Apple AirTags are becoming a popular choice for pet owners wanting to keep tabs on their pooch, and the best AirTag dog collars will ensure they stay with your pup at all times. As a dog mum myself, I know all too well the panic you feel when your pooch is no longer in your sight. That's where an AirTag can help you track your dog’s location, whether they’re exploring in the garden or have wandered away from home. These dog collars are designed to have little slots for an AirTag to sit in so it can stay with your pooch at all times.
AirTags have been designed by Apple to work with the Find My network so you can keep an eye on items such as your keys, luggage and even your pets. While they’re not as effective as a GPS dog tracker as they require having other Apple devices nearby to pick up the Bluetooth signal, they’re a good option for dog owners who live in built-up areas that have plenty of people nearby with an iPhone, iMac or Apple Watch, ensuring that the information about your pup’s location is as accurate as can be.
Best AirTag dog collar at a glance:
The best AirTag dog collars offer a simple solution to make sure the AirTag is with your pup at all times. The AirTag slots into a dedicated section in the collar and then it goes around your dog’s neck as usual. This makes the AirTag incredibly comfortable for your pup to wear – they probably won’t even notice they’ve got it on. Your pooch can then carry on with their everyday activities of running around, sleeping and eating without the AirTag bothering them at all. Meanwhile, you’ll have peace of mind that you can see where your pooch is from your phone (if you’re an iPhone user that is).
Before I get into my recommendations of the best AirTag collars for dogs, there are a couple of things you'll need to get started...
AirTag dog collars don't come with the AirTag built in so to get you started, you're going to need one of these nifty gadgets. The Apple AirTag is a compact, lightweight tracker that's designed to help you locate items such as your keys and luggage but many pet owners are also choosing to use them as pet trackers. Its small size and weight are one of the main reasons why pet owners opt to use them to track their dogs, as it isn't bulky or weighty around your dog's neck when using it with an AirTag collar.
The Apple AirTag uses Bluetooth technology alongside Apple's Find My network to send alerts to your phone when your item or pet is away from you, but just keep in mind that they're not a GPS tracker, so to be able to get up-to-date location information, it requires having the AirTag to be nearby to an iPhone, iMac or Apple Watch to pick up the signal. Unlike a GPS tracker, though, the AirTag doesn't need its battery recharging frequently and should last for well over a year without needing to be replaced.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight so it won't feel bulky or weighty around your pup's neck when using it with an AirTag dog collar
- Uses Bluetooth technology and Apple's Find My network to send location alerts to your iPhone
- Battery lasts well over a year and is replaceable so it doesn't need constantly recharging like a GPS tracker would
Cons
- As it uses Bluetooth and not GPS, the range is limited to where the nearest Apple device is
In order to track your dog using an AirTag, you'll need to have an Apple device, like this Apple iPhone 16. iPhones are equipped with the Find My app that you'll use to show the location of your AirTag (and your pooch), and it'll also help to update the location of any AirTag you come into contact with, too, potentially helping others be reunited with lost items. Outside of its capability to help you see where your furry friend has wandered off to, the iPhone 16 has an impressive 48MP camera so you can snap detailed photos of your four-legged bestie wherever you are. Plus, it's scratch and water-resistant so you won't have to worry about your dog catching the screen with their paws when they want your attention or getting caught in a shower when out on walkies.
Customers online like that the iPhone 16 has a better battery life compared to previous models, and they're also fans of the new Action button that you can customise to suit your needs for a quick task, such as putting the torch on so you can see where your pooch is when you've let them out for a toilet trip after dark. A few say that the iPhone 16 is a little on the small side, but if you'd prefer a phone that's a bit bigger with a larger screen, consider the Apple iPhone 16 Plus.
