The Best Dog Activity Monitor of 2023 (Health, Activity, & Location Tracking)

Written by Dave Miller

Dog collars are no longer for vaccine tags or fashion accessories. Today’s best smart dog collars provide the location of your dog, activity level, and health information. Some of the new collars have an activity level feature that can monitor a dog’s health statistics. Depending on the brand you buy, some smart collars have the capacity to upload your dog’s health information to your veterinarian. Activity monitors for dogs are among the most effective ways for pet parents to ensure their dogs are healthy and happy.

A dog’s good health is a priority for pet parents. In the past, it was difficult to determine a diagnosis for your dog without some trial and error. When you buy a dog activity monitor you have a wealth of resources about your pup. You can work with your veterinarian more effectively to get the issue resolved before it becomes serious.

The Best Dog Activity Monitor of 2022

Our Favorite: Whistle Fit Smart Device 

Pet parents shopping for a collar to monitor their dog’s health should consider the Whistle Fit Smart Device. The Whistle Fit has products for every size dog, from toys to large breeds. The device is ideal for the dog owner who wants access to tele-vet services when your vet isn’t available. The Whistle Fit Smart Device is excellent for monitoring your pup’s health. The device features IPX8 technology that allows it to work when your dog is in the water. 

The 24/7 health monitoring system keeps track of all your dog’s activities, including sleep patterns, your dog’s movements, and how many calories are burned. The multiple caretaker feature complements the data you save. The Whistle Fit Smart Device isn’t for GPS tracking. The system is designed to monitor your dog’s activity level and keep track of health information [1]. The subscription for the monitoring system may be paid monthly, annually, or for two years.

Monitors A Dog’s Activity Minute-By-Minute: Fitbark 2 Dog Activity Monitor

One of the Fitbark 2 Activity Monitor features is that it’s much smaller than similar devices so that dogs can wear it indefinitely. However, the product manufacturer suggests putting the device on a soft collar for the most comfort. Due to the small size of the monitor, pet parents can easily monitor their pup’s sleep patterns, activity levels, and health data. 

The Fitbark 2 is an excellent way to monitor your dog’s recovery after undergoing surgery. The Fitbark 2 works with free apps on Android and iPhone and is compatible with Apple Watch and Fitbit. Fitbark 2 is sturdy, waterproof, and has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to six months. If you want a product that provides monitoring and location tracking, the collar may not be your best choice. The collar doesn’t have GPS. However, Fitbark 2 includes information about your dog’s play activity, sleep patterns, and health statistics.

Fitness and Location Monitoring: Fi Series 2 Smart Dog Collar

The Fi Series 2 Smart Dog Collar allows owners of small dogs to monitor daily activity and sleeping patterns and alerts to possible health problems. Many of the location and activity monitors on the market are designed for medium to large breed dogs. The Fi Series 2 Smart Dog Collar is unique since it’s designed especially for small breed dogs. 

The Fi Series 2 GPS Tracker Smart Dog Collar is designed to show your dog’s location and send out alerts if your dog leaves the boundaries you preset, putting it on the list of the best GPS dog fence systems. You don’t have to worry about your pup’s activity level. The system is designed for accurate monitoring. The battery for the collar is rechargeable. One of the best features of the collar is that owners don’t have to charge the battery each day. The fully charged battery can last up to three months. The Fi Series 2 Smart Dog Collar has an app that requires a subscription after the first month.

Perfect For Small Dogs and Puppies: PitPat Dog Activity and Fitness Monitor

When you hear the pitter-patter of tiny paws, you know your puppy is happy and healthy. The PitPat dog Activity and Fitness Monitor allows pet parents to monitor all their pup’s activities. One issue that some customers have complained about is the issue of overage on mileage. However, the app that’s provided with the PitPat offers ways to address the problem. The PitPat app is free of charge and provides information about your pup’s activities during the day and sleep habits at night. The device is so tiny that it’s perfect for small dogs and puppies of all sizes. The monitor is easily attached to your dog’s collar with a velcro strap. The PitPat is waterproof, even when your dog goes for a swim.

