Can You Put An AirTag On A Dog? Here's What You Need To Know

Mr. Armand Macejkovic 16 May 2025

Let’s be real—our furry friends are like family members. And just like we’d do anything to protect our loved ones, we also want to make sure our dogs are safe and sound at all times. That’s where AirTags come in, right? But can you really put an AirTag on a dog? Spoiler alert: yes, but there’s more to it than meets the eye.

Apple's AirTag is a nifty little device that helps track your belongings using the Find My network. It's great for keeping tabs on your keys, wallet, or even your backpack. But when it comes to pets, things get a bit tricky. While you technically *can* use an AirTag to track your dog, there are some important considerations to keep in mind before you go ahead and slap one on Fido's collar.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about using AirTags for dogs, including the pros, cons, and best practices. We’ll also dive into some alternatives if AirTags don’t quite fit the bill. So grab a cup of coffee (or maybe a dog treat), and let’s get into it!

Table of Contents

What is an AirTag?
Can You Use an AirTag on Dogs?
Benefits of Using an AirTag for Dogs
Limitations and Privacy Concerns
Best Practices for Using AirTags with Dogs
Alternatives to AirTags for Pet Tracking
Frequently Asked Questions
Pet Safety Tips Beyond AirTags
Conclusion: Is an AirTag Right for Your Dog?

What is an AirTag?

First things first—what exactly is an AirTag? Simply put, it’s a small, round device designed by Apple that uses Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology to help you locate lost items. When paired with your iPhone or iPad, the AirTag can be tracked via the Find My app, which leverages Apple’s global network of devices to pinpoint its location.

Here’s the kicker: AirTags are super lightweight and waterproof, making them ideal for attaching to bags, keys, or other small items. But can they work just as well for our four-legged friends? Let’s find out.

Can You Use an AirTag on Dogs?

The short answer? Absolutely. You can definitely use an AirTag to track your dog. However, it’s not exactly designed for that purpose. Apple officially states that AirTags are intended for tracking inanimate objects, but hey, rules are meant to be bent sometimes, right?

That said, there are a few caveats to consider. For starters, AirTags don’t come with built-in GPS. Instead, they rely on nearby Apple devices to detect their location and report it back to you. This means that if your dog wanders into an area without many iPhones around, the tracking might not be as accurate—or even possible.

How to Attach an AirTag to Your Dog

If you’re set on using an AirTag for your pup, here’s how you can do it:

Get a compatible collar or harness with a loop or pocket specifically designed for AirTags. Some brands, like Belkin and Chipolo, offer pet-specific accessories.
Place the AirTag securely in the designated spot to ensure it doesn’t fall off during playtime.
Pair the AirTag with your iPhone through the Find My app.
Test it out by moving the AirTag around and checking its location in the app to make sure everything’s working smoothly.

Benefits of Using an AirTag for Dogs

Now that we’ve established that you *can* use an AirTag on your dog, let’s talk about why you might want to. Here are some of the top benefits:

Peace of Mind: Knowing that you can locate your dog if they wander off can be a huge relief, especially if they’re prone to escaping the yard or getting distracted on walks.
Global Network: The Find My network is massive, with millions of Apple devices around the world helping to track lost items. This increases the chances of finding your dog quickly.
Simple Setup: Pairing an AirTag with your iPhone is a breeze, and once it’s set up, you don’t have to worry about charging it for months at a time.

Limitations and Privacy Concerns

While AirTags are awesome, they’re not without their drawbacks. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. No GPS: As mentioned earlier, AirTags don’t have built-in GPS. This means their effectiveness depends on the density of Apple devices in the area where your dog goes missing.

2. Privacy Issues: There’s been some concern about AirTags being used for stalking or unauthorized tracking. While Apple has implemented safeguards to prevent this, it’s still something to be aware of if you’re using one on your dog.

3. Limited Range: If your dog travels too far from any Apple devices, the AirTag may not be able to report its location until it comes back within range.

How to Address Privacy Concerns

If you’re worried about someone else finding your dog’s AirTag and using it for nefarious purposes, here are a few tips:

Enable the “Lost Mode” feature in the Find My app to disable access to your AirTag if it’s found by someone else.
Consider adding a custom message to the AirTag’s sound alert so anyone who finds it knows it belongs to your dog.
Keep the AirTag securely attached to your dog’s collar or harness to prevent it from being easily removed.

Best Practices for Using AirTags with Dogs

Want to make the most out of your AirTag while keeping your dog safe? Follow these best practices:

Choose a collar or harness that’s specifically designed to hold an AirTag. This will ensure it stays put and doesn’t become a choking hazard.
Regularly check the AirTag’s battery life and replace it as needed. While AirTags last for months on a single charge, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Test the AirTag’s functionality periodically to ensure it’s working properly. You don’t want to discover a dead battery when it matters most.

Alternatives to AirTags for Pet Tracking

While AirTags are great, they might not be the best option for everyone. Here are a few alternatives to consider:

1. GPS Trackers

GPS trackers are specifically designed for pets and offer real-time location updates, even in areas without Apple devices. Popular brands include Tractive, Whistle, and PetPace.

2. Microchipping

Microchipping is a permanent solution that involves implanting a tiny chip under your dog’s skin. While it doesn’t provide real-time tracking, it can help identify your dog if they’re ever found by a shelter or veterinarian.

3. Bluetooth Trackers

Similar to AirTags, Bluetooth trackers like Tile or Chipolo can be attached to your dog’s collar. They’re often cheaper than AirTags but may not offer the same level of accuracy or range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about using AirTags for dogs? Here are some common ones:

Q: Can an AirTag harm my dog?
A: Not at all! AirTags are completely safe for pets when used properly. Just make sure they’re securely attached to a collar or harness to avoid any accidents.

Q: How long does an AirTag battery last?
A: AirTags typically last for about a year on a single charge. Once the battery dies, you’ll need to replace it with a CR2032 coin cell battery.

Q: Can anyone find my dog’s AirTag?
A: Not unless they have access to your Apple ID. Even if someone finds your dog’s AirTag, they won’t be able to see its location unless you’ve enabled Lost Mode and provided instructions.

Pet Safety Tips Beyond AirTags

While AirTags are a great tool for keeping your dog safe, there are plenty of other things you can do to prevent them from getting lost in the first place:

Keep your dog on a leash during walks, especially in unfamiliar areas.
Make sure your yard is secure and free of any escape routes.
Microchip your dog and keep the contact information up to date.
Use a collar with ID tags that include your phone number and address.

Conclusion: Is an AirTag Right for Your Dog?

So, can you put an AirTag on a dog? Absolutely! But whether or not it’s the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a simple, affordable way to track your dog, an AirTag might be just what you need. However, if you want real-time GPS tracking or additional features like health monitoring, you might want to consider a dedicated pet tracker instead.

Whatever you decide, remember that the most important thing is keeping your furry friend safe and sound. And who knows—maybe one day Apple will release a pet-specific version of the AirTag that makes life even easier for dog owners everywhere.

What do you think? Have you tried using an AirTag on your dog? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your fellow pet lovers!

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