Having a cuddly pet to return home to is one of life’s great joys, and with the latest gadgets and AI technology, pet ownership becomes even more enjoyable and convenient. A growing market of smart devices aims to simplify pet care, offering solutions for everything from monitoring activity to automating feeding and cleaning. This article explores some of the newest pet tech available, including AI-powered cameras, GPS trackers, automatic feeders, and smart doors.
Recent product launches demonstrate a clear trend toward integrating artificial intelligence and connectivity into pet care. Companies are focusing on providing pet owners with greater peace of mind and more efficient ways to manage their animals’ well-being, even when they are physically separated. These innovations are driven by increasing pet ownership rates and a willingness among owners to invest in their companions’ comfort and safety.
The Rise of AI-Powered Pet Cameras
Petlibro recently launched its AI-powered Scout Smart Camera, priced at $99.99, offering real-time insights into a pet’s activities. The camera allows remote control of its viewing angle and can automatically follow a pet as it moves around a room. Two-way audio enables owners to communicate with their pets, and a built-in chirping sound can attract their attention.
What sets the Scout apart is its AI-powered description capabilities. The camera can recognize specific behaviors, such as eating, drinking, using the litter box, or simply walking by, and automatically captures photos. Daily highlights are saved in the cloud for up to 30 days. Accessing these AI features requires a subscription, with standard plans costing $12 per month and premium tiers at $17 per month.
Keeping Pets Safe with GPS Tracking
For pet owners concerned about their animals wandering off, Life360 offers a GPS pet tracker for $49.99. This device attaches to a pet’s collar and provides real-time location tracking via a smartphone app. A key feature is geofencing, which alerts owners if their pet leaves a designated safe area, such as a yard or neighborhood.
The Life360 tracker also includes features like alerts to notify nearby pet owners if an escape occurs and a built-in light to aid in locating a pet in low-light conditions. Users can enhance functionality with a $14.99-per-month Gold plan or a $24.99-per-month Platinum tier subscription.
Automating Pet Feeding and Litter Box Maintenance
Petlibro also offers solutions for automated feeding. The Polar Wet Food Feeder, priced at $149.99, is designed to keep wet food fresh for cats while owners are away. It features three cooled compartments capable of holding up to 22.2 ounces of food, allowing for up to 72 hours of automated feeding. The container trays are BPA-free and dishwasher-safe.
The feeder is controlled via a mobile app, allowing owners to schedule feeding times and receive notifications when their cat eats. The app also provides alerts if the home internet connection is lost and can maintain food cooling for up to 12 hours during a power outage.
Maintaining a clean litter box is another common challenge for pet owners. The PetKit PuraMax 2 automatic litter box, costing $499.99, addresses this with odor control and a sealed waste bin. A citrus-scented deodorizing spray activates after each cleaning cycle and at random intervals. The accompanying mobile app tracks litter box usage, cleaning cycles, and even monitors a cat’s weight, potentially identifying early health concerns.
Enhanced Security with Smart Pet Doors
Pawport offers a smart pet door, priced at $699, designed to provide a secure entry and exit point for pets. Constructed from heavy-duty steel and aluminum, the door features dual deadbolts to prevent unwanted animal intrusions and protect against weather elements. A new model incorporates a tunnel-like enclosure for increased security.
The door utilizes a tracker tag and motion-sensing technology to automatically open when a pet approaches. Remote control, scheduling, and voice command integration with Alexa, Siri, and Google are also available through a dedicated mobile app.
The pet tech market is expected to continue expanding as AI and connectivity become more affordable and accessible. Future developments will likely focus on integrating health monitoring features, personalized pet care recommendations, and improved data analytics. However, concerns regarding data privacy and security will need to be addressed as these devices collect more information about pets and their owners. The industry will need to demonstrate a commitment to responsible data handling to maintain consumer trust and foster continued innovation in this rapidly evolving field.
