Digital health technologies have revolutionized human wellness, and now they’re transforming how we care for our beloved pets. According to Global Market Insights, “The pet health care segment of the pet tech market is expected to reach over USD 9.5 billion by 2032, as owners are increasingly willing to invest in advanced health care solutions for their pets, leveraging AI for predictive health insights and big data for personalized care.”

From wearables (which accounted for over 46% of market share in 2023) to at-home diagnostic tools to IoT-enabled exercise equipment, there are all kinds of cutting-edge innovations entering the market that improve pet wellness, keep pets safe — and also present exciting opportunities for retailers who embrace them. In this article, we’ll explore some of the latest advancements and trends showcased at this year’s SUPERZOO (which took place Aug. 14-16 in Las Vegas). We’ll also cover how stocking products like these can give your store a competitive edge.

High-Tech Health Tracking

Research from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) reveals that a significant majority of pet owners prioritize their pets’ health, actively seeking regular veterinary checkups and preventative medicine. Many express a keen interest in tracking their pets’ health and show a willingness to use monitoring devices, highlighting a proactive approach to wellness care. This growing trend in pet health management sets the stage for innovative products designed to help pet owners achieve their goals.

One standout product that’s helping pet owners achieve that goal is the INPET Cat Body Composition Monitor, the world’s first AI-based body composition device for cats. This product addresses a key health issue: cat obesity, which is a growing concern. According to a 2022 survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), 61% of cats are categorized as overweight or obese, a condition that can lead to diabetes, osteoarthritis, and other health complications. The INPET monitor goes beyond basic weight tracking, measuring various biometric data, including muscle mass and body water, to provide a comprehensive health profile –– and 54% of surveyed veterinarians stated it could provide meaningful insights into a cat’s health status (98.6% recommend the product). Solutions like this align with the rising focus on preventative care, helping pet parents proactively manage health risks before they become serious.

The PETKIT Purabot Ultra is another prime example of how advanced technology is providing pet owners with a more complete view of their pets’ well-being. With features like stool monitoring and real-time behavioral analysis, this AI-powered, smart litter box appeals to tech-conscious pet owners who want comprehensive tools to track their cats’ health.

For both cats and dogs, the MEDI SAND+ (and MEDI PAD+) can detect early signs of kidney issues by analyzing urination patterns. One of the most common ailments in dogs, lower urinary tract disease, can be treated if detected early enough through urine tests. That early detection is also critical for cats, with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reporting that 2%-20% of all cats and 30% of cats over the age of 10 experience chronic kidney disease. By offering diagnostic tools like these, retailers can provide pet owners with critical early detection capabilities, leading to longer, healthier lives for pets and reinforcing your reputation as a destination for advanced pet health solutions.

Safety Meets Convenience

Pet safety is another area where technology is making waves, especially when it comes to visibility and accident prevention. The Lumi Dog Harness, for example, is a smart illuminated harness that enhances safety during low-light walks. With a 1000-lumen LED light that provides 16 hours of continuous illumination, the harness can be seen from a quarter mile away, making it a reliable option for night-time outings. It also features sustainable materials and a USB-charging capability, making it an eco-friendly yet practical choice for pet owners.

These types advancements aren’t just nice to have –– they’re addressing real problems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 7,388 pedestrians died and approximately 60,577 were injured in traffic crashes in the United States in 2021 alone, with 80% of those incidents occurring at dusk, dawn or in the dark. While these statistics include people, the numbers highlight the potential dangers for pets as well –– and some sources put the number of dogs struck by cars in the U.S. each year near 1 million. Tech that enhances visibility and solutions like GPS trackers can help change these sad statistics and protect both people and pets, making them valuable additions to your store’s offerings.

Keeping Pets Active and Engaged

In addition to addressing pet obesity concerns, regular exercise helps improve overall physical and mental health and can even extend pets’ lives. For cat owners, slimmer cats can live up to 2 years longer than those with sedentary lifestyles, and products like the B612 Cat Planet Wheel (the world’s first app-linked smart indoor exercise machine for cats) provide a way to keep cats moving and entertained. Equipped with LED lights to stimulate natural hunting instincts, this IoT-enabled device allows users to monitor their cats’ activity levels through a mobile app.

For dogs, smart ball launchers and sensor-activated toys that respond to movement are gaining popularity as pet owners look for innovative ways to keep their pets engaged. Stocking a variety of these activity-focused tech products allows retailers to tap into a market that prioritizes holistic wellness — focusing on both the mental and physical aspects of health.

Sourcing, Stocking and Selling Pet Tech

Pet owners are looking for products that help them take better care of their pets, and attracting these customers means staying ahead of trends and offering products that solve real problems — in ways they might not even know existed. Whether it’s AI-powered litter boxes or smart health monitors, these innovations provide pet owners with peace of mind, and that’s a powerful selling point.

Of course, some high-tech items come with higher price tags, which means pet owners will want more information before purchasing. Ensuring your staff is properly trained on the products you bring into your store is critical for helping customers understand their value and how they work, so they can buy with confidence. To assist with that, many manufacturers and suppliers offer demo units, educational point-of-sale displays, training sessions, webinars and in-store demonstrations to educate teams and customers. It’s also worth considering your virtual storefront. With more and more pet care product sales happening online (36% in 2022), it’s important that the product listings on your website make it easy for shoppers to understand how a product supports pet health and wellness. When you’re deciding which high-tech pet care products are right for your store, nothing compares to seeing them in person. That’s what makes attending trade events like SUPERZOO so worthwhile. Not only will you get up to speed on the latest innovations and trends quickly, but you’ll also be able to ask questions, compare options and experience products firsthand. The next SUPERZOO will take place August 13-15, 2025 –– mark your calendar!

A Safer, Healthier Future for Pets

The future of pet care is here, and like many aspects of modern life, it’s driven by technology. By embracing innovations like health monitoring tools, smart harnesses and interactive exercise machines, and offering them in your store, you’ll not only stay ahead of the curve but also meet your customers’ expectations. They trust you to provide the best options for their pets, and by showcasing these cutting-edge products, you enhance both their confidence and your reputation as a retailer that truly prioritizes pets’ well-being.