Fi Smart Dog Collar Series 4 Review:Is It Worth Money?
Your dog means everything to you. The thought of them getting lost sends shivers down your spine. You want to keep them safe. You want to know where they are at all times. That is where the Fi Smart Dog Collar Series 4 comes in.
This GPS tracker has changed the game for dog owners. It brings peace of mind. It offers advanced health monitoring. It provides real time location tracking. In this detailed review, we will explore everything you need to know about this smart collar. We will help you decide if it is the right choice for your beloved pet.

Key Takeaways
Real Time GPS Tracking: The Fi Series 3+ delivers accurate location tracking with 2x improved GPS performance compared to previous models. You can track your dog nationwide with no range limits using AT&T LTE-M technology.
Extended Battery Life: Get up to 3 months of battery life on a single charge. This makes it one of the longest lasting GPS collars on the market. You will spend less time charging and more time enjoying your dog.
AI Powered Health Monitoring: This collar tracks more than just location. It monitors activity levels, rest patterns, barking, licking, scratching, eating, and drinking behaviors. You get a complete picture of your dog’s wellbeing right in the app.
Escape Alerts and Lost Dog Mode: Set up custom safe zones around your home or favorite locations. You receive instant alerts when your dog leaves these areas. The Lost Dog Mode provides real time updates every minute to help you find them fast.
Waterproof and Durable Design: Built tough with IP68 and IP66K water resistance. Your dog can swim, play in puddles, and get caught in the rain. The collar handles over 500 pounds of resistance for even the strongest pullers and chewers.
What Makes the Fi Smart Dog Collar Series 3+ Special
- NEXT-GEN GPS DOG TRACKER: The Fi Series 3+ collar is our most accurate and reliable smart collar—featuring 2x improved GPS performance from past devices to...
- ESCAPE ALERTS: Custom virtual fences use the Fi app to alert you the instant your dog leaves a safe zone. If your dog escapes, get real-time notifications from...
- AI-POWERED HEALTH + BEHAVIOR TRACKING: The first smart dog tracking collar to detect activity, rest, barking, licking, scratching, eating, and drinking—giving...
The Fi Smart Dog Collar Series 3+ represents the latest advancement in pet tracking technology. This collar combines GPS location tracking with comprehensive health monitoring. It uses artificial intelligence to understand your dog’s behavior patterns. The device connects to the Fi app on your smartphone. You can check on your dog anytime, anywhere.
The collar comes with a multi color LED light. This helps you spot your dog in low visibility conditions. The light shines bright during nighttime walks. You can choose from different colors. The collar band comes in gray, blue, and pink options. It fits dogs of various sizes from small to large breeds.
What sets this collar apart is its intelligent design. The device learns your dog’s routines. It knows when your dog is at home, on a walk, or exploring. The system adjusts battery usage based on these patterns. This smart approach extends battery life significantly. You will not need to charge it every few days like other trackers.
The Series 3+ works with both iPhone and Android devices. It also integrates with Apple Watch. You can check your dog’s status right from your wrist. The collar includes a wireless charging base. Just snap the device onto the base and let it charge. No messy cables or complicated setups.
Unmatched GPS Location Tracking Capabilities
The GPS tracking on the Fi Series 3+ is simply outstanding. The collar uses multiple location technologies. It combines GPS, LTE-M cellular, and WiFi positioning. This multi-layered approach ensures accurate tracking in various environments. Whether your dog is in the city or countryside, the collar keeps tabs on them.
The tracking updates every few minutes under normal conditions. When you activate Lost Dog Mode, the collar switches to real time tracking. Location updates come in every minute. This rapid update rate helps you locate your dog quickly during emergencies. The red LED light starts flashing to make your dog more visible.
You can track your dog from anywhere in the United States. The collar uses AT&T’s LTE-M network. This provides nationwide coverage. You do not need to worry about range limits. Whether your dog wanders a few blocks away or several miles, you can find them. The unlimited range feature gives incredible peace of mind.
The app displays your dog’s location on a detailed map. You can see their movement history. The breadcrumb trail shows exactly where they have been. This feature proves helpful if your dog escapes through a gap in the fence. You can trace their path and understand how they got out.
