If you plan on bringing a dog or cat into your family, then it is essential to keep them safe by checking and updating their microchip if they already have one, or getting one implanted if they do not.
This means that in the event that they go missing, a rescue centre or vet can check the chip, get in touch with the owner and reunite them. Beyond it being a legal requirement, that peace of mind alone makes it worth doing as soon as possible.
On the other hand, some pet owners want to go further to make sure that they know where their cat or dog is at all times, whether that is through a home security system or through a GPS collar.
However, one option that pet owners should avoid is using an AirTag, a geotag that is connected to an Apple iPhone and can be used to detect the exact location of whatever it is connected to or put in.
It is often connected to keyrings, suitcases, purses, wallets and other similar valuable objects that people cannot afford to lose, but whilst a pet is priceless, an AirTag is not the right way to keep track of them.
The first and biggest reason why you should avoid it is that it is dangerous; unlike microchips, which are under the skin, an AirTag is often connected to a collar, but it is very hard to secure it in a way that a cat or dog could not dislodge.
If it is dislodged, it becomes a choking hazard if your pet eats it, and the battery acid within can lead to life-threatening conditions.
If a cat or dog swallows a battery, they are going straight to a vet to have emergency surgery.
Beyond that, AirTags tend to rely on nearby Apple devices, meaning that whilst they tend to be accurate in larger towns and cities, they are almost useless in a rural area, which is a more common place for a dog to run off.
