APPLE advises against using AirTags for tracking animals or children due to the potential risk of lawsuits if harm occurs to pets or children.

One of the biggest concerns with using AirTags on a dog’s collar is the risk of it becoming a choking hazard. AirTags are small and lightweight, making them potentially easy for a curious dog to chew or swallow. This poses a significant danger, especially for smaller breeds or puppies who are more prone to exploring with their mouths.

Airtags are powered by a small lithium battery that is protected by the Airtag’s plastic outer covering. This means that if an animal were to swallow the Airtag, it is possible that the battery can become exposed and can cause serious life threatening issues if left in the dog’s stomach.

The material of the AirTag casing may not be suitable for prolonged contact with a dog’s skin. Constant friction between the AirTag and the dog’s collar could lead to skin irritation or discomfort, particularly for dogs with sensitive skin or allergies.

AirTags are designed to emit a sound when activated, which could startle or distress a dog, especially if they are sound-sensitive.

If the AirTag is accidentally activated by the dog scratching or rubbing against objects, it may cause unnecessary stress or confusion.

While AirTags offer precision tracking capabilities, relying solely on technology to monitor a dog’s whereabouts may create a false sense of security for pet owners. It’s essential to remember that AirTags have limitations, such as reliance on Bluetooth connectivity and battery life, which may not always guarantee accurate tracking in all environments or situations.

There have been several recent reports online claiming that AirTags may cause cancer, tumors, and hair loss near the pets wearing them.

No, the pet QR code is static and does not offer live tracking. For live tracking, you would need to sign up with a GPS tracking service, which can be quite expensive and potentially harmful to the animal.

Many animal rights organizations consider GPS tracking devices on pets unethical due to the potential risks of irradiation.

Our QR CODE tag relies on human compassion and a smart phone. The individual who finds your pet can easily send you their location via Whatsapp or other alternative smart phone location app. When someone scans your pet’s QR CODE Tag, they will be directed to your pet’s profile, where they can access information such as your pet’s name and your contact details.

The most cited abstract used by GPS animal tracking studies concluded that total radio frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) levels was found to be below the limit values and, therefore, not a health risk.

However, more recent research abstracts show that EMF’s are potentially dangerous to animals. This paper discusses the growing use of radio-frequency radiation (RFR) tracking devices in wildlife research, which have become essential since their introduction in 1959.

This paper raises concerns about the potential biological effects of low-level electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by these devices, which may harm wildlife, including DNA damage, fertility issues, and behavioral changes. While previous studies have downplayed these risks, recent research suggests that even low-intensity EMF exposures can cause adverse effects across species.

References:

1: Tracking Devices for Pets: Health Risk Assessment for Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8465301/

2: Health and environmental effects to wildlife from radio telemetry and tracking devices—state of the science and best management practices: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1283709/full

While pet microchipping is generally a safe and effective way to identify lost pets, there are some potential issues and concerns:

Not a GPS Tracker: A microchip does not allow for live tracking of your pet. It only helps identify your pet when it’s scanned by a vet or animal shelter. If your pet is lost, the microchip alone won’t help you locate them in real time.

Failure to Update Information: The microchip itself doesn’t update or track changes in your contact information. If you move or change phone numbers, you must remember to update the information in the microchip registry. Failing to do so can make it difficult to reunite you with your pet.

Potential for Migration: In some cases, the microchip may migrate under the pet’s skin after it’s implanted. While this usually doesn’t affect the chip’s functionality, it may make it more difficult to find the chip if the pet is lost.

Inadequate Scanning: Not all scanning devices are compatible with every type of microchip. Some older or less commonly used chips may not be detected by certain scanners, which can delay the identification process.

Rare Complications or Infection: While rare, some pets may experience discomfort, infection, or inflammation at the implantation site. It’s essential to have the microchip inserted by a professional to minimize these risks.

Ethical and Animal Welfare Concerns: Some animal rights groups have concerns about microchipping due to the potential for discomfort during implantation or the risks of the device causing harm in rare cases. They may also argue that the practice is invasive.

Not Foolproof: If the microchip is damaged or not properly registered, it won’t be able to help reunite you with your pet. Additionally, if a pet is found without being scanned by a vet or shelter with a scanner, the microchip may go unnoticed.

Some of the key health concerns associated with microchips include: Adverse tissue reaction.
Implanted transponder migration.
Electromagnetic interference.
Cancer risk.

Overall, despite the potential health risks, microchipping is still regarded as an effective tool for pet identification, it should be used alongside other methods, such as collars with tags, and regular updates to ensure the best chance of reuniting with a lost pet.r