Tractive GPS Tracker with Health Monitoring

Tractive GPS Tracker & Health Monitoring: Best for Pets?

GPS tracker
GPS tracker securely attached to the dog collar.

Tractive GPS Tracker: Best for Pets?

Owning a pet means constantly worrying about their safety and health. We’ve all had that heart-stopping moment when our beloved dogs seem to have taken themselves on an impromptu adventure.

For this reason – and because we had recently sadly lost a dog – we purchased and have since extensively tested the Tractive GPS DOG 4 tracker for several dogs in the pack, a device that allows you to keep a virtual eye on your four-legged friends.

We found it to be a comprehensive gadget that not only tracks location but also offers insights into your dog’s well-being.

We were especially impressed by its real-time tracking capability. It allows us to follow our dog’s every step with a sense of security, knowing we’ll be notified if they wander out of the designated safe area. The health monitoring feature is a bonus, as it provides alerts on unusual activity patterns, which can be crucial for preventive care.

Despite requiring a subscription, we found the service starting at a reasonable monthly fee—a worthwhile investment for the peace of mind it offers.

Hiking with a dog
Hiking with a dog, tracker and monitoring app on the cell phone.

While the tracker’s benefits are clear, it’s not without its downsides. The need for a subscription may be a hurdle for some, and the reliance on a cellular network means coverage can sometimes be spotty in remote areas. Nevertheless, for everyday use, the waterproof and durable build makes the Tractive GPS an ally in any weather and for any adventure-prone pet.

A preliminary conclusion

Our deep dive into the Tractive GPS Tracker leaves us confident in recommending it to fellow dog owners seeking a balance of safety, health monitoring, and peace of mind. Its robust features outweigh the minor drawbacks, making it a top contender in the pet safety market.

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Tractive GPS DOG 4 Tracker

Overview: Tractive GPS Tracker & Health Monitoring for Dogs

In our experience, keeping tabs on a playful pup that loves to explore can be quite a task. The Tractive GPS Tracker is an innovative solution, enabling us to monitor our dog’s movements and health on-the-go. It offers real-time GPS tracking, ensuring that we can see where our furry friend is at any time without any distance restrictions.

Coupled with an all-inclusive subscription – as low as $5 a month – it strikes us as valuable, particularly with its 30-day money back trial.

We’ve found the health alert feature particularly beneficial, keeping us informed about our dog’s sleeping patterns and activity, which is reassuring for pet owners focused on their dog’s well-being. Its ability to send escape alerts directly to our phone when our dog strays from the designated safe space has also provided us peace of mind.

Despite these features, it’s worth noting the need for a subscription. The tracker doesn’t function without it, but the service starting at $5 a month is a fair price for the features it offers.

Also, it’s a relief to know that we can access the tracker’s full potential without hidden costs lurking. Even when our adventures take us far from home, the tracker’s coverage is consistent and reliable, ensuring our dogs are safe and sound. The alerts for leaving designated safe spaces are prompt, and wellness notifications help us keep on top of our dog’s health needs.

Real-Time GPS Tracking

tracker testing
For the test, we left the dogs at the small chapel (outlined in red in the background) and moved about 200 yards away. The app shows the exact position of the dog on the right and your own position on the left (blue circle).

In exploring the capabilities of the Tractive GPS Tracker, we were most impressed by the real-time tracking feature. Keeping tabs on your adventurous pup is seamless with the device’s precise location services.

Whether you’re dealing with a cheeky escape artist or a furry friend who loves to roam, this tracker provides peace of mind with its constant updates.

The subscription service is key to accessing the tracker’s full potential, starting at a reasonable monthly rate. While it is an additional ongoing cost, it’s a small price to pay for the assurance it delivers.

The tracker performs admirably well across any distance, so there’s no need to worry about your dog’s explorations being too far afield.

The time we spent with the tracker showed its reliability, but we did note an occasional lag in location updates during periods of weak signal. This is not uncommon with GPS devices, and the overall performance still gives us confidence in the product’s utility for keeping an eye on our canine companions.

It’s important to remember that no tech is infallible, and this tracker should be used as one of several measures to ensure your pet’s safety, rather than the sole line of defense.

Subscription Service & Costs

In our experience, the peace of mind of knowing your furry friend’s whereabouts at any time is invaluable. That’s where the Tractive GPS Tracker shines, but it does come with a monthly cost.

The subscription starts at $13 per month and reduces to $5 per month ($120 in total) for a 24-month prepayment, which is a fair price for the comprehensive services offered, such as unlimited location tracking, activity and health monitoring.

To sweeten the deal, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing us to try the service risk-free.

