FitBark 2 Review

UPDATED Mar. 2024
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FitBark 2 is a canine health and activity monitor developed by a successful startup launched back in 2013 in Kansas City, MO. Apart from motivating dogs and their owners to stay active and healthy, the company also produces collar sensors and software infrastructure that allows owners to take control of their pets’ activity, caloric expenditure, sleep quality, behavioral patterns, and overall health. FitBark also represents a research-grade platform adopted by more than 40 vet schools and research institutions to validate new foods, drugs, medical treatments, and procedures.

Keep reading this comprehensive FitBark 2 review to learn all about this popular monitor’s design, implemented technologies, main features, and price.  

FitBark-2 homepage printscreen

How FitBark 2 Works

FitBark 2 is a research-grade canine activity and sleep monitor. It collects information regarding your pet’s activity and rest levels 24/7, providing you with unprecedented insights into his or her health and behavior.  

The device comes with accompanying Android and iOS apps and is very easy to set up. Simply charge it for 90 minutes using the provided cable, download the app from Google Play or the Apple Store, and follow the on-screen instructions to create a personal profile for you and your dog.  

FitBark 2 uses Bluetooth 4.0 (Bluetooth Smart) to connect to your phone. Bluetooth connectivity usually does not come with impressive communication ranges, so your Android or iOS device will have to be within 30ft (9m) from FitBark 2 during the synchronization process.  

Note that FitBark 2 is NOT a pet tracker since it does not feature any type of global positioning mechanisms. The company is primarily dedicated to animal health and adding a GPS sensor would probably make the device 5-7 times as bulky.  

dog and girl jogging

FitBark 2 Design

The device is made in the shape of a stylish, tiny dog-bone and can fit on dogs of all shapes and sizes, ranging from a 3lb Chihuahua to a 200lb Leonberger. However, note that the device is not compatible with collars wider than 1.18” (30mm). It is made of high-impact polycarbonate that is quite resistant to dog bites, but the manufacturer indicates that nothing is 100% dog-bite-proof. 

The bottom of the device features a Micro USB port covered by a protective cap. You can connect it to any computer’s USB 1.x/2.0 port or a class 2/Limited Power Supply with a USB output.  

FitBark-2 black design

The unit also features a set of LED indicator lights that will flash during the pairing process with your phone or tablet, remain solid when charging the device, and turn off when the battery is fully charged. Note that the lights should not illuminate during regular operation.  

The FitBark 2 box features the activity monitor itself, 8 zip ties, a micro USB charging cord, and a quick start guide. Brand new units come with a default black cover. 

FitBark 2 can be easily attached to your dog’s collar by taking the two zip ties provided in the package and wrapping them around the unit while capturing the collar. Pull the device about an inch away from the collar until you hear two distinct clicks, which signify that FitBark is securely attached to the collar.   

FitBark measures 1.6” x 0.5” x 1.1” and weighs only 0.35oz.  

FitBark 2 Technical Specifications

In this section of our FitBark 2 review, we will take a look at the main technical features of the device, how it fares against water and physical stress, how long its battery lasts, and more.

Shockproof

As already mentioned in this FitBark 2 review, the monitor is made of rugged polycarbonate, which means your pet will have a really tough time damaging it in any way. However, the manufacturer points out that FitBark 2 is not 100% resistant to dog bites and larger dogs will probably be able to destroy it if they put enough effort into it.  

Waterproof

FitBark 2 is rated IP67, which means it can be submerged up to 3.3ft (1m) for up to half an hour. Note that the cap at the back of the unit has to be properly closed during exposure to water.  

FitBark Man Dog give Five

Battery

FitBark 2 utilizes a lithium-ion polymer battery that lasts up to 6 months. It comes with a standard micro USB charger and the regular charging time is 90 minutes. Most collars allow charging without removing the unit.  

Synchronization

FitBark 2 uses Bluetooth 4.0 to connect to Android and iOS devices or a FitBark Wi-Fi Base Station. The sync range is 30ft (9m). The unit is compatible with mobile phones and tablets running Android 5.0 and above or iOS 10 and above.  

Memory

FitBark can store up to 100 days of minute-by-minute data concerning your pet’s rest and activity levels.  

Localization

The unit can work anywhere in the world since it does not depend on cellular networks. However, FitBark DOES require an Internet connection during the synchronization process.  

Environmental Requirements

The ideal operating temperature for FitBark 2 units is -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C) while the storage temperature can range from 22°F to 140°F (-30°C to 60°C). 

