Originally posted on: Dogster
Written by: Jessica Kim
Last Updated on June 4, 2024 by Dogster Team
Catching early signs of illness in dogs can be life-saving, yet many symptoms are subtle and easy to miss. Because dogs can’t tell us when something feels off, monitoring relies heavily on careful observation and, often, informed guesswork. Wearable health technology for dogs aims to change that by continuously tracking vital signs and behavior so owners and veterinarians can spot concerning trends sooner.
The PetPace 2.0 smart collar is designed to act as a practical health monitor for dogs. Worn like a regular collar, it continuously records metrics such as heart rate, body temperature, activity, and posture, then delivers that data to a smartphone app. The collar also applies AI to detect changes that could signal pain, chronic disease progression, or other health issues.
As the owner of a 9.5-year-old Cavapoo named Nora, I looked forward to testing the PetPace 2.0 smart collar to better understand age-related changes, especially the collar’s pain-scoring and long-term trend tracking features. After several weeks of use, our experience was largely positive: setup was straightforward, the app is intuitive, and the collar supplied useful health insights. There were minor inconveniences, like the collar’s added bulk, but overall it’s a valuable tool for many dog owners—particularly those with older dogs or pets managing chronic conditions.
About PetPace
PetPace is a pet health technology company founded in 2012 and based in Burlington, Massachusetts. Their team includes veterinarians, engineers, data specialists, and IoT experts who develop wearable health solutions for pets. The PetPace 2.0 smart collar represents the company’s latest device, combining multiple sensors with AI-driven analysis to deliver detailed wellness reports and alerts.
The collar focuses on disease management and long-term monitoring of conditions such as arthritis, epilepsy, respiratory issues, diabetes, and heart disease. While any dog can benefit from continuous health tracking, the collar’s advanced features make it especially useful for older dogs and pets with chronic health concerns.
Smart Collar Overview
The PetPace 2.0 smart collar pairs with a mobile app to present health metrics, activity logs, and alerts. Below is an overview of the collar’s pricing, setup, and capabilities.
Pricing
The collar itself retails for $119, but PetPace also offers subscription plans that can include a free collar for longer commitments. Subscriptions are billed annually: a 2-year plan averages $15 per month, a 3-year plan averages $12 per month, and a 1-year plan is $15 per month (the 1-year option requires a separate purchase of the collar). Subscriptions enable access to the full suite of health-monitoring features and cloud-based reports.
What to Expect
The PetPace 2.0 comes in three sizes—small, medium, and large—so select the size that matches your dog’s neck circumference. After subscribing and pairing the collar to your account in the PetPace app, the device begins collecting data immediately. Basic vitals, like heart rate and temperature, appear within minutes; activity, sleep quality, and calories burned are tracked continuously.
The collar enters a 12-week learning period to establish your dog’s baseline and generate comprehensive reports. You can expect a basic health profile after about 50 days and pain-scoring information around 70 days, with progressively richer insights as the device learns your dog’s normal patterns.
Contents and Battery
Each package includes the collar, a charging cable, and a Quick Start Guide; U.S. shipments also include a power adapter. The strap snaps around the dog’s neck and requires no shaving of fur. A full charge takes about two hours and can last up to three weeks under optimal conditions. Battery life is longest when the collar connects via WiFi; it drains faster when relying on cellular data. The app sends low-battery alerts and notifications when the collar powers down.
