How mobile apps and accessories are enhancing pet care

Lessons learnt in 2020

The main lesson learnt this past year, is that we are living in an increasingly connected world in which technology has become an essential part of our everyday lives. This development has made the need for inclusion and for connection via smart apps a growing feature of the UK pet accessories market.

Support role

Not surprisingly, therefore, there has been significant growth in the range of products available for tech-savvy pets and owners. Such products are mainly found in the high-value niches, mainly at the top end of individual product sectors. Now that owners increasingly identify with their pets, they are looking for products that enhance their pets’ comfort and enable them to connect even more. Added to this trend is the continued humanisation of pets. All-in-all owners are interested in tech-based pet products, similar to the ones they use themselves.

Feeding time

The feeding equipment market is estimated at around £5.1 million (€5.6 / $6.6 million) or 5% value share of the total UK pet accessories market. This niche has recently seen its fair share of high-tech developments. Whilst previously this market was typically low-tech, now owners can get feeding bowls and water bottles that link with a pet’s microchip implant, or link an RFID collar tag to an app via a Wi-Fi hub. Using such high-tech solutions, pet owners can monitor feeding patterns and ensure that individual pets get access to only their own feeding bowls. This is particularly useful for animals following strict diets or those needing additional food supplements.

Many automatic feeders include remote app technology and cameras that bond owners and pets during feeding time, even when the owner is absent from the house.

Similar to the feeding bowl, the humble water bowl or bottle is also facing competition from smart technology alternatives. These include indoor water fountains for cats and small dogs that connect via an RFID collar tag. It enables owners to monitor their pet’s drinking behaviour, wherever they are!

Outdoor activity and access to all areas?

Automated pet doors have been around for some time already. Integrated timer and magnetic controls limit access to non-resident pets. However, innovative connected products now give owners increased remote control and can help keep tabs on pet fitness. New apps chart pet activity, recording how many times individual animals use the pet door, as well as the amount of time they spend outside.

Developments in pet wearables are also providing owners a look into their pet’s world when they are away from home. Using devices including in-collar, GPS-based tracking systems and connected cameras, owners get a pet’s eye view of the world. And what more fun than uploading and sharing pet escapades on social media