FitBark 2 App

The FitBark 2 app for Android and iOS devices is an integral part of the mechanism designed to monitor the activity and rest levels of your pet at all times.  

First of all, the app allows you to set activity goals for your dog depending on his or her age and general activity levels. The unit of measure implemented by the app is called a “BarkPoint.”

The 3 default activity goals are: 

  • Average – 6.300 BarkPoints (lots of snuggle time, a couple of walks a day, in the 50% percentile) 
  • Active – 9,100 BarkPoints (adventurous, always playtime, in the 75% percentile) 
  • Olympian – 12,900 BarkPoints (never stops going, full speed ahead, in the 90% percentile) 

Alternatively, you can also adjust the BarkPoint slider yourself and create a custom activity goal for your pet. The app allows you to create journal entries every single day in order to properly keep track of your dog’s goals and achievements.  

FitBark app for smart phone

Apart from expressing your pet’s activity counts in BarkPoints, FitBark 2 app also tracks his or her rest, active and play time, nocturnal sleep score, overall health index, calorie burn, and distance traveled. On top of all that, it will also indicate any significant changes in mobility and anxiety, as well as potential skin conditions.  

The FitBark 2 app can be linked to a human activity monitor by choosing this option in the Settings menu. It currently supports Fitbit (all trackers), Apple HealthKit (including Apple Watch), and Google Fit. After the initial configuration, you will be able to see your dog’s progress next to yours in a single app.  

Many cat owners usually wonder whether their felines can also use FitBark 2. The answer is yes, but you will not be able to find much data in terms of baselines and comparative norms. Simply pick an animal from the “not a dog” list and you will be able to setup FitBark for your cat, pig, bunny, chicken, sheep, falcon, penguin, zebra or any other animal. Humans are also on this list, by the way.   

FitBark 2 Features

FitBark 2 is a compact wonder of modern health and activity-tracking technology that does not just alert you when it picks up changes in your pet’s behavior and health levels but also allows you to keep a journal of his or her activity and rest times and even set different activity goals depending on your dog’s age and general shape. Here are some other important features you should be aware of before purchasing this device: 

3D Accelerometer

This technology allows for precise minute-by-minute tracking that is also used by research institutes and vet schools worldwide.  

No Monthly Or Hidden Fees

All FitBark apps and APIs are absolutely free for all users and third parties, so you do not have to worry about any additional costs and hidden fees.  

FitBark Dog Walker

Bluetooth 4.0

Since it uses Bluetooth Smart to sync with your smartphone or tablet, FitBark 2 does not need cellular networks for regular operation. Additionally, you can also sync FitBark with Android or iOS devices of other dog owners and even your vet in order to keep them informed about your pet’s condition at all times.

Minute-By-Minute Tracking

FitBark 2 monitors your pet 24/7 whether he or she is sleeping or playing around.  

Customizable Cover

FitBark 2 comes with a black cover by default, but you can order additional covers that match your pup’s personality and fur color. The company currently offers 12 different colors.  

FitBark 2 Coverage

As we already mentioned in this FitBark 2 review, the unit will work perfectly fine anywhere in the world. It stores your dog’s activity and sleep data 24/7 and shares it with your Android or iOS device during the synchronization process. Daily sync is recommended but not necessary. Note that synchronization does require an Internet connection, which probably excludes the most remote and isolated areas.  

How Much Does FitBark 2 Cost?

FitBark 2 costs $69.95 and comes with a full 30-day money-back guarantee. Just make sure to save the receipt and the original packaging. The manufacturer also offers a limited 1-year warranty against all hardware or software-related problems.  

FitBark 2 Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Made of high-impact polycarbonate 
  • 3-axis accelerometer 
  • Compact and stylish design 
  • Lightweight 
  • Waterproof IP67 
  • Battery life up to 6 months 
  • LED indicator lights 
  • Up to 100 days of minute-by-minute data 
  • Works anywhere in the world 
  • Ideal for dogs of all sizes 
  • Android and iOS app 

Cons

  • Short communication range 
  • No GPS sensor 

Bottom Line

FitBark 2 is a compact and lightweight health and activity monitor that can be used by pretty much any dog out there. It stores up to 100 days of minute-by-minute data that you can easily share with other owners or your vet to help them create a better activity and nutrition plan for your pet.  

Since it does not rely on cellular networks, the unit can work anywhere in the world. The battery can go up to 6 months without recharging, so you do not have to worry about losing any important data. Bottom line, FitBark 2 is a perfect gadget if you want to monitor the health and activity levels of your pet on a regular basis and learn all about potential health or behavior changes the moment they happen.  


