Although AirTags can technically fit on your dog's collar and show their location, experts advise against it.
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. Like other Bluetooth trackers, AirTags only work within range of another device, in this case an iPhone, iPad or Mac.
If your pet gets lost or escapes, there's no guarantee they will be within Bluetooth range of your Apple device. That means location tracking won't work until your get close to your pet again. Especially in rural areas, tracking capabilities and accuracy may be limited.
AirTag Isn’t Made for Pets ⸺ Here’s Why Tractive Is
1.
No iPhone Needed Nearby
Tractive works worldwide via cellular network, giving you unlimited tracking range. AirTag only works with an Apple device nearby.
2.
No Swallow Risk
Tractive securely attaches to your pet’s collar. Because AirTags are small and dangly, they are a swallow hazard.
3.
Health & Safety Features
Tractive goes the distance with features like health monitoring, escape alerts, danger reports, and more.
Tractive GPS Tracker vs Apple AirTag
| Feature | Tractive GPS Tracker | Apple AirTag |
|---|---|---|
| Live GPS Tracking | ||
| Works without iPhone nearby | ||
| No swallow risk and comes with safe collar attachment | ||
| Escape & Health Alerts | ||
| Location History |
Trust real experiences. Why pet owners are choosing Tractive over AirTag.
"AirTag promised a range of up to 25 meters, but I found it could only go up to 6 meters away. The Airtag relies on Bluetooth and other iPhones being nearby at all times and is really only suited for personal items.
Then I discovered Tractive. It uses GPS and cell reception to monitor Luna's every move. As a bonus, it offers wellness data on my dog, much like a Fitbit."
"AirTag promised a range of up to 25 meters, but I found it could only go up to 6 meters away. The Airtag relies on Bluetooth and other iPhones being nearby at all times and is really only suited for personal items.
Then I discovered Tractive. It uses GPS and cell reception to monitor Luna's every move. As a bonus, it offers wellness data on my dog, much like a Fitbit."
Why AirTag is unsuitable for tracking pets
Apple has not recommended AirTags for pet tracking and there are many reasons why these devices might be unsuitable for your cat or dog.
Cons of AirTag for pet tracking
- Only works near Apple devices
- No real-time GPS tracking
- Swallow hazard
- Doesn't show location history
- No pet-specific features, like Health Alerts
Looking for answers? You've come to the right place.
Tractive GPS has an unlimited range thanks to its built-in SIM card, meaning you can track your pet anywhere it connects via cellular network. It uses GPS satellites to determine your pet’s location and then transmits that data via cellular networks to your smartphone.
As long as your Tractive device is within an area with network coverage, you can track your pet in real-time, even across countries.
Tractive is designed to be safe, comfortable, and hard to remove for your pet. Our DOG trackers come with rubber, fabric, or plastic grips that easily attach to most collars. Our cat trackers come with a safety Rogz collar to prevent your cat from getting stuck with it on and a rubber attachment for their tracker. Once on your pet, it's difficult to remove the tracker so the swallow hazard is minimal. There are also many incidents of pets swallowing their AirTag. At only 1.26 inches in diameter, AirTags can easily be swallowed by medium or large dogs. In some cases, a dog may be able to throw up or pass an intact AirTag. But other times, surgery may be required. If the AirTag comes apart, it’s even more serious. Even more worryingly, the battery inside could cause damage to the dog’s mouth or stomach and lead to poisoning.