackers for dogs

A dog GPS tracker is one of the most reliable tools for tracking your dog’s location right from your phone. These devices use GPS technology to provide real-time updates on your dog’s whereabouts and are designed specifically for pets. Most models are small, lightweight devices that attach directly to your dog’s collar. These trackers allow you to set up virtual boundaries (also known as geofences) that trigger an alert if your dog leaves the area, which is especially useful when they’re with a walker or left outside in a yard for a short time. 

Dog GPS trackers come with a mobile app, allowing you to view your dog’s location at any time directly from your smartphone. In addition to real-time tracking, the PetLinkGPS even offers additional features, such as activity tracking and health monitoring, giving you a complete picture of your dog’s daily life.  

AirTags and other Bluetooth trackers

The Apple AirTag and other Bluetooth trackers are increasingly being used for pets. While they aren’t designed specifically for animals, they offer some benefits as a secondary tracking method. AirTags work by connecting to nearby Apple devices, creating a network that allows you to locate your dog if they’re within range of an Apple user’s device. However, it’s important to remember that AirTags have limitations compared to dog GPS trackers. They don’t provide real-time tracking, and they rely on proximity to other Apple devices rather than a GPS connection which is generally nationwide. 

For urban pet owners or those in areas with high Apple device density, an AirTag may work well as a backup tool, providing a general idea of your dog’s location if they wander off. However, in more rural or remote areas, where other mobile devices are sparse, an AirTag may not be effective. While an AirTag can complement a GPS tracker, it’s typically not robust enough to serve as your primary tracking method if pet safety is your priority. 

Additional tips for dog safety with a walker

While tracking your dog’s location with a dog GPS tracker is a valuable and reliable safety measure, there are several other ways to enhance your dog’s safety while they’re with a walker. 

• Meet and screen your dog walker. Choosing a responsible dog walker who understands your pet’s unique needs is essential. Look for someone with positive reviews or recommendations from people you trust, and schedule a meet-and-greet to see how they interact with your dog. A good dog walker will communicate clearly, follow instructions, and respect your pet’s boundaries. 

• Discuss safety precautions. Before handing your dog off to a walker, go over any specific safety precautions. For example, if your dog is prone to chasing after animals or is fearful in busy areas, make sure your walker is aware of these tendencies. Provide instructions on using a double leash, harness, or other gear to keep your dog secure. If your walker is familiar with your dog’s quirks, they’re more likely to prevent situations where your dog might try to run off. 

• Ensure proper identification. While a GPS tracker is highly beneficial, having visible identification tags on your dog’s collar is equally important. Include your contact information and any relevant details that could help a quick reunion.

• Microchip your dog. Unlike identification tags or GPS trackers, microchips are a permanent form of identification that doesn’t fail. Microchips are small chips implanted between your dog’s shoulder blade by a veterinarian. While they require someone to find your dog and take them to a vet clinic or animal shelter to be scanned with a microchip scanner, they are very effective at reuniting pets and owners. The key is to make sure that your contact information is up-to-date in the online microchip database registry so that you can be contacted if someone were to find your dog. 
• Use the geofence feature. With geofencing, you can set virtual boundaries around areas for your pet. When your pet leaves this area, you’ll receive an alert notification on your smartphone. If your dog walker walks your dog around the block, you can set a geofence and have peace of mind that you’ll receive an instant notification if your pet were to wander past that boundary. 

• Set up a monitoring system. Some pet owners find comfort in using monitoring technology to check in on their dog while they’re out with a walker. If your walker is comfortable, a pet camera can provide extra reassurance, especially if your dog stays home with the walker. These systems allow you to observe your dog’s behavior and provide you with peace of mind while you’re away. 
• Provide emergency contacts. Make sure your walker has all the necessary emergency contacts, including your veterinarian’s information and an alternate contact if you’re unavailable. Having these details ready can make a big difference if an unexpected issue arises while they’re out. 
• Be familiar with the breed. Make sure the dog walker / minder understands and has experience with your breed of dog. Different breeds can behave very differently
• Follow instructions. Make sure that they are prepared to diligently follow your instructions. For example, if you ask the dog is not let off a leash, the dog walker must understand how important that instruction is and respect it.

Even when you’re away from home and decide to entrust your beloved pet’s care to a dog walker, modern technology can help you keep an eye on them to make sure they’re safe and secure. By investing in a dog GPS tracker, you can ensure real-time visibility into your dog’s location and gain reassurance that they’re safe, even if you’re at work. Remember to select a responsible walker, equip your pet with proper ID tags, microchip them, and set clear expectations to create a secure and enjoyable experience for your dog.