Every dog parent’s nightmare is their little puppy getting lost. It could happen if your dog sees a stray cat and decides to start chasing it, or if they jump the fence and aimlessly wander around until they get lost.
Pet GPS trackers have been around for a while now to prevent such a scary situation, but they can be expensive and they require constant charging.
Some pet owners have recently started using AirTags instead of regular pet trackers. Can you use Apple AirTags on a dog, though? And is it really a viable alternative? or how far can you track an Apple Air Tag?
Can You Use Apple Air Tag To Track Dog?
Pet GPS tracking devices are the most commonly used method for tracking dogs. They utilize GPS satellites and cellular networks to identify your dog’s location. GPS trackers also need to be charged regularly.
While AirTags weren’t designed to be used as pet tracking devices, they have recently started becoming a very popular option because of their low price, convenience, and ease of use.
In their official presentation of the product, Apple doesn’t recommend using AirTags as a tracking device for pets and doesn’t offer any official accessories for such purposes.
However, because of the popularity of AirTags being used as pet tracking devices, many third-party manufacturers have started offering suitable accessories, like dog collars with a built-in protective case for AirTags.
So, in short, yes, Apple AirTags can be used as dogs’ tracking devices. While this wasn’t the intended purpose originally envisioned by Apple, AirTags could make for a good pet tracking option.
But, can you track a car with an Apple AirTag, check this out here.
How Does Apple AirTag Work for Dog?
Apple AirTags send out signals using ultra-wide-band technology. This allows them to be compatible with many wireless technologies without causing interruption to other signals.
AirTags send out encrypted Bluetooth signals to the iCloud, informing their owner of their location in real-time.
As long as the AirTag is in Bluetooth range, the owner can access its location using the “Find My” app on any of their Apple devices.
If the AirTag is lost and isn’t in range anymore, the owner can put it in Lost Mode. When in Lost Mode, the owner will automatically get notified of the location whenever their AirTag is in range of any Apple user.
If someone finds the lost AirTag, they can press on it to view the contact information provided by the owner, like their name and phone number.
Reasons to Consider Using AirTags for Tracking Your Dog
Using an AirTag as a tracking device on your dog can have many benefits. Here are some that you should consider:
Efficiency
AirTags enable you to view the exact location of your dog in real-time.
The Device also provides you with directions to reach your dog, as long it remains in the Bluetooth vicinity (100 feet).
Ease of Use
AirTags are user-friendly devices that are very easy to set up and use right out of their box.
You just need to activate the AirTag then hold it next to a compatible smartphone, and a notification will pop up on your phone allowing you to set up your AirTag.
You can add a name to the Apple AirTag, like your dog’s name, for example, allowing you to use different AirTags without confusion.
Lost Mode
This is the primary feature of AirTags. When “Lost Mode” is activated, you will be notified every time your dog is within range of another Apple device, allowing you to track your lost pet.
Also, if your AirTag is found by someone, they can display the contact information provided by you, giving them a chance to reach you and return your lost dog.
Battery Life
AirTags use CR2032 batteries. This means that they have a long battery life that can last for an entire year. These batteries are also cheap and can be bought at almost any store.
One more useful feature of AirTags is that you will receive a notification on your phone when the AirTag battery is low, reminding you that it’s time to change it.
Size
AirTags are small and light devices. The AirTag has a diameter of 1.26 inches, a height of 0.31 inches, and a weight of 0.39 ounces.
Using such a small and light-weighted tracker ensures that your dog isn’t hurt or bothered by it.
Onboard Speakers
AirTags have a built-in speaker that you can ping through your smartphone.
While this is more useful when used for AirTags on lost keys, for example, the built-in speaker feature could sometimes be of situational benefit for pets.
Personalization
When ordered from an official Apple Store, AirTags can have a personalized engraving for free.
This could allow you to have your pet’s name on the AirTag, making life easier if you have many pets.
Security
A great feature of AirTags is that your iOS detects whenever your AirTag isn’t with you, reducing the chances of your dog ending up in the wrong hands.
Locations are also never stored inside the AirTag, ensuring better security.
Click here to learn more about the latest AirTag security update.
Price
Regular pet trackers are usually expensive and can cost up to several hundred dollars. That said, AirTag can be a great alternative, as it comes at only $20 a piece or $99 for a pack of four.
Reasons to Avoid Using AirTags for Tracking Dogs
While AirTags can be a great option for using as a dog tracking device, here are some reasons you might consider using a regular GPS tracker instead:
Small Coverage Area
AirTags can only identify your dog’s current location in real-time as long as they’re in Bluetooth vicinity. This means that this feature is only useful as long as your pet is at home.
As long as your dog is out of the vicinity, AirTags will depend on other passerby’s Apple devices.
Doesn’t Work Well Everywhere
AirTags can be a pretty reliable dog tracking option if you live in a city or town with lots of Apple smartphone owners around, allowing your iOS to track the AirTag through them.
However, if you live in a rural area or if you’re on a secluded vacation, AirTags might not be the best option.
Also, if the area you’re in has bad network coverage, AirTags might not work properly.
Resistance Limitation
While it’s advertised as being dust, splash, and water-resistant, AirTags were not developed with being dog trackers in mind.
Unlike regular pet trackers, which are typically built to handle damage that might occur from dog activities like jumping, rolling, and swimming, AirTags might suffer and start to malfunction.
Should Apple AirTags Be Used As Dog Trackers?
While AirTags weren’t designed to be used as dog tracking devices, many have started using them as such due to their cheap price, reliability, and long battery lifespan.
AirTags might be a good dog tracking option for you if your dog doesn’t have a high activity level and if you live in an urban area with many apple device owners.
However, if you want to be on the completely safe side, you should get a regular pet tracking device that will work everywhere and under any condition. It’ll also withstand almost any kind of damage your dog will throw at it.
Conclusion
So, using an Apple AirTag to track a dog depends on where you live and what kind of dog you own.
If you live in remote areas then AirTag might not be the best option for you. You should try a satellite GPS tracker like SportDOG Brand TEK Series GPS Tracking Systems with E-Collar Option. It’s not as sleek like AirTag but more helpful in remote areas.
However, if you live in a city and looking for a better option at an affordable price, Apple AirTag is the best option at the price point it is offered.
