Our beloved pets bring endless joy and unconditional love into our lives. But did you know they can also be fitness buddies? Pet activity trackers are becoming increasingly popular, offering a fun and informative way to monitor your pet’s health and activity levels.
Whether you have a playful pup, a curious cat, or an adventurous bird, there’s a pet activity tracker out there to fit their needs. This article dives into the 10 best pet activity trackers of 2024, helping you choose the perfect tool to unleash the fitness fanatic in your furry (or feathery) friend!
Picking the Purrfect (or PAWsome) Tracker:
Before diving into specific trackers, let’s explore some key factors to consider when making your choice:
- Pet Type: Trackers are designed for different species. Some cater specifically to dogs, while others work for cats or even birds!
- Features: Do you simply want to track steps, or are you interested in more advanced features like sleep monitoring, GPS tracking, or calorie burn estimation?
- Subscription Fees: Some trackers require a monthly subscription for access to all features. Consider your budget and the value you get for the price.
- Durability and Comfort: Make sure the tracker is comfortable and secure for your pet to wear. Consider your pet’s lifestyle and choose a tracker that can withstand their daily adventures.
- Battery Life: Nobody wants a dead tracker! Look for options with long battery life to avoid frequent charging.
Also Read: 10 Eco-Friendly Pet Products to Keep Your Furry Friend Happy and the Planet Healthy
Top 10 Pet Activity Trackers for 2024:
Now, let’s explore the top contenders in the pet activity tracker arena!
Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar: 
- Best Overall for Dogs:
- Features: GPS tracking, activity tracking (steps, distance, calories burned), virtual fence alerts, LED light for nighttime visibility, subscription required for some features (https://tryfi.com/)
|
Pros |
Cons |
| Durable, waterproof, long battery life (up to 3 months), comprehensive activity tracking, peace of mind with GPS tracking. | Subscription required for some features, might be bulky for smaller dogs. |
Tractive Dog XL:
- Best Budget Dog Tracker:
- Features: Live GPS tracking, activity tracking (distance, duration), virtual fence alerts, lightweight design, no monthly subscription required (https://tractive.com/en/pd/gps-tracker-dog)
|
Pros |
Cons |
| Affordable price, live GPS tracking, lightweight and comfortable for all dog sizes, no subscription required. | Shorter battery life (up to 7 days) compared to some competitors, fewer activity tracking features. |
Whistle Go Explore 2.0: 
- Best for Dog Health Monitoring:
- Features: GPS tracking, activity tracking (steps, distance, calories burned), sleep monitoring, vet telehealth consultations (subscription required), waterproof, built-in LED light (https://www.whistle.com/)
|
Pros |
Cons |
| Tracks activity and sleep, offers vet telehealth consultations for added peace of mind, durable and waterproof. | Subscription required for full features, might be pricier than some options. |
Link Smart Pet Wearable:
- Best for Dog Training:
- Features: Activity tracking (steps, distance, calories burned), virtual fence alerts, remote training capabilities (beep, vibrate), waterproof, long battery life (up to 3 months) (https://www.linkmypet.com/)
|
Pros |
Cons |
| Combines activity tracking with remote training features, long battery life, waterproof design. | No GPS tracking, might be pricier than some basic trackers. |
PitPat 3: 
- Best for Cats:
- Features: Activity tracking (steps, distance, calories burned), sleep monitoring, jump counter, lightweight design, comfortable for cats (https://www.pitpat.com/)
|
Pros |
Cons |
| Specifically designed for cats, lightweight and comfortable, tracks activity and sleep, fun jump counter feature. | No GPS tracking, limited features compared to some dog trackers. |
Tractive GPS Cat Tracker: 
- Best Budget Cat Tracker:
- Features: Live GPS tracking, activity tracking (distance, duration), virtual fence alerts, lightweight design, no monthly subscription required (https://tractive.com/en/pd/gps-tracker-cat)
|
Pros |
Cons |
| Affordable price, live GPS tracking for added peace of mind with indoor/outdoor cats, lightweight and comfortable for cats, no subscription required. | Shorter battery life (up to 7 days) compared to some competitors, fewer activity tracking features. |
Taka Tiny Activity Tracker:
- Best for Small Dogs and Cats:
- Features: Activity tracking (steps, distance, calories burned), sleep monitoring, waterproof, lightweight design for smaller pets ([invalid URL removed])
|
Pros |
Cons |
| Tiny and lightweight design perfect for small dogs and cats, waterproof for all-weather adventures, tracks activity and sleep. | No GPS tracking, limited features compared to some trackers |
Garmin Approach Vöguarde Dog Collar:
- Best for Off-Grid Exploration with Dogs:
- Features: GPS tracking with long-range capabilities (up to 4 miles with a compatible Garmin GPS device), activity tracking (steps, distance, calories burned), rugged and waterproof design, subscription required for some features
|
Pros |
Cons |
| Excellent GPS tracking range for off-grid adventures, rugged design for tough terrain, tracks activity and sleep. | Subscription required for full features, pricier than some options, bulky design might not be suitable for all dogs. |
Petfon T1 Smart Bird Feeder with Camera:
- Best for Birds:
- Features: Tracks food intake, activity monitoring (wing flaps), built-in camera for watching your bird, automatic feeder dispenses food as needed, connects to a smartphone app
|
Pros |
Cons |
| Unique option for birds, tracks food intake and activity, built-in camera for entertainment and monitoring, automatic feeder ensures your feathered friend is always fed. | Limited availability compared to dog and cat trackers, pricier option. |
PetPace Collar:
- Best for Veterinary Monitoring:
- Features: Advanced health monitoring (heart rate, respiration rate, activity, sleep), alerts for potential health issues, veterinarian consultations available through the app (subscription required), waterproof design (https://www.petpace.com/)
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Provides in-depth health monitoring for dogs, alerts for potential health concerns, allows for consultations with veterinarians through the app. |
Subscription required for full features, pricier than most trackers, requires veterinary approval for purchase. |
Beyond the Tracker: Fun and Fitness with Your Pet!
