7 Best Dog Fitness Trackers & Activity Monitors in 2024

Are you aware that in 2023, the American Pet Products Association (APPA) reported that there are over 50 million dogs that are either obese or overweight? By using fitness trackers to monitor your dog’s activity, you can gain valuable insights about your furry companion and enhance their overall well-being.

You might be wondering, “Does my dog REALLY need a fitness tracker? Is there a Fitbit equivalent for dogs?”   Let me start with the first question- no, Fido doesn’t technically need one, at least in the sense of “basic dog essentials to buy right away.” The better question may be, “Is it worth it to buy a fitness tracker for my dog?” For that, the answer is absolutely, at least for me. Knowing about your dog’s activity and nutrition can be a lifesaver, literally.

As for the second question, yes, there are actually a bunch of Fitbit equivalents for your furry friends. The next big question is which one to go with! To help you out with that, we compiled a list of best dog activity monitors in 2024. Keep reading to check them out, starting with a quick peek at our top three favorites below.

Best Dog Fitness Trackers a.k.a. Fitbits in 2024

Our team did extensive research and tested over 15 different dog fitness trackers brands and narrowed down the list to the best of the bunch! From simple “I just want to track my dog’s activity and nothing else” to “I want something that does just about everything except actually walk your dog for you” collars, there’s something for everyone below.

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1. Halo Collar 3 GPS Dog Fence

Halo Collar 3 GPS Wireless Dog Fence

You may be wondering how a GPS tracking collar earns the top spot as a dog activity monitor. Well, as I’ve mentioned many times before, the Halo Collar 3 isn’t just a GPS tracker or invisible fence. It’s also a training collar AND a dog fitness tracker ALL IN ONE.

Yes, it’s pricier than a lot of the other options on this list, but it’s literally the only smart collar you’ll ever need.

  • Want to keep Fido contained safely in your yard? No problem! Use the Halo Collar’s invisible fence features.
  • Need to find your lost dog? Halo Collar does that, too, with its AI-driven GPS tracking.
  • Want to train your pooch to sit, stay and come on command? You can use the Halo App for that! It sends positive reinforcement feedback directly to the collar where Fido can hear it, even if he’s across the yard.
  • Need to call him back from all the way across the yard without shouting? Use the Whistle command in the app!

Seriously, the Halo Collar can do just about anything you can imagine a smart collar doing. But we’re not talking about all of those things today, are we? We’re talking about dog fitness trackers. So, let’s see why it earned top spot for that feature. Check out the screenshots below from Nicole’s Halo 3 Collar review.

As you can see on the first screenshot, the Halo App shows how long and how far your dog walked while wearing the collar. During the testing phase, Nicole only used the collar on Freya when they were out walking together so that she could later check the accuracy of the Halo app.  It was actually more accurate than her health app on her phone.

The collar also tracks how much time your dog spends resting (vs being active) and the amount of time spent in the “safe areas.” Daily activity charts show you

Halo’s built-in dog activity tracker shows what your dog is up to any time of day. Daily activity charts will show you how much time each day your dog has spent in safe areas, on walks, active vs. resting, and more.

2024 Best GPS Dog Fence

Halo Collar 3 GPS Wireless Dog Fence

Marketed as the most accurate dog fence ever created, the Halo Collar 3 GPS Dog Fence allows users to create, edit and store unlimited-sized fences, starting at 30 x 30 feet, and is compatible with dogs weighing over 20 lbs. While the invisible fence features help prevent dogs from leaving the yard in the first place, the almost-pin-point accurate GPS tracking features help owners find lost dogs quickly. Last, but far from least, the Halo Collar also has amazing dog training features AND acts as an activity monitor.

Top Features: 

  • 24-hour battery life 
  • PrecisionGPS™
  • Active GPS Antenna
  • Real-time tracking
  • All-carrier cellular coverage worldwide. 

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Halo Collar 3 GPS Wireless Dog Fence

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2. Fi Dog Activity Tracker Collar

Fi Smart Dog Collar Series 3

Fi smart collar for tracking your dog’s activity is our “runner up” pick, and also the best “budget” pick.  Beyond its stellar app, which provides comprehensive activity stats for your dog, there are several standout features that place it second only to the Halo collar.

First, with the Fi collar, you can set daily fitness goals for your pooch and monitor various stats such as steps, calories burned, and heart rate. 