The subscription plan encapsulates all charges associated with the integrated SIM card and data usage, ensuring we don’t encounter any unexpected fees down the line.

Also, it’s a relief to know that we can access the tracker’s full potential without hidden costs lurking. Even when our adventures take us far from home, the tracker’s coverage is consistent and reliable, ensuring our dogs are safe and sound. The alerts for leaving designated safe spaces are prompt, and wellness notifications help us keep on top of our dog’s health needs.

Health and Activity Monitoring

GPS tracker
The GPS tracker reliably indicates your own position, the dog’s position and the route taken.

In testing the Tractive GPS Tracker, we found its health and activity monitoring features quite impressive. The device consistently tracked sleep quality and activity patterns, which is crucial for maintaining our dogs’ health.

We received timely health alerts via email whenever there was any unusual behaviour in our pet’s activity, which brought us peace of mind.

The activity tracking functionality of the gadget allowed us to monitor and compare our dog’s wellness score with others of the same breed. It’s helpful to see if our furry friend is getting enough exercise or perhaps too much, which is beneficial for dogs of any age.

On the downside, this high-level monitoring does depend on a subscription service, and while it starts at a fairly reasonable price, it’s something to consider in the long run.

Some of us also received escape alerts that were incredibly timely, alerting us the moment our dog left a designated safe area. This feature, though potentially life-saving, may also increase our dependency on the device for our dog’s safety.

Overall, the health and activity monitoring by the Tractive are robust and reliable, but the subscription fee is a factor to weigh in.

Waterproof and Durability Features

In our recent test, the lightweight design of the Tractive GPS Tracker never once felt cumbersome on our dog’s collar. The white band color is sleek, and it meshes well with whatever collar you might already use for your furry friend.

We noted how fitting the description of “waterproof” truly is. Even on those rainy day walks or unexpected splashes, we confidently continued our day without worry about the device malfunctioning due to water exposure.

The sturdy rectangular shape survived the rough and tumble of daily dog life. It withstood playful wrestling with other dogs and didn’t show signs of wear or tear from the usual scraping against walls and fences.

We were particularly impressed by its resilience during our testing, despite being so lightweight and compact.

However, we did observe that, while the white color looks sharp, it does have the potential to show dirt over time, which you may want to consider based on your dog’s level of outdoor activity.

However, the tracker is also available in other colors and each dog has its own tracker in an individual color. This makes it easy to identify which tracker belongs to which dog after charging.

Pros and Cons

'Simba' has a white tracker
The black-checked dog ‘Simba’ has a white tracker on his collar. The position of both dogs (Simba and Ali) is displayed in the app, as well as the fact that they are in the energy-saving zone with LAN connection at home. Plus the battery status.

From our hands-on experience with the Tractive GPS Tracker, we’ve gathered insights into both its advantages and areas for improvement. This compact device has become a trusty companion for keeping a virtual eye on our furry friends.

Pros

  • Real-Time Tracking: The device offers precise GPS tracking of your dog, ensuring you can monitor your pet’s location with ease. This feature is invaluable for pets prone to wandering.

  • Health Insights: It alerts us to changes in sleep and activity patterns, giving us peace of mind about our dogs’ well-being.

  • Activity Monitoring: With the wellness score, not only do we keep tabs on fitness levels, but also see how our pet stacks up against others of the same breed.

  • Escape Alerts: The moment our four-legged escape artist steps out beyond the designated safe area, we receive an immediate notification, allowing for timely action.

  • Durability: Its waterproof design is perfect for all of our dog’s adventures, come rain or shine.

Cons

  • Subscription Required: To unlock all features, a monthly subscription is mandatory. This might add up over time, which is worth gauging against your budget.

  • Battery Life: Regular charging is essential; thus, if you’re looking for a fit-and-forget solution, this could be a stumbling block.
    We always charge the dog tracker batteries for about two hours every Monday. This lasts for the whole week. If the dogs only spend about two to three hours a day outside the energy-saving zone of the wireless LAN in the house (e.g. on trips or the daily walk, or in the furthest part of the garden), the batteries will last for almost 12 to 14 days.

  • Connectivity Issues: There have been isolated instances where the device struggled to maintain signal, potentially leading to temporary loss of tracking capabilities.

  • Price Point: It may be on the higher end for some budgets, especially when factoring in the subscription cost.

Customer Reviews

GPS tracker in use
Own position (blue circle on the left) and position of the dog waiting in the car (right).

After putting the Tractive GPS Tracker through its paces, we’ve found plenty to talk about. Collectively, with over 26,000 opinions forming a solid 4-star rating, there’s consensus on its reliable tracking capabilities.

