Tractive GPS Pet Tracker Review: Is It Really #1 Pet Tracker?

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Vicki Smirnova is a professional writer and editor who adores animals and helps readers get along well with their pets. She has been working in digital media for more than 5 years and has great experience writing content about lifestyle, including pets. Vicki specializes in dog health and nutrition, cat feeding, dog training. She is an aquarium lover and is passionate to write about fish care at home. Also, Vicki headed several websites and worked as a news editor.

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Updated on: 06/14/2023

Tractive GPS for pets is a device that will allow you to find out a pet’s location at any time. You can check its location using a browser or a free app available for iOS and Android.

Tractive is a device that “turns” the collar into a GPS beacon so that the pets the owner will know where his/her pet is. This is a way to better control the pet during walks, as well as the opportunity to worry less when it walks on its own.

A collar for dogs and cats with a GPS navigator should first of all accurately determine its geo-position and Tractive certainly accomplishes this. Tractive works in several modes, and wide access to all functionalities is opened using a mobile application for iOS or Android, where you need to go through the tracker authorization procedure and pay for a subscription for 1or 2 years.

Short Tractive GPS Reviews

Price Range – 7 out of 10
Multi-Pet Availability – 6 out of 10
Customer Service 8 out of 10

How we tested it?

We chose the best pet trackers for our reviews by analyzing customer feedback. From a huge number of types of GPS trackers, we chose those of the highest quality. Our review presents the best options in terms of price-quality ratio. In addition, we analyzed all the main features of each device.

Tractive GPS collar review

Tractive GPS: Brand history

Tractive is an Austrian company that develops devices for tracking the location of pets and other animals in real-time using GPS and GSM technologies. Tractive GPS was created by Michael Hurnaus and can be used via a smartphone app or a web interface. A special device tracks the position of the equipment using coordinates and transmits data using GSM technology. It has a clamping mechanism that can be attached to a collar and weighs approximately 1.4 ounces. The device can be used with animals weighing up to 8.8 pounds.

Pricing

You can buy the Tractive device for $49.99. Since Tractive works by subscription, you have a choice between a basic or premium service in the United States.

The basic service includes only the tracking function with 24-hour location information and costs $9.95 per month, $77 for 1 year, or $129.99 for 2 years (i.e. $5 per month).

The premium service allows you to use the GPS tracker in all countries. It costs $83.90 per year, $139 for 2 years, or $299.49 for 5 years. A 2-year premium plan is the best option; you can try the device for 14 days and, if not satisfied, return it free of charge.

Delivery and Shipping

For all customers who place an order for more than $29.99 or more, free shipping is provided. For orders below $29.99, shipping is $5.90.

Delivery takes 2-6 working days within the European Economic Area (EEA) of the United States, Switzerland, and Canada. Outside of this zone, the delivery may take up to 10 business days. Delivery times may vary depending on public holidays.

Guarantees and Refund Policy

The tracking device is sold with a warranty. The user can also return the product within 14 days. Tractive makes every effort to ensure a secure connection of the user to the data; however, the company cannot be responsible for the quality of operators’ connection.

Customer Service/Country Served

The Tractive GPS tracker has an unlimited range of coverage around the world, operating in more than 150 countries. The device always connects to the best available network; this way, you will be able to follow your cat or dog around the world. Free apps for iOS, Android, and PC. Free Tractive GPS app for your smartphone and browser (iOS 11+, Android 5.0+).

You don’t have to use a smartphone to work with your GPS tracker for dogs and cats. Tractive also works in the web version at My.Tractive. All basic features are available after registration on the landing screen; here, you can export the history of your pet’s walks.

Specifications of Tractive GPS tracker

Although devices for cats and dogs differ slightly in their characteristics, there are some general parameters:

Small and light. The Tractive GPS device weighs about 1 ounce and is recommended for pets weighing more than 8.8 pounds.
100% waterproof. The GPS device is waterproof and shockproof with a degree of protection – IPX7.
A rechargeable battery. The duration of the device from one charge is 2-5 days or more, depending on cellular coverage and use. The device is fully charged in 3 hours.
Fits most collars on the market. The Tractive IKATI and Tractive GPS DOG flexible rubber clip is suitable for almost any collar width.
The gadget is equipped with two mounting clips, a charger and an adapter.

