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

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Russell Gipson Shearer displays on his phone how the Whistle pet tracker follows his dog Rocket in San Francisco. Photos: AP

Published: 7:45am, 10 Mar 2016Updated: 7:45am, 10 Mar 2016

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.

Yulia Zimmermann demonstrates using her phone to watch Pusher, a Pomeranian dog, with the interactive Wi-fi pet camera Petcube.

“The number of pets in the world is growing extremely fast and that opens up the market,” says Peter Harrop, chairman of IDTechEx, a technology market research firm. “I’m sure five years from now there will be all sorts of things we can’t imagine.”

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).

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