Pros
- Equipped with the Find My app so you can track your AirTag (and your pooch) with ease
- The phone is scratch-resistant so you don't have to worry about your dog's nails accidently scratching the screen
- Customisable Action button that you can use to quickly put the torch on when your dog's out for an after-dark toilet trip
Cons
- Some felt this phone was a little small but there is an Apple iPhone 16 Plus that is larger with a bigger screen if the smaller size of the Apple iPhone 16 isn't suitable
Best AirTag dog collars
Now I've covered the tech, let's get into the best AirTag dog collars that will carry and conceal this lightweight and compact tracker without irritating your pup. I've also answered some of your burning questions relating to using AirTags to track your pooch and just how reliable they are in the FAQs section.
Best AirTag dog collar overall
www.etsy.com
One of these AmberElan Personalised Leather Anti-Lost AirTag Dog Collars does the job of an ID tag as well as being a practical AirTag holder as it can be personalised with your contact details. The personalisation also doesn't cost anything extra, which isn't usually the case with anything that can have names or other details on. The band of the collar is quite thin, so it should be comfortable for your pet and not cause any irritation, making it a good option for those smaller dogs as the bulkiest part is the bit where the AirTag goes.
Customers are impressed with the quality and design of this collar, saying they love how it looks and that it's a great gift for their pet. One review mentions that on the smaller sizes, the writing of the personalisation could be in a darker colour as it's harder to read but aside from that, they were very happy with how soft and comfortable this collar was for their furry friend.
Pros
- Does the job of an ID tag as well as it can be personalised with your contact information
- As the band of the collar is quite thin and not bulky, it won't cause any irritation to your pet
- Customers are impressed with the quality and design of this collar
Cons
- One reviewer mentions that the writing on the smaller collars could be a darker colour as it was hard to read
Sizes: | XS, S, M |
Best reflective AirTag dog collar
To ensure your pup can be seen if they happen to get out at night or when you're on walkies, the CollarDirect AirTag Dog Collar has two rows of reflective stitching stitched into the collar. When it comes to the placement of the AirTag, it has its own holder with a small opening to pop it in, plus two snap closures to ensure it's secured in place. To ensure it's comfortable for your pup to wear, it has a soft neoprene lining inside and it's lightweight too, weighing just 48 grams.
Customers like that this collar is durable as it's made from nylon and has a strong zinc alloy O-ring for attaching the dog's lead, but they also appreciate the softness that the lining on the inside of the collar provides so it doesn't irritate their dog while wearing it. Some reviewers felt the sizing of this collar is a little off, with some saying they come up small and others saying even the smaller sizes were too big for small breed pups. With this in mind, we'd recommend looking at the measurements of this collar and comparing them to the circumference of your dog's neck before ordering.
Pros
- Made with two rows of reflective stitching to ensure greater visibility for your pooch
- Durable as it's made from nylon but also soft, thanks to the neoprene lining inside
- AirTag holder has two snap closures to secure it in place
Cons
- Reviews are mixed about sizing, with some saying they come up small and others saying they come up big
Size: | S, M, L, XL |
Best water-resistant AirTag dog collar
Whether your pup likes to splash about in all the puddles in the garden or you simply get caught out in the rain on your walks, the Ytanest Reflective AirTag Dog Collar will shield your AirTag from water, as well as dust and other impacts, to keep it safe and sound. However, it is worth noting that AirTags themselves are not waterproof and are just splash-resistant, so you will still need to take extra care if your pup is wearing one in wet conditions. It's not just the AirTag holder that is sturdy, the collar itself is made from a durable nylon material. Plus, it's equipped with reflective stitching to keep your pup visible in low-light conditions.
This collar has an average star rating of 4.4 stars out of 5, with reviewers loving how sturdy yet soft it is. They also appreciate how much protection the AirTag holder offers to shield it from the elements. One reviewer mentioned that the clip to buckle the collar up is quite hard to open, which, while it is a pain when trying to take it off, is super helpful that your dog won't be able to find their way out of it.
