Tractive offers two versions of their GPS and LTE pet trackers, specifically designed for dogs and cats. These trackers come in two different iterations, each priced at $49.99, excluding any applicable subscription fees. Both models boast a battery life of up to one week, depending on usage, and are equipped with IPX7 waterproofing and shock resistance features.
For smaller dogs, the Tractive canine version is a superior choice compared to the Fi Smart Dog Collar Series 2. The Fi collar requires a minimum weight of 10 pounds, while Tractive’s tracker is suitable for dogs weighing at least 8.8 pounds.
Tractive provides two subscription tiers: Basic and Premium. The Basic subscription costs $12 per month, $84 per year, or $120 every two years. The Premium subscription is priced at $96 per year, $144 every two years, or $300 per year. Both options offer unlimited Live tracking with intervals as short as two to three seconds, GPS tracking with intervals ranging from two to sixty minutes, and activity and sleep monitoring. With the Premium subscription, users also gain access to one year of location history, GPS data exports, family and public sharing, global coverage across 175 countries, and improved customer service. Comparatively, Fi’s subscription option costs $99 per year.
To track the locations of multiple dogs simultaneously, Tractive’s GPS app is a convenient tool for pet owners. However, each pet must have its own tracker and membership. The app features a user-friendly interface and intuitive design, with tabs such as Map, History, Activity, Profile, and Account at the bottom. The Map tab is the main screen, allowing users to check the location of their pets, enable Live and Find modes, monitor the tracker’s battery life and GPS signal, and modify map settings.
When the device is in use, tracking is always active. The map displays the pet’s location, as well as the date and time of the most recent update. Tractive’s preset location update interval ranges from two to sixty minutes, depending on the pet’s mobility. If the pet remains mostly sedentary, the tracker adjusts its update frequency to conserve battery life.
Live mode is particularly useful for real-time tracking when a pet wanders off. By pressing the blue Live button, the Tractive tracker sends the pet’s GPS location every few seconds. This location is displayed as a blue line on the map. It is important to note that Live mode consumes battery power more quickly than the default tracking option. To prevent battery depletion, Live tracking automatically turns off after five minutes, but users can customize this timeframe under the Profile tab.
In cases where a weak GPS signal affects position accuracy, the Find mode comes in handy. When the tracker is within Bluetooth range, a pet icon appears above the Live button. Tapping on this icon reveals a blue bullseye around the pet’s profile photo. As the user gets closer to the pet, more rings on the bullseye turn blue. To aid in locating the pet quickly, the tracker features a small LED light and an audible alarm, which can be utilized alongside the Live and Find modes.
