Tractive has two models of GPS and LTE pet trackers that are made exclusively for dogs and cats. Each of the two incarnations of these trackers costs $49.99, exclusive of any related membership fees. Depending on usage, both models offer a battery life of up to one week and come with IPX7 waterproofing and shock resistance features.
In comparison to the Fi Smart Dog Collar Series 2, the Tractive canine version is a better option for smaller canines. While Tractive’s tracker is acceptable for dogs weighing at least 8.8 pounds, the Fi collar demands a minimum weight of 10 pounds.
Tractive offers Basic and Premium subscription rates. It costs $12 per month, $84 per year, or $120 per two years to subscribe to the Basic plan. The cost of the Premium subscription is $96 year, $144 every two years, or $300 annually. Both versions provide limitless GPS tracking, unlimited Live tracking with intervals as small as two to three seconds, and activity and sleep monitoring. A year’s worth of location history, GPS data exports, family and public sharing, worldwide coverage across 175 countries, and enhanced customer service are all available to users with the Premium membership. Fi’s subscription plan is more affordable at $99 a year.
Tractive’s GPS software is a useful tool for dog owners because it allows them to follow the locations of many dogs at once. However, a tracker and subscription are required for each pet separately. With tabs for the Map, History, Activity, Profile, and Account at the bottom, the program has a user-friendly interface and intuitive design. The main screen is the Map tab, where owners can locate their pets, activate the Live and Find modes, check the tracker’s battery life and GPS signal, and adjust the map settings.
The tracking feature is always on when the gadget is in use. The location of the pet is shown on the map, along with the time and date of the most recent update. Depending on the pet’s mobility, Tractive’s pre-set location update intervals range from two to sixty minutes. To save battery life, the tracker lowers its update frequency if the animal is primarily stationary.
When a pet wanders off, live mode is very helpful for real-time tracking. The Tractive tracker communicates the pet’s GPS location every few seconds by pushing the blue Live button. A blue line designating this site appears on the map. It’s crucial to remember that Live mode uses battery power faster than the default tracking setting. Live tracking automatically shuts off after five minutes to conserve battery life, but users can alter this time limit under the Profile page.
The Find option is helpful when a weak GPS signal impairs position accuracy. Above the Live button, a pet icon appears when the tracker is within Bluetooth range. A blue bullseye may be seen surrounding the pet’s profile picture when you tap on this icon. The bullseye’s rings start to turn blue more frequently as the user approaches the animal. Along with the Live and Find modes, the tracker has a tiny LED light and an audible alarm that can help locate the pet fast.