Can you leave your dog's GPS on 24/7? Safety & Battery
A common question among owners of adventurous dogs is: can you leave the GPS collar on 24/7? While the idea of uninterrupted monitoring is reassuring, it raises questions about device wear and tear and the dog's comfort. At Colliers & Compagnons, we analyze the facts to help you use your tracking technology optimally.
Battery life: the 24/7 challenge
Technically, nothing prevents a GPS tracker from staying on permanently. However, the battery is the primary limiting factor. A GPS that sends location updates every few minutes will deplete its reserves in less than 48 hours.
The trick for permanent wear: To leave the GPS on day and night, it is essential to configure a "Trusted Zone" (often via your home Wi-Fi). As long as the collar detects this safe zone, it enters deep sleep mode. It will only truly activate if your dog crosses the garden boundary, thus ensuring battery life that can extend up to 10 days.
Safety: Why you should never turn off your GPS
Many owners make the mistake of turning off the collar at night to "save battery." This is a major risk:
- Nighttime escapes: A poorly closed gate or a suspicious noise can prompt a dog to run away in the middle of the night. If the GPS is off, the virtual fence function is inactive.
- Reconnect time: An off GPS takes several minutes to acquire satellites when it restarts (Cold Start). In an emergency, these minutes are precious.
- Health monitoring: Most modern GPS devices analyze your dog's sleep. Leaving it on allows you to detect signs of pain or nighttime agitation.
Should you leave the GPS on?
✅ YES, if: Your dog lives outdoors, is prone to running away, or you use nighttime activity tracking.
❌ NO, if: The dog sleeps securely indoors and you need to recharge the device for the next day.
Case attachment: the key to successful continuous wear
If you opt for 24/7 monitoring, the problem is no longer the signal, but the attachment of the device. A case that dangles or slips under the throat eventually hinders the dog's movements and sleep phases.
This is where the choice of mounting is crucial. In the GPS collar collection, we prioritize fastenings that hold the tracker flat against the collar. Whether through a high-resistance silicone case or a reinforced loop, the goal is to eliminate wobbling. A "fixed" GPS is a GPS that the dog forgets in a few minutes.
Comparison of fastening methods for permanent use
| Support Type | Stability | 24/7 Use |
|---|---|---|
| Pendant (carabiner) | Low (dangles) | Not recommended (noise and shock) |
| Sliding Silicone Case | Excellent (flat) | Ideal (discreet and lightweight) |
| Screwed Mount | Maximum (immobile) | Excellent for large dogs |
Conclusion
Leaving your dog's GPS on 24/7 is the best way to ensure their safety, provided you master your app's power-saving settings. The true secret to successful permanent wear lies in the stability of the device's case: a GPS that doesn't move will cause no discomfort. Simply take the time to check the fastening's condition once a week to ensure your technological sentinel is always ready for action.
Canine Safety Expertise - Colliers & Compagnons.