Tractive claims to be the most trusted GPS dog tracker in the world. That’s a pretty bold statement and one that I had to put to the test. So I decided to do a Tractive GPS dog tracker review and see for myself whether this provided a reliable way to keep tabs on my pet, Lilly.
The Tractive GPS dog tracker has a good number of features including a tracker and an activity monitor. What’s more, it’s very reasonably priced so I think it’s excellent value for money.
Tractive Tracker
The main feature of the Tractive GPS dog tracker is the location tracking. This is done using GPS and what sets this device apart from some others, such as the PAWFIT is that it’ll work wherever you are in the world.
Not only does it boast unlimited range, but with the live tracking feature, you’ll never lose sight of your dog and the location updates every few seconds.
I really like the location history feature which gives you up to a year’s worth of data on where your dog has been. This shows you their favourite spots and is a handy tool to have in the unfortunate event that your dog goes missing as you’ll be able to check out the most common locations first.
When you are looking at the map, you’ll not only get information on where your pet is but also how fast they’re travelling. If that wasn’t enough, you can enter the AR function within the app to get real time directions to your pet.
In terms of accuracy, Tractive claims that the device is accurate to within about 25 feet. I’ve seen some people say that the accuracy isn’t quite as good but generally speaking, it’ll get you to within a small area of your pet so it’s easy to locate them. That said, there are more accurate trackers out there.
Using the map and GPS feature is a great way to locate your pet but I love that there are additional methods including an LED light and an alarm. You can simply follow these to find your pet. There are also several LED collars on the market for the Tractive GPS dog tracker.
Tractive Main Features
- Real time GPS tracking
- Activity monitor
- In app leader boards for healthy competition
- Family Sharing
- Virtual Fence
- Find Mode
- Waterproof design
Activity Monitor
The Tractive GPS dog tracker comes with an activity log and wellness monitor which is a brilliant way to keep tabs on your dog’s health. Within the smartphone app you have access to a range of data that’s clearly displayed and easy to read. You can see how many calories your pet has burned, their level of activity and even set goals to ensure your dog is as healthy as possible.
There’s also the option to compare your pet’s data with similar dogs to get a clear picture of how healthy they are and what is normal for their breed.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll love a bit of healthy competition and the Tractive GPS dog tracker doesn’t leave this out. There are activity leaderboards so you and your pooch can rise through the ranks and compete with other pets around the world. Of course, you don’t have to use this feature or you might just like to use it with friends and family.
Design
The Tractive GPS dog tracker comes in a choice of colours including dark blue, coffee and white so you can choose something to match yours and your dog’s style. What’s more, there is the option to purchase a cover for the device and these come in a range of stylish designs.
Looks aside, the Tractive GPS dog tracker is a very well made piece of equipment. It’s suitable for dogs over 4 kg and is super lightweight so won’t feel uncomfortable for your pet. What’s more, it’s made with a dog’s life in mind and is waterproof, scratch resistant and smashproof. If you and your dog like to go on wild adventures, that’s nothing that the Tractive GPS dog tracker won’t be able to handle.
Tractive GPS Tracker Subscription
In order to use the GPS function and other features of the Tractive GPS dog tracker you need to be connected to the network and of course, this doesn’t come for free. However, I was pleased to see that there was a choice of subscription options. You have the choice of paying monthly, annually, every two years or every five years. The longer you commit to the subscription, the less you will pay overall.
| Basic Subscription | Premium Subscription | |
| Price | £12 per month £72 per year £108 every two years |
£84 per year £120 every two years £240 every five years |
| What You Get | ● Location updates every 2 to 60 minutes ● Live tracking updates every 2-3 seconds ● Activity and sleep monitoring as well as extra wellness features |
● Location updates every 2 to 60 minutes ● Live tracking updates every 2 – 3 seconds ● Activity and sleep monitoring as well as extra wellness features ● Family sharing ● Global coverage ● Location history up to 365 days ● GPS data export |
I was also pleased to see that the subscription can be cancelled at any time and you will get a full refund on any remaining time you have left. In the sad event that your dog passes away or needs to be rehomed, you won’t lose out financially.
What’s more, you can try the subscription with no risks and Tractive offers a 30 day money back guarantee if you’re not happy with the service.
Battery
The length of run time you’ll get out of your Tractive GPS dog tracker battery depends on several factors including the GPS signal strength. The harder the device has to work to stay connected, the more power it will use. However, on average, you can expect to get between two and seven days worth of power on a single charge.
What I really liked was the Power Saving Zones which can be set up in the app and will conserve power when your device is connected to your wifi.
The battery takes around 2 hours to fully charge so it’s relatively quick especially given its long run time. The device comes with a USB charging cable and there are charging indicator lights so you know when it’s fully powered up.
Tractive GPS Additional Features
As well as the standard tracking and activity monitors, the Tractive GPS dog tracker comes with some other handy features that’ll help you take care of your pet. I’d like to touch on these in the following sections
Family Sharing
A pet is part of the family so naturally every human member of the family is going to want to see what’s going on. That’s the benefit of the Tractive GPS dog tracker; you can set it up so that several people can log in and monitor your dog. This is also ideal if you employ a dog walker as all activity can be stored in one place.
