Using AirTag to Track My Dog – Best Setup?

JerryMcNulty wrote:

My question is: has anyone else had long-term experience using AirTags for pets? Any issues with the sound alerts or tracking delays? Also curious how it compares to actual GPS collars, which seem a bit overkill for short walks or city use.

I'm going to start here. If tracking your dog, in real-time, is critical to you, then only a GPS-based tracker will work. Using a AirTag, which is based on Bluetooth and Apple's Find My network, will NEVER provide you with real-time updates.

As far as alerts. The tag will make sounds when it is separated from its host iPhone. At times, these will seem random. Ref: Get to know AirTag Sounds (YouTube)

Some animals are more susceptible to these random sounds, than others. One case, is if you ever used a training collar with your dog, it could mistake the tag's sound for the trainer. A real issue if that trainer was configured to also vibrate/shock the animal. This tends to cause the animal to be confused or panicked and to try to get rid of the tag, including the potential of digesting it ... not a desirable outcome, to say the least.

However, it is totally up to you. GPS trackers are definitely more expensive and limited battery life, but at least, you now know the tradeoffs to help you make a decision.