SpotOn GPS Dog Fence review 2025

With Invisible dog fences, you can keep your dog from wandering off without the need for expensive physical fences. These fences used to depend on buried electric wires to send signals to a dog’s collar. Today, with the rise of GPS-based technology in pet care, this tool has advanced. The SpotOn GPS Dog Fence is a leading example of this advancement.

The SpotOn GPS Dog Fence provides a more convenient way to contain your pet. It uses GPS technology and an app to help you create virtual boundaries for your dog. The app connects to a GPS-enabled collar that provides real-time tracking and alerts to ensure your dog stays safely within the set virtual boundary.

To help you decide if this device is the right choice for your dog, I’ve teamed up with the Cybernews research team to create this SpotOn GPS Dog Fence review. Based on in-depth research and hands-on testing by the team, this guide will explore the pros, cons, features, and real user experiences.

Quick overview of SpotOn GPS dog fence

If you are considering SpotOn GPS Dog Fence for your pet containment, here's a concise overview of its key features and specifications:

Check price on Amazon

What is a SpotOn GPS dog fence and how does it work?

The SpotOn GPS Dog Fence is a pet containment device that ensures your dog stays within a virtual boundary you have set for them. From my research, I identified three components important to how SpotOn works:

GPS technology: SpotOn uses signals from up to 128 GPS satellites to create accurate and customizable virtual fences. When you set a boundary through the SpotOn app, it records the GPS coordinates of the area. Then, the GPS-enabled collar continually monitors your dog’s location to ensure they remain within the safe zone that you have set.

Collar and base station: The collar for your dog has a dual-feed GPS antenna that receives satellite signals directly. This makes location tracking more accurate and reliable. The mobile app serves as your control hub where you can set virtual boundaries and monitor your dog.

Correction levels: When your dog approaches the virtual fence, the collar issues a warning through a beep or vibration to encourage them to stay within the boundary. If your dog continues moving closer or attempts to cross it, the collar delivers a mild static correction.

Pros and Cons of SpotOn GPS dog fence

Like any tech product, SpotOn has its strengths and weaknesses. Here is what I found after researching and testing by the Cybernews expert team:

SpotOn GPS dog fence features

SpotOn is designed to make life easier for you and your pup. It does this through the following features:

Customizable virtual fences: Unlike other invisible fences, SpotOn lets you create a virtual boundary that fits any property shape. Using the SpotOn app, you can draw boundaries that curve around ponds or avoid gardens. Plus, if you travel between homes, you can save up to 20 different virtual fences and easily switch between them from anywhere using the app.

Mobile app integration: The whole SpotOn GPS fence system is controlled through the SpotOn app, which is compatible with Android and iOS. You can set boundaries, check your dog's location, adjust settings, and get alerts on your phone. If you pay the tracking subscription, your dog will be monitored in real-time.

Correction settings: SpotOn is designed with humane dog training in mind. Instead of immediately using static correction, the collar first gives gentle warning beeps when your dog approaches the edge of the virtual fence. If your dog ignores the warning and continues forward, the collar can deliver a mild static correction.

Geofence alerts: The geofence alert feature is indispensable. Immediately your dog gets too close to the edge of the fence or crosses it, you will get a notification on your phone. You can then act quickly by calling your dog back, checking the collar, or physically retrieving your dog.

Is SpotOn GPS dog fence safe for dogs?

Yes, SpotOn ensures your dog stays within the boundaries you have set without causing any harm. It achieves this through the following features:

Humane correction mechanism: The static correction from the device is gentle and safe for your dog. It is also completely optional. However, if you choose to enable it, the collar offers up to 30 adjustable levels. This allows you to match the correction to your dog’s size and temperament. Many users say they start with the lowest setting, and in most cases, their dogs respond well without needing stronger levels.

Warning tone and vibration: Before any static correction occurs, the SpotOn collar uses a two-stage warning system. The collar gives an alert tone when your dog is within 10 feet and another at 5 feet of the invisible fence. If your dog keeps moving toward the boundary, the collar gives the static correction that feels like a “Zap.”

