AirTag is small and compact enough that it can be used to find many lost items, but is Apple’s tracker really a viable option for maintaining a digital eye on dogs and other family pets? Announced at the company’s Spring Loaded event, AirTag is already proving to be a popular buy for iPhone users in need of keeping track of just about everything and anything. However, there are some points to be aware of before attaching one to a pet's collar.
Apple’s AirTags cost just $29 each, with the option to pick up a four-pack at a discounted $99 price. The small size makes them ideal for keeping inside a wallet or purse. However, the company also sells a number of accessories that can be used to attach the item tracker to even more objects, including keys, bags, and even luggage. All of which makes AirTag an affordable and highly versatile product.
When it comes to pets, the short answer is, an AirTag can be used for tracking furry friends, but it’s not designed to be. In a recent interview with Fast Company, Apple’s VP of Product Marketing, Kaiann Drance, explained how the AirTag was purpose-built to track items and not people. In fact, the company has specifically built in features meant to reduce the likelihood of the trackers being used as a tool to stalk others. Drance explained that anyone looking to track a child is better off providing them with an Apple Watch than an AirTag. Of course, attaching an Apple Watch to a dog, cat, or another family pet is not really an option.
Things To Keep In Mind When Tracking Pets
In spite of highlighting how AirTag is not designed for tracking pets, Drance was more accepting of its use for this purpose. At one point, pointing out that an AirTag will work for finding a missing pet, so long as it is within range of a device connected to Apple’s Find My network. Speaking of which, while pet parents won’t have to worry about the battery running out for months, it is worth being aware that AirTag has its durability limitations. Technically, the item trackers are rated as water-resistant, but only up until a certain depth and for a limited amount of time. Therefore, any water exposure that exceeds either of these limitations could impair the functionality and the ability to track a pet.
Another point to be aware of is the attachment in general. Apple officially doesn’t sell any pet collar accessories for AirTag, meaning users will need to make their own or buy one from a third party. Ensuring it is safe and comfortable for the pet is not only beneficial for the pet, but also for tracking in general. After all, if the AirTag is not secured properly and more likely to be removed by the pet, then the pet parent will still be able to locate the missing AirTag, but it won’t help with finding the missing family dog or cat.
Source: Fast Company