Fi doesn’t just monitor your dog’s activity,  it also monitors Fido when he’s at rest. It alerts you to any changes in your pup’s sleeping patterns, offering valuable insights into their overall well-being. As with humans, sleep quality says a lot about your dog’s overall health. 

Additionally, you can compare your dog’s activity levels with others in your area, making it a popular choice as a dog pedometer. 

Last, but not least, Fi puts all of this together into a “Fi Strain Score” that helps you recognize healthy and unhealthy patterns so you can better balance activity, rest, and sleep for your dog breed’s needs. 

Like Halo, Fi isn’t just an activity monitor. It also serves as an excellent GPS collar. You can establish custom safe zones and receive instant notifications if your dog wanders off. It provides real-time location updates, detailing the distance in miles and steps between you and your pet.

Here are a few other standout features of the Fi Collar:

  • It’s chew-resistant and waterproof, making it exceptionally durable and versatile. 
  • Fi’s battery life is impressive, boasting up to three months between charges under normal usage.
  • Fairly priced compared to similar dog fitness trackers. 
  • Uses the LTE-M Network for optimal coverage throughout the United States.

To sum it up, the Fi dog collar combines advanced technology, durability, and affordability, making it an awesome choice for pet owners looking to track and enhance their dog’s fitness and well-being.

Fi Smart Dog Collar Series 3

The Fi Smart Collar offers Real-time Live GPS Tracking, allowing you to find your pup quickly. The 200% LTE signal lets you track in most remote areas and on hikes. Plus, it’s 50% lighter than other GPS dog trackers!

Fi Smart Dog Collar Series 3

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3. Tractive Dog GPS Collar & Activity Tracker (Standard and XL Model)

GPS Tracker for Dogs - Long Battery Life | Tractive

Both the standard and the XL model of the Tractive GPS Dog collar make excellent budget-friendly fitness trackers for dogs. I do think the XL is a better budget pick for large dogs, but honestly, they’re both excellent. 

As with Halo and Fi, Tractive acts as both a GPS tracker and activity monitor. Like Fi, it also has limited invisible fence features (although neither are nearly as robust as Halo in that department). 

In terms of fitness-tracking capabilities, Tractive has some really standout features (obviously, otherwise it wouldn’t be on this list, right?).

Stats of dogs activity on Tractive app

First, the activity monitoring feature helps you make sure your dog get enough exercise by showing you how long and how often he’s active throughout the day. 

Like Fi, Tractive also has a sleep-tracking feature so you can monitor how much (and how well) your dog sleeps each night.

One of my favorite features, though, is how Tractive monitors all of this for you and sends you health alert emails when it detects changes in activity and/or sleep. 

I also like that, as with Fi,  I can compare my dog’s activity with other dogs. This way, I can get an overview of the trends and normal routines of similar breeds. If you are competitive, there is also a feature wherein you can see the ranks among the other dogs in your area or even worldwide. You can also challenge your friends to outdo your dog’s performance.

When it comes to design, the Tractive tracker is made to be adventure-proof and 100% waterproof. 

GPS Tracker for Dogs – Long Battery Life | Tractive

Designed for pups over 40 lbs., the Tractive XL takes everything you love about the original Tractive GPS dog tracker and scales it up for our BIG dogs! In addition to the larger size, it also features a longer battery life (up to one month on a single charge).

GPS Tracker for Dogs - Long Battery Life | Tractive

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4. FitBark 2 Dog Activity Fitness Tracker & Monitor: Best Fitness-Tracker-Only Pick

FitBark 2 Dog Activity Monitor | Health & Fitness Tracker for Dogs

If you JUST want a dog fitness tracker and don’t really need or want all of the other bells and whistles, the  FitBark 2 is an amazing way to go. They also have a FitBark GPS model, but it requires a subscription just to activate. At that point, you might as well go with a true GPS dog collar. So, let’s just stick with the FitBark 2 here. 

Given that the FitBark is literally ALL ABOUT dog fitness and activity tracking, you’d expect it to have some pretty robust features in that department, right? Thankfully, it delivers on that expectation. I would say it’s very similar to FitBit but designed specifically for dogs. You can tell by its name!

The FitBark 2 tracks everything you could need or want to know about your dog’s daily activities, including:

  • Monitoring health, sleep and behavior 24/7 
  • Monitoring mobility, anxiety and even skin conditions
  • Comparing health with that of similar dogs
  • Getting all of your dogs AND humans on one family dashboard

Let’s talk about that last feature because it’s fairly unique compared to other dog activity monitors. The FitBark 2 can link up with your own human tracker, and even with your Apple Watch. 

