The everyday tech I use to track my corgi

Apple’s AirTag, first marketed as a convenient way to keep tabs on keys, wallets, and luggage, is finding a new niche among pet owners. By attaching the small, waterproof device to a collar, owners can leverage Apple’s Find My network to locate their animals if they wander off or become lost. The technology, which uses Bluetooth and U‑1 chip proximity sensing, turns every Apple device into a potential beacon that can relay a pet’s position to the owner’s iPhone.

One user, who keeps a corgi named Jelly, has already installed an AirTag in a silicone holder on her dog’s collar. Though she has never had to use the tracker to retrieve Jelly, she describes it as “insurance” — a safety net that would prove invaluable if the dog ever did stray. The AirTag’s discreet size and battery life make it a practical addition to a pet’s gear, and its integration with the Find My app offers real‑time location updates without the need for a separate GPS collar.

While Apple does not officially market AirTags as pet trackers, the growing trend among pet owners suggests that the device’s versatility extends beyond personal belongings. As more people adopt the technology for animal safety, it may become a standard feature in the pet‑tracking market, providing a low‑cost, reliable solution for keeping beloved companions within reach.