Now, let’s look at the parameters of Tractive GPS for dogs and cats separately.

	Tractive GPS Dog	Tractive GPS Cat
Dimensions	2.8 x 1.1 x 0.6 in (71 x 28 x 17mm)	2.8 x 1.1 x 0.6 in (72 x 29 x 16mm)
Weight	1.23 oz (35g)	1.1 oz (28g)
Battery Lifetime Up to	5 days	2-5 days
Waterproof	(IPX7)	(IPX7)
Pet size	8.8 pounds (4kg) and above	8.8 pounds (4kg) and above
Subscription Plan Required	+	+
LIVE Tracking (Interval 2-3 seconds)	+	+
Availability	Worldwide	Europe only
Unlimited range	+	+
Virtual Fence	+	+
Activity Monitoring	+	+
Light	+	+
Sound	+	+
Monthly plan possible	12 months	12 months
Warranty	+	+

Tractive GPS Features

Tractive is quite simple from a technical point of view. The satellite catches the signal and transmits it to your device. You can manage the settings on your smartphone or tablet. Here, you can set the tracking interval. This function is suitable if your pet is walking outdoors. This mode is relevant if you went out with your pet in the yard and let it off the leash. In the dark, you can also activate the backlight in the settings.

The activity monitoring function allows you to find out how much time your pet spends sleeping or playing games. This is very convenient if you want to find out if your pet is getting enough exercise. This feature also allows you to keep track of its diet and calories burned.

You can also set up safe zones for your pet. You choose the radius, and if the animal leaves it, you receive a notification. Here, you can also turn on the altitude, speed and compass indicators to see in which direction and at what pace your pet is moving. In addition, you can view the history of its walks. You can track it almost step by step; at the bottom, there is a slider that can be moved left-right.

Tractive GPS Coverage

Tractive GPS devices work due to cellular communication. The tracker uses mobile/cellular networks to send the GPS location of your cat or dog to your smartphone.

Tractive takes care of all the data transfer costs, instead of setting a fixed price for the subscription. Thus, you will be able to track the location of your cat or dog 24/7 in more than 150 countries around the world.

What Do Customers Think of Tractive GPS Tracker?

We analyzed Tractive pet tracker reviews. Users mostly speak positively about the Tractive GPS tracker.

Tractive Trustpilot Rating

Customers note that this tracker is great for everyday use. Customers like that they have the ability to track the location of their dog or cat directly from their smartphone, tablet or PC.

Review by Anko Bos on Trustpilot

Review by Koen on Trustpilot

FAQs

How accurate is Tractive GPS?

Tractive GPS allows you to track the location of your animal using GPS signals. This system is quite accurate – on average, the device can provide an average accuracy of about 7.8 meters in ideal conditions.

Is Tractive safe?

Tractive GPS is quite simple to use. The satellite catches the signal and transmits it to your device. This technology does not harm the health and safety of your four-legged friend.

What mobile network does Tractive use?

It does not matter which mobile service provider the signal is transmitted with. Each Tractive GPS is equipped with its own SIM card. This means that the device works independently of the network of your mobile operator. But you should understand that your smartphone must be connected to the Internet to use the Tractive GPS mobile app or the mobile version. It works both via Wi-Fi and mobile data.

What is the best GPS tracker for hunting dogs?

Tractive GPS can be used to track hunting dogs. However, all trackers with GPS navigation are not suitable for this task, since they work from the GSM network (SIM card) and may lose its signal in the forest. For these purposes, it is better to use radio transmitters.

Final Words: Is Tractive GPS tracker Worth It?

The Tractive GPS collar is a great device with advantages and disadvantages – it is lightweight, shockproof and waterproof. It is very convenient to fix and use and it also has an almost unlimited range of activity. The battery is the only serious drawback; however, the company says that they are looking into increasing battery life.

Pros & Cons of tractive gps tracker

Real-time tracking and saving movement history.
Installing safe zones.
Coverage in 150 countries of the world without additional fees and SMS.
Simple controls, notifications, indication at night, a localized application and many other “chips” that pet owners will definitely appreciate.
Flexible payment system with the possibility of monthly payments.

Paid monthly subscription.
Lack of speakers.

READ MORE: 12 Best Dog GPS Trackers