FitBark GPS Review [How Great Is It Really?]

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[UPDATED OCTOBER 2022]

Welcome to my FitBark GPS Review.

The FitBark GPS is an all-in-one health tracker that is the smallest and lightest of its kind!

FitBark’s GPS version was first introduced to the US market in 2019 and since its launch, sales have skyrocketed!

Fast forward a few years to 2022, and there is a new version!

Introducing the FitBark GPS second generation.

What exactly has changed?

In this in-depth review, we’ll look at all of the features of the FitBark GPS, how it works, its design, pros and cons, plus how the FitBark GPS second generation has improved!

Let’s get to it!

FitBark GPS 2nd Generation What’s New?

FitBark GPS Review - A Golden Retriever wearing a teal coloured FitBark GPS.
Image Courtesy of FitBark.

As of May 2022, the FitBark GPS 2nd Generation is available to the U.S. market.

Let’s look at what improvements were made:

Supports All 3 Major U.S. Wireless Carriers

A major improvement from the first version, FitBark GPS 2nd generation now supports all 3 major U.S. wireless carriers.

It automatically and seamlessly switches between Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile 4G LTE-M networks.

You’ll get the best coverage possible! The embedded sim is separate from your own smartphone’s wireless provider.

Multiple Satellite Constellations

GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, SBAS, and QZSS are all supported to give you state-of-the-art real-time tracking, whether your dog is in an urban or rural area.

3x Antenna Performance

The placement and design of the antennas have been improved to offer better location tracking and overall performance.

Better Escape Detection Reliability

The platform is much smarter and is able to tell the difference when your dog escapes or just takes a stroll around the perimeter of a safe place.

You can expect fewer false exit notifications.

Improved Battery Life

Most pups recharge for 2 hours every 3 to 5 weeks. The previous version’s battery life was 2 to 3 weeks.

Light, Rugged & Waterproof

FitBark GPS 2nd Generation is even lighter than its previous version, weighing only 16 grams.

It is made of high-impact polycarbonate, making it super rugged and durable. It’s not 100% bite-proof, so make sure your pup doesn’t chew on it!

Designed to be sleek and lightweight, it doesn’t stick out past your dog’s collar, unlike other GPS trackers.

Speaking of collars, it fits collars up to 1.5″ wide.

Just like the previous version, it is waterproof up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. Great news for water-loving dogs!

Just be sure to let the unit fully dry by removing the soft cover.

What Does The FitBark GPS Do?

FitBark GPS shown in red with the FitBark App shown on an iPhone.
Image Courtesy of FitBark.

The FitBark GPS is an all-in-one health activity monitor.

Not only does it monitor your dog’s sleep and activity, but it allows you to track your dog’s location 24/7.

Below is an overview of its features, and what the FitBark GPS does:

Wi-Fi Safe Zone Alerts

You will be able to create multiple safe zones for your dog around familiar Wi-Fi networks, for example, your home, friend’s house, relatives, or daycare.

When your dog enters or leaves the safe areas you will get alerted on your mobile phone.

Pinpoint GPS Location In Minutes

In case of emergencies, you will be able to track your dog anywhere in the U.S. via the embedded cellular service.

You will receive 1-minute location updates until you are reunited with your dog.

FitBark GPS uses Verizon’s 4G LTE network to send real-time location updates to FitBark’s server and the FitBark app.

A subscription plan is needed and is separate from the service plan for your phone.

Monitor Your Dog’s Sleep And Activity 24/7

Track your dog’s quality of sleep, activity level, calories burned, distance travelled, and overall health and behaviour.

You can set fitness goals with other dogs of the same breed, age, or weight.

Monitor Mobility And Pain

You can invite your vet or dog trainer to monitor any changes in your dog’s mobility, osteoarthritis, or orthopedic rehabilitation.

By following the FitBark Health Index you will be able to catch any early signs of discomfort or disease.

Monitor Stress And Anxiety

Keep an eye on how your dog is doing while you are away, or while he is in the care of others.

By looking at the Hourly View after you leave home, you will be able to discover if your dog is anxious while you are gone.

FitBark is a great way to monitor your dog’s separation anxiety to see if it has improved or worsened.

Monitor Itchiness And Skin Diseases

The FitBark nightly Sleep Score will help you track any skin conditions in your dog that develop over time such as dermatitis, hot spots, or flea allergies.

Your dog could be up all night scratching and licking and a low sleep score will be an indicator of that.

Link To Your Human Fitness Tracker

Be active and stay healthy right alongside your dog.