As pet owners, we often find ourselves worrying about the safety of our furry companions, especially when they are outside exploring. The thought of a pet getting lost or wandering off is every pet parent’s nightmare. Fortunately, technology has come to the rescue with GPS pet trackers, and one of the most popular options on the market today is the tractive gps pet tracker review.
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In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the features, performance, pros and cons, and the overall effectiveness of the Tractive GPS Pet Tracker, so you can determine whether it’s the right choice for keeping your pet safe.
What is the Tractive GPS Pet Tracker?
The Tractive GPS Pet Tracker is a small, lightweight, and waterproof device designed to be attached to your pet’s collar. It uses GPS and cellular technology to track your pet’s location in real-time, providing peace of mind to pet owners by helping them monitor their pets wherever they go.
Tractive’s GPS tracker is specifically designed for cats and dogs, and it allows you to track your pet’s movements from your smartphone or computer, offering an easy and efficient way to keep an eye on your pet’s whereabouts.
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Key Features of Tractive GPS Pet Tracker
Real-Time GPS Tracking
Tractive offers real-time location tracking using GPS and cellular networks. This feature allows you to track your pet’s movements in real-time, providing precise updates on their location. Whether your dog is on a walk or your cat is exploring the backyard, you can monitor their whereabouts via the Tractive app.
Virtual Fence (Geofencing)
One of the standout features of the Tractive GPS tracker is its virtual fence capability. You can set up a designated area or “safe zone” on the app, and if your pet strays outside this zone, you’ll receive an instant alert. This feature is particularly useful if your pet tends to wander or if you want to ensure they stay within a specific area like your yard or the local park.
Live Tracking & History
The live tracking feature offers continuous updates on your pet’s location, allowing you to see where they’ve been throughout the day. If your pet goes off on an adventure, you can use the location history feature to see the route they’ve taken. This feature can also help if your pet gets lost, as you can retrace their steps to narrow down their last known location.
Waterproof and Durable Design
The Tractive GPS Pet Tracker is designed to withstand the elements, making it perfect for pets who love to play outdoors. It’s waterproof and can handle rain, mud, and even a swim in the pool or lake without damaging the device. The tracker is also designed to be durable enough to withstand the rough and tumble lifestyle of most pets, especially active dogs. Explore the Cane Corso growth and weight chart and nutrition plans.
Battery Life
The battery life of the Tractive GPS Pet Tracker is decent, with up to 5 days of tracking on a single charge. The actual battery life may vary depending on the frequency of GPS tracking and how often the tracker is used for live tracking. You can easily monitor the battery status through the Tractive app to ensure your pet’s tracker stays charged.
Worldwide Coverage
The Tractive GPS Pet Tracker works in over 150 countries, offering broad coverage for pet owners who travel with their pets or those who live in remote areas. It relies on cellular data networks to transmit location updates, so as long as there is cellular coverage, the tracker will continue to provide real-time data.
Fit and Comfort
The tracker is compact and lightweight, which makes it comfortable for pets of various sizes. It’s designed to be attached to your pet’s collar, and it doesn’t add excessive weight or bulk, allowing your pet to wear it without discomfort. The device is also adjustable to fit a range of collar sizes, from small cats to large dogs. Find out the best collars for Cane Corsos to suit their unique needs.
Pros of Tractive GPS Pet Tracker
Now that we’ve outlined the features, let’s look at the pros of using the Tractive GPS Pet Tracker:
1. Real-Time Tracking
The real-time GPS tracking feature is incredibly accurate and provides peace of mind to pet owners. Whether your pet is in your yard or out on an adventure, you can check their exact location at any time. This feature is especially useful if your pet has run off or is in an unfamiliar area.
2. Geofencing Alerts
Setting up a virtual fence around your home or other areas your pet frequents can significantly reduce the stress of worrying about them running off. If your pet crosses the boundary of the safe zone, you’ll receive an immediate notification, allowing you to act quickly.
3. Durability and Waterproof Design
For active pets who love the outdoors, the Tractive GPS Pet Tracker is a great option. The tracker is rugged and waterproof, which means it can withstand a wide variety of environmental conditions, including rain, mud, and snow. This durability ensures that the tracker can be used in almost any weather conditions, providing reliable tracking no matter what.
4. Affordable Subscription Plans
Tractive offers a subscription-based service to access its GPS tracking features. Compared to other pet trackers that can have high monthly fees, Tractive’s subscription plans are relatively affordable. They offer a range of plans depending on the features you need, such as basic GPS tracking, or the more advanced live tracking and geofencing features.
