Updated by Amy Granger on Dec 27, 2021
The last scene the dog owner wanted to see was that the dog was lost, but he could do nothing. But, Apple users, here is a trick! AirTag, you have it, right? And you might have used AirTag to get lots of lost things back, now you can also connect the AirTag to your iPhone and attach this tracing device to your dog's collar. Keep reading to know more about this brilliant idea.
Although AirTag was not originally designed to track people or pets, it's not a bad idea to track the location of your dog. It's very easy to set up. Just register the AirTag with your Apple ID and affix to a dog's collar. You will be able to see your dog's exact location using Find My app.
Pros and cons of using AirTag to track your dog
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Cons
No matter how well you train your dog, they have a habit of running out of the home. While they do find their way back home, some occasions might still occur of getting lost, or worse, be stolen by dog snatchers. In these cases, one wishes that having some ways to track the lost dog.
Thanks to Apple's AirTag, tracking your dog has become a reality. Now let's follow the simple steps below to set up Apple airTag dog tracking.
First of all, make sure Find My, Bluetooth and Location Services are turned on. Then take your AirTag nearby your iPhone or iPad. Tap Connection. Name your AirTag and register it with your Apple ID. Tap Continue and then Done.
To do this you need a dog collar made specifically to incorporate AirTag, or an AirTag holder with hoop. Many manufacturers including Apple are offering such small accessories but we would recommend iPetor PU leather AirTag case. It looks like a keychain, so it can be firmly attached to a dog's collar.
After setting the special dog collar to your dog, all you need to do is open the 'Find My' app on your iPhone to track your dog. If you can't locate your AirTag, you can put it in 'Lost Mode'. Now, if another iPhone device detects your dog's AirTag, you'll receive the exact location of your dog. Your iPhone will guide you towards the dog's location.
After setting the special dog collar to your dog, all you need to do is open the 'Find My' app on your iPhone to track your dog. When getting lost, it will alert you towards the dog's location.
It's believed that AirTag can be tracked within 800 feet due to its Bluetooth technology. The shorter the tracking distance, the higher the position accuracy. Therefore, it's a good idea to track your dog in small areas. When you take your pet for walks in the dog park, wear a collar with a proper AirTag case so that you can let him enjoy the fresh air with his friends.
How does Apple AirTag work to track your dog?
When connected AirTag to the phone, you can play a sound through AirTag's built-in speaker. Using Bluetooth signals, the AirTag will alert your dog's location. So, all you need to do is follow the sound. Also, you can ask Siri for help. Just say, 'Hey Siri, find my dog.'
If it's out of range, AirTag can work in another way to help you find your dog back. You can put AirTag in lost mode and enter a custom message that you would like others to read when they have detected your AirTag. If any iPhone comes into contact with the AirTag, they will receive a notification displaying your personalized message and phone number, and may contact you.
Apple AirTag vs Tile vs Galaxy SmartTag – Which is better for pet tracking?
Apple AirTag | Tile | Galaxy SmartTag | |
---|---|---|---|
Compatibility | Apple's Find My App | Tile App | Samsung's SmartThings Find App |
Requirement | Apple ID | Tile App | Samsung ID |
System | iOS | iOS + Android | Samsung Galaxy Phones Only |
Range | 61m | 80m | 120m |
Design | 39.1 x 39.1 x 8.0mm, 11g | 42x42x6.5mm, 12g | 38x38x8mm, 12g |
Additional Features | NFC (Compatible with Any Device that has NFC Including Android) | Smart Alert (Premium Feature) Which Alerts the Owner if they Have Left Something Behind | Programmable Button |
Price | $29.00/£29.99/€35.00 | $24.99/£19.99/€24.99 | $29.99/£29.00/€35.00 |
As all Apple devices require an Apple ID to run, Apple users have a greater chance of finding their lost dog. In Samsung's case, not all users use the Samsung ID because it is not necessary, nor do all people have the Tile App. Choose the one that right fits you according to your circumstances.
If you have any suggestions regarding Apple AirTag and using them to track your dog, please feel free to leave a comment below. Apple AirTag is not the only choice that you can use for tracking your dog, what we encourage you is to take action to protect your pets. While nothing can guarantee absolute protection, taking action is better than do nothing.