Our Verdict
The PitPat GPS combines a dog tracker and exercise monitor into a compact wireless charging device. Securely strapping to pretty much any collar the PitPat uses a satellite tracking system to pin-point your dogs location. The PitPat is special because it’s currently the only tracker on the market which comes with a lifetime sim, meaning there are no monthly costs or hidden subscriptions. The device also works as an exercise monitor which allows you to set goals and activity requirements in the app. Read our full review below to find out what we thought.
Reasons to buy
+ No monthly subscription costs
+ Fits most collars/harnesses
+ Monitors exercise and activity
Reasons to Avoid
– Relies on NB-IoT and LTE-M by Vodafone and O2
Disclaimer: I am not a vet, but an enthusiastic pet owner with a diverse knowledge of dogs, cats and other pets. Writing well researched articles recommending dog friendly products to in-depth guides. Please seek a certified vet for a professional opinion on your dog, these articles are written from my own research and opinions. Please read our Terms and Conditions for more! As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Be sure to check out my latest review on the PitPat 6 months on! – Here
As responsible pet owners, ensuring our dogs safety, whereabouts and well being is paramount.
If you’re in the market for a dog tracker, you’ve probably been surprised by the cost and high monthly fees.
But what if I said, there is a dog tracker out there, which not only has the capabilities to track your dogs location, but also fitness levels and activity whilst having no monthly subscription costs.
The PitPat GPS dog tracker offers accurate tracking and activity monitoring in a convenient design that straps securely to your existing dogs collar with a hook and loop fastener.
What is a dog tracker?
A dog tracker is a device designed to monitor and track the location of a dog. Trackers typically use GPS (Global Positioning System), radio frequencies or Bluetooth to determine the dog’s position and provide real-time or delayed location information to the owner or user.
Dog trackers are commonly used to enhance pet safety, prevent loss or theft, and aid in finding lost or missing dogs. Usually using an interface like a website or app, some dog trackers have built in heart rate and exercise monitors. Allowing you to track not only your dogs location, but their steps and fitness levels too.
Be sure to check out my latest review on the PitPat 6 months on! – Here
PitPat specs at a glance
Unlimited range, live location, escape alerts and waterproof
Initial cost
£149.00
Monthly
£0.00
Yearly
£0.00
*data from Amazon.co.uk 16.07.2023
At a first glance the PitPat does look expensive. But when you factor in the 0 monthly subscription costs, over 1 or 2 years, the tracker is cheaper than other devices.
The PitPat tracker comes with a built in sim and unlimited range.
Not relying on WiFi signals or Bluetooth, the GPS can track your dog with a precise live location in the UK and other EU countries. So it even works when you’re abroad.
| Dimensions | 60mm x 34mm x 18mm |
| Weight | 30g |
| Attachment strap | VELCRO™ Brand Strap |
| Activity monitoring | Distance, calories, activity type and duration |
| Location updates | Every 10 seconds |
| Range | Unlimited |
| Coverage | UK-wide (O2/Vodafone) |
| Battery life | 6 weeks (depending on usage) |
| Recharging | Wireless charging |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Full for the full spec list from PitPat, you can find it here under this link.
PitPat GPS, what I thought
PitPat have been known for their doggy “smart wristband” activity monitors. Having been impressed with their fitness tracker, I decided to review the PitPat tracker.
What makes this tracker different is PitPats commitment to providing trackers without any recurring monthly fees or subscriptions. Once you’ve bought the tracker, that’s it.
The PitPat tracker encompasses all the feature of the original fitness monitor just with the ability to track your dog.
I was impressed with the accuracy and the precise location. Despite the reviews I had no issue connecting the device in the time I used it. That being said, it’s worth checking with PitPat themselves if your area has good coverage. That will ultimately determine how well the tracker connects.
When I write a review, I always suggest you read others before buying. So here is a link to PitPat’s Trustpilot.
