Custom AirTag 2 - The Future of Dog GPS Collar Technology

Looking at the numbers from the past several years, it is clear that pets have become an integral part of our society. For starters, the numbers show that Americans spent more than $150.6 billion on their pets in 2024. More than two thirds of them refer to their pets as their children.

In the past few years, pet humanization has completely changed the market. Some say the shift came during the Covid period. But with or without it, the shift was inevitable. People nowadays view their pets differently than they did 10 or 15 years ago. That shift has created a massive market for premium, personalized products. The custom pet products market alone reached $5.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to hit $10 billion by 2032, growing at 9% annually.

The pet humanization trend extends across the entire pet industry. The global market reached $30.6 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to $49 billion by 2033. Pet products like collars, leashes, and harnesses accounted for one third of that market share. Pet owners are no longer satisfied with generic products off the shelf. They want items that reflect their pet's personality and their own standards for quality and safety.

Recently, Apple released the AirTag 2, which is a device that has made its way into the pet collar industry. While Apple doesn’t specifically say the AirTag is designed for pet tracking, it found its way into locating and tracking your favorite furry animal.

Apple AirTag 2: Technical overview for pet tracking

The AirTag uses Apple's Find My network, which leverages hundreds of millions of Apple devices to help locate lost items. When an AirTag is out of Bluetooth range from its owner's device, it can anonymously communicate its location through other nearby Apple devices. The owner receives the location update without the intermediary device owner knowing they helped.

Despite Apple's official stance that AirTags are designed for tracking objects and not pets, pet owners have become one of the largest user groups. The reason is simple: the Find My network provides coverage that standalone GPS trackers can't match in urban and suburban areas. The second-generation AirTag makes this even more practical for pet tracking.

Key features for pet owners

The AirTag 2 includes Apple's second-generation Ultra Wideband chip. This upgrade extends Precision Finding range by 1.5x compared to the previous model. Precision Finding guides you directly to the AirTag when you're nearby. For pet owners, this means you can locate a hiding dog in a park or yard from 50-60 feet away instead of 30-40 feet.

The next update is Apple added Apple Watch Series 9 and later, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later to the Precision Finding feature. For pet owners, that means they can track their dog hands-free while walking, running, or at the dog park without pulling out their phone.

Apple made significant improvements in the sound quality. The second version is 50% louder than the original. The volume increase helps when trying to locate a dog in outdoor environments, dense brush, or under furniture. The louder speaker also makes it harder for the AirTag to be accidentally silenced, which improves the anti-stalking features Apple built into the device.

Apple upgraded the Bluetooth specification for better range and connectivity. This means more reliable tracking in larger properties and rural areas.

The AirTag 2 weighs 11.8 grams, which is 7% heavier than the original at 11 grams. The device maintains IP67 water and dust resistance, and Apple now lists this rating on the back of the device along with NFC and Find My support. The text on the back is now in all capital letters, making it easy to distinguish the second-generation model from the first.

Important limitations

The AirTag 2 requires iOS 26.2.1 or later. If your iPhone or iPad can't run this version, you can't use the new AirTag. For businesses trying to create a custom AirTag collar, this feature limits the potential customer base to people with compatible devices.

The reset process changed. You now need to remove the battery, wait at least five seconds, then reinsert it. Repeat this four times total. Apple says it can take up to 12 seconds to hear the final confirmation tone. The old AirTag didn't require the five-second wait between battery removals.

Apple explicitly states on both the announcement and product page that the AirTag 2 is for tracking objects, not people or pets. Yet, while the company does not officially support or recommend using AirTags for pet tracking, consumers have found a way to use it for tracking their beloved animals.

The gap Apple won't fill

The AirTag 2 offers powerful tracking technology, but it wasn't designed to be worn by a dog 24/7. Pet owners who attach an AirTag directly to a collar using generic holders face several problems.

The AirTag can detach during rough play or outdoor activities. Dogs that swim, run through brush, or play with other dogs can easily lose a poorly secured tracker. Some dogs will chew on anything attached to their collar, which creates a choking hazard or risk of battery ingestion if they manage to break open the AirTag.

Generic AirTag holders often don't account for different dog breeds and sizes. A holder that works for a German Shepherd might be too heavy for a Chihuahua. The attachment method that's secure on a thick leather collar might fail on a thin nylon one.

Weather resistance beyond IP67 becomes critical for dogs that spend significant time outdoors, swim regularly, or live in harsh climates. While the AirTag itself can handle brief water exposure, the integration point between the tracker and collar needs to prevent water from compromising the attachment or creating pressure points on the dog's neck.

Professional contexts require better solutions. Service dogs, working dogs, show dogs, and dogs in training programs need collars that look professional and won't fail during critical moments. A custom AirTag collar provides the secure integration these situations demand.

Custom AirTag dog collars: The perfect marriage of technology and personalization

A custom AirTag dog collar integrates Apple's tracking technology into a purpose-built product designed specifically for dogs. The difference between a generic holder and true custom integration comes down to how the AirTag is secured, how the collar is constructed, and how the final product performs across different conditions.