Best Activity and Location Monitor For Large Dogs: Whistle GO Explore

The Whistle Go Explore Smart Device works for pet parents who want to monitor their dog’s health. The Whistle Go also works as a location tracking device—it’s one of the best dog GPS tracker collars out there. The whistle GO Explore is specifically designed for medium to large-sized breed dogs that weigh 25 pounds or more. The Whistle Go Explore comes with two collars that owners can switch depending on the features they want to use. 

Health monitoring on the device is proactive. Pet parents can get information about potential health issues before they become severe conditions. The Whistle GO Explore Collar can be customized for your dog’s age, breed, and size. Part of the subscription service includes Tele-Vet to access a veterinarian at any time, 24/7. The subscription service is on a trial basis. Owners must upgrade their service when the trial is over to have continued access to a veterinarian.

Best Monitor For Dogs Five Months and Older: Halo Collar

The Halo Collar may be the ideal product for the pet owner that wants activity level, location information, and training all in one device. Halo is a smart collar, not a device that attaches to a dog’s collar. The collar must be taken off at night when your dog is in the house. It’s recommended that owners only use the Halo Collar for a few hours at a time. The collar may not be the best choice if you want to monitor your dog at all times. 

One of the best features of the Halo Collar is that it allows owners to create as many as twenty virtual fences. No digging up your yard or underground wiring is needed. Like many of the best wireless dog fences today, the virtual system makes it safer for your dog than wire fencing. If your dog is one that loves to roam the neighborhood the location finder lets you locate him easily. Cellular service isn’t a requirement for the Halo Collar. Satellite technology provides you with information about your dog. When satellite information isn’t available Halo uses the AT&T network. You may download the app that’s available for the Halo Collar from the Apple or Google stores.

>> Check out our in-depth Halo Collar Review <<

Activity, GPS, and Training in One: Wagz Freedom Smart Dog Collar 

When pet owners shop for an activity monitor what most want is a system that offers GPS and activity monitoring. The Wagz Freedom Smart Dog Collar offers both features with training capabilities. You can train your dog at home without going to training classes. The Wagz collar isn’t a shock collar. Your dog receives corrections through humane vibrations or the ultrasonic feature.

The Wagz Collar allows pet parents to set up virtual perimeters to keep dogs contained within a set area. If your dog manages to leave the area, you get an alert to get him back to a safe place. One of Wag’s unique features is that owners can create a virtual leash. Your dog can walk safely beside you without being leashed. The virtual leash feature can be set up anywhere, whether you’re at home or at work. 

Some owners of the Wagz Freedom Smart Dog Collar have complaints about the accuracy of the GPS which could cause problems. Monitoring your dog is dependent on GPS accuracy. A GPS that’s not accurate could cause the collar to malfunction. Many different issues can affect GPS capability, including trees, buildings, or adverse weather conditions. Since the collar is expensive it’s recommended to buy the all-in-one product rather than purchasing features separately.  

>> Check out our in-depth Wagz Smart Dog Collar Review <<

The Link Concierge is the Rated as the Best Amenity: The Link 

Many dog activity monitors have features including GPS tracking, training collars, and systems to monitor a dog’s health. The unique feature that no other activity monitor offers is The Link Concierge. This feature sets the monitor apart from other products. Concierge is the app that helps pet parents find their lost dog. Concierge is the only device on a dog activity monitor that assists dog owners in finding pet-friendly businesses. The critical thing to remember is to make sure the device is detachable and must be secure on your pup’s collar.

How Does a Dog Activity Tracker Work?

Advanced technology has made it easier for pet parents to keep track of their dog’s activity and whereabouts. Activity monitors make it easy to track your dog’s daily activities, naptime, and sleep patterns. Many are designed to monitor your dog’s health and transmit the information to your veterinarian. Activity trackers with virtual perimeters keep dogs confined in a specific area.  