Pros
- The AirTag holder on this collar is designed in a way to shield it from the elements
- Made from a durable nylon material so it's nice and strong
- Equipped with reflective stitching to ensure your pup is still seen in low visiblity conditions
Cons
- One reviewer mentions the clip to buckle the collar together is quite difficult to undo
Size: | S, M, L, XL |
Best AirTag holder for dog collar
Make any dog collar an AirTag one with this DLENP Dog Collar Holder for AirTag, available on Amazon. The beauty of using a holder is that you can simply slot it on any collar, so if you have a favourite one for your pooch that matches their harness and lead, they can continue to wear the matching set while you still have the peace of mind that the AirTag is there to track them. This holder is scratch-resistant, so even if your pup has an itch around their neck that they need to give a good old scratch, your AirTag will be protected. It's also washable, so you can get it clean even after your pup has rolled around in the mud or in animal poop on walks (I'm speaking from personal experience there!).
This method is a popular choice with pet owners as this Dog Collar Holder alone has over 6,000 reviews on Amazon. Customers appreciate that it's soft as it's made from silicone, so it's not made from a material that will feel uncomfortable against your dog's neck. The material also makes it a lightweight option. Some reviewers felt it was a good option for wide collars, so with that in mind, this may not be the best choice for smaller dogs as the size could be overwhelming. Remember, this is just a holder, so make sure you've got a suitable collar to put it around to use it.
Pros
- Enables you to make any dog collar an AirTag dog collar as you just slot it on
- Made from a washable silicone so it's easy to keep clean after muddy walks or if your dog has rolled in something they shouldn't have
- Scratch-resistant so even if your pup has a good old scratch around their neck and ears, the AirTag will be protected
Cons
- It might be too wide for a smaller dogs collar, according to reviewers
Size: | One size |
Best leather AirTag dog collar
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Your pooch will be the envy of any other dogs they encounter while wearing their stylish GrandiUa Personalised Leather Dog Collar with AirTag Holder. The benefit of using leather for a dog collar is that it ensures the fit is comfortable and won't cause your pup any irritation. The material is also breathable so it won't make your dog hot and bothered wearing it. The space for the AirTag is seamlessly integrated into the design of the collar so it doesn't look bulky or stick out.
The fact these collars are available in a choice of sizes and colours and can be personalised is what customers online love about them the most. They also say the material is nice and soft, and the collar is well-made. Something to note is that while the collars can be personalised with your name and phone number, the XS size isn't quite big enough to feature both lots of information, so you can only have one or the other, but for sizes S and up, this isn't an issue.
Pros
- Made from a soft leather so it fits comfortable and won't cause your pup any irritation
- Material is also breathable to stop your pup from getting hot while wearing it
- The AirTag holder is integrated into the design so it doesn't look bulky or stick out
Cons
- If you need the XS size, the dimensions of it aren't big enough for personalisation that includes both a name and phone number
Size: | XS, S, M, L, XL |
Best AirTag dog collar for large dogs
www.etsy.com
With a size range going up to 4XL, the AGIOTAGE Leather Dog Collar with AirTag Holder is a great choice if you've got a large breed dog to keep tabs on. This may be a wider collar than some dogs are used to, but as it's made from super-soft leather, it'll feel comfortable for your pooch to wear for long periods of time. You also have plenty of choice when it comes to personalisation too. You can opt to add your pup's name and phone number to the leather section where the AirTag is hidden or on a separate metal plate on the side. You can also choose what colour you'd like out of 24 different ones and whether you'd like gold or silver hardware to truly customise it to your preference or what best suits your pup.
This collar and seller on Etsy have plenty of rave 5-star reviews, and customers appreciate how durable yet comfortable it is because it's made from leather. It's quite a bit thicker compared to a standard dog collar so that's why I think it'll be best suited to larger dogs who have more neck space.