Materials matter. Waterproof PVC collars offer superior weather resistance and durability compared to standard nylon. The PVC coating makes the collar completely washable, stink-proof, and fade-proof. It dries quickly and maintains flexibility in cold weather.

Design considerations change based on dog size and activity level. Small dogs need lightweight collars that don't create pressure points. Large, powerful dogs need reinforced stitching and stronger attachment points.

The integration of the AirTag must keep it secure during any activity the dog might do. This means testing the design against swimming, running, jumping, rolling, rough play with other dogs, and interactions with brush, trees, and fences. The pocket or holder needs to prevent the AirTag from being pushed out while still allowing access for battery replacement.

Customization options for clients

Pet product brands, veterinary clinics, pet service businesses, and retailers have different needs when it comes to custom Airtag collars. The path from testing the market with a few samples to building a fully branded product line requires flexibility in minimum order quantities and customization options.

Entry level: White label with no MOQ

Our entry level orders can be made without any logos on the device, packaging, or app. There is no minimum order quantity. This option is best for companies that want to test the market with one unit or stock a small retail display without committing to large orders. You get all the functionality and quality of fully branded products, just without custom logos or packaging.

Mid-level: Custom logo on device

For clients that want a bit more customization, we require a minimum order of 100 pieces. You get the logo to the device, applied screen printing or laser engraving. We discuss the options together, depending on the material you choose and your brand’s aesthetics. With a mid-level order, you get a branded product at a lower commitment than custom packaging. This option is best for growing brands or businesses that want to test custom products before scaling up.

Advanced: Custom packaging and instruction manuals

For larger orders, we offer custom packaging at a minimum order of 500 pieces. The offer includes branded boxes, instruction manuals, and any marketing materials you want to include. We allow stocking the excess packaging in our warehouse for future orders if you cannot ship 500 units immediately. The approach lets you access custom packaging without needing warehouse space or worrying about packaging going out of date before you use it.

Premium: Fully customized branded app

For premium users, we also provide a custom mobile app requires, once you make a 1000 piece minimum orders. We need two to three months to develop it, but the app carries your brand throughout the entire user experience, from setup to daily tracking. For pet product companies building a full ecosystem of connected devices, a branded app creates continuity and reinforces your market position.

Product features and support

Every GPS collar includes a complimentary nylon collar. PVC waterproof collars and leashes are available for an additional charge. The PVC option provides the durability and easy cleaning that many pet owners prefer, particularly for active dogs or wet climates.

All products include a one-year warranty. For businesses selling to consumers, this warranty provides reassurance and reduces your customer service burden around defective units.

The current app is white label and available for use without branding. This means you can start selling immediately without the development time or minimum order quantity required for a custom app. Later, as your business grows, you can upgrade to a fully branded app experience.

For projects that require new development beyond standard customization options, manufacturers can create a specific development plan based on your requirements. This applies to unique form factors, special materials, additional sensors, or integration with other technologies.

How small brands can get into the GPS tracking market

GPS tracking technology is no longer something only premium brands can offer. But the challenge now is being different than the others. This is where a custom AirTag dog collar helps. The customization options provide companies with a path to create products that stand out in the market, all while retaining the practical needs of pet owners.

Apple's AirTag 2 brought meaningful technical improvements to the budget options for pet owners. Yet, it doesn’t the fundamental problem of how to safely and comfortably attach a tracker to a dog. GPS dog collars from premium brands often require subscription, or cost hundreds of dollars.

The customization tiers available to businesses match different stages of growth. With the new options, a startup can test the market with white label products and no minimum order. A growing brand can add logos at 100 units. An established company can create full packaging at 500 units. A large operation can build a complete branded ecosystem with custom apps at 1,000 units.

The pet customization market continues to grow as owners treat their animals more like family members. Products that combine safety technology with personalized design tap into both trends simultaneously. A custom AirTag collar isn't just a tracking device. It's a premium product that reflects how the owner values their pet.

Pet owners nowadays look for reliable tracking technology in well-designed, customizable products. Companies that can deliver on those terms will get a slice of the growth’s pie. The key for success is matching the right level of customization to your current business stage while maintaining product quality that justifies premium pricing.

Choosing the right custom GPS collar partner

Manufacturing quality determines whether a product succeeds or becomes a liability. Look for manufacturers with established capacity and experience in both pet products and electronic integration.

Minimum order quantity flexibility matters for newer brands. A supplier offering white label products with no MOQ gives you room to test without financial risk. Lead times of 3-7 days for samples enable faster iteration than suppliers requiring weeks.

Materials and durability standards should match your target market. Request detailed specifications on water resistance, material strength, and hardware quality. A one-year warranty is standard, but understand what it covers and the claim process.

For custom development, evaluate the manufacturer's engineering capabilities. Can they create custom molds? Do they have in-house design teams? A manufacturer with strong R&D capabilities becomes a partner in product innovation, not just a production facility.

The customization options available make entry accessible at any stage. Start with white label products and no minimum order, test the market, and scale to fully branded ecosystems as you grow. The technical improvements in the AirTag 2 make integration more valuable: better range, louder speakers, Apple Watch support, and improved Bluetooth enhance the user experience when properly integrated into collars designed for how dogs actually behave.