PitPat vs Pawfit: Which is the Best Dog Activity Tracker in 2025?

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Pitpat Vs Pawfit

Are you looking for the best dog activity tracker to help keep your pup fit and healthy? PitPat and Pawfit are two of the most popular options on the market.

But with different features, accuracy, battery life, and price points, it can be tricky to know which is right for your pooch.

This in-depth guide compares PitPat and Pawfit side-by-side.

Plus plenty more to help you decide whether PitPat or Pawfit is the top choice for your dog!

An Overview of PitPat and Pawfit Dog Activity Trackers

Before diving into the details, here’s a quick overview of how PitPat and Pawfit work:

What is PitPat?

Pitpat

PitPat is an activity tracker designed specifically for dogs. It attaches to your dog’s collar and tracks their daily activity levels, including:

  • Resting time
  • Active time
  • Distance traveled
  • Calories burned
  • And more

The PitPat tracker itself is small, lightweight, and waterproof. It has a 1 year battery life so no annoying recharging is needed.

You can view activity stats in the PitPat smartphone app and get guidance on breed-specific activity goals. An optional subscription unlocks motivational programs to keep your dog active.

What is Pawfit?

Pawfit

Like PitPat, Pawfit is a dog activity monitor that attaches to your pup’s collar.

In addition to activity tracking, Pawfit also offers GPS location tracking. So you can see your dog’s fitness stats as well as monitor their location in real-time.

The Pawfit app lets you set virtual fences and will notify you if your dog wanders outside the safe zone. You can also share your dog’s location with family and friends.

Pawfit is waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof for durability. It has rechargeable batteries lasting 4-5 days between charges.

Subscription plans are required to access the GPS tracking features.

Now let’s get into the details on how PitPat and Pawfit compare for accuracy, battery life, cost, and more!

Accuracy and Reliability

The most important feature of any activity tracker is its ability to accurately monitor your dog’s stats. How do PitPat and Pawfit compare?

PitPat Accuracy

Multiple tests have shown PitPat activity data to be over 93% accurate across various metrics.

PitPat uses proprietary algorithms optimized for dogs. Accelerometers track even small movements while filters account for collar tightness and your dog’s gait.

In tests by the University of Edinburgh, PitPat showed:

  • 97% accuracy for steps taken
  • 96% accuracy for distance traveled
  • 93% accuracy for calories burned
  • Over 90% accuracy for active vs resting time
Pitpat Activity

Thousands of customer reviews praise PitPat’s precision tracking for their dog’s breed, age, and size.

Pawfit Accuracy

Pawfit states their activity tracking data is 95% accurate. However, we could not find scientific studies validating this claim.

Some Amazon reviews mention inconsistent results from Pawfit:

  • Overestimating distance traveled and steps taken
  • Activity minutes not adding up correctly
Pawfit Activity Tracking

Factors like loose collar fit can also impact accuracy. Pawfit may work best for medium to large breed dogs.

For smaller dogs, the Pawfit unit’s size and weight could sway results. Customer reviews suggest accuracy declines for dogs under 15 pounds.

Winner: PitPat provides reliable, validated activity statistics optimized for dogs of all sizes.

Battery Life and Charging

You don’t want to be constantly recharging your dog’s activity tracker. How often will you need to juice up PitPat and Pawfit?

PitPat Battery Life

The PitPat tracker runs for a full year on a single CR2032 watch battery. No recharging needed!

Simply replace the battery annually. A pack of 4 CR2032 batteries costs around $5-10.

Pitpat Battery Last

Many owners love the convenience of “set it and forget it” compared to trackers needing frequent recharging.

Pawfit Battery Life

Pawfit estimates their battery lasts 4-5 days between charges. However, heavy GPS usage drains it faster.

Most reviewers find the Pawfit battery actually lasts 2-3 days max. You’ll need to remove the unit and plug it in to recharge frequently.

The provided cable connects to any powered USB port. Recharging takes 2-3 hours.

Pawfit Battery Life

Winner: PitPat offers unmatched 1 year battery life, avoiding headaches from frequent recharging.

Cost Comparison

Let’s break down the costs between these two popular dog activity trackers:

PitPat Cost

The PitPat unit itself costs a one-time fee of $69.99.

There are no mandatory subscription fees for PitPat. All core activity tracking features are free.

Optional PitPat Premium unlocks extra motivation tools and costs:

  • Monthly: $4.99/month
  • Yearly: $49.99/year
  • Lifetime: $199.99 one-time payment

Replacing the CR2032 battery annually will run you around $5-10.

Over a 2 year period, you’d spend approximately $75 – $160 depending on whether you choose a Premium subscription.