Pros
- Size range goes up to a 4XL so it's ideal for large breeds
- Made from a super-soft yet durable leather
- Very customisable as you can personalise with your details but also choose from 24 colours and what hardware you'd like
Cons
- Quite a bit thicker compared to standard collars so may not be the best choice for smaller dogs
Size: | 2XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL |
Best patterned AirTag dog collar
www.etsy.com
Inject a bit of personality into your pup's dog collar choice with a BudkaShop AirTag Dog Collar. Unlike others on our list, these collars are all made with a patterned material rather than a block colour for a bit more fun, from funky tribal and Aztec prints to fun floral patterns. The AirTag holder is part of the collar, too, so all you need to do is slot it into place, and then you'll have instant peace of mind that you'll be able to track your pup whatever they get up to. A mixture of durable leather and nylon is used to make this collar, so not only will it look stylish, but it'll also provide long-lasting comfort for your dog to wear.
There are some reviews that mention the shipping of this dog collar took a while as it's dispatched from the United States so it can take up to 21 days to arrive after it has been dispatched. However, customers also say it was worth the wait as it appears to be well-made and they also like that you have the choice whether or not you personalise it.
Pros
- Eight different prints to choose from for a more fun AirTag dog collar
- The AirTag holder is part of the collar so all you need to do is slot it in place
- Uses a mixture of leather and nylon to make it so it's durable yet stylish and comfortable
Cons
- Some reviews mention the shipping took a long while as it's coming from the United States
Size: | XS, S, M, L, XL |
How we chose the best AirTag dog collars
All of these AirTag dog collars have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered durablity, security and comfort in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching AirTag collars for dogs to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
With pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval.
Best AirTag dog collar: FAQs
Is AirTag good for dog collars?
There are many reasons why people love using AirTags. They’re incredibly user-friendly and take just a couple of taps of your iPhone to set up. Then, you can keep track of your items, such as your wallet, luggage, and keys, with ease, but what about your pooch? Here are some of the reasons why AirTags work as pet trackers:
Easy to attach
With an AirTag dog collar, it couldn’t be simpler to attach an AirTag to your pooch. Just pop it into its holder and clip the collar together around your pup’s neck and you’re good to go.
Affordable option
Compared to some GPS trackers, an Apple AirTag is a cost-effective way of tracking your pooch as it doesn’t require a subscription.
Long battery life
The Apple AirTag’s battery lasts for ages before it needs replacing (I'm talking at least a year) so you don’t have to worry about it running low on battery or recharging it every couple of days.
Water-resistant
While the AirTag isn’t completely waterproof, it is highly resistant to water damage, so if your pup is wearing it and gets caught in a shower, it’ll still work.
Of course, the AirTag does have its limitations as a pet tracker, so these are the areas where it could see some improvement:
Range limitations
The thing to remember with an AirTag is that it isn’t a GPS tracker. It uses a Bluetooth signal to detect other iPhones and Apple devices using the Find My Network, which sends its location to your iCloud so you can see it on your phone. This would be fine if your dog went for a wander in a city or town where they’re likely to bump into someone carrying an iPhone, but if you’re in the countryside, your dog probably won’t come across anyone, so then you won’t get an updated location of where they are.
Size
While the AirTag is fairly compact, it could feel quite bulky around your pup’s neck, especially for smaller breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers.
No activity monitoring
As the AirTag is purely about location tracking, there are no health or fitness stats like you would get in a pet GPS tracker.
How far can I track my dog with an AirTag?
How far you can track your dog with an AirTag will all depend on whether there are other Apple devices (such as iPhones, iPads, Macs and Apple Watches) nearby. You could track your dog for miles if there are Apple devices in a close Bluetooth range (about 30 to 100ft away) to your pooch wearing an AirTag.
Do AirTags need a subscription?
The good thing about Apple AirTags is that, unlike many other pet trackers, you won't need to be tied into a monthly or weekly subscription to be able to use them. As I've discussed, they do have more limitations in terms of how far away you can track your pooch but in terms of cost, an AirTag is among one of the more cost-effective options as once you've bought it, there are no additional costs until the battery runs out (and that won't be for a while as they last ages!)
Rosie Floyd is a Senior Home & Pets Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.