Dog activity monitors use cellular, GPS, or radio technology. Cellular-based monitors use cell towers o ping your dog’s location. Cellular technology is accurate within a few blocks. However, if your dog is in a location with sporadic cell coverage or no clear link to a satellite, the dog will be hard to track. GPS-based monitors use satellites to locate your lost pup in real-time and send the information to a website or app. Radio-enabled trackers rely on radio frequencies to find lost pets. They don’t rely on cell towers and are accurate to within an inch. Radio trackers work well in remote or thickly wooded areas. You don’t get exact coordinates like GPS. Radio trackers are bulky and are usually used with hunting dogs. 

Are Activity Trackers Safe For Dogs?

Activity trackers aren’t harmful and don’t pose any short or long-term health risks to dogs. However, it is essential to make sure you choose a tracking device that’s suitable for your dog’s size. Some pet owners have concerns about EMF radiation. The most common sources of EMFs are phones, computers, fluorescent lights, and WiFi routers. Everyone is exposed to most of these devices each day. The FCC regulates the levels of radiation devices emit. Dog activity trackers don’t emit levels any higher than tablets or smartphones. Pet tracking devices must comply with the same regulations as devices used by humans. 

Features To Look For in a Dog Activity Monitor

Dog activity monitors are available with different features. The best way to choose the monitor that’s right for your pup is to compare brands. Location tracking and health monitoring are two features many pet parents want in a monitor. Here are some of the features of the top dog activity monitors including, health, safety, fitness, and care.

Smart collars should be suitable for dogs of all sizes and breeds. Extended battery life is essential for dogs and owners who spend a lot of time outdoors. The device should be waterproof if your dog loves the water. Owners that want to monitor their dog’s health can opt for a device that monitors a dog’s habits including sleeping, licking scratching, and how much water he consumes. Weekly and monthly status reports are available with some devices.

For your dog’s safety, a location tracker with GPS using Google maps and the AT&T network can help to keep your pup safe. Some GPS tracking devices feature location tracking, escape alerts, and an app with a night light. It’s essential for owners with active lifestyles to have a form of dog fitness tracker. Monitors may provide information on recommended activity levels for dogs based on age, breed, size, and weight. You may also be able to track how many calories are burned, the distance traveled, and the minutes your dog is active [2]. If you have multiple pets it’s easier to manage all of them with one app. The apps should allow for multiple pets and caregivers.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the best tracker for a dog?

The best tracker for a dog is the Whistle Fit Smart Device. Whistle fit has devices suitable for all sized dogs and breeds from toys to large breeds. The health monitor keeps track of all your pup’s activities including movements and activities, the number of calories burned, and sleep patterns. The system can keep track of your dog’s health information. An excellent feature of the Whistle Fit Smart Device is its compatibility with tele-vet. You can talk to a vet anytime that your veterinarian isn’t available. The tracker features IPX8 technology so it works even if your pup goes for a swim.

Is there such a thing as a dog Fitbit?

Dog Fitbits are designed to monitor a dog’s daily activity and health. These devices are an excellent way to ensure your pup is in good health. Dog Fitbits are wireless devices that can attach to a dog’s collar to monitor a dog’s health statistics and activity level. The 24-hour-a-day updates to an app includes emergency alerts to an owner’s phone in the event of a medical emergency. These devices can keep track of your dog’s medical data for future trips to the vet. 

Can you attach a Fitbit to a dog?

You can attach a Fitbit to a dog. However, it’s not a good idea since the date won’t be accurate. Humans and canines are different species. The algorithms in a Fitbit are designed to monitor human activity and not a dog’s activity. When an active dog is running around in the yard, through the woods, or goes for a swim, the Fitbit will either fall off or stop working. Veterinarians need accurate health data for their patients. The most effective way to monitor your pup’s health is with a dog activity monitor.  

Are dog GPS trackers worth it?

Dog GPS trackers are definitely worth the price. With a GPS tracker, you know where your dog is at all times. Tracking is helpful when you use a pet sitter or dog walker, too. GPS trackers work well with dogs that are escape artists and are more effective than microchips. GPS trackers allow you to track your dog on your phone’s screen. If your dog gets frightened by thunderstorms or fireworks, a tracker can help you to locate your pup easily if they runoff. Another great feature of GPS trackers is they can monitor your dog’s activity level. You can track how much activity and rest time your dog gets each day.