Do Apple Airtags Work for Dogs? Everything You Need to Know Before Using One

Do Apple Airtags Work for Dogs? Everything You Need to Know Before Using One

Short answer: Yes, Airtags can work on pets!

If you're an Apple user looking for an affordable and simple way to track your dog or cat, Airtags might be a great solution. In this post, we’ll explore how Airtags work for pets, the pros and cons, and helpful tips to make the most of this technology for keeping your furry friend safe.

What is an Airtag?

An Airtag is a small, lightweight tracking device developed by Apple. It’s designed to help you track items like keys, bags, and other valuables using the "Find My" app on your Apple devices. The Airtag uses Bluetooth technology to communicate with nearby Apple devices, which then transmit the location to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Although Airtags were originally intended for everyday objects, many pet owners have started using them to track their pets. So, can you use Airtags on pets? The answer is yes, but there are a few things to consider.

A man looking at airtag found using samsung mobile

Source: Apple Inc

How Do Airtags Work for Pets?

Airtags work by attaching them to your pet’s collar, allowing you to track their location using the Find My network. This network relies on Bluetooth technology and Apple devices around your pet to update their location in real-time. If your pet’s Airtag is within range of an Apple device, their location will be updated on the Find My app, showing you where they are on a map.

While Airtags are not GPS devices, they offer a simple way to monitor your pet’s whereabouts, particularly in areas with many Apple devices. However, the tracking updates may not be as frequent or accurate as GPS collars, as Airtags rely on nearby devices rather than satellite signals.

Source: The New York Times

Advantages of Using Airtags for Pets

  1. Cost-Effective
    Airtags are much more affordable than GPS pet trackers. There are no subscription fees or extra charges to track your pet, making it a budget-friendly option.

  2. Easy Setup
    Setting up an Airtag is quick and simple. Just connect it to your Apple device via the Find My app, and attach it to your pet’s collar. No complex installation or extra apps are required.

  3. Discreet and Comfortable
    Airtags are small, lightweight, and unobtrusive. They won’t weigh down your pet’s collar or cause discomfort, making them a comfortable option for tracking.

  4. Seamless Apple Integration
    If you’re already an Apple user, the integration with the "Find My app" makes it incredibly easy to keep track of your pet. The app is familiar and user-friendly, so you won’t need to learn any new systems.

Source: QuickFit Airtag Dog Collar

Limitations of Using Airtags for Pets

  1. Limited Range
    Airtags rely on Bluetooth to connect to nearby Apple devices, which means their range is limited. If your pet wanders out of range in a remote or rural area, you may not get an update on their location until they come back within Bluetooth range.

  2. No Real-Time GPS Tracking
    Unlike GPS collars, which offer real-time tracking through satellite systems, Airtags update location only when they come in range of Apple devices. This means you might experience delays in tracking your pet’s exact position.

  3. No Geofencing
    Airtags do not have geofencing capabilities. This means you won’t receive alerts if your pet leaves a designated area, unlike GPS pet trackers that offer this feature.

  4. Battery Life
    Airtags use a coin cell battery, which typically lasts about a year. While this is convenient, it’s important to remember that you’ll need to replace the battery periodically to keep the tracker working.

Source: iDropNews

Helpful Tips for Using Airtags on Pets

  1. Use a Secure Collar or Case
    Ensure the Airtag is securely attached to your pet’s collar. Some collars are specifically designed to hold Airtags safely, like the QuickFit Airtag Dog Collar. This will keep the device secure and prevent it from falling off.

  2. Consider the Environment
    Airtags work best in urban areas where there are plenty of Apple devices nearby. If you live in a rural area with fewer Apple devices, you might not get frequent updates on your pet’s location.

  3. Use Lost Mode
    If your pet goes missing, activate Lost Mode in the "Find My" app. This will notify you when any Apple device comes in range of your pet’s Airtag, helping you locate them more quickly.

  4. Check the Battery
    Regularly check the Airtag’s battery level using the "Find My" app. When the battery runs low, you’ll receive a notification to replace it.

Conclusion

Airtags are an affordable and effective way to track your pet’s location, especially in urban areas. While they may not offer the same level of accuracy or real-time updates as GPS trackers, they can still help you monitor your pet and provide peace of mind. By understanding their limitations and using them correctly, Airtags can be a useful tool for pet owners seeking a simple, cost-effective tracking solution.

To ensure the Airtag stays securely attached to your pet’s collar, it’s a good idea to choose a collar designed specifically for this purpose, helping to provide both comfort and safety.

References:

Back to blog