Full review
Longer notes from the same comments we summarized above.
What people reported
Many owners are happy with the Tractive GPS tracker for its core function of locating their pets. Some users found it highly effective for their dogs, even those with specific needs like blind dogs, appreciating its ability to provide accurate location. It is seen as useful for tracking pets at dog parks or when traveling. The tracker uses cellular and GPS for accuracy and reportedly connects to all three national carriers, which some consider a major advantage. Owners in city and suburban areas generally report that the tracker "works just fine." The larger dog tracker version received specific praise for its "amazing" battery life.
Problems people mention
A recurring concern is battery life, with many owners reporting it "doesn't last long enough," often getting only 3 to 5 days on a charge even with basic settings. The "cat tracker" specifically was noted to have a shorter battery life than the dog version. Several users reported that the tracker loses signal or fails to work effectively in certain environments, particularly in "creek or into wooded areas." Some felt it "only work[s] in urban areas" and described it as "crap" or a "big piece of garbage" when it didn't perform.
The attachment design is another significant complaint; owners said it "can be ripped off very easily," leading to lost devices. One user had to order a replacement and now uses a "thick band to secure it." There is also a call for a sound location feature to help find the device if it detaches. Owners also found the device "a bit large" for smaller pets. Finally, customer service received strong criticism, with reports of it being "totally worthless," "all via email," and that they "ignore your emails." The subscription fee is also considered expensive, especially when needing separate subscriptions for multiple pets.
Where owners disagree
Owners disagree on the device's reliability outside of established "safe zones" or without Wi-Fi. Some report consistent performance, while others find it unreliable if a pet goes into areas with poor cellular coverage or without a Wi-Fi perimeter. There's also a difference in battery life perception, with some praising the large dog tracker's battery, contrasting with widespread complaints about the standard/cat tracker's short battery life.
Who it's for
This tracker appears best suited for pet owners living in city or suburban environments with good cellular coverage, who primarily need to track their pets within these areas. It may be a good fit for those who do not mind frequent charging or investing in a more secure attachment method. Buyers should also be aware of the recurring subscription cost for each device. It is less suitable for those in wooded or rural areas where signal loss is a concern, or for owners expecting long battery life from smaller tracker models.
