Pets are our best friends, they are our fur babies, members of the family even — with 4.8 million cats and dogs being adopted last year, there are so many new pet owners out there who want to give more than just treats.
They want to give their pets the best, and some may argue, treat them as if they were their children. Instead of doggie strollers or cute cat outfits, today’s pet owners are using the newest tech to help give their pets the healthiest, happiest, and longest lives possible.
A recent survey by HostingAdvice.com showed just how much pet parents are incorporating the latest and greatest tech in their pet care routine.
Key findings from the survey:
- 87% of owners said technology improves a person’s ability to care for a pet.
- 88% would use a pet tracking device to monitor their pet’s location.
- 89% of owners said they would use a pet camera to check on their pets when away.
- 79% of pet parents would rely on tech to track their pet’s health and activities.
Swapping Vet Visits for Tech
No, we’re not pulling your leash — 81% of those surveyed stated they would rather use tech pet care tools than visit the vet.
This comes as no surprise, not only for those pets who dread visits to the vet but also considering the cost of vet care has increased more than 60% over the past decade, according to federal stats.
The survey shows just how willing pet owners are to embrace technology that can be used to monitor their pet’s health, location, and potential mischief while they are away.
Pet technology is expanding the amount of care we can provide for our furry friends, and we think it’s pretty paw-some.
Opening Their Hearts — and Wallets
In recent years, owners have grown more attached to their pets, they are willing to spend more to give their pets higher quality food, toys, care, and now — tech.
During the survey, when asked what they would be willing to spend on their pets, 80% of the respondents said they would spend $100 or more on tech to help monitor their pets — woof.
This could include smart collars, health trackers, or even pet cameras.
Why Pet Tech?
With more pandemic pets and millennial and Gen Z pet parents highly engaged in pet health and wellness and the challenges of the veterinary profession, pet needs exceed available veterinary care.
With the available disposable income from the new generation of pet owners, the veterinarian shortage, and the workforce moving back in-office, the convenience and support from pet devices and tools add to pet parents’ arsenal for care.
- Location Monitoring: Pet location monitor devices on pet collars can provide ease of use and real-time updates. These can be sent straight to the owner’s phone or mobile devices of where our furry friends might be — great for pets who may have gotten lost. Apple AirTags were dubbed a favorite, with 77% of budget-conscious owners embracing these affordable trackers as innovative pet monitoring solutions. What’s more, backups aren’t needed. The data is automatically synced to your iCloud.
- Track Activity Levels: Some of these devices can even help track your pet’s activity levels throughout the day. From heightened heartbeat to jumping around playing with their toys, to sleeping for eight hours on the couch, pet owners can track their pet’s health remotely.
- Separation Anxiety: Additionally, some pet cameras allow owners to speak to their pets throughout the day from wherever they are. This tool can help our furry friends who may feel separation anxiety and make them feel more relaxed when at home alone. A few of these monitoring systems even allow you to give out treats from your phone for those extra-good boys and girls.
For those pet owners who are interested in using pet tech, one pro tip is to properly vet each tool and ensure it’s safe for both you and your pet.
Before purchasing, scroll through online reviews and check if there are any security settings prior to bringing these monitoring systems into your home.
“Choose devices that include additional security features or certifications,” stated HostingAdvice.com security expert Joe Warnimont. “Your pet’s health is important, but so is your safety and privacy!”
Hand-in-Paw Approach
It’s obvious that pet owners want what’s best for their pets. Regardless of survey results or whether you implement technology in the care routine of your pet, ensure you adhere to scheduled checkups by licensed veterinarians who will be able to diagnose and treat pets.
“Your pet’s health is important, but so is your safety and privacy!” — Joe Warnimont, Security Expert
When it comes to a pet’s safety and well-being, technology can’t replace the position of a trained professional.
Methodology
This November 2024, HostingAdvice.com surveyed 500 individuals about their knowledge and use of pet technology. Those who responded ranged from ages 18 to 65+, with an average age range of 26-45, amongst those that answered were 55% female and 44% male. All those surveyed (100%) were based in the United States.