Remember, a pet activity tracker is a great tool, but it shouldn’t replace quality time and interaction with your furry (or feathery) friend! Here are some tips to create a fun and active lifestyle for both of you:
- Go for Daily Walks or Playtime: Regular exercise is crucial for your pet’s physical and mental health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of daily activity, adjusted to your pet’s age and breed.
- Engage in Interactive Play: Games like fetch, tug-of-war, or puzzle toys provide mental stimulation and strengthen the bond between you and your pet.
- Explore the Outdoors: Hiking, swimming (for dogs who love water!), or simply exploring your backyard can be enriching adventures for both you and your pet.
- Healthy Treats and Rewards: Positive reinforcement with healthy treats is a great way to motivate your pet during playtime or training sessions.
By combining a pet activity tracker with a healthy and active lifestyle, you can create a happy and healthy life for your beloved companion!
10 Best Pet Activity Trackers for 2024: FAQs
Choosing the right pet activity tracker can be overwhelming. This FAQ section addresses some common questions to help you make an informed decision:
- Are pet activity trackers safe for my pet?
Most pet activity trackers are safe for healthy pets. They typically use lightweight materials and low-powered Bluetooth technology. However, if your pet has any skin sensitivities or medical conditions, consult your veterinarian before using a tracker.
- Do all pet activity trackers require a subscription?
No, not all trackers require a subscription. Some basic trackers offer features like step counting and distance tracking without a monthly fee. However, trackers with advanced functionalities like GPS tracking, virtual fences, or vet consultations often require a subscription for full access.
- What is a virtual fence, and how does it work?
A virtual fence is a feature offered by some pet activity trackers. You can set a perimeter around a designated area using the tracker’s app. If your pet crosses the virtual fence boundary, you’ll receive an alert, notifying you that your pet might have wandered off. This can be a helpful safety feature for pets who are prone to escaping.
- My pet is a little escape artist. Which tracker offers the best GPS tracking?
Several trackers on this list offer reliable GPS tracking. The Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar and the Tractive Dog XL are both good options with live GPS tracking and virtual fence functionality. For off-grid adventures, the Garmin Approach Vöguarde Dog Collar boasts an impressive long-range tracking capability.
- I’m on a budget. Are there any affordable pet activity trackers?
Absolutely! The Tractive Dog XL and Tractive GPS Cat Tracker are both budget-friendly options that offer basic GPS tracking and activity monitoring without a subscription fee. The PitPat 3 is another affordable option specifically designed for cats.
- My pet is tiny! Will any of these trackers be too bulky?
Yes, some trackers might be bulky for smaller pets like cats or toy dog breeds. The Taka Tiny Activity Tracker and the PitPat 3 are both lightweight and comfortable options designed for smaller furry friends.
- I’m worried about my pet’s health. Is there a tracker that can monitor health vitals?
The PetPace Collar is a unique option that provides advanced health monitoring for dogs. It tracks heart rate, respiration rate, activity, and sleep, and even sends alerts for potential health concerns. However, it requires veterinary approval for purchase and has a higher price point than most trackers.
- My bird deserves some fitness fun too! Are there any trackers for birds?
There aren’t many pet activity trackers specifically designed for birds yet. However, the Petfon T1 Smart Bird Feeder with Camera is a unique option that tracks your bird’s food intake and activity (wing flaps). It even has a built-in camera for entertainment and monitoring.
- What if my pet loses their tracker?
Most pet activity trackers are water-resistant or waterproof, but losing them can still happen. Some trackers have built-in “find my device” features within their apps to help you locate them. Consider attaching a small ID tag with your contact information to the tracker for an extra layer of security in case it gets lost.
- This is all very interesting, but where can I learn more about pet health and fitness?
There are many resources available online and at your local library. The American Kennel Club (https://www.akc.org/) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (https://www.avma.org/) are reputable sources for pet health information. You can also consult your veterinarian for personalized advice on keeping your pet healthy and active.