Many users report accuracy within 10 to 20 feet in open areas. Dense urban environments or heavy tree cover can affect precision slightly. However, the collar still performs better than many competitors. The 2x improved GPS performance over previous Fi models makes a noticeable difference.
Advanced AI Powered Health and Behavior Monitoring
The Fi Series 3+ goes beyond basic location tracking. It serves as a complete health monitoring system for your dog. The collar uses advanced artificial intelligence to detect various behaviors. This makes it the first smart collar to track such a wide range of activities.
The collar monitors your dog’s daily activity levels. It counts steps and tracks distance covered. You can set daily activity goals based on your dog’s breed, age, and health needs. The app shows whether your dog is meeting these goals. This helps you ensure they get enough exercise.
Sleep tracking gives insights into your dog’s rest patterns. The collar detects when your dog is sleeping versus just resting. Quality sleep is essential for your dog’s health. Changes in sleep patterns can indicate health issues. You can spot these changes early through the app.
The behavior detection features are truly impressive. The collar can identify when your dog is barking excessively. Too much barking might signal anxiety or boredom. The collar tracks scratching and licking behaviors. These actions often indicate allergies, skin problems, or stress. Early detection helps you address issues before they worsen.
The system also monitors eating and drinking patterns. Changes in appetite or water intake can be early warning signs of illness. The collar helps you notice these changes even when you are away from home. You can share this data with your veterinarian during checkups.
All this health data appears in an easy to read format in the Fi app. You can view daily, weekly, and monthly trends. The app generates insights and recommendations. It helps you understand what the data means for your specific dog.
Top 3 Alternatives for Fi Smart Dog Collar Series 3+
- REAL-TIME GPS TRACKING WITH UNLIMITED RANGE: Track your dog with live location updates every 2–3 seconds. Unlike others that update once a minute, Tractive...
- VITAL SIGNS MONITORING: The Tractive smart tracker monitors changes in your dog’s heart and respiratory rates, helping detect potential issues before they...
- HEALTH & BARKING ALERTS: The tracker learns your dog’s normal behavior and detects changes. If it notices unusual sleep, activity, or barking patterns,...
- 3 Months Free - Limited Time Deal - Use promo code GIFT during activation on Whistle app (code expires 1/15/21). Subscription is required and covers connection...
- Location Tracking. Set up alerts and quickly locate your pet, whether they’ve made a sneaky escape, or are 3,000 miles away. Receive notifications if your...
- Health, Nutrition, & Activity Tracking. Monitor activity levels, calories, distance, and activity, along with behaviors like licking, scratching, and sleeping...
- REAL-TIME GPS TRACKING WITH UNLIMITED RANGE: Track your dog with live location updates every 2–3 seconds. Unlike others that update once a minute, Tractive...
- VITAL SIGNS MONITORING: The Tractive smart tracker monitors changes in your dog’s heart and respiratory rates, helping detect potential issues before they...
- ESCAPE ALERTS & VIRTUAL FENCES: Set up safe zones and get instant alerts if your dog leaves the area. Activate live tracking to find them quickly and keep tabs...
Smart Safe Zones and Escape Alerts
Safe zones are one of the most valuable features of the Fi collar. You can create multiple safe zones using the app. These zones mark areas where your dog is supposed to be. Common safe zones include your home, a friend’s house, the dog park, or your veterinarian’s office.
Setting up a safe zone takes seconds. You open the app and select a location on the map. You adjust the radius to cover the desired area. The collar monitors when your dog enters and exits these zones. You receive notifications for these movements.
The escape alert feature provides critical peace of mind. If your dog leaves a safe zone without you, the collar sends an immediate alert. The notification arrives within 2 to 5 minutes. This quick response time is vital. Every minute counts when your dog is missing.
The alerts come through push notifications on your phone. You can customize which alerts you want to receive. Some owners prefer escape alerts only. Others want notifications for every walk and return. The app lets you choose what works for you.