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5. Ease of Use
The Tractive GPS Pet Tracker is easy to set up and use. The companion app is intuitive, and the tracker itself attaches easily to your pet’s collar. The real-time tracking, virtual fence, and location history features are all accessible with just a few taps on your phone, making it a hassle-free experience for pet owners.
6. Worldwide Coverage
One of the standout features of the Tractive GPS Pet Tracker is its global coverage. Whether you live in a rural area or travel internationally, the device will work in most countries, as long as there is cellular coverage. This makes it a great option for pet owners who like to travel with their pets.
Cons of Tractive GPS Pet Tracker
While the Tractive GPS Pet Tracker offers numerous benefits, it’s important to be aware of the potential drawbacks. Here are the cons of the device:
1. Requires a Subscription
While the device itself is affordable, Tractive requires a monthly or yearly subscription to use its GPS tracking features. While the cost is relatively low compared to some competitors, it’s still an ongoing expense that pet owners must consider. The subscription fee covers the GPS service, cellular data, and other premium features such as live tracking and geofencing.
2. Battery Life
The battery life of the Tractive GPS Pet Tracker is decent, but it may not last as long as some other pet trackers on the market. Depending on how often you use live tracking or how active your pet is, you may need to recharge the device every 2–5 days. This could be an inconvenience for pet owners who prefer longer battery life between charges.
3. Limited to Cellular Coverage Areas
The tracker relies on cellular data networks to transmit location information. If you live in a rural area or in a place with limited cellular coverage, the tracker’s effectiveness may be reduced. Similarly, if your pet is in a remote location without access to cellular signals, you might experience delayed or no location updates.
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4. Size of the Tracker
While the Tractive GPS Pet Tracker is lightweight and compact, it may still be a bit large for smaller pets, especially for cats with tiny collars. While it works well for most dogs, particularly medium to large breeds, it might be bulky for small or delicate pets. It’s important to ensure that the tracker is suitable for your pet’s size before purchase.
5. Needs a Collar
The Tractive GPS tracker is designed to be worn on your pet’s collar. This means that it’s not a standalone device that can be used for pets who are collarless or who have unusual collar designs. It also means that you’ll need to ensure your pet’s collar is comfortable and secure enough to hold the tracker.
How to Set Up and Use the Tractive GPS Pet Tracker
Setting up and using the Tractive GPS Pet Tracker is relatively easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Purchase the Tracker and Choose a Subscription Plan
Start by purchasing the Tractive GPS Pet Tracker through their website or an authorized retailer. Choose the appropriate subscription plan based on your needs, ranging from basic tracking to more advanced features like live tracking and geofencing.
2. Charge the Device
Before attaching the tracker to your pet’s collar, fully charge it using the included USB charging cable. Charging the device typically takes a few hours. Discover the best collars for Siberian Huskies for both style and comfort.
3. Download the Tractive App
Download the Tractive app on your smartphone, available on both Android and iOS. Once installed, open the app and create an account.
4. Set Up the Tracker
Follow the instructions in the app to pair the tracker with your device. You’ll need to enter your pet’s details (name, breed, weight, etc.) and customize your preferences.
5. Attach the Tracker to Your Pet’s Collar
Once the device is set up, attach it securely to your pet’s collar. Ensure the tracker is comfortably positioned on your pet’s neck without causing any discomfort.
6. Track Your Pet
Once the tracker is attached and powered on, you can start tracking your pet in real-time through the app. You can set up geofencing, monitor their location history, and check the battery status directly from the app.
Conclusion: Is the Tractive GPS Pet Tracker Worth It?
The Tractive GPS Pet Tracker offers a reliable, durable, and affordable solution for pet owners looking to keep their pets safe and monitored. With features like real-time tracking, geofencing, and waterproof design, it stands out as one of the best GPS pet trackers available.
However, it’s not without its downsides, including the need for a subscription, relatively short battery life, and reliance on cellular coverage. Despite these drawbacks, if you’re looking for a way to monitor your pet’s whereabouts with ease, especially for dogs or adventurous pets, the Tractive GPS Pet Tracker is a strong contender. Learn how to put a collar on a Husky with these practical tips.
Hope this tractive gps pet tracker review helped! Ultimately, the Tractive GPS Pet Tracker is a valuable investment for pet owners who prioritize safety, ease of use, and real-time tracking capabilities, offering a great balance of affordability and performance.
