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Dog collars are essential tools for keeping dogs safe and secure – especially if kitted out with a tracker. While GPS trackers are an option, you may be able to track your dogs with Apple’s Airtag.
Dog Collars can hold an Airtag, which uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to transmit data from the collar to your iPhone. This would allow you to monitor your dog’s location and movement.
You can use the collar to locate your dog within this Bluetooth range or via other iPhones if your pooch has managed to escape outside of this.
AirTags are incredibly useful for keeping track of a number of things, so why not attach one to your dog as well to keep them safe? Let’s look into these collars in more detail, shall we?
Do AirTags Work To Track Dogs?
Yes, however, there are some caveats that we will explore later!
In some cases, AirTags are even better than most microchips! When a lost dog has been found, they will need to be taken to the vet to get checked for a microchip. If they are chipped, then the vet should be able to read your contact details and get a hold of you.
However, this can take quite a lot of time if the person who found the dog is too busy to take them to the vet, or the vet is busy!
On the other hand, an AirTag can be scanned there and then by whoever finds your dog, without having to take them to the vet. Once they have scanned the tag they will get your contact details instantly, saving time in reuniting you with your dog.
Losing a dog can be stressful and emotional on both you and the dog, so anything to get you reunited quicker is important in many dog owner’s eyes.
Plus, the AirTag also works with Android phones (as well as iPhones) so that anyone who finds your dog can access your contact details.
How Do AirTag Dog Collars Work?
It’s worth noting that Apple doesn’t sell AirTag dog collars themselves. You’re going to need to purchase one from Apple, or another trusted supplier, before purchasing a collar that can house an AirTag.
Collars that are compatible with AirTags come in a number of different shapes and sizes. A popular design is a collar that has a little pocket for the AirTag to slip into before closing it securely so that the AirTag doesn’t fall out.
Another common option is to purchase a silicone case for the AirTag that can be weaved into a dog collar. So, the AirTag is attached onto the collar rather than within it.
Once the AirTag is securely on/in the collar, it can be put on your dog so that you always have tabs on where they are.
AirTags are water resistant and have a battery life of around one year, making them perfect non-invasive trackers for dogs.
Potential Issues With AirTag Dog Collars
There are a number of issues with using Airtags to track your dog. The first one is that Apple claims that Airtags are not anti-theft devices. So it should be noted that these items should not be relied on if you want to protect your dog from being stolen.
More importantly, Airtags only really work in densely populated areas such as cities. For you to be able to see your dog’s location you will either need to be in the Airtag Bluetooth range or your dog will need to be within 33 feet of another iPhone user.
This is clearly a problem if you wanted to use this feature in more rural areas or even in a large park.
Another big issue with using AirTags is the worry that they will get lost. Dogs are notorious for being energetic, playful, and rambunctious – so it does stand to reason why some people might be worried about attaching an expensive tracker to their dog.
If you’re looking for a dog collar compatible with AirTags, it’s best to look for one that is going to be reliable and safe for the AirTag to live in. The last thing you want is for the tracker to slip out when you least expect it and never be found again.
Summary
So, what do you think? Are AirTags dog collars the best way to track your dog? There are benefits and drawbacks to using an AirTag dog collar.
Some people find that they are more reliable than microchips, but others can’t get over the worry of losing these expensive trackers while their dog is playing.
All in all, we only really recommend using Airtag dog collars if you were based in a city. This of because of their limitations when it comes to the Airtag’s Bluetooth range and the heavy reliance on other iPhone users being in your dog’s vicinity. Even so, it is still worth considering whether you would be better off using a GPS-based dog tracker that would not have these drawbacks.