When you receive an escape alert, you can instantly activate Lost Dog Mode. This switches the collar to real time tracking. You see your dog’s location update every minute. The LED light turns red and starts flashing. This makes your dog easier to spot from a distance. Other people can also see the flashing light and know to help.
Some users report occasional false alerts. These happen when GPS accuracy fluctuates. The collar might think your dog left the safe zone when they are still home. Fi has worked to minimize these false positives. You can adjust safe zone sizes to reduce false alerts. Making zones slightly larger often solves the problem.
Impressive Battery Life That Actually Lasts
Battery life is a major concern with GPS trackers. Many collars need charging every few days. This constant charging becomes tedious. The Fi Series 3+ solves this problem brilliantly. The collar delivers up to 3 months of battery life on a single charge.
This extended battery life comes from intelligent power management. The collar uses different modes based on your dog’s activities. When your dog is at home in a safe zone, the collar conserves power. It relies on WiFi and Bluetooth connections instead of GPS. These technologies use less energy.
When your dog goes on a walk, the collar switches to active tracking mode. It uses GPS and cellular data to record the walk route. After returning to the safe zone, it goes back to power saving mode. This smart switching extends battery duration significantly.
Your actual battery life depends on usage patterns. Dogs that stay home most of the time get longer battery life. Active dogs that take multiple walks daily will drain the battery faster. Dogs in areas with weak cellular coverage may experience shorter battery life. The collar works harder to maintain connections.
The app displays current battery level. You receive low battery notifications. This gives you plenty of time to charge the collar before it dies. The wireless charging base makes recharging simple. You just place the collar on the base overnight. By morning, it is fully charged and ready to go.
Compared to competitors, the Fi collar excels in battery performance. Many GPS trackers last only 2 to 7 days per charge. The Fi’s weeks or months of battery life is a game changer. You spend less time worrying about charging schedules.
Rugged and Waterproof Construction
Dogs live active lives. They swim in lakes. They roll in mud. They chew on everything. Your dog’s collar needs to handle this lifestyle. The Fi Series 3+ is built for durability. It features robust construction that stands up to daily adventures.
The collar has IP68 water resistance rating. This means it can survive submersion in water up to 50 meters deep. Your dog can swim freely without damaging the collar. The collar also carries an IP66K rating. This protects against high pressure water jets. Rain, puddles, and sprinklers pose no threat.
The materials resist scratching and impact damage. The device housing uses tough plastics. The collar band is made from durable materials. It resists chewing and pulling. The collar can handle over 500 pounds of resistance. Even large, strong dogs will not easily damage it.
The LED light system is sealed inside the unit. Water cannot reach the electronics. The charging contacts are designed for repeated use. They resist corrosion from water exposure. The whole system is engineered for longevity.
Many owners report their Fi collars lasting years without issues. The devices withstand daily wear and tear. They survive trips to the beach, hikes through forests, and backyard play sessions. This durability justifies the investment. You will not need to replace the collar every few months.
The collar band itself is also replaceable. If your dog chews through the band, you can buy a new one. You do not need to replace the entire system. This saves money and reduces waste.
User Friendly Fi App Experience
The Fi app is the control center for your dog’s collar. The app works on both iOS and Android platforms. It features a clean, intuitive interface. Even people who are not tech savvy find it easy to use. Everything you need is accessible from the main screen.
The home screen shows your dog’s current location on a map. You see their activity progress for the day. Battery level displays prominently. Recent alerts appear at the top. You can tap on any element to see more details.
The Health tab provides comprehensive wellness information. You find daily activity summaries here. Sleep quality metrics show how well your dog rested. Behavior detection results highlight scratching, licking, and barking patterns. Eating and drinking data helps monitor appetite changes.
You can set up multiple dogs on one account. Each dog gets their own profile. You switch between profiles with a simple tap. This works great for multi dog households. You track all your pets from one app.
The app includes a leaderboard feature. This gamifies dog walking. You can compare your dog’s activity to friends and other Fi users. Some people find this motivating. It encourages you to keep your dog active. You can also choose to keep your information private if you prefer.
