AirTags for Pets – Is It a Viable Option?

Published: Last Updated on
AirTags for Pets - Is It a Viable Option

AirTags can be used for pets, but it’s important to note that they are not specifically designed for this purpose. AirTags are primarily designed for tracking items like keys, wallets, and bags.

If you plan on using an AirTag for your pet, you will need to find a way to securely attach it to your pet’s collar or harness. You may also need to consider the size and weight of the AirTag relative to your pet’s size and weight.

Another important consideration is that AirTags rely on Bluetooth technology to communicate with nearby Apple devices. This means that if your pet wanders too far away from your phone or other Apple device, you may not be able to track them using the AirTag.

There are some third-party pet tracking devices available such as Whistle GO Explore, that are specifically designed for this purpose and offer more features and functionalities than AirTags. It’s always a good idea to do your research and choose a product that meets your specific needs and requirements.

Can AirTags Be Used for Pets?

AirTag is a smart tool for finding valuable personal items. Pet lovers relying on the AirTag for tracking their furry friends also find it a very helpful device. If you intend to utilize Apple’s AirTags for these purposes, purchase an appropriate AirTag collar to prevent tag loss.

There are some considerations to make before you decide to replace your dog’s current collar with an AirTag. You should have no problem using an AirTag to locate your dog if it goes missing in a crowded urban environment where many people use iPhones. However, your dog’s AirTag will likely be off-grid if you reside in a rural region or if your dog decides to go out into the woods.

AirTags transmit signals to your smartphone using ultra-wideband innovation. It can broadcast data at frequencies ranging from 500 MHz to a few gigahertz over a considerable bandwidth! As a result, it works with various wireless systems without interfering with other transmissions.

How Do AirTags Work for Pets?

AirTags are tiny tiles that can be attached to pets, making them easy to find on Apple’s Find My application. It works via Bluetooth technology. Using the Precision Finding function, you may use an AirTag to locate your pet if it suddenly disappears during a walk or during any other outdoor activity.

An arrow designed to take you to the tracker will emerge whenever you are within close range of the gadget’s Bluetooth and the Find My app on the phone is open. The app will also show the proximity to your tracker. 

How Do AirTags Work for Pets

However, “Lost Mode” is the function that intrigues pet lovers the most. Whenever your AirTag crosses the Bluetooth band of any online iPhone connected in the world – you’ll get an alert if you choose “Mark as Lost” on your Find My tool. You’ll get information about the location where your AirTag was detected. 

You can also change your configurations to ensure that any smartphone that interacts with your AirTag receives a notification from you containing directions.

Related: Do AirTags Make Noise? – Complete Guide

How Far Do AirTags Work for Dogs?

The tracking techniques applied will determine how far an AirTag can reach. Apple has not yet disclosed the precise distance, although several obvious cues can be helpful. In the initial setup procedure, an AirTag connects to an iPhone via Bluetooth. 

According to Apple, a Bluetooth connection between an iPhone or any gadget requires a 33-foot range. As a result, independent of the AirTag’s actual bandwidth, the operational proximity is 10 meters.

It is important to remember that this is also typically thought of as the maximum range because other things can restrict the range of a Bluetooth connection. For instance, Bluetooth relies heavily on a clean line of sight, without obstructions like walls that can interfere with the link. 

Related: Do AirTags Need to be Charged and How Long Do They Last?

Are AirTags for Dogs Waterproof?

Yes. The material used in making the AirTag is resistant to harm when exposed to water, dust, and splashes. It passed the IEC standard 60529 assessment in a regulated laboratory setting with an IP67 classification.

However, water, dust, and splash resistance are temporary, and the AirTags may lose some of their durability with time and regular use. For cleaning and rinsing procedures, consult the Safety and Handling guidelines.

Upsides of Using Apple AirTag Collar With Pets

There are many upsides to using AirTags for tracking your pets. Let’s look at them:

  1. Efficiency – AirTags offer you access to your pet’s precise position at all times
  2. Price – AirTags are inexpensive, as opposed to pet trackers that can cost up to several hundred dollars
  3. AirTags are incredibly user-friendly and straightforward to set up. Simply remove it from the packaging and pull the tab to turn it on
  4. Size – AirTags are compact and lightweight, your pet won’t feel them as a burden
  5. Battery life – The AirTags’ battery has an excellent lifespan of roughly a year
  6. AirTags are an excellent alternative if you own over one pet because you can link up to 16 at once for multiple pet tracking

Downsides of Using Apple AirTag Collar With Pets

You may encounter the following downsides if you choose to use the Apple AirTag collar with your cat or dog:

  1. Although AirTags are intended for locating, they are designed for tracking items, not pets
  2. Don’t function globally – if you reside in a region with few Apple users, you are likely to be unsuccessful in following the pet if it escapes because there won’t be any nearby iPhones that can capture the signal of your AirTag
  3. Pets can harm it – AirTags are not designed for pet tagging; they are prone to damage, hence leading to malfunctions
  4. It lacks a family sharing option- it cannot share the geolocation of an AirTag with relatives because only the owner may see it

Are AirTags Alternatives for Dogs Over Android?

