Pawfit builds GPS trackers specifically for pets, and the Pawfit 3 is their current flagship. It runs on 4G (a meaningful upgrade from the 2G-only Pawfit 2), carries an IP68 waterproof rating, and includes features you won’t find on most pet trackers: a tamper-proof collar lock, customizable voice commands, and a lost-pet audio ID that plays your contact info when someone presses the tracker button.
The hardware costs 54.99 GBP upfront. A monthly subscription is required on top of that, but the rates are among the lowest in the pet GPS tracker market.
Key Takeaways
- Pawfit 3 uses 4G LTE with GPS and GLONASS for accurate tracking within a few meters.
- Battery lasts 5-7 days with normal use, or up to 15 days in battery saver mode.
- IP68 rated, meaning it survives submersion up to 5 meters deep, including saltwater.
- The Pawfit 3s model weighs less and fits cats and small dogs under 3.5 kg (7 lbs).
- Subscription plans range from 5.79 GBP/month to 2.99 GBP/month depending on billing term.
Pawfit 3 vs. Pawfit 2: What Changed
The Pawfit 2 launched in 2019 with 2G connectivity. It worked, but 2G networks are being shut down in many countries, making it increasingly unreliable. The Pawfit 3 fixes this with 4G LTE and adds several practical upgrades:
- Faster, more reliable tracking over 4G networks
- Lighter weight with a slimmer profile
- Brighter LED tracking light with remote on/off
- Enhanced IP68 rating that covers saltwater exposure
- Tamper-proof lock on the collar attachment
- Better battery efficiency
If you’re still using a Pawfit 2, the network upgrade alone justifies switching. The 2G sunset means your older tracker will eventually stop working in most regions.
Real-Time GPS Tracking
The Pawfit 3 uses GPS and GLONASS positioning to track your dog’s location. In normal mode, it updates on demand when you open the app. Switch to Find Mode, and it pings every 5 seconds for rapid tracking when your dog is on the move.
Accuracy lands within a few meters outdoors, which is typical for 4G pet trackers. In our experience with similar devices, GPS pet trackers perform best in open areas and can drift 10-15 meters near buildings or dense tree cover.
The app also stores location history and walking routes, so you can review where your dog has been throughout the day. Handy if a dog walker takes your pet out while you’re at work.
For how this compares to the market leader, see our Pawfit vs Tractive comparison.
Activity and Health Monitoring
Beyond location, the Pawfit 3 tracks your dog’s daily activity. The app shows:
- Steps taken and distance covered
- Active time vs. rest time
- Calories burned
- Progress toward custom daily goals
You set goals based on your dog’s breed, age, and fitness level. The data builds over time, so you can spot trends. A sudden drop in activity could flag a health issue worth discussing with your vet.
This isn’t as detailed as what you get from a dedicated fitness tracker like the FitBark, but for most owners it provides enough insight to gauge whether their dog is getting adequate exercise.
Escape and Safety Alerts
This is where Pawfit earns its reputation. Three alert types work together:
Geofence alerts let you draw virtual boundaries around your home, yard, or any location. The moment your dog crosses that line, you get a push notification with their live location. Set up multiple Safe Zones for places your dog regularly visits.
Removal alerts trigger if someone tries to detach the tracker from your dog’s collar without using the unlock mechanism. The tamper-proof lock design is a genuine differentiator. Most pet trackers clip on with a basic snap that any person (or determined dog) can undo.
Temperature alerts notify you if the ambient temperature around the tracker hits abnormal levels. Useful during summer heat or if your dog is left in a car.
Audio Features
The Pawfit 3 has a built-in speaker and microphone. You can record custom voice commands through the app and play them remotely through the tracker. Some owners use this for recall training, though results vary depending on the dog.
More practically, you can record a lost-pet audio message with your name and phone number. If someone finds your dog and presses the button on the tracker, your message plays. It’s a smarter version of an ID tag.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life averages 5-7 days with normal daily use. Heavy use of Find Mode or frequent location checks drains it faster, down to about 2-3 days.
Battery saver mode extends life up to 15 days by reducing update frequency. Good enough for a weekend camping trip without packing the charger.
Full charge takes about 2.5 hours. The app sends a low-battery notification so you don’t get caught off guard.