The walk tracking feature records every outing. You see the exact route you walked. The app calculates distance and duration. This helps you track exercise consistency. You can review past walks anytime.
Notifications are customizable. You choose which alerts to receive. Options include escape alerts, walk start notifications, walk end notifications, battery warnings, and more. You control how the app communicates with you.
The app also connects with Apple Watch. You can check your dog’s status without pulling out your phone. Quick glances at your wrist show location and activity level. This integration is convenient during runs or busy days.
Series 3+ Upgrades and New Features
The Fi Series 3+ represents significant improvements over the Series 3. Understanding these upgrades helps you appreciate the value. The most notable enhancement is 2x better GPS performance. Location accuracy improved substantially. Tracking reliability increased in challenging environments.
The AI powered behavior detection is entirely new to the Series 3+. Previous versions tracked activity and location only. The Series 3+ adds detection for eating, drinking, scratching, licking, and barking. These features provide much deeper health insights. You get a complete picture of your dog’s daily life.
The upgraded hardware includes more powerful GPS chips. These chips acquire satellite signals faster. They maintain better connections in urban areas with tall buildings. The improved cellular radio provides more reliable data transmission.
The Series 3+ collar is compatible with Series 3 bands and charging bases. If you upgrade from Series 3, you can keep your existing accessories. You only need the new device module. This makes upgrading more affordable.
Fi offers an upgrade program for existing customers. Series 3 owners can upgrade to Series 3+ for $99. This price includes just the new device. Your current membership continues without changes. Series 2 and Series 1 owners pay more but get the complete package. The upgrade includes device, band, base, and a new membership year.
The Series 3+ also features improved battery optimization. While both Series 3 and 3+ claim up to 3 months battery life, users report more consistent performance from the 3+. The intelligent power management seems more refined.
Subscription Plans and Pricing Structure
The Fi collar requires a subscription to function. The device itself is part of a package that includes membership. This subscription model funds the cellular data usage. It also supports app development and customer service. Understanding the pricing helps you budget appropriately.
The collar typically costs $189 with a 12 month membership included. Some retailers offer packages with 6 month memberships at lower prices. These starter packages make trying the system more affordable. The device price includes the collar band, charging base, and first year service.
After your initial membership period ends, you need to renew. Monthly plans cost $19 per month. This works out to about $4.40 per week. Monthly subscriptions offer flexibility. You can cancel anytime if the service does not meet your needs.
Annual prepaid plans are more economical. A 1 year membership costs $99 when purchased directly. This saves significant money compared to monthly payments. Two year plans offer 5 percent savings. Three year plans provide 16 percent savings. Longer commitments reduce your monthly cost.
For families with multiple dogs, the costs add up. Each collar requires its own subscription. There is no family discount currently. Two dogs mean two subscriptions. This can be a significant ongoing expense.
Many owners feel the subscription is worth the cost. The peace of mind from GPS tracking justifies the expense. The health monitoring features add value beyond simple location services. Losing a dog even once would cost far more in stress and potential search efforts.
Fi occasionally runs promotions. Discount codes can reduce the initial purchase price. Holiday sales and special events often feature deals. Watching for these opportunities can save you money on your first purchase.
Real User Experiences and Common Concerns
User reviews provide valuable insights into real world performance. Thousands of Fi owners have shared their experiences. The overall sentiment is largely positive. Most users praise the GPS accuracy and battery life. Many credit the collar with reuniting them with lost dogs.
Positive reviews consistently mention peace of mind as the top benefit. Owners feel more confident letting their dogs play in the backyard. They worry less when their dog is with a pet sitter. The instant escape alerts catch problems immediately. Stories of successful lost dog recoveries appear frequently in reviews.
The health monitoring features receive high marks from owners with senior dogs or those with health conditions. Being able to track activity changes helps detect illness early. Some users discovered health problems through unusual behavior patterns detected by the collar.
However, some users report issues. False escape alerts frustrate some owners. These happen when GPS signals fluctuate. The collar thinks the dog left the safe zone when they did not. Adjusting safe zone sizes usually resolves this problem.