The AirTag has a lot of attributes that render it among the best devices for keeping your pet under control at all times. However, Apple emphasizes that AirTags were created for objects, not animals or children, from the onset.

The AirTag, in contrast to most trackers, makes use of the vast Find My connection, which can assist in tracking your dog or cat through the billions of iPhones in use worldwide. In addition, the Apple AirTag is portable and simple to incorporate into your current Apple infrastructure.

Does Apple Support the Tracking of Pets with AirTag?

No. Apple has emphasized that the AirTag is intended for locating goods, not humans or animals, despite being small enough to attach to a dog’s collar using Apple’s standard key rings or loops. Nevertheless, the business has copyright protection on its UWB technology, and in the file, it lists removable tags affixed to a child’s T-shirt or a pet’s collar as examples of potential applications.

Though using the AirTag as a pet tracker is now regarded as an off-label application, don’t be surprised if Apple releases pet-friendly tracking soon.

Related: Do AirTags Work With Android? Answer and Alternatives

Best Pet Trackers as an Alternative for AirTags

There are numerous options available, varying in features, cost, and specifications, similar to those available for various digital products. Today’s market has several pet trackers to substitute AirTags. So it’s challenging to narrow it down to one.

The top pet trackers are listed below:

Best Overall for Pets: Whistle Go Explore

Whistle Go Explore

The Whistle GO Explore pet collar is an improvement over the previous model and comes with a few additional features. It may send text and email warnings to users and medicine reminders if necessary, in addition to providing live GPS tracking of dogs.

This device, which is waterproof and shock-resistant, will also track your pet’s activity to ensure they achieve the right amount of physical exercise for their breed and age. However, it’s crucial to remember that this GPS pet tracker functions best with animals weighing 8 pounds or more.

Features

  • Dimensions: ‎ 1.1 × 2.8 × 0.67 inches
  • Battery Life: Three days
  • Weight: 12 ounces
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, GPS, Wi-Fi, AT&T 4G

Pros

  • There is no need for a base station
  • There are numerous secure zones.
  • A nightlight is provided for object recognition

Cons

  • When the pet leaves the safe zone, there may be a slight lag before you are first notified
  • It lacks a web interface

Broadest Tracking Range: Tile Pro (2022)

7FD7RUHzSw2lr mPg7HjPv XAv NcT4hdpCwDv2DShcGvn xDjuRGCxxH4WLIpi0H2aqyMGY88YB fErXk4be8Ob1g9KvCgXFAbna106DDUShTZJR4CKfA 1ypMYqnNs5g6c3sPNXdF6sg1V4WI9wa8

If you use iOS or Android and are seeking the widest tracking radius, check out the Tile Pro (2022), which boasts a broader tracking range that extends up to 400 feet. Bluetooth detection ranges of competing trackers, such as the Apple AirTag and Samsung SmartTag, are 200 feet, but the Tile multiplies that range.

Tile Pro resembles a keychain. Its size is justified because it has a speaker that is larger than typical and produces a more audible alarm. The battery in this tracker is a CR2032.

Features

  • Dimensions: 2.32 × 1.32 × 0.3 inches
  • Weight: 0.5 ounces
  • Distance Range: 400 feet.
  • Battery Type: (One year)Replaceable

Pros 

  • Its wide tracking range extends up to 400 feet
  • It can withstand water
  • It supports both iOS and Android devices

Cons

  • There is no ultra-wideband precision detection available
  • Compared to most tags, it is a little bigger

Best Multi-purpose Tracker: Samsung Galaxy SmartTag

N9X0DIYYoNkODJDxa0 j1AUQDcVL5LIFfxVKsTQa0G05okvmHyHoU RMh5yNgadO0BRGAo08b5xobxVPhvBwhiXlqb5UDdNgXafU9q5r4 qPxg4aGtOgPJqdtR4w ckdydwbPQN elb6pwQprAuCFZc

The SmartTag performs best when connected to a Samsung Galaxy phone, just as the AirTag for iPhone. The SmartTag functions as both a trigger and a smart home control device. Pressing the tag will activate the lighting and air conditioner and even unlock the garage. However, this is more constrained and is restricted to devices that are part of the SmartThings ecosystem.

The Samsung SmartTag remains a powerful Bluetooth tracking system featuring a speaker, a removable battery, and a tough design that can withstand a few knocks.

Features

  • Dimensions: 6.5 × 9 × 0.39 inches
  • Weight: 2.89 ounces 
  • Distance Range: 200 feet
  • Battery Type: (6 months) Replaceable

Pros

  • It also functions as a smart home controller
  • It has a built-in speaker
  • Its design is sturdy

Cons

  • Only Galaxy smartphones may use it
  • It features a relatively big design

Related: AirTags vs. Tile 2023 – Which One Is Right for You?

Conclusion

It is always comforting to know your pets’ whereabouts. Many pet owners use AirTags to track their pets due to their affordability, dependability, and simplicity. AirTags can offer some assurance in tracking your pets, even while Apple’s formal authorization for doing so is unavailable.

Sharing is caring!

You may also like