The smaller Pawfit 3s gets 3-5 days due to its reduced battery capacity. Still reasonable for a tracker that weighs almost nothing.
Pawfit 3s: For Small Dogs and Cats
The Pawfit 3s packs every feature of the Pawfit 3 into a smaller, lighter body designed for pets under 3.5 kg (7 lbs). Chihuahuas, toy poodles, cats, and similarly small animals.
Owners of small breeds consistently praise the 3s for not weighing their pet down. It stays secure even on hyperactive dogs, and the slimmer profile doesn’t catch on furniture or brush.
The only trade-off is battery life: 3-5 days vs. 5-7 days for the standard Pawfit 3. Everything else, including the 4G connectivity, IP68 rating, geofencing, and audio features, is identical.
For cat owners specifically, the 3s is one of the better options in its class. See our best GPS trackers for cats roundup for a broader comparison, or check out the PitPat vs Pawfit head-to-head.
Subscription Plans and Pricing
All Pawfit trackers require a paid subscription to activate the SIM card and access app features. Two tiers exist:
- Basic Plan: Location history, activity monitoring, and all alerts
- Premium Plan: Adds live real-time tracking (Find Mode)
| Billing Term | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 month | 5.79 GBP/mo |
| 6 months | 3.99 GBP/mo |
| 12 months | 3.59 GBP/mo |
| 24 months | 2.99 GBP/mo |
The device costs 54.99 GBP upfront. Even on the monthly plan, Pawfit undercuts most competitors. On the 2-year plan, you’re paying about 72 GBP total for service, which is hard to beat.
Multi-pet discounts are available if you add more than one tracker to your account.
Choosing the Right Pawfit Model
Pick based on your pet’s size and your primary need:
Pawfit 3 if your dog is over 3.5 kg. It’s the better choice for medium and large breeds, with the longer battery life and sturdier build.
Pawfit 3s if you have a small dog or cat under 3.5 kg. Same features, smaller package. Accept the shorter battery life as the trade-off for comfort.
Don’t buy the Pawfit 2. The 2G network shutdowns make it a risky purchase. Even if it works today, it likely won’t within a year or two in most countries.
Bottom Line
The Pawfit 3 does what a pet GPS tracker should do: track reliably, alert you fast, and survive whatever your dog throws at it. The IP68 rating, tamper-proof lock, and temperature alerts put it ahead of trackers that only offer basic location pinging. Subscription pricing is among the lowest in the market.
Get the Pawfit 3 if you want a full-featured pet tracker at a fair price. Get the 3s if you have a small dog or cat. Skip the Pawfit 2 entirely.
FAQ
Does the Pawfit tracker need a separate SIM card?
No. The Pawfit 3 has an integrated global SIM built in. You just activate it through a subscription plan and it connects automatically. No SIM purchasing or swapping required.
How much does the Pawfit subscription cost per month?
Plans range from 5.79 GBP/month on a rolling monthly basis down to 2.99 GBP/month on a 2-year commitment. The 12-month plan at 3.59 GBP/month is the most popular balance of price and flexibility.
Does the Pawfit GPS tracker work internationally?
Yes. The integrated SIM provides cellular coverage in over 150 countries with no roaming charges. This makes it a good option if you travel with your pet or live in a country outside the UK.
How long does the Pawfit 3 battery last?
5-7 days with typical use. Heavy Find Mode usage drops it to 2-3 days. Battery saver mode can stretch it to about 15 days by reducing how often the tracker checks in. The smaller 3s model lasts 3-5 days.
Is the Pawfit tracker waterproof enough for swimming?
Yes. The IP68 rating means it can be submerged up to 5 meters deep, and the Pawfit 3 is rated for saltwater exposure too. It handles swimming, rain, mud, and snow without issues.
Can the Pawfit 3s be used on cats?
Yes, and it's one of the better options for cats specifically. The 3s is designed for pets under 3.5 kg, which covers most house cats. It's light enough not to bother them, and the collar attachment stays secure even on agile cats.
How accurate is the Pawfit GPS tracking?
The 4G models track within a few meters in open outdoor areas using GPS and GLONASS satellites. Accuracy drops near tall buildings or dense tree cover, which is normal for any GPS tracker. The older 2G Pawfit 2 was noticeably less accurate in weak signal areas.