It is worth noting that this feature is only available with the Premium Subscription.
Virtual Fence
I love the virtual fence feature on the Tractive GPS dog tracker. While this is by no means exclusive to this brand, the accuracy of this feature with Tractive is among the very best.
The idea is that you can set up safe zones for your dog, for example in your back garden. If your dog should wander outside of these safe zones, you will receive an alert. You’ll also get a notification should your dog come back into the safe zone. If you’re out looking for your pet and they come home of their own accord, you’ll know and can head back to make sure they’re OK.
Find Mode
There may be times that your dog doesn’t go missing but wants to play hide and seek. While this might be fun to a certain degree, pet owners don’t have all day to spend playing with their dog. In the event your pet is hiding behind something or when the GPS signal isn’t great, the Find Mode still allows you to track your dog’s location.
This works without a map, like the GPS function, and instead uses a ring system. There is a photo of your pet on the screen and, as you approach them, more rings will appear round it. It’s not as precise as GPS but it’s a viable alternative for when the moment calls for it.
Pet Tracker Subscription Comparison
Last update on 2024-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Also keep in mind that the above prices are on the condition that you take out a 2 year subscription which you pay for upfront. There are other options including an annual, 6 monthly or monthly subscriptions, but the cost per month is higher when you choose any of these shorter commitments.
Tractive GPS Pros and Cons
Tractive GPS User Manual
Click here do view or download the Tractive GPS User Manual.
Tractive GPS Video
To see the Tractive GPS Dog Tracker in action, take a look at the video below.
Is This The Right Tracker For You?
I recently reviewed the PAWFIT pet tracker which has some great features. However, it only works in Europe and the United States. If you’re outside of these areas or travel a lot then you’ll need something that works worldwide; that is the Tractive GPS dog tracker.
I’d also recommend this tracker for anyone who wants something robust and secure since it fits incredibly well to the collar and there’s very little chance of it slipping off. Moreover, it’s made from strong materials that are resistant and waterproof. For those outdoor adventures, this is a piece of equipment that will stand up to the challenge.
Learn more about the benefits of GPS Pet Trackers here.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an affordable pet tracker with a versatile subscription and lots of features then the Tractive GPS dog tracker might be a good choice. I’ve been very happy with how it performs and, while the accuracy can be a little off at times, it’s certainly more than enough to help you locate a lost dog to within a few feet.
The Tractive GPS dog tracker also functions as an activity tracker and boasts several additional features like family sharing, find mode, LED lights and an alarm and also has an excellent battery run time.
It’s easy to set up and even easier to use and is ideal for use with a whole range of breeds over 4 kg. I really like how the device stands up to the challenges of dog life and again, for such a good price, I think it’s very well made.
Where Should I purchase the Tractive GPS Pet Tracker
- REAL-TIME GPS TRACKING: See the location of your dog and track them anywhere with no distance limit, LTE or 2G cellular coverage required
- MARKET LEADER: Trusted by millions of customers and winner of numerous international awards
- WORKS ABROAD: Enjoy a worry-free vacation with your pet, featuring unlimited data and range in all countries where Tractive works, Note: Cellular coverage is required
- ESCAPE ALERTS: A notification gets sent straight to your phone when your dog leaves your custom-made area
- WORKS WITH SUBSCRIPTION: The subscription covers all the costs of the integrated SIM card and data, starting from £4.50/month (varies depending on subscription plan)
Last update on 2024-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3 Best Pet Trackers in the UK Comparison Table
Last update on 2024-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Click here for more great GPS Pet Tracker reviews
GPS Dog Tracker FAQs
Do dog trackers work without mobile service?
This largely depends on the device you are using. Some still operate when there is no service while others don’t. This is an important thing to check before buying, especially if you live in a remote area where network coverage isn’t always reliable.
How do GPS dog trackers work?
Global Positioning Systems, commonly known as GPS work by sending and receiving signals from satellites. This creates coordinates which are then sent to your phone as a location, allowing you to find your pet.
Are GPS dog trackers safe for my dog to wear?
As long as the device is not too heavy or your dog doesn’t feel uncomfortable or nervous wearing a collar then there is no reason that a GPS tracker would be unsafe.
How long will the battery last on a dog GPS tracker?
The battery life on your GPS tracker will vary by device. There are some that must be charged every day while others have a battery life of up to one year. What’s more, the battery may last longer when the signal is better as it doesn’t have to work as hard.
Are GPS trackers worth it for dogs?
If you want to ensure the safety of your pet and be able to locate them, should they go missing then a dog GPS tracker is a worthwhile investment. They are also great for monitoring your pet's excercise, distance travelled, calories burned, active and rest hours.
Do dog GPS trackers also work on cats?
Most dog GPS trackers are slightly too large for cats. However, there are some very small versions like the Weenect dog tracker that weighs just 25 grams. This may also be a better idea for smaller dog breeds.
For more than a decade I have been working with and reviewing a wide variety of household products, including pet related mobility products. My many years' of experience writing articles and creating helpful videos for various blogs and publications, have allowed me to recognise the benefits and shortfalls of a wide range of products and tools; providing me with the ability to not only identify what makes a good purchase, but also to help you choose a suitable product for your exact needs and requirements.
