5 Reasons Why A GPS Tracker Is Better Than AirTag For Dog Tracking

Estimated reading time: 15 minutes

Considering using an Apple AirTag for dog tracking? That’s understandable – of course you want to keep your furry friend safe. And the right technology can help you do that. But is it a good idea to put an AirTag on your dog’s collar? And what about popular GPS dog trackers – how does AirTag compare to them? We’ll cover all that and more to help you choose the best tech for your buddy.

The bottom line: Can you put an AirTag on your dog’s collar? Yes. But is it the best option? No. When it comes to tracking your dog, you’re better off using a dedicated GPS dog tracker.

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What is an Apple AirTag?

Released in 2021, the Apple AirTag is a tiny item-tracking device designed to help users keep track of personal items like a bag, wallet or keys.

The AirTag is a really simple device – essentially it’s only purpose is to help you find your misplaced backpack. And it can do a great job at that (if conditions are right).

When it comes to tracking, AirTags fall into the category of Bluetooth trackers. They’re not GPS trackers (just as microchips don’t contain any GPS technology – neither does the AirTag).

New AirTag 2 planned

Rumors are circulating online that Apple is planning to release an upgraded version of AirTag sometime in 2025. Supposedly the new AirTag will feature improved location tracking and a possible integration with Apple’s Vision Pro headset. But no further details from Apple have been provided so far.

How do AirTags work?

Apple AirTags use Bluetooth to communicate with nearby Apple devices, which then relay the tag’s location to the owner through the Find My app.

If an AirTag is within range of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac in the Find My network, its approximate location can be updated.

Precision Finding is available if the AirTag is nearby. So for example – it can point you directly to your wallet, if it’s hidden next to you under the couch. The process is secure, anonymous and encrypted. AirTags and the corresponding Find My app are only compatible with iOS devices (sorry, Android users).

For AirTag to work, it relies on there being other iOS devices nearby. This makes Apple’s AirTag the ideal solution for finding your lost keys, for example, in a busy downtown coffee shop. Or finding your jacket when you’re leaving a house party full of people with iPhones.

If you’re already an Apple user, using the AirTag will be easy. And if you live in an area with many other iOS users, this will increase the likelihood of finding your favorite lost items. But what about tracking your lost dog?

Can I use AirTag to track my dog? How AirTag for dog tracking works

Keep in mind: AirTags aren’t pet trackers. So don’t expect them to work in the same way a dedicated GPS dog tracker would. Meaning you’ll miss out on the ability to track your dog in real-time no matter how far they roam.

If you were to try AirTag for dog tracking, here’s how that would work:

1. Buy an AirTag and connect it to your Apple device.
2. Attach the AirTag to your dog’s collar or harness (watch out for these safety concerns).
3. AirTag sends out a signal that gets picked up by Apple devices within range. They send their location along with the AirTag’s identifying data to Apple servers.
4. When you need to locate your dog, you can open the Find My app and (in the best case scenario) view your dog’s location. 
5. If necessary, you can “Ping” the AirTag – it will make a sound that helps you find it.

If your runaway dog runs out of range (about 200ft from an iPhone) you may not be able to find them with an AirTag.

In that case, you can activate “Lost Mode” – you’ll get a notification when your dog is back within range of another Apple user. Then other people can tap the AirTag to see your contact information and get in touch with you.

Consider this: If your dog is likely to escape or roam in areas with no Apple users nearby, tracking them with AirTag is not a reliable option.

Why Apple does not recommend AirTag for dog tracking

Apple does not recommend using AirTags for dog tracking. And this is most likely because they don’t want to be held liable for any damage that could be caused from people putting an AirTag on their dog’s collar. Just consider the following:

• You may not be able to find your dog with an AirTag
• AirTags could harm your dog (if chewed or swallowed)
• Dogs may damage AirTags

That’s why Apple’s official statement on this topic is: AirTag is meant for tracking items, not pets or people.

Pros and cons of using AirTag for dog tracking

Most people are drawn to the idea of using Apple AirTag for dog tracking because they’re 1) small & lightweight, 2) cheap and 3) have a long battery life. But in addition to the pros, AirTags have some important downsides you need to consider before you put one on your dog’s collar:

5 Reasons to choose a Tractive GPS dog tracker over AirTag for dogs

We can’t talk about the pros and cons of using AirTag for dog tracking without mentioning how a true GPS dog tracker works in comparison to AirTag. So here are 5 reasons why experts recommend using a GPS dog tracker over AirTag.

1. Unlimited range = peace of mind

When it comes to tracking your furry friend, there’s a lot of factors to consider. Range and coverage are two of the most important factors that will determine if you can track your dog or not.

💙 Tractive GPS Dog Trackers work over an unlimited range – so no matter how far your dog roams, you’ll still be able to open the app and see their exact location.