Veterinarian and expert approval: The SpotOn GPS dog fence design aligns with most industry standards that are recognized for humane pet containment. The tones, vibrations, and optional static correction align with animal welfare standards supported by veterinarians and pet behavior experts.

How to set up and use SpotOn GPS dog fence

The SpotOn GPS dog fence is very easy to set up and use. Follow these simple steps:

Initial setup

Here’s how to get the collar and app ready before using the system:

Step 1: Charge the collar

Fully charge the collar using the provided cable. It takes about an hour.

Step 2: Download the SpotOn app

Download the SpotOn app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app and create your SpotOn account using your email and a password.

Step 3: Pair the collar with your phone

Press and hold the power button to turn on the collar. In the app, follow the instructions to connect the collar to your phone via Bluetooth.

Step 4: Try the collar on your dog

Fit the collar on your dog to test it. Make sure it's not too tight or loose.

Boundary creation

Here’s how to create a virtual boundary for your dog:

Step 1: Map out your fence

In the SpotOn app, tap "Create Fence." There are two ways you can set up a Custom-shaped fence: either walk the boundary around your property with the collar in hand or draw the fence line directly on the app using your finger.

Step 2: Finish and name the boundary

After creating the boundary, give the fence a name like “Backyard” or “Lake Cabin.” You can save up to 20 fences and switch between them anytime.

Step 3: Test the fence without the dog

Hold the collar and walk toward the boundary. At about 10 feet, you should hear the first warning beep. At 5 feet, you’ll hear another tone. Cross the line, and the collar will vibrate or give a gentle zap, depending on your settings.

Ongoing use and monitoring

Here’s how to use the collar and app every day to keep your dog safe:

Step 1: Put the collar on your dog

Before letting your dog outside, always put on the charged collar and check that it’s turned on. Make sure the antenna is facing up on the back of your dog's neck.

Step 2: Open the app to monitor

Use the app to check if the fence is active. You can also track your dog’s location in real-time if you subscribe to the tracking feature.

Step 3: Check battery and recharge regularly

Keep an eye on the collar’s battery level on the app. Depending on use, you may need to charge it daily.

SpotOn GPS dog fence: user reviews

Before recommending any product, I always look beyond the official claims. I worked with the Cybernews expert team to check reviews from actual users on trusted platforms to understand how SpotOn performs in everyday use. The reviews were mostly positive experiences, with a few common concerns:

Positive Reviews

Many dog owners praise SpotOn for doing exactly what it promises: keeping their dogs safe within the boundaries they set. Others also mentioned that the GPS tracking is accurate and works well even on larger properties up to 10+ acres.

Another standout feature users loved was the flexibility of creating virtual fences of different shapes and sizes. Users said they could create and save multiple fence zones in just minutes using the app, from anywhere.

Ease of use was also mentioned many times. Many dog owners stated that the SpotOn app was simple to set up and use.

Negative Reviews

No technology is perfect. Some users said they had GPS signal issues in areas with dense trees, stating that the boundary might shift slightly or lose accuracy.

The battery life was another common concern. Users with active dogs, especially those using tracking features, said they had to recharge the collar almost daily. While it was not a dealbreaker for most, it was something several people mentioned as a routine to manage.

Finally, the cost. SpotOn Fence is more expensive than many other options. Some users said they would have loved to get it for all their dogs but settled for cheaper options due to budget limits.

Other reviews from Cybernews:

Final Word on SpotOn GPS dog fence

After reviewing the SpotOn GPS Dog Fence features, I found that this tool really provides a reliable way to prevent your dog from wandering off. It uses GPS technology to help you create virtual boundaries and includes a harmless collar that ensures your dog stays within them. The SpotOn GPS Dog Fence app and collar are easy to set up and use. The collar is lightweight, making it easy to travel with. Additionally, you can conveniently control it entirely from your phone via the app.

That said, the price tag is not for every budget, particularly if you have multiple dogs. But SpotOn offers a discount per additional collar for more than one dog. If you want convenience and peace of mind in an invisible dog fence, SpotOn will effortlessly deliver. I’d recommend it to dog owners with big yards, frequent travelers, or anyone who wants a reliable way to keep their dog safe within a boundary.

FAQ