Garmin Astro, Alpha, and PRO 550+ Use in Canada?

The Garmin Astro 900 is the only Garmin Dog Tracking GPS System that is legal in both Canada and the United States.

Garmin Astro 430 / 320 / 220, Alpha, and PRO 550+ GPS tracking handhelds and TT, T5 and DC series GPS collars use MURS band radio signals to transmit information back and forth to one another, and the use of this frequency band is subject to various national regulations. The Canadian government has restricted the use of these MURS band radio frequencies exclusively for commercial/industrial land mobile and public safety uses.

In June 2009, Industry Canada announced that the MURS radio frequency used by the Astro, Alpha, and PRO 550+ would be allowed in Canada following a 5-year transition period. However, uncertainties were raised regarding the relative benefits of proceeding with MURS implementation in light of potential negative impacts to existing radio licensees. In June 2014, Industry Canada reversed its position, noting "the Department does not feel that the introduction of MURS devices in Canada is warranted at this time, and has decided to defer the introduction of MURS devices in Canada until a clearer indication of actual need is provided by Canadian MURS advocates and/or stakeholders." Garmin remains interested in offering the Alpha, Astro, and PRO 550+ to Canadian customers and will be contacting Industry Canada in support of that goal. Potential Canadian customers should also contact their local Industry Canada office to express their desire to have these products approved for use in Canada.

To ensure compliance with local laws:

Garmin Astro, Alpha, and PRO 550+ GPS dog tracking units are approved for use in the United States only

The sale and unlicensed use of Garmin Astro, Alpha, and PRO 550+ systems is currently prohibited by the Canadian government

The radio function that allows the dog collars to communicate with the handheld will be deactivated when used outside of the US

The handheld will still function as a GPS outside the US but without any dog tracking/training capability

Garmin units with radio functionality that is disabled outside of the US:

Alpha 100 Handheld

Astro 430 Handheld

Astro 320 Handheld

PRO 550+ Handheld

TT15 Collar

TT15 MINI Collar

TT10 Collar

T5 Collar

T5 MINI Collar

DC50 Collar

DC40 Collar