User Reviews (7)

FitBark 2 customer rating based on 7 user reviews.

The FitBark 2 reviews listed below reflect the opinions and experiences of real users and are in no way influenced by the company reviewed here. Before publishing each review, our team checks whether it was submitted by an actual user in an effort to prevent false or spammy reviews.

  1. Scott Richardson | April 3, 2023

    If you’re interested in how many steps your dog takes, I guess this will measure it, but it is useless when it comes to tracking your pet. I will know my dog has escaped, but it will take 10-15 mins for the app to mark them outside the safe zone. I click the “Find My Pet” in the app, and it just keeps confirming they are home when they are not. It will give the wrong location. Customer service confirms they are connected to LTE and GPS, but the app will send me in completely the wrong direction. It will also send notices they have escaped and are a mile away, when they are literally just lying in our back yard not moving. It causes more anxiety will all the inaccurate notices and false locations. Don’t waste your time!

  2. Barry Hicks | July 30, 2021

    Damn thing fell off the collar on day 1 while hiking in mountains. What a piece of crap!

  3. Rob Sciubba | June 3, 2020

    I think that Fitbark is an excellent product if you’re a dog lover. It really is a good thing to be able to track your pet’s activity. Everyone who is a pet owner cares so much about their dog and I believe this is a plus for all dog owners.

  4. James Hilford | May 4, 2020

    FitBark is one of the worst customer service experiences I’ve had. 1 month over warranty the device simply stopped working and the customer service team stated it was within the %failure rate and therefore they would not replace it!

    We’ve replaced it with Animo which is a far better experience all round and gives better data and is much more user friendly and syncs effortlessly.

    Don’t waste your time with FitBark, you’ll likely eventually be disappointed due to their customer outlook.

    • joanne | August 11, 2020

      EXACTLY!!!
      Same here. I have bought at least 3 Fitbark’s since the first came out.
      I’ve lost count of the number of “issues” with them suddenly no longer recording the data.
      Updates that’s simply do not happen, and the Fitbark suddenly just does not work.
      This last FITBARK2, again stopped recording. I sent 2 DAYS exchanging with their “chat” people to finally be informed the following, as a direct quote:
      “Thank you for the screenshot, Joanne. I checked on this with our tech team and we do not think that we are going to be able to get the FitBark up and running. ”
      Don’t waste your money is an understatement!

  5. Clyde Hanson | November 28, 2019

    I wasn’t aware that this is not a pet tracker but instead an activity monitor for you and your dog which wasn’t the point and I really needed to keep track of my dog and make sure he is safe. However I got used to its awesome features and now I’m thrilled I made the mistake. It’s fun doing all the stuff you like with your dog while having records of it in case you decide to switch up the routine and compare it with your previous results to see which regime produces better results.

  6. Darrell Wells | September 11, 2019

    I like to keep records and track progress so the fact that FitBark stores data from 100 days back is something that made this purchase happen and I really like that it doesn’t relly on mobile networks so it can work anywhere we travel. But what I like the most and I found that after I bought it is that you can set goals depending on how active and old your dog is. Right now we are on the active level but I’m hoping to reach the olympian soon.

  7. Maria Flores | August 20, 2019

    I’m a great dane and a Chihuahua mom so I can confirm that this device can fit on any dog. It is easily adjustable to their collars and so far it withstood a couple of bites successfully. We are an active family so it is important for us to keep records and track everything we do. Also I like the fact that it is waterproof but I tend to take it off for as a precaution. I would prefer that it takes less time to charge but considering the battery lasts for almost 6 months it’s not that much.

  8. Leonard Robertson | June 20, 2019

    I didn’t buy this device to work as a pet tracker but to be able to track my dog’s activity along with my own and make sure both of us get enough exercise. My job doesn’t allow much movement and unfortunately, my dog is often left at home during my work hours so making up for that is extremely important for me and him. I also like that it uses Bluetooth connection instead relying on mobile or wifi connection. The range is not that big but it works for me.

  9. Barb | May 16, 2019

    I was really excited to try Fitbark 2 and see the results, but I discovered the wire ties that attach the device to their collar are very cheap. With in 3 days, the device fell off my dog. I did not realize it fell off until the device shot out of my mower. Sadly the device was not salvageable. I would recommend purchasing strong wire ties to attach the device to your dogs collar. Especially if your dog is very active.

  10. Lyle Bonnard | January 22, 2019

    Works well but the range is way too short and any physical obstacle that gets in the way will cut you off.

  11. Jenna White | October 28, 2018

    The little bone is soooo cute and my tiny fella doesn’t even notice it on his collar.

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