🚩 AirTag can only report your dog’s location if it’s within Bluetooth range of an Apple device. So if there’s no one with an iPhone around – say your dog ran off into the forest – you won’t be able to find your buddy with AirTag.

2. Adventure-proof, worry free

Next, you don’t want to have to worry about your dog’s tracker breaking – it should be able to accompany your dog wherever they go.

💙 Tractive GPS dog trackers are built to withstand your dog’s wild adventures – they’re shock-proof, bite-proof, chew-proof and 100% waterproof.

🚩 AirTags are not as durable, since they were only ever meant to sit on your keychain or in your purse. AirTags are only water resistant and dust resistant.

3. AirTag has safety concerns; Tractive supports your dog’s wellbeing

Whatever device you choose, it shouldn’t be a health risk to your furry friend. On the contrary, a smart dog tracker can provide you with health and fitness insights to help you maximize your dog’s wellness.

4. A runaway dog is no match for real-time GPS tracking

The whole point of tracking your dog is to make sure you can find them when it matters. If your dog runs away and could be in danger, you don’t want to be dependent on other people for location updates. Instead, you want to be able to simply look at your phone and know exactly where your dog is.

💙 With a dedicated dog tracker, you can see your dog’s location updated on an app on your phone in real-time. With updates every 2-3 seconds in live mode. So not only do GPS dog trackers help you find a lost dog immediately – but they can actually prevent lost dogs in the first place.

🚩 AirTags, on the other hand, have no GPS or live tracking capabilities.

5. Dog trackers are built for furry friends, AirTags aren’t

Since AirTag was built for tracking items, not living beings, it’s missing a lot of pet-friendly features that GPS dog trackers have built-in. Here are some of the pawsome, peace-of-mind features that you can enjoy with the Tractive GPS Dog Tracker (not available on AirTag):

• LIVE Mode: Find your furry friend with real-time location updates.
• Unlimited Range: Track your dog or cat from anywhere in the world, no matter how far away you are.
• Virtual Fence: Set a Safe Zone – like your garden – and get an alert if your pet leaves the area. Use No Go Zone to mark areas that aren’t safe for your dog (and get alerted if they go there too).
• Activity & Sleep tracking: See how active they are, monitor sleep patterns and set goals to help keep your four-legged friend in shape.
• Health Alerts: Get notified of changes in your furry friend’s activity and spot issues early.
• Location History: See where your buddy has been in the last 365 days.
• Radar Mode: Pinpoint your buddy’s location in close range.
• Power Saving Zones: Save on battery life in places where your buddy spends lots of time.

Just check out the feature comparison of Tractive vs AirTag below.

Tractive vs AirTag for Dog Tracking Feature Comparison

	Apple AirTag	Tractive GPS Dog Tracker
Designed for dogs?	❌	✅
GPS Live Tracking: Real-time tracking for runaway dogs.	❌	✅
Bluetooth Tracking: Find your dog indoors or within close proximity.	✅	✅
Range	within 10m (33 ft) of an iPhone	Unlimited
Accuracy	accurate at close distances	accurate at any distance
Virtual Fence	❌	✅
Escape Alerts	❌	✅
Location History	❌	✅
Activity & Sleep Monitoring	❌	✅
Health Alerts	❌	✅
Bark Monitoring	❌	✅
Danger Alerts	❌	✅
Dog Walk Tracking	❌	✅
Sharing	✅	✅
Sound	✅	✅
Light	❌	✅
Augmented Reality	✅	✅
Battery Type	replaceable	rechargeable (USB-C)
Battery Life	1 year	2-30 days
Waterproof	water-resistant	✅
Bite-proof	❌	✅
Shock-proof	❌	✅
Collar Attachment	❌ none included	✅ specially designed collar clips
Dimensions	Diameter: 3cm Height: 8mm	varies by model
Weight	11g	39g
Compatibility	iOS	iOS, Android, web
Cost	$29 purchase price, no monthly fee	one time purchase of under $100 + low monthly subscription

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The bottom line on AirTag for dog tracking

When it comes to tracking your dog, you’re better off using a real GPS dog tracker than an AirTag.

AirTag is a simple item finder with limited features. It’s biggest downsides for pet parents? It wasn’t designed to track dogs, it can’t be relied on in certain areas, and it’s even a health hazard for our four-legged friends.

Dog trackers like Tractive GPS on the other hand:

• are designed (and continuously optimized) to track dogs like yours
• work in the city and country – no matter how far your dog roams
• offer real-time GPS tracking with updates every 2-3 seconds
• allow you to track your dog’s activity and sleep
• and come with way more features geared to make pet parents’ lives easier

So, what are you waiting for? Invest in a GPS dog tracker and start tracking your dog today.

Discover Tractive for Dogs

For more insights on using Tractive and AirTag for dog tracking, check out the review video below: