Hunting the best dog fitness trackers of 2025? From no-fee clip-ons to GPS smart collars, here’s what actually works for real pups. Dog fitness trackers (also known as activity monitors) are essentially Fitbits for your pet. They attach to a collar, record steps, sleep and playtime and send that data to your phone. Many collars now combine GPS and activity tracking. If you want a clear comparison, check our AirTag vs GPS Dog Trackers, Which Is Best? guide. The market is crammed by 2025, from basic non GPS activity trackers to full GPS smart collars with life tracking. The question is which is best for your dog?
Key takeaways
- PitPat/FitBark: no-fee activity champs.
- Fi/Whistle: GPS + health, subscription needed.
- Pick waterproof builds that fit your dog.
- Battery life and app UX matter most.
Why Purchase a Dog Fitness Tracker?
Pet parents use trackers to do many of the same things people do with smartwatches:
- Measure steps, rest, and playtime.
- Identify health problems early (sudden activity drop).
- Encourage more exercise (set targets, earn badges).
- Share progress with veterinarians or even on social media.
Vet schools themselves use trackers for research, and an app like FitBark will compare your dog’s stats with thousands of other canines.
Key Features to Consider
GPS vs Non-GPS: GPS models do monitor escapes, but come with a monthly plan. Non-GPS (such as PitPat) Just logs activity no charges. Some trackers require monthly fees, but if you prefer devices with no ongoing costs, No‑Subscription Dog Trackers: 5 Smart Options is worth a look.
- Battery Life: Fi 3 battery should last 3 months; PitPat coin cells last months; others like Tractive require weekly charging.
- Size/Weight: Smaller pups require lightweight options (PitPat, FitBark 2). The Large GPS collars fit dogs only 20 lbs+.
- Waterproof: If your dog swims, search for IP67 rating or better.
- App Features: Some only display steps; others add health alerts, calories or even vet chat (Whistle).
- Network Coverage: Tractive works worldwide. Fi, Whistle, FitBark GPS are primarily U.S. based only.
Dog Fitness Trackers in 2025 Best Among The Best
Fi Series 3 Smart Collar (GPS + Activity) Best battery life: The Fi Series 3 Smart Collar is a terrific new collar that tracks your pet’s activity levels in addition to her location.
- Wi-Fi mode battery lasts up to 3 months.
- GPS l ive tracking (Submission Required- ~ $5.95 per month per unit).
- Built-in LED light.
- Great for active/adventure dogs.
- Whistle Go Explore (GPS + Activity) – The all-rounder
- ~6 weeks battery per charge.
- Monitors health symptoms (scratching, licking, eating).
- Vet chat included in premium plans.
- Requires subscription ($7.99–$12.99/mo).
FitBark GPS (GPS + Activity) – Monitor Behavior, Nutrition & Health, The Only Dog Health Monitor Suitable for All Breeds.MustCompileJseq5eNyM8) – Best for health insights
- Lightweight (16g).
- Used in 100+ vet schools.
- Battery: 3–5 weeks.
- U.S. only. Sub required (~$5.95/mo).
- PitPat 3 (Activity Only) – Best tracker (without a subscription)
- No monthly fees.
- Powered by replaceable coin cell battery (lasts for months).
- Fully waterproof and tiny (16g).
- Perfect for small breeds and bargain shoppers.
(2 Pack) Tractive GPS (GPS + Activity) Worldwide Dog Tracker IPX7 Waterproof and Swimproof with Up to 5 days Battery Life 3.9 out of 5 stars 674 $129.99 Prime
- Works worldwide.
- Real-time GPS with safe zones.
- Battery life: 5–7 days (up to 30 days in power-save mode).
- Subscription: €5–€7/month.
- Integrating Trackers into Daily Life
- Activity setting: App recommended daily activity upon breed/age.
- Track health: Look for rapid changes in activity or differences in behavior during sleep.
- Stay social: Share “badges” and stats with your doggy friends.
- Charging habits: I’m pushing a GPS model to weekly charges but a battery swap one gets charged more sporadically.
(Other contenders): Garmin produces higher-end dog collars (such as the Astro/Delta series) designed for hunters, which feature rudimentary activity tracking but are expensive. PetPace provides a “smart collar” with medical‑grade vitals (heart rate, temperature), primarily for subtle, ongoing health monitoring. These have niche applications (old or sick pets). For 2025, we concentrated on the popular, broadly reviewed models, above.
Comparing Features
| Tracker | GPS? | Subscription | Battery Life | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fi Series 3 | Yes | Yes ($5.95+) | Up to ~3 months | Longest battery; built-in LED light; Wi-Fi home base for saving power. |
| Whistle Go Explore | Yes | Yes ($7.99–$12.99) | ~6 weeks | Tracks activity + health (licking/scratching); durable; waterproof. |
| FitBark GPS | Yes | Yes ($5.95–$9.95) | ~3–5 weeks | Veterinary-grade data; tracks sleep, calories; lightweight (16g); limited to US coverage. |
| PitPat 3 | No | No | Replaceable battery (months) | Ultra-light (16g); no subscription; waterproof; daily step goals. |
| Tractive GO | Yes | Yes (~€6) | ~5–7 days (nominal) | Worldwide coverage; real-time GPS; moderate activity tracking; mobile app alerts. |
FAQs
Are they accurate?
Yes, they do rely on accelerometers and GPS. ” FWIW, when snowballed, I’d expect errors to be small if you are doing things right and trends to be reliable.
Can small dogs use them?
Yes. Toy breeds, such as the Chihuahauas can have a PitPat (16g) or the FitBark 2 ismartest for small as 6g. GPS collars such as Fi are more suitable for over 20 lbs of dogs.
Do they track sleep?
FitBark, Whistle and others thereby show sleep quality and rest times.
Are they waterproof?
Most are. FitBark is IP67; PitPat is waterproof; Whistle is swim-ready.
Do subscribers get the site for free?
GPS collars only (Fi, Whistle, Tractive, FitBark GPS). Activity-only trackers like PitPat are a one-time purchase.
Will my dog notice it?
Generally no. They’re designed lightweight and unobtrusive.
Final Thoughts
- The Fi 3 or Tractive GPS are top picks for dogs that love adventure.
- FitBark GPS or Whistle Go Explore are the best for health tracking.
At the budget end of the market, or if you have a small dog then PitPat 3 triumphs with no ongoing fees. Bottom line: Opt for GPS if safety and escape tracking are important, or non-GPS if you are simply after daily health and activity insights.
