We call Samson our adventure pup. This is one of my favorite-ever pictures of him at one of the most beautiful campsites we’ve ever experienced. We found this incredible site on AirBnB when we needed a place to stay over before a Licking River trip. Did you know AirBnB had campsites? This particular one lacked amenities aside from a metal fire ring, but we can make just about anything work, at least for an overnight. It was worth it without a doubt to catch this incredible sunset from up on the ridge.
How we use AirTags
Having an AirTag on him over the past 3 years has given us peace of mind, that if he got away from us we would have a chance of locating him. We’ve used them on a number of other items too. When we’re working on musical sets I have a habit of laying my work keys down just any old place, and then can’t go home when I’m done for the day at 10 pm when I can’t find my keys because I set something on top of them absentmindedly. In full disclosure AirTags are not 100% foolproof, but they’ve gotten me out of a potential bind countless times. Heck, we even put an AirTag on our youngest kid when we go to theme parks.
When I first purchased a set of AirTags I also bought a set of these keychain holders (below) to go with them. They’ve served us well, but when it came to the AirTag on Samson it just didn’t cut it. We found it in the yard, in the car, and lost one in the Aldi parking lot. For use on keys they’re great, but when it comes to using an AirTag on your dog you’re going to need something more substantial.
Samson goes with us absolutely wherever we can take him. I have to admit that I avoid some of the metro parks in the area because we can’t take him with us on the trails. It’s just not the same. But the thought of him getting away from us and not being able to find him, whether home or away, is definitely something we want to avoid. Since the majority of our time is not spent in wilderness situations, a GPS collar simply isn’t practical. If Samson went hunting with us or we spent a great deal of time off the grid it would probably be worth considering.
Seeking to solve the problem of the AirTag slipping out of the keychain, or the keyring getting pulled loose and falling off (these have both happened), we decided to explore other options. After some Amazon review research we settled on the TagVault from Elevation Lab.
Using a TagVault
The TagVault can be fastened to any collar that is wide enough to accommodate it and .20″ (5 mm) or less in thickness. The instructions were clear enough and installation on the Martingale collar we use was quick and easy. Side note, in case you’re not familiar with them, Martingale collars like this one are worth looking into. They stay looser on the pup’s neck when they are not attached to a leash and tighten only when pulled. Use caution and common sense, however, because they’re not the best choice when the dog is on a stationary run.
According to ChatGPT, here are the benefits of using an AirTag on your dog:
1. Real-Time Location Tracking
- AirTags use Apple’s Find My network, which can help you locate your dog in real-time if they go missing. Any Apple device within Bluetooth range of the AirTag can help pinpoint the location.
2. Lightweight and Compact
- AirTags are small and lightweight, making them easy to attach to your dog’s collar without adding much bulk. This is especially beneficial for smaller pets.
3. Cost-Effective Option
- Compared to specialized GPS trackers for pets, AirTags are generally more affordable and have no ongoing subscription fees, which can be an appealing option for pet owners on a budget.
4. Long Battery Life
- The battery in an AirTag lasts about a year and is replaceable, meaning you don’t have to worry about frequent recharging or sudden loss of tracking.
5. Water and Dust Resistant
- AirTags are water- and dust-resistant (IP67 rated), so they can handle a bit of rain or mud if your dog is outdoorsy or adventurous.
6. Precision Finding in Close Range
- For iPhone 11 and newer models, the Precision Finding feature gives you an exact distance and direction to the AirTag if you’re within Bluetooth range, which is helpful for locating your pet in a nearby area.
7. Alerts When Dog Leaves a Certain Area
- You can set up notifications in the Find My app to alert you if your AirTag leaves a certain area (like your house), letting you know quickly if your dog has wandered off.
Considerations:
- Limited Range: Unlike dedicated GPS trackers, AirTags rely on nearby Apple devices to report locations, so they may not be effective in very remote areas.
- No Health Monitoring: Unlike pet-specific trackers, they won’t monitor your dog’s activity, health, or other metrics.
Overall, while AirTags aren’t a substitute for pet GPS trackers in every situation, they can be a simple and effective option for casual tracking in urban and suburban environments.
Thanks ChatGPT! In our personal experience, AirTags have been extremely helpful. If there’s anything you find that you misplace often, pick up a few AirTags. They could save you some major headaches, and even help you locate your pup in an otherwise impossible situation.