How accurate is the Tractive GPS tracker?

If you’re wondering how closely Tractive shows your pet’s real location, here’s what to expect. We’ll cover typical accuracy, what affects it, and simple tips to help you get the best results.

What’s the typical accuracy?

Tractive GPS trackers are usually accurate within 8 meters (about 26 feet) when your pet is outdoors in open spaces.

What affects the tracker’s accuracy?

A few key things make a difference in how precise the GPS location is. The best accuracy is outdoors, especially in open areas with a clear view of the sky.

Factors that can reduce accuracy include:

Thick cloud cover or heavy rain
Dense forest or tall trees
Steep hills and valleys
Buildings and other artificial structures

Illustration of a dog wearing a GPS tracker running through a landscape, with three satellites above sending signals. One satellite’s signal goes directly to the dog in an open field, another signal bounces off obstacles like clouds, and the third signal is partially blocked by trees, showing how different environments affect GPS signal strength and accuracy. — *Even when outdoors, accuracy can still be reduced by a thick cloud cover, heavy rain, dense forest, steep hills, and artificial structures.*

How about indoors or in cities?

Indoors, or near tall buildings, walls and roofs can block or weaken the signals from GPS satellites. This makes it harder to pinpoint an exact location, so the accuracy may go down.

Illustration showing a dog and a person inside a house, with several GPS satellite signals unable to pass through the building and trees, highlighting how walls and obstacles can block or weaken GPS signals and reduce tracking accuracy indoors. — *Indoors, walls, roofs, and other structures can block or significantly weaken the signals from GPS satellites.*

What does this mean for finding my pet?

In most everyday situations, you’ll see your pet’s location on the map very close to where they actually are.

If they’re outdoors in a yard, park, or while walking, Tractive should show them nearly at their real spot.

If they’re indoors or somewhere with a weaker GPS signal, you may see their last known location, which could be a bit off.

How do I get the best GPS accuracy?

When outdoors, use Live Tracking for the quickest and most precise updates.
If the map location seems off, try moving your pet to a spot with a clearer view of the sky.
Make sure your tracker is charged. Low battery can reduce accuracy.

What’s the typical accuracy?

What affects the tracker’s accuracy?

How about indoors or in cities?

What does this mean for finding my pet?

How do I get the best GPS accuracy?

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