This article originally appeared in Hepper Blog By Nicole Cosgrove, Jan 26, 2024
Health trackers are no longer just for people. Smart collars bring wearable health technology to pets, combining sensors and AI to monitor vitals, behavior, and location. These devices can help detect early signs of illness, offer peace of mind for pet owners, and provide actionable data to share with veterinarians. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best smart collar for your companion?
One of the more advanced options on the market is the PetPace 2.0 Smart Collar. Designed by veterinarians and engineers, PetPace markets a collar that continuously monitors biometric data—such as temperature, respiration, and activity—and uses AI to turn that data into meaningful health insights. The accompanying mobile app displays charts, trends, and alerts so you can stay informed about your pet’s well-being.
I tested the PetPace 2.0 with my Goldendoodle, Micah, and found the collar’s combination of durable hardware and data-driven features impressive. Below is a clear overview of the product, how it works, key features, and the real-world experience using it on an active family dog.
About PetPace
Who Makes the Collar?
PetPace was founded in 2012 by a team of veterinarians, technologists, engineers, and pet owners to create wearable tools that improve pet health. Their approach relies on veterinary research and sensor technology to continuously gather biometric data, detect abnormalities, and support long-term disease management.
Who Is the Collar Best Suited For?
The PetPace collar is ideal for owners who want continuous monitoring of their pet’s vital signs and behavioral trends. It’s especially useful for senior pets, animals with chronic conditions (like heart disease or seizures), or any pet owner who wants early warning of health changes. The collar also includes GPS tracking, which is helpful for dogs that run off or go on outdoor adventures.
The 2.0 model is designed for dogs over 8 lbs and comes in small, medium, and large sizes. Currently it’s intended for canines only; PetPace has been testing a beta version for cats but the consumer cat model is not yet broadly available.
PetPace Smart Collar Overview
Monitoring a pet’s health used to require frequent vet visits and keen observation. PetPace simplifies continuous monitoring by collecting real-time data and alerting owners to physiological or behavioral changes.
How it works
The collar uses multiple non-invasive sensors to collect biometric information continuously. Data are sent to a cloud system and displayed in a mobile app. Setup requires charging the collar, downloading the app, and pairing the device. Once fitted, the collar gathers data while worn; it stops when removed, so consistent wear yields the most accurate long-term insights.
The app provides real-time alerts when measurements fall outside normal ranges and allows owners to review trends, graphs, and detailed health markers.
Metrics and Data
The PetPace 2.0 collar continuously tracks health, behavior, and analytics metrics, including:
| Health | Behavior | Analytics |
| Temperature | Activity | Pain Score |
| Average Pulse | Posture | Wellness Score |
| Respiration | Sleep | Workout Score |
| Heart Rate Variability (HRV) | Calories | Health Profile |
These parameters combine to give a snapshot of your pet’s condition. For example, posture data can reveal mobility issues or joint stiffness associated with arthritis, while temperature and pulse help spot infections or stress responses. The collar also includes GPS for location tracking and geofence alerts.
Contents
Each PetPace 2.0 package includes:
- PetPace 2.0 Smart Collar
- Charging Cable
- Power Adapter (US only)
- Quick Start Guide
Pricing
The collar carries a sign-up price of $299, and ongoing access requires a subscription beginning at $150 per year. Both the device and subscription are needed to view and analyze the data; subscription pricing varies based on plan length.
Warranty and Returns
The device includes a one-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
In Summary
Pros
- Monitors a wide range of health parameters
- Real-time alerts when a pet is in distress
- Durable, weather-resistant design
- Easy to set up and use
- Built-in GPS tracking and geofencing
- Long battery life relative to continuous monitoring
- Lightweight for everyday wear
Cons
- Requires a subscription for ongoing functionality
- App performance can be slow at times
Key Features
Mobile App
The PetPace app centralizes health, behavior, and analytics data on a customizable dashboard. It displays trends, goal-setting tools, and a map view for GPS tracking. Owners can also share data with a veterinarian to support clinical assessments.
Comprehensive Health Analysis
PetPace combines calibrated sensors and vet-developed algorithms to translate raw measurements into wellness and pain scores. Continuous monitoring of multiple parameters provides a more complete picture than isolated readings, enabling earlier detection of potential issues.
Worldwide GPS Tracking
The collar’s GPS provides real-time location updates and location history. You can set a safe perimeter around your property and receive alerts if your dog crosses that boundary—useful for active dogs or those that occasionally bolt.
Durable
The device is weatherproof and water-resistant to short exposures (up to about 1 meter for 30 minutes). It’s designed to resist dirt, dust, and salt, and is easy to rinse clean after outdoor adventures.
Is the PetPace 2.0 Smart Collar a Good Value?
Value depends on your needs. For young, healthy pets where you only want a basic baseline, the cost may feel high. For older pets or animals with chronic health concerns, the collar’s continuous monitoring and early-alert capabilities can be invaluable and potentially life-saving, making it a worthwhile investment for many owners.
FAQs
How long does the battery last?
Battery life averages around three weeks between charges, but actual duration varies with usage—especially if the device spends a lot of time using cellular rather than WiFi. A full charge takes about two hours.
What health conditions can PetPace help with?
PetPace helps monitor and track data relevant to a range of conditions, including:
- Cancer
- Endocrine disorders
- Heart disease
- Urologic conditions
- Allergies
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Infectious diseases
- Reproductive health concerns
- Anxiety and stress-related behaviors
Can more than one pet be tracked on the same account?
Yes. Each pet needs its own collar, but the PetPace app lets you manage multiple pets from a single account. Discounts may be available for purchasing multiple collars.
Our Experience with the PetPace 2.0 Smart Collar
I tested the collar on my six-year-old Goldendoodle, Micah. He’s mostly healthy but has a history of pancreatitis as a puppy, so I prefer to keep a close watch on his condition. Setup was straightforward: the collar paired easily with WiFi and began reporting real-time data shortly after I fitted it. The app’s dashboard is intuitive and personalized, though some advanced scores (like Wellness and Pain) require up to 12 weeks of data to generate reliable results.
The posture and activity metrics were particularly insightful for a high-energy dog like Micah; his posture scores reflected his typical restlessness and excitement. GPS tracking provided extra reassurance during off-leash hikes, when brief moments of separation can feel much longer to an anxious owner. The main drawback I noticed was occasional sluggishness in the app when switching between views, but overall the hardware and data collection were reliable and useful.
Conclusion
For pet owners who want continuous, veterinarian-informed monitoring of a dog’s health, the PetPace 2.0 Smart Collar is a powerful option. It combines comprehensive biometric tracking, GPS location services, and a centralized app to deliver meaningful insights and timely alerts. While the up-front cost and subscription may not suit every household, for pets with existing health concerns or owners seeking proactive care, PetPace offers a practical and potentially life-saving solution.