Instead of worrying about where-oh-where your little dog has gone, Garmin’s new Astro GPS Dog Tracking System can keep tabs on your four-legged friends when they are out and about.

The DC 30 is actually “new and improved,” meaning that the system is “more rugged” with antennas positioned for optimal tracking.

“Whether it’s hounds crashing through thick and swampy woods, or bird dogs bounding through dense CRP fields, the DC 30 is made to take the beating that working dogs dish out daily,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s VP of worldwide sales. “And the new configuration also makes mounting the collar a cinch—while improving reception.”

Two GPS pieces are housed into a collar, which weighs about 13 ounces. No harness or other pieces are needed. Then the owner can track the dog via the Astro 2220 receiver. Aside from location, the unit can also tell you if the dog is running, pointing or treeing. Depending on the terrain, Garmin says the system is active up to 7 miles away. Astro can even track up to 10 dogs at once.

The Astro is available now. The kit, which includes the receiver, cables and a DC 30 collar is $650. Additional collars sell for $200 each. Add a long-range antenna into the mix for another $70. You could also head down to your local SPCA and get seven dogs for the same price. It’s a neat idea, but a bit expensive, no? I guess it’s hard to put a price on your best friend.

Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer

Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.