The Pet Tech Revolution: How Innovation Is Reshaping Pet Care
The Future Is Furry
As our lives become more digitally connected, so do our pets’. There is a booming demand for high-tech pet care — the global market is projected to reach $34 billion by 2032 — that’s part of a broader shift toward smart devices as well as premium pet products. With this growing popularity, pet retailers need to stay plugged into the technological advancements that their customers are looking for. Here are key trends to watch that combine convenience, comfort and cutting-edge innovation.
Wearables
Technology has turned the humble pet collar into a pet care superstar. Now it’s a wearable health tracker that monitors steps, resting heart rate, sleep patterns and much more. Owners can use the data to spot any early signs of a potential health issue, such as an elevated respiratory rate, and send the information to their veterinarian. And over time, a wearable’s algorithm becomes attuned to a pet’s patterns and behaviors, delivering greater accuracy. Products like these that support a pet’s health and welfare embody the innovation that WPA holds as one of its core values.
Automated Feeding
Artificial intelligence personalizes mealtime to a pet’s schedule and portion sizes. These smart systems can also be customized for multiple pets or adjusted with a mobile phone app, and they’ll send alerts when it’s time for a refill. Several options also come with cameras so owners can monitor meals when they’re not at home.
Leash-Free Pet Control
Dogs can scamper and roam to their heart’s content with high-tech smart collars. Some utilize GPS for location tracking, while others can be programmed to establish virtual boundaries that keep pets inside a defined area. Several of these products may require a subscription for use.
Interactive Toys & Tech
Owners don’t have to be at home to spend time with their pets. Technology closes that gap with devices like cameras with audio channels so owners can see and talk to their pet (and even give them a treat with a built-in dispenser that’s operated remotely). Some camera systems are also equipped with AI that can analyze behavior so owners can ensure their pet is safe and happy. Plus, many interactive toys on the market are powered by AI, operated via a phone app, or integrated with augmented reality (AR). Owners can even see playtime through a dog’s eyes with harnesses equipped with GoPro camera mounts.
Convenient Care Tools
Along with all the joys of pet ownership, there are the chores. But technology is making those jobs easier. Automatic, self-cleaning litter boxes, programmable dog doors that prevent accidents indoors, grooming brushes with adjustable settings and efficient aquarium filtration systems mean less time spent on mundane tasks and more time for owners to enjoy their pets.
Digital Health Care
Telehealth appointments aren’t just for humans. Veterinarians and pet owners use this service as a quick and convenient way to conduct non-emergency visits or determine if an in-office consultation is needed. Veterinarians can also use digital platforms for health records storage, making it simple to schedule follow-up appointments or send owners reminders for annual checkups or vaccinations. And owners can use apps to store their pet’s health information, expense records and insurance claims so all the records are in one easily accessible place.
Want to experience cutting-edge pet care in person?
Don’t miss SUPERZOO, the most comprehensive pet retail marketplace. Get connected to the latest technological innovations, Aug. 13-15, at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas.