Additionally, you can easily share your dog’s data with your vet, trainer, or other family members so you can work together to monitor your dog’s health. The pièce de résistance, though, is that you can access all of this information either through the app OR through the dashboard on the FitBark website

Design-wise, while it may look a bit on the bulky side, the Fitbark is actually pretty lightweight at just 10 grams. It’s tiny enough to fit dogs as small as 3 lbs, meaning you could even use it on a teacup poodle (they weigh 6 lbs on average). Heck, I’ve had KITTENS that were bigger than that. If you’re curious, technically yes, you can use it as a cat tracker, but according to FitBark, “…you won’t find much in terms of comparative norms and baselines”.

FitBark 2 Dog Activity Monitor | Health & Fitness Tracker for Dogs

Monitor activity, sleep quality, distance, calorie balance and overall health & behavior 24/7. Set ideal goals vs. breed, age & weight peers .Catch early signs of discomfort or disease. Monitor mobility, anxiety and skin conditions through changes in the FitBark Health Index and Sleep Score.

FitBark 2 Dog Activity Monitor | Health & Fitness Tracker for Dogs

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5. PitPat Dog Activity and Fitness Monitor

PitPat Dog Activity and Fitness Monitor

First, I just want to mention something important about PitPat before we get into the features. While its fitness-tracking capabilities are designed to work anywhere in the world, PitPat’s online features are geared more towards Europeans. 

Like the FitBark, the PitPat is JUST an activity monitor (versus an all-in-one like the Halo Collar 3). So all of its focus goes into doing that one thing, and it does do it pretty well!

All of the magic happens in the free app (which works on all iOS and Android devices). Start by setting up Fido’s profile (there are over 200 breeds to choose from), assessing his body condition and setting an “ideal weight” goal (if necessary), then track your progress towards it. 

Each day, you’ll get a personal exercise recommendation and/goal. If you meet that goal, you’ll get a star! Yeah, I know, your dog doesn’t care about gold stars. But it’s still fun for you!

Along with the star for following the daily exercise recommendation, you and your dog can also earn fun badges for streaks, accumulated distance, and more. 

Throughout the day you can also see how far your dog traveled, how much walking, running or playing he does, and how even how many calories he burned along the way. 

Here are a few of PitPat’s other impressive features:

  • Fully-waterproof and dog-tough design.
  • Small and lightweight enough to fit all breeds.  
  • Fits any collar or harness. 
  • Long battery life. Uses a replaceable CR2032 battery that lasts at least one year. 
  • No subscription required.
  • Track multiple dogs in one app, and share the data with other family members.

PitPat Dog Activity and Fitness Monitor

The PitPat accurately measures and displays daily dog exercise and rest, distance and calories burned. Get personal breed-specific recommendations. Set and track goals. Win fun achievement badges.

PitPat Dog Activity and Fitness Monitor

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6. Whistle Switch GPS + Health + Fitness – Smart Dog Collar

Whistle GPS + Health + Fitness - Smart Dog Collar

The Whistle Switch Smart Collar does everything that you loved about the Whistle Go plus adds GPS tracking into the mix. It’s a good middle-ground option for those who want something that focuses a bit more on the activity side of things than Tractive, but isn’t quite as robust as the Halo Collar. 

Whistle makes it easy to create a unique fitness plan for your dog. It does just about everything that the FitBark does, including tracking distance traveled, time spent being active, and more. You can also create a unique fitness plan tailored towards your dog’s age, weight, and breed. 

The really cool thing about Whistle, though, is how detailed it gets not just with exercise activities (walking, running, etc), but with so many other things as well. For example, it’ll tell you how often Fido scratched or licked himself, how much he drank throughout the day, and how well he slept. If Whistle spots a potential issue, you’ll get an alert. 

The Pantry feature is also pretty neat! Just add your dog’s everyday foods to it and it’ll help you understand how their diet (and any changes to it) affect their health and weight. 

The biggest drawback, though, is that you need a subscription to use the Whistle Switch Smart Collar. 

Other features include:

  • GPS tracking with Find My Pet mode to help you find your lost dog quickly
  • Powered by AT&T’s 4G LTE-M network
  • Some invisible fence capabilities (think more like Fi and Tractive than Halo) that allow you to set boundaries for your dog

Oh, and for iOS users, the Whistle app comes with an extra unique and intriguing feature called PoopScan. And yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. It uses AI to analyze your pet’s stool health, then allows you to add this insight to daily check-ins so you can track changes.

