About 23% of UK households own at least one or more smart home devices, according to YouGov’s Smart Homes 2018 report. When people speak about Internet of Things (IoT) solutions for homes or smart home devices, says Jocelyn Brown, a freelance writer, they usually mean devices that are focused primarily on humans.
So for instance, they talk about the smart speaker with the best virtual assistants, smart lights, smart coffee makers and other devices that make life easier for humans. However, there is a growing opportunity for IoT solutions specifically designed to make life easier for our four-legged pets. Some startups and businesses have spotted this vacuum in the market and are responding by creating useful smart apps for pets.
Smart apps for checking your pet’s diet
There is a growing problem of overweight, stressed and lonely pets across the UK according to a 2018 report from the veterinary charity PDSA. The reason for this is that most pet owners are not knowledgeable about their pet’s welfare needs as far as diet, health, behaviour, and companionship is concerned. There are startups that are creating apps that make it easier to monitor what your pet eats every day.
These can help you monitor your pet’s daily calorie intake, weight, and activity level. They can also show you the type of food your pet likes, and the appropriate meal portions so that you do not waste food or encourage overeating. For example, smart apps for the PetNet Smart Feeder and PetSafe Smart Feed Dog and Cat feeder can help you prevent your pet from gaining weight.
Smart camera apps for communication
There are also apps that help you communicate with your pet when you are not at home. These apps are usually integrated with a smart camera that can be built into a cat feeder or placed on any surface in the home. Some are capable of at least 1080p HD live-video feed, and have microphones that allow the pet owner to talk to the pet from a remote location.
For example, when you are on a rest break at work you can communicate with your cat or dog using your phone and you can hear and see the animal respond.
For example, the Petcube app allows you to play a laser game in real time with your pet when you are away from home. It also allows you to capture photos of your pet and share them with friends and family. Another interesting app is the Petzi Treat Cam app that allows you to dispense treats and connect with your pet while you are away.
Smart doors for exercise
Leaving your pet cooped up in the house all day when you are away can make your dog or cat lonely and miserable. There are apps that allow your pet access to your backyard so that it can to run around and exercise. Startups that design these apps make sure that the pet owner can override the automatic functions of the pet door controlled by the app for security purposes.
The smart pet door can be scheduled to open and close at certain times of the day using the app. Some of the most popular app controlled pet doors include the PetSafe Electronic smart door and the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door.
To get into the smart pet app market, you will need to study the real needs of pets and pet owners. Avoid focusing on gimmicks because not everyone is willing to spend on a pet app that looks good but does not offer anything of value.
The author of this blog is Jocelyn Brown, a freelance writer
About the author
The author of this blog is Jocelyn Brown, a freelance writer and mother. She loves the freedom that comes with freelancing and the versatility it allows her in covering many different topics and themes. When not at work she enjoys running, hikes in the country and making the most of family time.
Comment on this article below or via Twitter: @IoTNow_OR @jcIoTnow
