A microchip and a Tractive tracker are two different tools that help keep your pet safe, but they work in very different ways.
Quick answer:
- A microchip is a tiny ID tag placed under your pet's skin by a vet. It helps someone return your pet to you if they're found.
- A Tractive tracker is a small device you attach to your pet's collar. It shows you where your pet is right now.
Many pet owners use both for the best protection.
How a microchip works
What it is
A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice. A vet puts it under your pet's skin with a quick shot (like a vaccination). It stays there forever.
What it does
The microchip has a number on it. When someone finds your lost pet and takes them to a vet or shelter, they scan the microchip with a special reader. The number shows up, and they can look up your contact information to call you.
What it does NOT do
- Show you where your pet is
- Track your pet's location
- Need batteries or charging
- Work like a GPS
When it helps
A microchip helps when someone else finds your pet. They need to take your pet to a vet or shelter to scan the chip. Then the vet can contact you.
How a Tractive tracker works
What it is
A Tractive tracker is a small device that attaches to your pet's collar or harness. You can see it on your pet when they're wearing it.
What it does
The tracker uses satellites in space and cell phone networks to find your pet's location. It sends this information to an app on your phone, so you can see exactly where your pet is on a map.
What it shows you
- Where your pet is right now
- Where they've been
- If they leave a safe area (like your yard)
- How active they are each day
Tractive also has health features. See: What features does Tractive offer?
When it helps
A tracker helps when you need to find your pet yourself. You can see their location on your phone immediately and go get them.
Comparing microchips and trackers
| Microchip | Tractive tracker | |
| Where it goes | Under your pet's skin (by a vet) | On your pet's collar or harness |
| What it does | Stores your contact information | Shows your pet's location |
| Can you see where your pet is? | No | Yes |
| How you get your pet back | Someone finds your pet and scans the chip | You see where they are on the Tractive app |
| Needs batteries or charging | No | Yes |
| Needs a subscription | No | Yes |
| Can fall off | No (inside your pet) | Yes, if collar comes off |
Frequently asked questions
Can a tracker replace a microchip?
No. A tracker works great for finding your pet, but it needs to stay on your pet's collar. If the collar comes off or the battery dies, you won't be able to track them. A microchip is inside your pet and never needs batteries, so it's always there as a backup.
Can a microchip replace a tracker?
No. A microchip doesn't show you where your pet is. It only helps if someone else finds your pet and takes them to a vet or shelter to scan the chip. You can't use it to find your pet yourself.
My pet already has a microchip. Should I still get a tracker?
Yes. The microchip is great as a permanent ID, but it doesn't show you where your pet is. A tracker lets you find them yourself right away, which can be the difference between finding them quickly or searching for days.
Do I need a subscription for a Tractive tracker?
Yes. The tracker uses cell phone networks to send your pet's location to your phone. The subscription pays for this service. See: Tractive subscription plans
What if my pet doesn't wear a collar?
You'll need to use a collar or harness to attach the tracker. Cats should use special breakaway collars for safety. See: How to attach your tracker to your pet's collar