Losing your furry friend is a nightmare for every dog lover. That’s why many pet parents consider buying an AirTag to track their dogs if they ever get lost. But, is AirTag good for a dog collar? If you’re also thinking about the same, you’ve landed at the right place. An AirTag is a tiny yet powerful tracker that can track your valuable items like keys, wallet, luggage, and more. In fact, many people attach an AirTag to a dog collar, thinking it’s a smart way to track their beloved pet if it runs away. In this article, we’ll find out if you should use an AirTag to track your pets.
Do AirTags Work on Dogs?
The short answer is yes, AirTags work on dogs, cats, and other pets. However, Apple doesn’t endorse it. In fact, it has explicitly mentioned that AirTags shouldn’t be used to track people or pets. Tracking people without their consent is illegal and unethical. Also, while there have been cases when an AirTag has helped return a lost dog, it isn’t a particularly good idea as AirTags aren’t designed for animal collars.
AirTags operate using Bluetooth technology, which allows them to connect to nearby Apple devices. This means that if your dog goes missing, the chances of finding it depend on whether someone with an Apple device is nearby to detect the AirTag. This can be helpful in urban areas but may not be effective in rural or less populated regions.
Can You Use AirTag to Track Your Dog?
Apple didn’t mention the exact Bluetooth range for an AirTag. However, since an AirTag supports Bluetooth 5.0 (which is supported by the recent iPhones), the Bluetooth range should be around 30 feet. This range isn’t enough to track your lost dog using only your iPhone. So, you can easily find your AirTag and the dog when they are inside the home network. If they run away or get lost, the person who finds the pet should have an updated iPhone or iPad nearby to update the AirTag location in the Find My network. Otherwise, you can’t see its exact location.
If your dog tends to hide within the house and roams somewhere nearby, and you wish to keep tabs on your pet for some time, you can attach an AirTag to the dog collar. It’s lightweight, water-resistant, and cheaper than dedicated GPS collars for dogs. Make sure you attach the AirTag to the collar properly, and your dog shouldn’t be too wild to damage the AirTag. Otherwise, it could do worse than the good.
Why Not to Put AirTag on Dog’s Collar?
Not only Apple, but vets also warn against using AirTags to track your dog. AirTags run on user-replaceable batteries, and there will always be a potential risk that the batteries could leak and cause organ damage, and the danger further increases if the dog has chewed or damaged the battery.
Additionally, AirTags are not designed for the rigorous activities that dogs often engage in. They could easily get damaged while your dog is playing or exploring outdoors. Therefore, while it's tempting to use an AirTag, it’s important to consider the potential risks involved.
What’s the Best Way to Track Your Dogs?
Instead of AirTags and other item trackers, microchipping is a great way to keep your pets safe. If you get your dog microchipped, most dog shelters and vets can scan them to see your contact information. This is a permanent solution that doesn’t rely on battery life or Bluetooth connectivity.
It’s also wise to follow any preventive measures to keep your dog from escaping in the first place. Regular training, secure fencing, and supervision can greatly reduce the chances of your dog getting lost.
What You Will Learn
- AirTags can technically work for tracking pets, but are not recommended by Apple.
- Bluetooth range limitations make AirTags less effective for lost pets.
- Vets warn against the risks associated with using AirTags on pet collars.
- Microchipping is a safer, more reliable alternative for tracking dogs.