Specifications
| Size: | 1.9” W x 1.1” H x 0.9” D (small), 2.3” W x 1.2” H x 0.9” D (medium and large) |
| Strap neck circumference: | 8–12 in (small), 10.5–18 in (medium), 16–24.5 in (large) |
| Weight: | 2.1 oz (small), 3.2 oz (medium), 3.5 oz (large) |
| Outer material: | PU/TPU |
| Strap material: | Nylon 6 |
| Buckle material: | Delrin |
| App compatibility: | iPhone iOS or later, Android 5.0 and up |
| Connectivity: | Bluetooth 4.2 (BLE), 4G LTE Cat-M1, WiFi |
| Protection rating: | IP66 and IP68 |
Key Features
Health Tracking and Disease Management
PetPace focuses on monitoring and managing chronic health conditions. The collar’s combination of sensors and AI helps identify changes in pain levels, posture, heart rate variability (HRV), respiration, and other physiological markers. These insights are useful for tracking treatment effectiveness, recognizing deteriorations early, and sharing data with veterinarians for remote triage. When combined with telehealth services, the collar’s reports can help vets decide whether an in-person visit is necessary.
Multiple Connection Options and GPS
The collar supports WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular connectivity. It can store up to five WiFi networks and automatically connect to known networks. An embedded global eSIM provides cellular coverage without requiring separate activation or extra fees, allowing continuous data upload when WiFi isn’t available. Built-in GPS offers location tracking, a map view of recent movements, and a “Find My Pet” mode to help locate a lost dog quickly.
Durability
Built to handle active dogs, the PetPace 2.0 is waterproof and meets IP66/IP68 protection ratings, allowing brief submersion in water and resistance to dirt and dust. Rinse with fresh water to clean the collar after getting dirty.
Is the PetPace 2.0 a Good Value?
While many smart collars focus only on GPS or basic activity tracking, the PetPace 2.0 delivers detailed physiological monitoring and disease-management features. The upfront cost and subscription fees are higher than some simpler trackers, but the depth of health data can make it a worthwhile investment—especially for dogs with chronic conditions or senior pets who benefit most from continuous monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a warranty?
Yes. PetPace collars include a one-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Contact PetPace customer support to report defects or request assistance.
Can I attach a leash to the PetPace collar?
No. The PetPace 2.0 is designed to be worn separately from a dog’s regular collar. It does not include a leash attachment or ID tag loop because pulling on the device can affect sensor readings and accuracy. Plan to use a second collar for walks.
What sensors are included?
The collar integrates multiple sensors: thermometers for body temperature, acoustic sensors for pulse and respiration, 6-D accelerometers for activity and posture, and GPS for location tracking. These combined inputs enable a comprehensive view of your dog’s health and behavior.
Can multiple owners access the account?
Yes. Multiple people can access the same PetPace account and view a dog’s profile from their own phones. You can also add multiple dogs to one account as long as each dog has its own collar.
Our Experience With PetPace 2.0
With Nora entering senior years, we were adjusting her routine and wanted more reliable data on how those changes affected her health. Setting up the collar and registering an account was quick, and the Quick Start Guide made pairing easy. Within minutes the app displayed Nora’s temperature and heart rate, and over the following days it tracked sleep quality, activity, and posture.
The collar is slightly bulkier than a typical collar, so Nora needed a few days to acclimate, especially during naps. Once settled, she tolerated it well and even enjoyed walks with the device. The app’s alerts for irregular heart rate and fevers were reassuring, and the generated pain scores and sleep reports provided useful context I wouldn’t have noticed otherwise.
Overall, the PetPace 2.0 gave me peace of mind. Having continuous health data helped me spot trends and make informed decisions about diet, exercise, and veterinary care without replacing routine vet check-ups.
Conclusion
The PetPace 2.0 smart collar is a sophisticated, durable health tracker that provides detailed monitoring for dogs. While it may take a short adjustment period and requires a subscription, its AI-driven insights and continuous data make it particularly valuable for older dogs and pets with chronic conditions. For owners who want a proactive, data-driven approach to their dog’s health, the PetPace 2.0 is a thoughtful and practical investment that complements regular veterinary care.
About the Author
Jessica Kim
Jessica is a freelance writer who spends her days researching and writing while her Cavapoo, Nora, naps nearby. She enjoys sharing practical information to help pet owners better understand and care for their animals. When she’s not writing, she’s often walking dogs, tending plants, or enjoying another cup of coffee.