A seemingly obvious use for Apple’s new $29 AirTag follower is for pets. As a new dog owner, I wanted to add an AirTag to my dog’s existing leather collar, but the options currently available are awful.
AirTags are small, but he is small. Most AirTag owners It’s currently available from Apple, and its partners assume it’s okay to dang a 0.39-ounce (11-gram) necklace from my medium beagle’s neck. I’m not, that’s how the idea for a DIY neoprene holster came about that keeps the IP67 water and dust resistant AirTag firmly attached to Hank’s existing collar.
I won’t say AirTags are the best way to keep track of your pets – they’re not. But they are relatively cheap, on the contrary. custom GPS/GSM pet trackers Requires monthly subscription. Apple’s Find My Network coverage is also more limited. That said, an AirTag is better than none, especially in crowded areas where any nearby iPhone can alert you to the location of your lost pet.
Why don’t you buy?
Several companies have already announced AirTag accessories designed specifically for pets. The problem is, none of them are shipping right now, and most of them are downright expensive.
there $29.95 Nomad Rugged Pet Tag Case that can be engraved with your phone number for an extra $19.95. But it’s still just a necklace and it won’t ship until August. there €19,95 Studio Suitable Dog Tag Fits well on existing collars but doesn’t ship until the end of July. And finally, there’s the expensive $47.95 FollowPaw collar with built-in AirTag pocket, which isn’t shipping until June.
One day I’ll probably buy a special AirTag holder for my dog - one that fits snugly on his current collar and comes with his name and phone number engraved on it so I can remove his excess tag. Until then, DIY seems like the best solution.
Materials needed
My AirTag sleeve is made of neoprene, a durable and flexible material that is easy to find. I recommend purchasing from a local craft or fabric store so you can check the colors, thickness, and flexibility in person. You can even bargain for a few free scraps instead of buying in bulk as most Amazon sellers require. The neoprene I use is 2 mm thick and does not contain any additional waterproofing, making it soft and flexible.
If sewing isn’t an option, you’ll need some neoprene glue. As an avid surfer, I had easy access to neoprene scraps that I could attach to a tube with the neoprene glue in my wetsuit repair kit. For everyone else, you can expect the adhesive and neoprene to be no more than $10 total.
steps
- Cut the neoprene into a rectangle about 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) long and wide enough to wrap tightly with enough overlapping material to glue or sew in place around your pet’s existing collar. A longer tube can help prevent the AirTag from popping out over time.
- Just roll it into a tube that fits the width of the pet collar and then glue or sew the neoprene.
- Slide the collar through the tube, then gently insert the AirTag into one end of the neoprene sleeve until it is centered. It helps you rotate AirTag on the go.
- Attach it to the dog.
Photograph by Thomas Ricker / Moyens I/O
Related:
