Why Vets Worry About AirTags

AirTags are used as a cheap alternative for tracking, even though their tracking range is minimal, such as for tracking keys and wallets. But some even use it for tracking pets. But using it for tracking pets also raises serious concerns, according to veterinarians: accidental ingestion and psychological distress from its anti-stalking alert sounds.

The Ingestion Danger: Small Size, Big Problems

AirTags are deceptively dangerous. At just 1.26 inches in diameter and 0.31 inches thick, they’re small enough for many dogs—and even some cats—to swallow. What makes them particularly hazardous is their construction: each AirTag contains a CR2032 lithium coin battery, the same type that has sent thousands of children to emergency rooms.

Why Lithium Batteries Are Veterinary Emergencies

When a lithium battery comes into contact with moisture in the digestive tract, it can cause severe damage. These batteries are notorious for leaking caustic substances that can damage a pet’s mouth and stomach, or lead to poisoning if chewed or if the battery sits in the dog’s stomach for an extended period.

If your pet shows the following symptoms, you should definitely worry about battery ingestion, which may include:

​Drooling or difficulty swallowing

Vomiting or gagging

Loss of appetite

Abdominal pain or lethargy

Black or tarry stools

​Time is critical. If you suspect your pet has ingested an AirTag or any device containing a lithium battery, seek emergency veterinary care immediately—don’t wait for symptoms to appear.

Real Cases: When Tracking Devices Become Emergencies

Multiple veterinarians have reported treating dogs that swallowed AirTags. A Louisiana veterinarian told The Wall Street Journal that he had treated 6 dogs that had swallowed AirTags in just 18 months, and in each case, the AirTag had initially been attached to the dog’s collar.

Luna’s Six-Week Ordeal

When a six-month-old puppy named Luna ingested an AirTag, her owner took her to the vet immediately. After failing to induce vomiting, the animal hospital attempted surgery, but the surgeon was unable to locate the AirTag. Luna was sent home and endured six weeks of discomfort before finally vomiting up the still-functioning AirTag on her own.

Rose’s Close Call

A dog named Rose chewed on an AirTag while her owners were out of the house, ingesting pieces of metal and plastic. A veterinary visit confirmed she had eaten parts of the device. Fortunately, Rose had not ingested the battery, which could have been fatal.

Sassy’s Unexpected Meal

Dog owner Colin Mortimer discovered his dog Sophie’s AirTag had gone missing. Using the Find My app, he triggered the sound alert and tracked the beeping to his other dog, Sassy’s stomach. After administering hydrogen peroxide twice, Sassy vomited up the still-working AirTag.

These aren’t isolated incidents. The Wall Street Journal article reveals multiple cases of dogs swallowing AirTags, with Reddit users and other pet owners reporting similar emergencies.

The “Stalker Mode” Problem: Sounds That Terrify

Apple designed AirTags with an anti-stalking feature: if an unknown AirTag is detected moving away from its paired device for an extended period, it emits a beeping sound to alert nearby people. This typically happens after 8 to 24 hours of separation from the paired iPhone. This safety feature for humans has become a source of distress for pets.

When Protection Becomes Disturbance

When an AirTag is away from its paired device for a few hours, it will start to beep to indicate its presence. This anti-stalking measure is designed to help people locate unwanted trackers, particularly Android users who won’t see the privacy warning that appears on Apple devices.

For dogs with noise sensitivity or anxiety, these unexpected sounds can be deeply distressing. Pet owners and boarding facility operators report cases of dogs becoming:

​Extremely anxious or panicked

Unable to sleep or rest

Reluctant to move or behave normally

Confused and stressed by sounds they cannot escape

​One pet owner reported that their dog’s AirTag chirped intermittently, waking them up at night and confusing the dog, while their spouse was out of town for a couple of days. Another owner described returning from three days of work travel to find their dog’s AirTag beeping, even though other family members with Apple devices were home.

The problem is particularly acute in boarding situations. If you have a cat that frequently roams for days at a time or a dog that often stays at a boarding facility, the beeping can annoy the pet and anyone else nearby.

What Veterinarians say about using tags as pet tracking device

Most veterinarians, given the risk-to-reward ratio, advise pet owners to reconsider using AirTags on pets. Given this risk, it’s also important to note that Apple has consistently said that AirTag was not designed for use with pets.

If you still want to choose AirTag, then make sure you follow the following steps for your pet’s safety:

​Secure it properly: Use a collar holder that can secure and cover the AirTag to protect it from scratches and drops, and prevent the pet from accessing it. The case should be fixed to the collar and be difficult for someone to quickly remove.

Understand the beeping limitation: Be aware that the AirTag will beep after prolonged separation from your iPhone, and this beeping cannot be disabled without removing the speaker entirely or pairing it with another device.

Inform caregivers: Always tell groomers, boarders, and veterinary staff that your pet is wearing an AirTag so they can remove it if beeping starts or to prevent confusion.

Monitor your pet closely: Watch for any signs of stress or attempts to remove the device.

Regular inspections: Check the holder for damage that might allow your pet to access the battery.

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Better devices for Pet Tracking

Veterinarians generally recommend purpose-built pet tracking devices instead, such as:

​Pet-specific GPS trackers, such as the PAJ Pet Finder 4 G, provide real-time tracking without distance limitations. They are more accurate and suitable for pets that roam or frequently escape, with features specifically designed for animal safety.

Microchips for permanent identification: While not for real-time tracking, these provide permanent identification if your pet is found

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Functional Issues of AirTags when it comes to pet tracking

It is important to note that the device doesn’t connect directly to the internet; instead, it uses a crowdsourced approach via Apple’s Find My network. If a pet runs away and is found by someone, the finder would need an updated iPhone or iPad nearby to ping the Find My network.

The Bottom Line

While AirTags are excellent tracking devices for inanimate objects, they weren’t designed for pets. And according to top veterinarians, using an AirTag on your pet is a poor choice for pet tracking.