The peace of mind it offers dog owners is notable, particularly for those with breeds known for their Houdini-like escape antics. It’s not just about knowing where your furry friends are, but also about keeping an eye on their activity levels, which users appreciate.

However, nothing is without its caveats. A recurrent theme we’ve noticed is the subscription service—which, while necessary for full functionality, is an additional expense that needs consideration.

Some users highlighted initial hiccups with signal detection, but their issues were quickly resolved, showcasing responsive customer service.

Our experience mirrors the consensus: the device is well-crafted and the companion app impressively sleek. Despite its elevated price tag, the Tractive offers a blend of valuable features. It’s waterproof, works with any collar, and remains an indispensable tool for our pets’ safety.

Conclusion

We’ve had our share of experiences with pet trackers, and it’s fair to say that the Tractive GPS Tracker for dogs stands out. After months of everyday use, it’s clear that for those of us with pets that have the spirit of exploration, this device brings a valuable peace of mind.

Notably, it’s not just about location tracking; the health monitoring feature has been effective for keeping tabs on our pets’ activity levels, ensuring they stay in good shape.

Of course, no product is without its drawbacks. While the device requires a subscription service, which might seem like an additional expense, the benefits have justified the cost for us.

The waterproof design is a practical aspect that adds to the durability, allowing our pets to roam freely without concern for the device getting damaged in wet conditions.
However, you should not let your dog swim with the tracker in the water. We haven’t yet tested whether the tracker will still be waterproof, but it’s better not to try it voluntarily.

We encountered a hiccup with signal detection once, but the quick response and resolution from customer service were reassuring. It’s clear that the brand stands behind its product.

In the grander scheme of things, having that extra layer of security to track our furry friends’ whereabouts has been indispensable. Reliable and user-friendly, this pet tracker has made a significant difference in how we interact with our pets’ adventurous sides.

Tractive GPS DOG 4 Tracker

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we’ll be addressing some common queries potential buyers have regarding the Tractive GPS Tracker for dogs—a popular choice among pet owners for keeping tabs on their furry friends and ensuring their wellness.

What Features Does the Tractive GPS Tracker for Dogs Offer?

Tractive’s device lets us see where our dog is in real-time, which is a lifesaver for those of us with wanderlust-ridden pups.

Beyond tracking, it offers:

  • Virtual fences: Receive alerts when your dog crosses boundaries you’ve set.
  • Activity monitoring: Keep tabs on your dog’s fitness levels.
  • Health insights: Get updates on unusual sleep or activity patterns.
  • Weatherproof design: Durable enough for all your dog’s escapades.

How Does the Tractive GPS Tracker’s Health Monitoring Function Assist Dog Owners?

Health monitoring capabilities of this device are quite impressive. Here’s what we’ve noticed:

  • Sleep Quality Tracking: Gives insights into your pet’s rest, which is essential for overall health.
  • Activity Patterns: Helps us understand our dog’s activity level.
  • Wellness Alerts: Sends us notifications for any unusual behavior, ensuring we can act swiftly if our pet’s health might be at risk.

Is There a Subscription Fee Required for the Tractive GPS Tracker, and If So, How Much Does it Cost?

Yes, it operates on a subscription model due to the integrated SIM card.

The best plans start at approximately $5 per month, and the tracker’s usefulness justifies the ongoing expense with its extensive features.

Insurance can also be taken out for little extra money if the tracker is lost or damaged before the end of the subscription period through no fault of your own. In this case, you will receive a new tracker with SiM card free of charge.

What are the Accuracy Levels of the Tractive GPS Tracker When Monitoring a Dog’s Location?

The accuracy of this GPS tracker is usually spot-on.

We’ve found it to be highly reliable for pinpointing our dog’s location, giving us the much-needed reassurance that we can find our pet should they decide to go on an unplanned adventure.

How Does Tractive GPS Tracker Compare to Other Similar Products Like the Fi Collar?

When compared to competitors like the Fi collar, Tractive holds its own with:

  • Real-time tracking: Both offer this, but Tractive seems to excel in immediate location updates.
  • Subscription Fee: Similar models also require subscriptions, but Tractive’s price is competitive.
  • Health Features: Tractive’s health tracking capability is a standout feature that not all competitors offer.

Can the Tractive GPS Tracker Function in Areas Without Cellular Service?

Unfortunately, like most GPS trackers, Tractive requires cellular service to transmit location data.

So, in areas devoid of cellular service, the tracking feature would not be able to function.

This is something to consider if your adventures take you far off the grid.

Tracking also works abroad (almost anywhere in the EU) as long as a mobile network is available. With the German SiM cards in the trackers, for example, there are no problems here in Crete (Greece).

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