As pet owners, ensuring our dogs’ safety is a top priority. With technology advancing rapidly, many people are exploring new ways to keep tabs on their pets.
One popular device that has sparked interest is Apple’s AirTag. But can you use it to track your dog?
Let’s dive into this question, exploring how AirTags work, their limitations, and whether they are a reliable option for pet tracking.
How Apple AirTags Work
Apple’s AirTags are small, coin-sized devices designed primarily to help users keep track of personal belongings like keys, wallets, and bags. The AirTag connects to Apple’s Find My network, which leverages Bluetooth technology and nearby Apple devices to locate lost items.
When you attach an AirTag to an item, you can see its location on a map within the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad. If the item is close by, you can even make the AirTag emit a sound to help you find it.
However, it’s important to note that AirTags are not GPS trackers. They rely on Bluetooth and the proximity of other Apple devices to communicate the location of the AirTag back to you.
This system works well in urban areas with high densities of Apple devices, but it has significant limitations when it comes to tracking pets, especially in less populated areas.
The Limitations of Using AirTags for Dog Tracking
- Reliability Issues: AirTags do not provide real-time location tracking like dedicated pet GPS trackers. The device only updates its location when it comes into contact with an Apple device within its range. If your dog runs off into an area with few or no Apple devices nearby, the AirTag will not be able to send its location, leaving you in the dark about your pet’s whereabouts.
- Coverage Gaps: In rural or remote areas, the chances of an AirTag connecting to an Apple device are significantly lower, making the tracker unreliable in these settings. If your dog frequently roams in such areas, the AirTag may not be the best tool for ensuring their safety.
- Durability Concerns: AirTags are not designed to withstand the rough and tumble lifestyle of a dog. Although they are water-resistant, they are not waterproof, and the chances of an AirTag falling off or being damaged during your dog’s outdoor adventures are relatively high. Additionally, if an AirTag becomes detached from your dog’s collar, it can be easily lost, rendering it useless.
- Safety Risks: There are safety concerns associated with attaching an AirTag to your dog’s collar. If the AirTag is not securely fastened, it could become a choking hazard if your dog manages to chew it off. The small lithium battery inside the AirTag is also a potential danger if ingested, posing serious health risks to your pet.
Better Alternatives: Dedicated Pet Trackers
For those serious about tracking their pets, dedicated pet trackers offer far more reliable and pet-specific solutions. Devices like the Fi Smart Collar, Whistle GO Explore, and Tractive GPS Tracker are designed with pets in mind.
These trackers provide real-time GPS tracking, ensuring you can monitor your dog’s location at any moment. They are also built to be durable, waterproof, and suitable for an active pet lifestyle.
- Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar: This collar provides instant live tracking with GPS, allowing you to track your dog’s every move, even in real-time. It also includes features like step counting, sleep tracking, and notifications when your dog leaves a designated safe zone.
- Whistle GO Explore: Another excellent option, this device offers GPS tracking, activity monitoring, and health insights. It is durable, waterproof, and has a long battery life, making it ideal for pet owners who need reliable tracking.
- Tractive GPS Tracker: Known for its affordability and reliability, Tractive offers real-time GPS tracking, geofencing, and activity monitoring. It’s waterproof and durable, ensuring it can handle whatever your dog gets into.
The Role of Microchips in Pet Safety
While microchips aren’t tracking devices, they are an essential part of pet safety. A microchip is a small electronic chip implanted under your dog’s skin that contains a unique identification number.
If your dog goes missing, a shelter or veterinarian can scan the chip to retrieve your contact information, making it easier to reunite you with your pet.
Studies show that microchipped dogs are significantly more likely to be returned to their owners than those without. While a microchip won’t help you track your dog’s movements, it’s a valuable tool in ensuring your pet’s safety in case they get lost.
What Does Apple Say About Using AirTags for Pets?
Even Apple has weighed in on this topic, emphasizing that AirTags were designed to track personal items, not pets.
Although there have been cases where AirTags have helped reunite dogs with their owners, Apple executives have made it clear that this is not the intended use of the product.
For pet tracking, Apple suggests considering more reliable, pet-specific solutions.
In conclusion, while Apple AirTags offer a level of tracking that might seem appealing for pet owners, they are not a reliable or safe option for tracking your dog. The lack of real-time tracking, potential for coverage gaps, durability concerns, and safety risks make AirTags a poor choice compared to dedicated pet trackers.
If you are serious about keeping your dog safe and want the peace of mind that comes with knowing their exact location at all times, investing in a dedicated pet tracker is the best course of action. These devices are specifically designed for the needs of pets and their owners, providing reliable, real-time tracking and additional features that can help monitor your dog’s health and activity levels.
Remember, your pet’s safety is paramount, and while technology can help, choosing the right tool for the job is crucial. For more reliable tracking, consider pet-specific GPS trackers and ensure your dog is microchipped for added security.