Cellular coverage gaps affect some rural users. The collar requires cell service to transmit data. Areas with poor AT&T coverage experience tracking delays. Users in these locations might get alerts later than the promised 2 to 5 minutes.
Some owners find the subscription cost too high, especially with multiple dogs. The ongoing expense adds up over years. Budget conscious owners may struggle with the long term commitment.
Battery life sometimes falls short of the advertised 3 months. Very active dogs or those in weak coverage areas drain batteries faster. Most users still get several weeks per charge. This beats many competitors even if it does not reach the maximum claim.
Customer service experiences vary. Some users report excellent support. Others mention slow response times or unhelpful answers. Fi has worked to improve their support systems. Recent reviews suggest better customer service than earlier years.
The collar size can be bulky for very small dogs. While Fi offers small sizes, some toy breeds find the device uncomfortable. The collar works best for dogs weighing 10 pounds or more.
How Fi Compares to Other GPS Dog Collars
The GPS dog collar market offers many choices. Understanding how Fi stacks up helps you make an informed decision. Several major competitors deserve consideration.
Tractive GPS Tracker is a popular alternative. Tractive devices are smaller and lighter than Fi collars. They attach to any collar rather than replacing it. Tractive offers good GPS accuracy and real time tracking. However, battery life is shorter, usually lasting 2 to 5 days. The subscription starts at $5 per month, making it more affordable long term. Tractive includes some health features but not as comprehensive as Fi’s AI detection.
Whistle Go Explore provides both GPS tracking and health monitoring. Whistle tracks activity, licking, scratching, drinking, and sleeping. These features closely match Fi’s offerings. Battery life lasts about 3 weeks. Whistle’s monthly subscription costs around $10. The device attaches to your existing collar. Some users prefer this approach over Fi’s integrated collar design.
Halo Collar 4 combines GPS tracking with virtual fence training. The collar uses sounds, vibrations, and optional static correction to keep dogs within boundaries. This makes it suitable for properties without physical fences. Halo includes GPS tracking and activity monitoring. The device is more expensive upfront at $1,000. The focus on training makes it different from Fi’s pure tracking and monitoring approach.
Garmin Alpha systems are popular with hunters and those in remote areas. Garmin uses satellite communication rather than cellular networks. This provides tracking in areas without cell coverage. However, Garmin systems are expensive. They require purchasing both a handheld unit and collar. The total cost often exceeds $1,000.
Apple AirTag represents a budget alternative. You can attach an AirTag to your dog’s collar for under $30. AirTags work through Apple’s Find My network. They do not provide real time GPS tracking. They only show location when near other Apple devices. This works well in urban areas but fails in remote locations. There is no subscription fee, making it the most affordable option.
Fi excels in battery life compared to most competitors. The 3 month potential beats nearly everything except satellite based systems. Fi’s comprehensive AI health monitoring surpasses most alternatives. Only Whistle comes close in behavior detection features.
The subscription cost positions Fi in the middle range. It costs more than Tractive but less than some premium options. The value depends on which features matter most to you.
Installation and Setup Process
Getting started with the Fi collar is straightforward. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Even first time users find it manageable. Here is what you need to do.
First, download the Fi app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app is free. Install it on your smartphone. Open the app and create an account. You will need to provide an email address and create a password.
Next, charge your collar fully before first use. Place the Fi device on the charging base. Plug the base into a power outlet. The LED light indicates charging status. Wait until the collar reaches 100 percent. This ensures optimal performance from the start.
After charging, unbox all components. You should have the Fi device module, collar band, and charging base. Check that you received the correct band size for your dog. Refer to Fi’s sizing guide if unsure.
Attach the device to the band. The Fi module clicks into the band housing. It snaps securely into place. Make sure it locks properly. The device should sit firmly without wobbling.
Now put the collar on your dog. Adjust the band to fit comfortably. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck. Not too tight, not too loose. The device module should sit on top of the neck, not underneath.
Return to the Fi app on your phone. Follow the on screen prompts to activate your collar. You will need to enter the device serial number. This number appears on the collar packaging. The app will guide you through connecting the collar to your WiFi network. This step is important for battery optimization.
