Does AppleCare Cover Dog Chewing? The Surprising Answer You Need to Know

If you’ve ever experienced that heart-dropping moment when you discover your beloved pup has turned your expensive AirPods into a chew toy you’re not alone. As a dog owner and tech enthusiast I’ve been through this nightmare scenario myself, and the first question that popped into my mind was does AppleCare cover dog chewing?

The short answer? Yes AppleCare+ does cover damage from dog chewing – but there are some important details you need to know about costs limitations, and alternatives.

The Truth About AppleCare+ and Dog Damage

AppleCare+ considers dog chewing to be “accidental damage” – which is definitely good news for pet owners! According to information from real Apple Community discussions and pet-focused resources, here’s what you need to know:

• AppleCare+ covers 2 instances of ANY type of damage every 12 months for a reduced fee
• When your dog chews your AirPods or other Apple devices, you can take them to an Apple Store for replacement
• The coverage extends to the charging case and cable as well – so if Fido got those too, you’re covered

However, it’s important to understand that even with AppleCare+, you’ll still need to pay a service fee for replacement. For AirPods Pro with AppleCare+, this fee is typically around $29 US per damaged earbud.

What About the Standard Limited Warranty?

Many people confuse Apple’s standard limited warranty with AppleCare+ Let me clear that up

• The standard limited warranty that comes with new Apple products does NOT cover dog chewing damage
• This basic warranty only covers manufacturing defects and failures not caused by accidents
• Apple specifically states they “cannot be responsible for a pet damaging electronics” under the basic warranty
• The standard warranty only lasts for one year and offers much less comprehensive coverage

This is why paying extra for AppleCare+ can be such a lifesaver if you’re a pet owner – especially one with a curious or teething pup!

Replacement Costs: With vs. Without AppleCare+

Let’s break down the actual costs you’ll face if your dog decides your AirPods make a tasty snack:

With AppleCare+:

• Approximately $29 US per damaged AirPod Pro earbud
• About $29 US for a damaged charging case

Without AppleCare+:

• $89 per damaged AirPod Pro earbud
• $89 for a damaged charging case

As you can see, the difference is substantial! Without AppleCare+, you’re looking at paying three times more for replacement components.

What AppleCare+ Doesn’t Cover

While AppleCare+ is great for accidental damage including dog chewing, it’s worth noting what it doesn’t cover:

• Lost or stolen AirPods are NOT covered by AppleCare+
• If you lose an earbud, you’ll still have to pay the full $89 replacement fee
• A lost charging case will cost you $99 regardless of your AppleCare+ status

So while AppleCare+ protects against damage, it doesn’t protect against your dog running off with your AirPod and hiding it somewhere in the yard!

Real-World Example: What Happens When Your Dog Chews Your AirPods

I want to share a real scenario based on discussions from the Apple Community:

Annabelle’s dog chewed her right AirPod Pro. She had AppleCare+ and was concerned about replacement costs. After taking her damaged AirPod to the Apple Store, she was charged the AppleCare+ service fee of around $29 for a replacement, rather than the full $89 she would have paid without coverage.

Some community members initially suggested that AppleCare wouldn’t cover this type of damage, but more experienced users confirmed that AppleCare+ indeed covers dog-related damage as part of its accidental damage protection.

Is AppleCare+ Worth It for Dog Owners?

As someone who’s both a tech enthusiast and a dog owner, I can confidently say that AppleCare+ is worth considering if you have pets – especially puppies or dogs with chewing habits. Here’s why:

• Dogs are naturally curious and many go through chewing phases
• Small electronics like AirPods are particularly tempting to dogs
• The cost difference between AppleCare+ replacement and standard replacement is significant
• AppleCare+ gives you peace of mind for two incidents per 12-month period

Of course, the best approach is prevention – keeping your Apple devices safely away from your furry friends. But accidents happen, and that’s exactly what AppleCare+ is designed for.

How to Get Your Chewed AirPods Replaced

If your dog has already done the damage, here’s what to do:

1. Gather all parts of your damaged AirPods (even the chewed bits)
2. Make an appointment with your local Apple Store or authorized service provider
3. Bring your AirPods and proof of AppleCare+ coverage
4. Be honest about what happened – they’ve seen dog damage before!
5. Pay the service fee (around $29 per component with AppleCare+)
6. Receive your replacement components

Remember, Apple technicians have seen it all – you’re definitely not the first person whose dog has turned expensive tech into a chew toy!

Protecting Your Apple Devices from Your Dog

While AppleCare+ provides a financial safety net, here are some tips to prevent your pup from damaging your devices in the first place:

• Store AirPods and other small electronics in drawers or cases out of your dog’s reach
• Consider using a designated charging station that keeps cords and devices organized and protected
• Train your dog with appropriate chew toys to satisfy their natural chewing instincts
• Be especially vigilant with puppies who are teething
• Never leave devices unattended around your dog

Final Thoughts: AppleCare+ Is a Dog Owner’s Friend

The bottom line is that if you have a dog and expensive Apple devices, AppleCare+ provides valuable protection against those “oops” moments when your pup decides to taste-test your technology.

While the standard warranty won’t help you in these situations, AppleCare+ recognizes that accidents happen – whether caused by you or your four-legged friend. The service fee you’ll pay is significantly less than full replacement cost, making it a worthwhile investment for pet owners.

So next time you’re purchasing new AirPods or another Apple device, consider adding AppleCare+ – especially if your home includes curious canine companions. Your wallet (and your relationship with your dog) will thank you when accidents inevitably happen!

Have you ever had your dog chew on your Apple products? Did AppleCare+ save the day? Share your experiences in the comments below!