Pawfit Cost

The upfront cost of the Pawfit unit ranges from $99.95 – $149.95.

However, a monthly Pawfit subscription is required to use the GPS features. Plans start at $9.95/month billed annually.

You’ll also need to factor in electricity costs for recharging the battery every 2-3 days.

Over 2 years, your total cost would be $340 – $430. That covers the upfront unit cost plus cheapest subscription plan.

Winner: PitPat is clearly the more budget-friendly option, with no mandatory subscription fees.

Features Comparison

Let’s compare the key features offered by each dog activity tracker:

FeaturePitPatPawfit
Steps Tracking
Distance Tracking
Active Time Tracking
Resting Time Tracking
Calorie Tracking
GPS Location Tracking
Virtual Fences
Waterproof
Activity Goals
Mobile App
Subscription Optional

Winner: Pawfit offers GPS location tracking, which PitPat lacks. But PitPat provides the essential activity stats without requiring a paid subscription.

Pros and Cons

To recap, here are the main advantages and disadvantages of PitPat vs Pawfit:

PitPat Pros:

  • Extremely accurate activity tracking optimized for all dog breeds
  • No subscription required for basic features
  • 1 year battery life means no annoying recharges
  • More affordable long-term cost
  • Thousands of positive customer reviews

PitPat Cons:

  • Lacks GPS location tracking
  • Optional subscription for motivation features
  • Less stylish design than some competitors
Pitpat App

Pawfit Pros:

  • Includes live GPS location tracking
  • Virtual fences keep your dog safely in designated zones
  • Sleek, stylish tracker design
  • Useful fitness goal setting and tracking

Pawfit Cons:

  • Accuracy declines for smaller dogs
  • Short 2-3 day battery life requires frequent recharging
  • Mandatory subscription for GPS functionality
  • More expensive long-term, especially adding GPS subscription
  • Mixed customer reviews on accuracy
Pawfit App

PitPat vs Pawfit: Which Should You Choose?

After comparing these two popular dog activity monitors across a number of factors, a clear winner emerges:

PitPat is the best dog activity tracker for most owners.

Here’s why PitPat edges out Pawfit for us:

  • Unmatched accuracy proven across multiple studies
  • Optimized algorithms provide precision tracking for dogs of all sizes
  • No mandatory subscription fees make PitPat very affordable long-term
  • 1 year battery life means no annoying recharging needed
  • Thousands of positive customer reviews praise PitPat’s reliability

Pawfit is also a solid option for owners who prioritize GPS location tracking. However, the mandatory subscription and frequent recharging are downsides.

For most owners wanting accurate insight into their dog’s fitness and wellbeing, PitPat offers tremendous value and is our top recommendation.

FAQs About Dog Activity Trackers

Still have some questions about choosing and using a dog activity monitor? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:

How do dog activity trackers work?

Most attach to your dog’s collar and contain accelerometers to precisely track movement and sensors like gyroscopes and compasses. Advanced algorithms turn raw data into useful fitness stats.

Are they safe for dogs to wear?

Yes, as long as the unit is sized appropriately for your dog and the collar fits correctly. Avoid letting your dog wear the tracker 24/7 and give their neck occasional breaks.

Do dog activity trackers need WiFi or cell service?

Some use Bluetooth to sync data to your phone within range. Others like Pawfit use cell signals for GPS location tracking. But most collect data on the device then sync when connected later.

Can they get wet or damaged?

Most quality trackers are waterproof and durable. But prolonged submersion or high impacts may damage them over time. Avoid letting your dog swim or play rough with the tracker on.

How accurate are dog activity trackers?

Accuracy varies widely. Validated devices like PitPat provide over 90% accuracy for most metrics. Cheaper trackers often overestimate stats like steps and distance traveled.

How long do rechargeable batteries last?

Expect anywhere from 2 days to 1 week for rechargeable trackers like Pawfit. Check reviews to see real-world battery performance. PitPat’s 1 year battery life is exceptional.

Do they work for small dogs?

Look for trackers designed specifically for small breeds. Both PitPat’s algorithms and small size work great for little pups. Pawfit tends to overestimate with dogs under 15 pounds.

Choose the Right Dog Activity Tracker Today

Want to keep your pooch fit while having fun together? Using a tracker like PitPat or Pawfit provides great insight into your dog’s daily activity and overall fitness.

We hope this detailed comparison has helped you decide whether PitPat or Pawfit is the right choice for you and your pup!

Whichever you choose, being able to monitor your dog’s active time, steps taken, distance covered, and calories burned makes it easier to ensure they get adequate exercise.

So get ready to get moving and start reaping the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle with your favorite furry friend!

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