Set up your dog’s profile. Enter your dog’s name, breed, age, weight, and photo. This information helps the app provide personalized activity goals and health insights.
Create safe zones for your home and any other important locations. The app makes this easy. You simply select a location on the map and set the radius. Start with your home as the primary safe zone.
Test the system before relying on it. Take your dog for a walk around the neighborhood. Check that the app records the walk correctly. Try leaving your safe zone and verify you receive an escape alert. This testing ensures everything works as expected.
The setup process is mostly automated. The app guides you through each step. Most people complete setup without any issues. If you encounter problems, Fi’s support team can help troubleshoot.
Maintenance and Long Term Care
Maintaining your Fi collar ensures long term reliability. Fortunately, the collar requires minimal upkeep. A few simple practices keep it functioning properly.
Regular charging is the main maintenance task. Charge the collar before the battery drops below 10 percent. This preserves battery health over time. Leaving the collar on the charger overnight once a week works well for most users. The device stops charging when full, so overcharging is not a concern.
Clean the collar periodically. Dogs get dirty. Mud, dirt, and debris accumulate on the collar. Wipe down the Fi device with a damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. These can damage the waterproof seals. The collar band can be hand washed with mild soap and water. Let it air dry completely before reattaching the device.
Inspect the charging contacts regularly. Check for dirt or corrosion on the metal contacts. Clean them gently with a dry cloth if needed. Good contact ensures efficient charging.
Check the collar fit as your dog grows or if they gain or lose weight. The collar should remain snug but comfortable. Adjust the band length as needed. Replace the band if it shows significant wear or damage.
Update the app when new versions become available. Fi regularly releases updates with improvements and new features. Keeping the app current ensures the best experience.
Monitor performance through the app. Watch for unusual battery drain or tracking inconsistencies. These might indicate issues needing attention. Contact Fi support if problems persist.
The Fi device is designed to last several years with proper care. Many users report using the same collar for 3 to 4 years or more. The battery does degrade over time like all rechargeable batteries. Eventually, you might notice shorter battery life. This is normal after years of use.
Privacy and Data Security Considerations
Using a GPS tracker involves sharing location data. Understanding Fi’s privacy practices is important. Fi takes data security seriously. They employ industry standard protections.
Your dog’s location data is encrypted during transmission. This prevents unauthorized access while data travels between the collar and Fi’s servers. The information remains private and secure.
You control data sharing. The app lets you choose whether to participate in the leaderboard feature. You can keep your dog’s information completely private if you prefer. Only you can see your dog’s location and activity data unless you explicitly share it.
Fi’s privacy policy explains what data they collect and how it is used. They collect location information, activity metrics, and device performance data. This information improves service quality and enables the collar features. Fi does not sell your personal data to third parties.
Account security starts with a strong password. Use a unique password for your Fi account. Enable two factor authentication if available. This prevents unauthorized access to your account.
Consider who has physical access to your phone. Anyone who can unlock your phone can open the Fi app and see your dog’s location. Use phone lock features to protect this access.
The system stores historical data for a limited time. You can review past walks and location history. This data eventually expires and is removed from the system. The retention period helps with troubleshooting and trend analysis while managing storage costs.
If you decide to stop using Fi, you can request data deletion. Contact Fi support to remove your account and associated data. They will process this request according to privacy regulations.
Is the Fi Smart Dog Collar Series 3+ Worth It?
This question depends on your specific needs and priorities. The Fi collar offers substantial benefits. It also comes with ongoing costs. Let us weigh the pros and cons.
The collar excels at GPS tracking. If your primary concern is preventing lost dogs, Fi delivers. The nationwide coverage, accurate location updates, and fast escape alerts provide excellent security. Many owners consider this feature alone worth the investment.
The AI health monitoring adds significant value. Understanding your dog’s behavior patterns helps catch health issues early. This could save money on veterinary bills down the road. The comprehensive tracking of activities, sleep, and behaviors surpasses most competitors.
Battery life is a major advantage. Not charging every few days makes the collar convenient. You can travel without worrying about forgetting the charger. The long battery life also means fewer battery charge cycles over the device’s lifetime.
