Marco Polo Advanced Pet Monitoring, Tracking and Locating System (for Dogs and Cats 5 lb and Larger)

In 2023, I needed a tracker for my 12 pound cat because bobcats stroll through our back yard, and our cat likes to roam the neighborhood, which is in the hills. I decided I did not want to buy a tracker that required a subscription or was dependent on cell service.Although pricey initially, this tracker has been a god-send, especially for my piece of mind. My cat, who was already used to wearing a collar, accepted the few extra ounces around his neck. I have had to track him many times, and have been amazed at how accurate the tracker is. It shows 99%, I look down and there is my cat in the bushes. You can use the tracker to walk right to your pet.Tips: Take the time to read the instructions carefully and play around with the device before you ever really need it. Keep the tracker plugged in all the time other then when you are recharging the emitter which I do on the first of every month, as I want the emitter to be at the maximum duration if my cat really gets lost. Just leave the emitter on one collar between recharging the emitter once a month, so you aren't pulling too much on the velcro. I've had the same emitter cover for over 2 years. All in all, a great item that really does perform as advertised.

Below is my one year update. Today is my two year, 8 month update. Both receiver (collar) and base unit going strong. Batteries still going strong. The base unit has remained plugged into wall for more than 2.5 years, with only the exception if I’m tracking my cat. I ordered an extra collar pouch a year ago only so I could have a clean one to swap out when one is dirty. Both pouched are still intact. Nothing has changed from the first review. This unit is still working like the first day I tracked my cat. My cat didn’t come home this morning and by 9am I went tracking and found him in the middle of an acre of 8 ft weeds near the forest about two football fields away. Once again peace of mind knowing he’s ok. We’ve had lots of severe thunderstorms this spring and summer and I’ve been able, every time, to track him down and get him inside. Also when I hear coyotes in the distance, or foxes nearby, I’ll track him and keep him in for the night.FIRST REVIEW: “Still holding strong 13 months after purchase and frequent use”I use this product to track my indoor/mostly outdoor cat if not back home after 9pm or if bad weather is expected. The pouch the receiver slides into attached well on either a 3/8” or 1/2” breakaway collar on my 12 lb. cat. After a year, battery life on receiver (collar) still lasts at least a 4-6 weeks before I charge it. I like that the monitor (base unit) will indicate if the collar battery is low. I estimate I’ve tracked my cat (or his lost breakaway collar/receiver) at least 50 or more times with 100% success in an area of about 15-20 acres my cat wanders. I live in a rural area with heavy forest, hills, and ravines. Cell coverage is spotty in my area so this radio signal system was the way to go. The signal range depends a lot on the terrain, I’m probably at 1/4 mile with big hills and ravines, but I just have to wander the area and always eventually pick up the signal. I would assume in an open field or road or level terrain that range would be much longer. Takes a little practice at first, but instructions are thorough, and in my opinion, necessary to read through to understand the system. It’s a bit like metal detecting in that the monitor gives you direction and signal strength (as a percentage). I practice tracking my pet often so I remain good at it in case of a true emergency. I’ve also discovered his top hangout areas and track towards those areas first. The receiver seems very durable and is still working strong despite my cat coming home completely muddy or soaked at times. I keep the monitor plugged in 24/7 and in “monitor” mode which extends the battery charge on the receiver immensely because it pings the receiver every 40 seconds vs every 5 seconds when tracking the pet with the monitor in “track” mode. I haven’t turned off both the monitor or receiver in over a year and batteries still working great. Ive bought other radio signal products that have those little tag devices and they are vastly inferior because the battery life, range, and weather resistance is aweful and failed in less than 4 months, in my personal experience. I’m really happy with this device and the peace of mind it brings. The cat doesn’t mind wearing it either. I added a little yellow duck tape to the breakaway/receiver collar to find it more easily when the cat loses it.

Update Monday 9/24: Excellent response from manufacturer. New transmitter / receiver working as advertised. Used the transmitter on the old dog that might get fatigued or stuck down a creek bank - not that far away but still invisible to us. Definitely the system seems as though we could use it to locate her. It is not some sort of military spy-ware tracker to the nearest foot with a dotted line to follow, but clearly it can get us moving towards the dog's location. I am going to order another transmitter on the far-voyaging young dog to check the range and will update in a month or so.Update Tuesday 9/4: Left manufacturer a voicemail about 2 hours ago and got a fast return voicemail and then spoke directly to Tim, the owner of Eureka / Marco Polo. He will be shipping new equipment. He is clearly committed to this product. It is nice - OK wonderful - not to have to wade through 5 layers of robots to reach a human.~~~~~~~~~~~I am going to contact the manufacturer on Tuesday and I will update this review based on their response.I was looking for a system that would let me locate 3 50+ pound hounds who had decided to chase deer over hill and dale in the local national forest, where we hike every Sunday. Area is mostly deciduous trees, wide open at ground level or loose underbrush. Generally we are uphill of the dogs if they take off. So based on other reviews it seems like this system would work in this terrain for this purpose. I've used a variety of radio-based collar systems before but nothing with a longer range. Turned off by GPS systems for reasons other reviewers have mentioned plus $ for 3 dogs is like $1500.No problem unpacking and charging transmitter and receiver. Transmitter very solidly built and the fabric / velcro attachment to the collar was well designed - no way to shuck the transmitter. The received is kind of "The Jetsons" (I'm dating myself) or maybe an early Star Trek tricorder. Of note, it is basically impossible for the transmitter to accidentally turn off and for the receiver to accidentally turn on.Both pieces received separate overnight charges. Pairing was simple. Positioned collar on dog's neck as specifically described so that antenna wraps up the dog's neck. Receiver held out flat "like carrying a pan of water."First problem was that even in the parking area the receiver seemed confused and reluctant to find the dog who was maybe 100 feet away. We gave it time, walking along watching the screen and listening for beeps.There was a moment went the receiver really seemed to function as it was supposed to, the dog went downhill towards a stream and it found the signal through trees / low underbrush and seemed fairly accurate as to how far she was away. The arrow movements were improbable with large shifts when this would pretty much be impossible but at least we knew the dogs was alive and moving.However after that it was no dice. The receiver would not find the dog when she was on the trail with us and only 20 or so feet away. So we gave up.We went home and I tried again in the kitchen and the receiver said "no signal." I am re-charging the transmitter in the "on" mode so I can watch the blinking light change from once per second to every 10 seconds, indicating a full charge. However there was no reason for it not to be fully charged the first time.I'll update when I get a response from the manufacturer. Unfortunately due to schedules it will be 3 weeks before another hike.