AirTag vs. GPS collar: Which is better for tracking a dog? We asked an expert.

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When my wife and I rescued our dog, Milly, this winter, we registered her microchip right away, but we wanted another level of protection. From the rescue, we knew Milly was a runner, which meant taking extra precautions, like double-leashing and working with a dog trainer right away. But I’d also scooped up a four-pack of AirTags when they were at an all-time low during Black Friday so that I could attach one to Milly’s collar.

But was an AirTag really the best solution? It’s certainly affordable, but since owning a dog, I’m inundated with targeted ads for GPS dog collars. While GPS collars are the more expensive option, they promise greater reliability. Since I’m still fairly new to dog ownership, I turned to experts to find out whether there’s a clear choice between an AirTag and a GPS tracker for a dog.

While AirTags are gaining popularity among pet owners, that doesn’t mean they’re the best option. “AirTags are flying off the shelves for dogs, and there is a big market for collars and harnesses that house them. Unfortunately, they are misunderstood and are providing a false sense of security,” says Chris Edge, founder of K9 Edge Dog Training.

“For a working dog handler or trainer, the question isn’t really AirTag vs. GPS collar — it’s passive location vs. active monitoring. One tells you where your dog was. The other tells you where your dog currently is,” says Jonathan Bensamoun, the founder and CEO of Fi, a company that makes GPS dog collars. But which is which? Here’s what you need to know about AirTags versus GPS dog collars.

AirTags, commonly used to track keys, wallets, and luggage, are not necessarily made for moving objects, like a dog. They work via a Bluetooth signal detected by iOS devices on the Find My network. AirTags feature a lost mode, so when a lost object is detected, you’ll get a notification. Plus, NFC-capable iPhones can tap the AirTag to receive your information. But the key piece of information here is that AirTags require proximity to other Bluetooth devices to locate. Bensamoun says, “Your dog’s location only updates when another Apple device passes nearby. In a suburban neighborhood, that might mean a delay of minutes. In a park, a trail, or a rural area, it could be hours — or never.”

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A GPS collar works differently as it provides real-time info. These collars typically let you draw GPS maps in their apps so you can create boundaries for your dogs and receive notifications if they cross them. They provide real-time tracking, regardless of proximity to other smartphones, so you can still see live tracking information even in rural, sparsely populated areas.

The decision between an AirTag and a GPS tracker comes down to where you live. As a city dweller, an AirTag is a pretty good option, considering the more densely populated the area, the more likely an iPhone will be nearby. For those living in the suburbs or rural areas, though, it means a runaway dog will be less likely to encounter people; therefore, the AirTag won’t be effective. Even if you live in a city, if you’re frequently going on hikes or traveling into isolated areas, an AirTag won’t be effective then either.

But a GPS tracker will work anywhere, regardless of cell service availability. So if you’re considering which is best for you, I like to think of it this way. If your dog escapes the house, are there nearby woods or a bustling main street they’re going to run to?

AirTags are extremely popular and accessible. An AirTag four-pack puts the individual trackers at $24.75. Plus, you need something to attach it to a collar, which will run you less than $20. So all in all, the investment is under $50.

A GPS collar is much more expensive. A collar itself starts at around $99. Fi’s payment structure is similar to that of the fitness tracker, Whoop, where, rather than purchasing the collar outright, you pay for the membership. While another GPS collar, Halo, costs $599 outright — and you also need to pay a monthly membership fee.

Edge presents a potential downside to GPS trackers: “GPS collars provide real-time info, but the battery is a real issue as it must be recharged almost daily.” The more usage the GPS collars get, the more battery power they require. Halo collars last up to two days, and Fi collars technically have a longer battery life of up to three months. However, when in Lost Mode, which provides live tracking, the battery life lasts about two days.

AirTags on the other end, which require a CR2032 coin battery, last about one year. Battery life varies depending on usage and movement, so for a dog that moves more frequently, it could be just six months.

AirTag vs. GPS trackers for dogs: Which is better?

There’s no definitive answer to whether an AirTag or a GPS tracker is better for a dog — it really depends on what you need and where you live. As a city dweller, I still feel comfortable using an AirTag for my dog. However, for trips into the woods, I’d consider getting a GPS collar to use then.

But if you live in a sparsely populated area or are hiking in the woods with your dog, then a GPS collar could be an actual lifesaver. But Edge says, regardless of which you choose, behavioral training is just as important: “Ultimately, both can be useful if used within their capacity. All dogs should be microchipped as a fail-safe, and of course, coming from a dog trainer, the real answer is a very solid recall.”