The subscription cost is the main drawback. Paying $99 to $228 annually per dog adds up. For multiple dogs, this becomes a significant expense. Budget conscious owners might struggle with this ongoing commitment. However, compare this to the cost of losing a dog even once. The emotional toll and potential expenses of searching or losing a pet permanently often justify the subscription.
Durability justifies the upfront investment. The collar withstands daily wear and tear. It survives swimming, rain, and rough play. You will not need to replace it frequently like cheaper alternatives.
The collar works best for dogs 10 pounds and up. Smaller dogs might find the device bulky. Very large properties with poor cellular coverage might experience tracking delays. Consider your specific situation.
For active dog owners who hike, camp, or travel with their dogs, the Fi collar is invaluable. The peace of mind during adventures makes every trip more enjoyable.
Senior dog owners benefit from the health monitoring features. Tracking activity changes helps manage aging related health issues. You can catch declines early and adjust care accordingly.
If you live in an urban or suburban area with good cell coverage, the collar performs optimally. Rural areas with spotty coverage might experience reduced functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Fi collar work without a subscription?
No, the Fi collar requires an active subscription to function. The subscription pays for cellular data that enables GPS tracking. Without a subscription, the collar cannot transmit location information. You cannot use the GPS features without paying for service.
Can I use the Fi collar for my cat?
Fi officially supports dogs only. The collar is designed for canine behavior patterns and activity levels. Some cat owners have tried using it on larger cats. However, results vary. Cats move differently than dogs. The activity tracking may not be accurate. The collar might also be too large for most cats. Fi recommends their product for dogs exclusively.
How accurate is the GPS tracking?
GPS accuracy typically ranges from 10 to 20 feet in open areas. Dense urban environments with tall buildings can reduce accuracy slightly. Heavy tree cover also affects precision. The Series 3+ offers 2x better GPS performance than previous models. Most users report very good accuracy for finding lost dogs.
What happens if my dog goes somewhere without cell service?
The collar stores location data when cellular service is unavailable. When your dog returns to an area with coverage, the collar uploads this stored information. You can see where they went after the fact. However, you will not receive real time alerts during the coverage gap. This limitation affects all cellular based GPS trackers.
How long does the collar really last per charge?
Battery life varies based on usage. Dogs that stay home in safe zones can reach the advertised 3 months. Very active dogs with multiple daily walks might need charging every 2 to 4 weeks. Areas with weak cellular signal drain batteries faster. Most users report getting 4 to 8 weeks per charge under typical conditions.
Is the collar too heavy for small dogs?
Fi offers different sizes suitable for various dog sizes. The collar works for dogs as small as 10 pounds. Very small toy breeds might find it bulky. Check Fi’s sizing guide before purchasing. Many small dog owners use Fi successfully. Read reviews from owners of similar breeds to your dog.
Can multiple people track the same dog?
Yes, you can share access to your dog’s collar with family members or pet sitters. Each person downloads the Fi app and you grant them access through your account. Multiple users can view location and activity data simultaneously. This feature is great for households with multiple caregivers.
What is the return policy if I am not satisfied?
Fi offers a 30 day return window for new purchases. You can return the collar within 30 days if it does not meet your needs. The collar must be in good condition. You will receive a refund minus any used portion of the subscription. Check Fi’s current return policy for specific details as terms may change.
Does the collar track my dog inside my house?
The collar shows general location when your dog is in a safe zone like home. It does not provide room by room tracking inside buildings. GPS signals work less effectively indoors. The collar uses WiFi and Bluetooth to confirm your dog is home. This conserves battery but does not provide precise indoor positioning.
How does Fi compare to Apple AirTag for tracking dogs?
Fi provides real time GPS tracking with active cellular connection. AirTags rely on nearby Apple devices to report location. AirTags work well in urban areas with many iPhone users nearby. They fail in remote areas with few people around. Fi works anywhere with cellular coverage. Fi also offers health monitoring features that AirTags lack. AirTags cost less but provide less comprehensive tracking.
Last update on 2026-01-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
