Yulia Zimmermann demonstrates using her phone to watch Pusher, a Pomeranian dog, with the interactive Wi-fi pet camera Petcube.
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https://scmp.com/lifestyle/article/1922688/pet-tech-smart-gadgets-offer-new-ways-keep-animals-safe-and-entertained Lifestyle
Pet tech: smart gadgets offer new ways to keep animals safe and entertained
As the Internet of Things becomes more intrinsic to everyday life, start-ups are inventing gadgets that make pet owners’ lives easier and help them connect with their furry friends from afar
Russell Gipson Shearer displays on his phone how the Whistle pet tracker follows his dog Rocket in San Francisco. Photos: AP
Technology isn’t just for humans any more. It’s also for their furry friends.
In Silicon Valley and beyond, a growing number of start-ups are selling devices to keep pets safe, healthy, entertained and connected when their owners are away.
“Pet tech” entrepreneurs and investors see a big opportunity as pet ownership grows worldwide and owners show a willingness to spend serious money on their four-legged companions.
Nearly two-thirds of US households, or 80 million homes, have pets, and Americans spent more than US$60 billion on them last year, according to the American Pet Products Association.
Already, there are devices that let your pets call you (PetChatz), play games and win treats when they’re home alone (CleverPet) and even speak with a human voice (Petspeak).
But as more pet-tech gadgets come to market, experts caution owners against relying on them too much.
“The technology can be useful as an adjunct, a way of enriching your relationship with your pet, but certainly not a substitute for time spent with your dog,” says Pamela Wyman, who runs the DogEvolve training school in Oakland, California.
Russell Gipson Shearer displays the Whistle pet tracker on his dog Rocket's collar.
The internet-connected device lets her see her dogs, talk to them, take photos and even dispense treats – using an app on her phone.
“I turn it on, get to see them, get to talk to them and it changes my mood, and puts me back in a positive frame,” says Ryan. “I didn’t know that I needed it, but now I don’t think that I could live without it.”
The Treat Cam was created by Petzila, based in San Jose, California, and founded by two veteran technology executives who wanted to get their pets online. The start-up also created a social media app that lets owners share pet photos.
“All of the most current crazes and fads in technology were touching everything but the pet,” says chief executive David Clark.
Whistle, a San Francisco start-up, sells a GPS-enabled Pet Tracker that alerts owners when their pets have left their “safe zone” and helps find them if they get lost. The device also lets owners track how much exercise and sleep their animals are getting.
Ben Jacobs, Whistle’s chief executive and co-founder, says the pet-tech market is expanding fast as pets move up the household hierarchy.
The Petcube.
For owners who want their dogs and cats to be more active during the day, the Petcube Camera lets them see and speak to their pets, and play with them with a laser pointer.
Petcube’s Ukrainian founders started the company in Kiev, but moved its headquarters to San Francisco to reach a global market.
“If we can connect all the pets to the internet and basicallydigitise this space, it will be nothing short of disruption,” says Yaroslav Azhnyuk, Petcube chief executive and co-founder. “It will be very big.”
Associated Press