Pet care has come a long way from annual vet visits and handwritten vaccination cards. In today’s tech-savvy world, innovation has reached our furry friends, making it easier than ever to monitor and manage their health and well-being. From smart collars to GPS-enabled trackers and real-time health alerts, wearable tech for pets is transforming how we understand and care for our animals.

Whether you’re a dedicated dog walker, a concerned cat parent, or simply someone who wants to stay ahead of your pet’s wellness, the rise of pet health monitors is a game-changer. These devices track activity, monitor behaviour and offer insights that once required a trip to the vet—helping to catch early warning signs and keep your pet healthier, for longer.

In this guide, we’ll explore the latest pet fitness trackers and gadgets making waves in the industry, along with how to choose the right one and what to expect from future innovations.

Why Use Pet Health Monitors?

Peace of Mind in Your Pocket

These days, our pets are part of the family—so it’s only natural to want more visibility into their health. Health monitors provide:

  • Real-time data on movement, rest, calories burned, and even vital signs
  • Early alerts for illness, injury, or unusual behaviour
  • Improved communication with vets by offering data-led health histories
  • Accountability for pet sitters, walkers, or daycare providers

The Human Parallel

Just as fitness trackers like Fitbits and Apple Watches help us stay on top of our wellness goals, pet fitness trackers give owners a window into their pet’s world—especially when they’re not around.

Key Features to Look for in Wearable Tech for Pets

Not all pet health gadgets are created equal. Here’s what to consider before buying:

1. Activity Tracking

  • Measures steps, playtime, rest, and overall movement
  • Some can differentiate between running, walking, and playing

A veterinarian scanning a tortoiseshell cat with a handheld device in a clinic.

2. Health Monitoring

  • Heart rate and respiratory tracking
  • Temperature monitoring
  • Sleep quality and restfulness

3. GPS and Geofencing

  • Real-time location tracking
  • Alerts if your pet leaves a designated area

4. Compatibility with Apps

  • Syncs with your phone for data review and sharing
  • Offers long-term trend analysis

5. Water Resistance and Durability

  • Especially important for dogs who swim or adventure outdoors
  • Battery life that lasts multiple days

Top Pet Health Monitors in 2024

1. FitBark GPS 2 (for Dogs)

Combining fitness tracking with GPS location, this sleek collar attachment monitors your dog’s activity, sleep, calories burned, and even anxiety levels.

Features:

  • Waterproof and lightweight
  • 24/7 activity and health tracking
  • GPS locator with geofence alerts
  • Links with human fitness trackers

Best for: Dog owners who want all-in-one fitness and safety coverage.

2. Whistle Health & GPS+

A well-rounded device that uses AI to track health trends and alert owners to changes such as excessive licking, scratching, or reduced movement.

Features:

  • Behavioural pattern recognition
  • Tele-vet access via the app
  • Health scoring system
  • GPS and cellular tracking

Best for: Dogs with chronic health issues or older pets.

3. Pawfit 3

Popular in the UK, this smart tracker combines real-time GPS, activity monitoring, and voice commands that you can play through the collar.

Features:

  • Live location tracking
  • Pet activity and calorie tracking
  • Tamper alerts
  • Works with iOS and Android

Best for: Pet parents who want a mix of training features and safety.

4. Tractive GPS Tracker (for Cats and Dogs)

Known for its ultra-precise GPS and affordability, Tractive offers reliable performance without breaking the bank.

Features:

  • GPS location updates every 2–3 seconds
  • Activity goals and sleep tracking
  • Escape alerts
  • Waterproof and lightweight

Best for: Multi-pet households looking for dependable location tracking.

5. PetPace Smart Collar

This advanced monitor is designed for medical-grade data collection and is often used by vets to manage pets with chronic illnesses.

Features:

  • Tracks temperature, heart rate, respiration, and posture
  • Sends abnormal health alerts
  • Cloud-based health reports
  • Subscription required for full data access

Best for: Pets with complex health needs or under veterinary supervision.

Benefits of Using Pet Fitness Trackers

A veterinarian scans a microchip on a fluffy, multicolored cat at a clinic.

1. Catch Health Issues Early

Subtle changes—like reduced activity or restless sleep—may indicate problems before they become visible. Early detection often leads to faster treatment and better outcomes.

2. Manage Weight and Fitness

Obesity is one of the biggest health challenges in domestic pets. Trackers help set daily exercise goals, measure calorie burn, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

3. Monitor Age-Related Changes

Older pets can develop joint pain, cognitive decline, or behavioural issues. A fitness tracker helps you understand what’s changing and when to act.

4. Improve Communication with Your Vet

With precise, recorded data on your pet’s activity and behaviour, you can give your vet a clearer picture, improving diagnosis and treatment.

How to Choose the Right Health Monitor for Your Pet

Consider Your Pet’s Size and Activity Level

  • Small pets need lightweight, unobtrusive devices
  • Active pets need rugged, waterproof designs
  • Elderly or health-challenged pets benefit most from medical-grade features

Think About Your Goals

  • Is your priority safety (GPS)?
  • Is it health data (sleep, heart rate)?
  • Is it fitness and weight management?

Pick a device that matches your main goal.

Check Battery Life and Subscription Costs

Some devices require a monthly fee for GPS or cloud-based analytics. Be sure to budget accordingly and choose a battery life that suits your schedule.

Evaluate App Features

Look for user-friendly apps with:

  • Easy navigation
  • Custom alerts
  • Data export options
  • Integration with other apps (e.g., Apple Health, Google Fit)

The Future of Pet Health Tech

The field of wearable tech for pets is rapidly evolving. Coming innovations include:

  • Smart feeders that adjust food portions based on activity levels
  • AI-driven behaviour analysis for anxiety and aggression
  • Tele-veterinary integration, offering on-demand consultations directly through apps
  • Multi-species support for birds, rabbits, and reptiles

As technology advances, expect devices to become more accurate, accessible, and tailored to each pet’s needs.

High-Tech, High-Heart Care

In an age where we track steps, heartbeats, and sleep cycles on our wrists, it only makes sense to do the same for our pets. Pet health monitors bring a new level of insight and attentiveness to animal care, allowing us to spot problems early, encourage healthy routines, and simply understand our companions a little better.

Whether you’re drawn to pet fitness trackers for fun or need wearable tech for pets to manage a health condition, there’s a solution out there to fit your lifestyle. The result? A longer, healthier, and more connected life for your beloved pet.

Take action today: Explore available devices, compare features, and start tracking your pet’s journey to better health. Because when it comes to caring for our furry family, knowledge truly is power.