Tractive in the test: advantages and disadvantages
Of course, a long battery life is important for such a device. The device charges in just two hours and the operating time is directly related to its use. The more often the location of the animal is queried, the more often the transmitter is activated. Normally, the device should be reconnected to the charger after approximately two days. Economical use is required to achieve the manufacturer's specified maximum five-day run time. A special feature of the GPS collar is that you can set up a safe zone, a kind of virtual fence. If the animal leaves this area, the owner will be notified and can react accordingly. As good as the feature is, messages are often late on the phone. Especially if the safe zone is not actually physically closed, a message can get through if the animal has already returned. So something needs to be improved here. It's basically a good idea to keep an eye on the animal.
With the live tracking tool, you can not only see in real time where the animal is, but also what paths it has taken. Complete movement patterns can be displayed. For many users, this may be just a trick, but anyone who has always wanted to understand their pet's path can satisfy their curiosity. Even if the animal is close but it is dark, a light can be activated on the GPS collar via the smartphone. Then the animal will find itself quickly.
Monitoring with the Tractive app
The Tractive app exists in two versions: a free lite version and a standard version for € 3.99, which can be purchased from the respective app stores. The lite version is sufficient to use the GPS tool, but it can only be used for one animal. So if you want register and monitor multiple animals, you need the paid version. Also, reminders for the next vet visit or medical information can be saved through both apps.
Purchase and use costs
The Tractive GPS device is currently available for around € 150 and only consists of the GPS transmitter with a built-in battery. No special necklace is required, but can also be purchased from Tractive. However, there are also ongoing costs for use. GPS data is transmitted over a cellular network. The mode of operation, therefore, does not differ fundamentally from using the GPS of a smartphone. Depending on the package, this costs € 4.99 (€ 49.99 per year) or € 9.99 (€ 59.90 in the first year, then € 99.90) per month. There is no minimum contract term and use can be discontinued at any time without any problem. Finally, it remains to clarify what is the difference between these two payment options. In the basic version, the location is only possible in the country of origin and through the mobile network selected by Tractive. With the premium version, the device can be used in all supported countries. The device also automatically selects the best available network. This seems particularly useful in poorly covered areas.
Conclusion: useful device with small weaknesses
Overall, the Tractive GPS collar is a device that works very well to monitor the location of the animal. Even the smallest devices, like live tracking, are easily possible. The battery life seems sufficient for everyone who regularly sees the animal. At least that should apply to most pets. Setting up a safe zone is a sensible technical extension, but it didn't always work perfectly in the test. Ultimately though, running costs of at least € 4.99 per month should be taken into account. Anyone who agrees with this will get a powerful and useful device. The TractiveGPS GPS transmitter consists of a five-by-four by 1.5-centimeter module, which is attached to the pet collar with a clip. In addition to a GPS module, the module also contains GSM for data connection via the mobile network and a lithium-ion battery. There is only one on / off button on the device and two status LEDs for GPS and GSM. The device is loaded with a clip that attaches to four metal contacts on the case. The tracker is activated on the Tractive website using the code provided. The Tractive GPS app is available for Android and iOS. The position of the animal is shown live with the application. It can also be used to erect a virtual fence. If the animal moves away from a defined radius of action, the owner receives an alert through the application.
Tractive GPS locator for animals
Allows the exact location of your pet
LIVE Tracking
Notification on the smartphone as soon as the animal leaves the security zone
100% waterproof
light as a feather: only 35 g (for animals over 4.5 kg)
Monthly service fee from € 3.75 per month
includes charger and mounting brackets
Practical experience
Tester Andrea tested the Tractive GPS on her little terrier while she was walking. During assembly, you noticed that the supplied clip is not suitable for thicker dog collars. The included traction collar band is thin enough to hold the tracker with a paper clip. The manufacturer Tractive recommends placing the GPS module on the neck of the animal. In practice, however, the module can easily slide towards the lower part of the neck, where it can disturb the animal. "The module is a bit big and heavy, especially for smaller breeds like terriers," says Andrea. On the first outing with the Tractive GPS, Andrea put her dog on a leash. The information on the position of the animal and the owner showed strong discrepancies. According to the map display on the Tractive GPS app, the dog would sometimes run up to 100 meters away. Actually, this distance could never be reached due to the leash. A second trip led to the forest, the dog was released from the leash. There were connection problems due to poor mobile radio reception. The position of the dog was not found until the end of the walk.
Product description and functionality
The GPS device provides excellent traction for dog or cat owners, the ability to always know where their favorite is. Especially in the event that the animal does not appear at the usual feeding time, it is preoccupied as a teacher or lover. Thanks to the GPS traction device and a smartphone with traction applications (train or traction lite), it is easy to find the missing animal again. As soon as the battery-powered and waterproof box is connected to the collar of a dog or cat with the attached clip, it is used to determine the position of the animal: for this, however, it must be switched on and be able to establish a connection of mobile phone to Tractive Server. The owner of the animal can retrieve the position data transmitted via GPS through the application Tractive on the smartphone (iPhone and Android 2.2 or higher) or on the PC in the browser. With Tractive GPS, you can not only show the position of your pet, but you can also define a safety zone by making the appropriate entries. If your dog or cat leaves this area, you will be informed immediately. To observe the direction the animal is heading, you can select the Live Tracking item. When the four-legged friend is on his way in the dark, he has the option to activate the device's built-in light source. Due to the small size and low weight, animals with a body weight of 4.5 kg have a sufficient train GPS device.
Coupons, coupon codes and discounts from Tractive
In Tractive it is a GPS tracker for animals. The stuck chain of the product can easily perform its function and control over your pet. Whether friends or beloved four-legged friends disappeared near the bushes, with the traction system you always know exactly where it is. The same matching accessories in the pull current of course, such as collars, mounting brackets and chargers. Use coupon Tractive with your order and save even more money. In Tractive you will find coupons, coupon codes, discounts, online coupons, coupons, deals, bargains. With Tractive coupons and discount codes, your next Tractive order will definitely be significantly cheaper. Take advantage of great discounts with coupon codes and special promotions. Make your order a bargain with our free coupons from Tractive.