Whistle GPS + Health + Fitness – Smart Dog Collar

Catch potential health issues with this intelligent dog collar such as increased scratching, indicating skin infections or allergies and increased licking, indicating joint pain, skin irritations, or high stress levels

Whistle GPS + Health + Fitness - Smart Dog Collar

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7. PETFON Dog GPS Tracker With Dog Activity Monitor

Petfon Smart Pet GPS Tracker II

This subscription-free dog GPS tracker and activity monitor boasts a battery life lasting from 8 to 16 hours, perfect for active dogs who spend extended periods on the move.

It can track your dog’s activity up to 3.5 miles and log their progress in the device’s fitness diary. Planning a nighttime jog with your furry companion? No problem! Its activated night light ensures visibility even after sunset, promoting your dog’s fitness round the clock. The only downside to that, though, is that you’ll need to charge up the battery before your adventure.

Compact and lightweight, the PETFON tracker won’t hinder your dog’s movements, whether they’re playing vigorously with kids or embarking on a long trek across rough terrain.

In terms of health promotion, this device is not just a tracker but also a waterproof dog activity monitor, enabling your canine companion to enjoy active play even on rainy days.

Furthermore, prioritizing both fitness and safety, this dog Fitbit includes a safety fence feature. This allows you to monitor your dog’s movements and ensure they stay within a predefined safe area. By defining boundaries, you can rest assured that your dog can exercise freely without the risk of encountering potential dangers.

All of that said, I do feel like the options above do a better job over all.

Petfon Smart Pet GPS Tracker II

The rain-proof, dirt-resistant tracker features anti-lost radar searching, a pet activity monitor and mobile app control. The tracking ranges are up to 0.65 miles in dense spaces and approximately 3.5 miles in an open environment. Plus, there’s no monthly fee and no SIM card to worry about. 

Petfon Smart Pet GPS Tracker II

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FAQs About Dog Activity Monitors

Let’s finish things off with a few common questions about fitness trackers and activity monitors for dogs. 

Will a Fitbit Work On A Dog? 

Yes and no. While you can use a Fitbit on a dog, these devices are designed and calibrated specifically for humans. So they may not accurately track your pet’s activity levels or provide any real meaningful data. It’s recommended to choose a dog-specific fitness tracker for reliable results.

Why should I invest in a dog fitness tracker?

A dog fitness tracker provides valuable insights into your pet’s health and well-being, helping you ensure they get enough exercise, monitor their sleep quality, and detect any potential health issues early on.

What features should I look for in a good activity monitor for my dog?

At the very least, look for features such as activity monitoring, sleep tracking, waterproof design, long battery life, health alerts, and compatibility with your smartphone or other devices. If you’re going for a fitness-tracking collar, consider  

Are dog fitness trackers safe for my pet to wear?

Yes, most dog fitness trackers are designed with pet safety in mind, using lightweight, durable materials that are comfortable for your dog to wear. However, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and ensure the device fits properly to prevent any discomfort or injury.

Do dog fitness trackers require a monthly subscription?

Some dog fitness trackers may offer additional features or services that require a subscription, such as premium app features or advanced tracking capabilities. However, many basic fitness trackers offer free access to essential features without any recurring fees.

How do I set up and use a dog fitness tracker?

Setting up a dog fitness tracker typically involves downloading the companion app, creating a user profile for your pet, syncing the device with your smartphone or computer, and following any on-screen instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Can I track multiple dogs with one fitness tracker?

Some dog fitness trackers offer the ability to track multiple pets within the same app or account, while others may require separate devices for each dog. Check the specifications of the tracker you’re interested in to see if it supports multi-pet tracking.

Conclusion

A dog fitness tracker is a very helpful tool and fun addition to our canine companions’ gear. Activity monitors like these mentioned above may even help prevent complications by keeping you informed of Fido’s daily health and well-being. So, back to one of our original questions. Is it worth it to get a dog FitBit? In my opinion, absolutely!

  • Mark Braeden

    Mark is a Boston University graduate and former electrical engineer. In 2017, he decided to combine his tech knowledge with his love for dogs. He spent a year familiarizing himself with the latest GPS tracking collars, invisible fences, and other hot pet gadgets before he wrote his first product review. After selling Technobark, Mark remained a writer and consultant but spends more time on his other passion now: raising and training his growing family of dogs.

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