PitPat Vs Kippy Evo
Here is how the PitPats specs hold up against the competition. The battery life really stands out from the field.
| PitPat | Kippy Evo | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 60mm x 34mm x 18mm | 55mm x 37mm x 22mm |
| Cost | £149.00 | £39.99 |
| Monthly subscription | £0.00 | £11.00 |
| Yearly cost | £149.00 | £171.99 |
| Weight | 30g | 38g |
| Waterproof | Yes | 30min up to 1m |
| Activity monitoring | Distance, calories, activity type and duration | Distance, sleep, activity and steps |
| Location updates | Every 10 seconds | 3-15 seconds |
| Range | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Coverage | UK-wide (O2/Vodafone) | n/a |
| Battery life | 6 weeks (depending on usage) | 5 days |
| Recharging | Wireless charging | n/a |
| Coverage | UK and most of EU | UK and most of EU |
PitPat design
Credit: PitPat YouTube
The PitPat features a small and lightweight design, ensuring it can be connected to pretty much any size of dog. The tracker also comes in an array of colours, including black, pink, red, blue and green.
The PitPat also uses a hook and loop strap which goes through the device so you can attach it to any collar or dog vest.
Being compact, the PitPat doesn’t stick out, even on smaller breeds. Most dogs won’t even notice it on!
Claiming to be “100% waterproof” the device comes with an easy to use app and wireless charging pad in the box.
I was impressed with the simple design, dog trackers should be small, lightweight and robust. So far the PitPat ticks those boxes!
What about the battery?
So, as I said before, the PitPat comes with a wireless docking station in the box. This makes it very easy to charge when you’re not using it.
The battery under normal use lasts for around 4 weeks. I have seen claims online of the battery going in under a day. But by using the app you can see when your PitPat is low charge. When the 4 paw pads light up, then the device has full battery.
If you live in an area of bad coverage, the battery will deplete faster. But after 6 hours of charge, my PitPat lasted for about 3-4 weeks.
How to set up the PitPat GPS
The PitPat is pretty easy to set up, first you start by downloading the app. But if you’re stuck here is an introduction video on how to set up your tracker by PitPat’s official YouTube channel.
What are the potential drawbacks?
Dog trackers are a relatively new concept, although the coverage is always getting better there can be some issues. For a tracker to work and be useful, your dog must be accurately tracked with a live or fast updating feed.
The PitPat GPS doesn’t always use your phones network. So while it may seem your like phone has a stable 4G/5G connection your tracker relies on another network which isn’t always correlated to your phone. The PitPat uses coverage from the NB-IoT and LTE-M protocols provided by Vodafone and O2.
It’s pretty hard to understand the differences, so with out getting deeper into it, your phone will usually have a better connection to the internet.
But the PitPat customer service are great, before I bought the PitPat I sent them a message via their website and they were able to tell me if the tracker has coverage in my area. So worth baring that in mind.
My final thoughts
In my area (south England) the PitPat was a great tracker. The live updates were accurate, the activity feed was useful and the battery life was great.
Its no monthly cost stance sets it apart from many competitors, offering a cost-effective and accessible solution for pet owners. That being said I would use the PitPat tracker again, and I would recommend this device to my friends and family.
But before buying, it’s worth doing your own research and reading the reviews. Remember, PitPat has a 1 year warranty and Amazon always offers their 30 days of return, so that gives you some extra options.
Be sure to check out my latest review on the PitPat 6 months on! – Here
FAQ
Q: Why won’t my PitPat connect?
There are several reasons why PitPats struggle for connection. You may be in an area of bad coverage or you may have an issue with the device. You can reset the tracker in the app, that’s where I would start.
If you still have issues you can visit the PitPat FAQ or you can speak directly with PitPat’s great customer service. I’ll leave a link here.
Q: Does the PitPat have unlimited range?
Yes, providing you live in a supported country, the PitPat can in theory connect to a network and track your dog. However like the network your phone uses, there are areas in the UK with poor connection.
Q: Do I have to pay PitPat roaming charges?
No! There is no subscription or monthly payment to use the PitPat GPS device. The sim comes already with the device and works abroad for no extra cost.
But you must check when going abroad with your phone contract. As you may have to pay extra charges.
Q: Can dogs have trackers on them?
Yes, with trackers like the PitPat, you can attach a small robust device to your dogs collar and track where your dog goes, set boundries/alerts and check their fitness activity.
Q: Are dog trackers worth it?
Yes, dog trackers are worth it. Knowing that you have the ability to quickly locate your dog if they go missing can alleviate anxiety and worry. Trackers can add an extra layer of security especially if you have an expensive breed.
The PitPat is a great tracker, have you tried the Tractive yet? Steven