Why Pet Tech Is Booming
Pets aren’t just pets anymore—they’re roommates, kids, gym buddies, and emotional anchors. The pet tech market is sprinting to keep up. Feeding routines, safety checks, even enrichment activities are all getting a wired upgrade. What used to be a leash and a food bowl is now a smart collar with GPS and a timed feeder you control from your phone.
The draw? Simplicity with a side of care. Tech is removing friction from daily pet ownership: no more rushing home for dinner time, fewer moments of panic when your pet slips out the door, and fewer guesswork decisions around health or behavior. Quality-of-life upgrades once reserved for humans are migrating to four-legged family members.
And this isn’t driven by gimmicks—owners are asking for these tools. They want to know their anxious dog is settling while they’re at work. They want litter boxes that don’t stink or overflow. They want to monitor changes in sleep or appetite before it becomes a vet emergency. Real-world practicality is shaping this boom, not novelty.
In 2024, the trend is clear: tech that adds care without adding complexity is winning owners over.
Smart Feeders Worth the Hype
The days of free-pouring kibble into a bowl and hoping for the best are over. Smart pet feeders are taking the guesswork—and guilt—out of daily feeding.
At their core, these devices handle three things well: scheduled feeding, portion control, and remote access. Most pair with apps that let you feed your pet from anywhere, adjust serving sizes, and monitor meal history. That’s convenience with a side of control, especially for pets with strict dietary needs or overeating issues.
Top picks for 2024 include the Petlibro Granary (great build, solid app), the WOPET 6L Automatic Feeder (budget-friendly, reliable basics), and the Whisker Feeder-Robot (pricey, but packed with features for tech-first pet owners). Their differences mostly come down to app quality, cleaning ease, and food size compatibility. Small-kibble cats? Go Petlibro. Chunky dogs? WOPET’s more forgiving.
More advanced models are starting to sync with nutrition tracking systems like Puppr and PetDesk. That means tighter insights on calorie intake, feeding times, and trends—handy if your vet’s in the loop or you’re managing long-term health goals.
Still, not every owner needs an app-controlled robot. But if you’re tired of guessing portions, rushing home for dinner time, or dealing with food-guarding behavior, smart feeders are worth the shelf space.
(Related read: Comparing the Best Pet Food Brands for Cats and Dogs)
GPS Collars and Smart Trackers
Whether you’ve got a backyard explorer or a couch-loafing escape artist, GPS collars and smart trackers give you peace of mind. In 2024, the market’s matured. You’re not just buying a tracker anymore—you’re investing in a safety net.
Top-rated models like the Fi Series 3 (for dogs) and Tractive GPS Cat Mini lead the pack. Both bring solid location accuracy, real-time updates, and durable builds. The Fi is ideal for active dogs—it’s rugged, waterproof, and offers a range that covers remote trails. The Tractive, on the other hand, is lightweight and made for feline necks. It’s also one of the few cat options with dependable live tracking.
When shopping, don’t get distracted by gimmicks. Battery life comes first. Some models run for weeks, others need charging after a day—that’s a make-or-break difference in an emergency. Waterproofing isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. And look at range specs. Not all trackers are equal when your pet slips off-grid.
Emergency features worth noting? Look for devices with real-time escape alerts, geofencing, and SOS modes. A good tracker tells you when your dog slips the yard. A great one tells you fast, keeps updating, and helps you bring them home.
It’s not about tracking every squirrel chase—it’s about being ready when things go wrong.
Pet Cameras with Two-Way Audio
Being away from your pet doesn’t mean being out of touch. Smart pet cameras now let you check in, toss treats, talk, and even track movement—all from your phone. They’re not just about cuteness anymore; they’re part security system, part peace-of-mind delivery system.
We tested the top three cams this year for what really matters to pet owners: video quality, treat-tossing accuracy, and mobile app usability.
1. Furbo 360° Dog Camera – Sharp 1080p video with night vision, shockingly accurate treat launch (no random scatter), and the app is slick. Real-time barking alerts are a plus if your pup’s vocal when you’re gone.
2. Petcube Bites 2 Lite – Reliable stream quality, treat-tossing feels a little clunky, but the two-way audio is crystal clear. App’s clean but requires a subscription for some premium features.
3. Eufy Pet Dog Camera D605 – Best budget option. Doesn’t swivel, but solid video and surprisingly well-aimed treat shooter. App’s a little basic, but easy to use and no paywall to access features.
Bottom line: a good pet cam does more than just watch. It engages. It reassures. And yes, it doubles as a decent home security cam. Because when your pet’s doing well, you’re doing better too.
Auto-Cleaning Litter Boxes & Waste Tools
Self-cleaning litter boxes sound like a dream until they jam mid-cycle—or worse. What works? Look for models with reliable sensors, slow-moving rakes, and trap systems that don’t rely on delicate plastic parts. Brands like Litter-Robot 4 and PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra have proven themselves in real homes, especially for multi-cat setups. These units handle business quietly, with minimal breakdowns and consistent odor control.
For households with more than one cat, capacity matters. You want a box that can handle frequent use without overwhelming its cleaning schedule. Litter-Robot wins here with larger waste drawers and smart tracking through its app. ScoopFree’s crystal trays are easy to replace but fill up faster with more than one cat—better for light-duty homes.
Maintenance is where many products overpromise. Daily cleaning is off the table, but you’ll still need to empty and wipe down parts weekly. Look for units with smooth surfaces and easy assembly/disassembly. Bonus points for models with carbon filters or sealed waste drawers to guard against that classic ammonia kick.
Bottom line: Good auto-cleaners save time. Bad ones just shift the frustration. Know your cats, know the specs, and commit to routine light upkeep if you want the tech to keep working like it should.
Health Trackers & Wearables
Pet wearables aren’t just novelty tech—they’re slowly becoming diagnostic tools. The newest models promise real-time tracking of your pet’s sleep cycles, activity patterns, even signs of anxiety. Some go as far as monitoring heart rate and respiratory changes. But here’s the question: how accurate are they?
Short answer—good, not perfect. Most trackers rely on motion sensors and basic biometrics. They’re solid at flagging outliers: sudden lethargy in a normally energetic dog, disrupted sleep in a stress-prone cat. Those alerts can lead to early detection of pain, illness, or behavioral changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.
There are actual cases where wearables helped spot problems early—like owners catching potential thyroid issues or mobility challenges before symptoms were visible. It’s not magic, but it’s an extra set of digital eyes, always on.
As for the subscription fees most of these devices require—some are worth it, especially if your pet has a known condition or you’re hyper-focused on preventative care. But if your pet’s young, healthy, and you’re already attentive, those monthly charges can start to feel like overkill.
Bottom line: health trackers won’t replace your vet, but they make you a smarter pet owner between visits. Opt in if you’ll actually use the data.
Toys That Actually Keep Pets Engaged
Not all toys are created equal—and if you’ve ever watched your dog lose interest in a pricey gadget within five minutes, you know this firsthand. The age-old tennis ball might not have Bluetooth, but it still gives some smart toys a run for their money.
So, smart toys vs. traditional: what keeps pets engaged longer? It depends on the animal. Many dogs and cats do show longer play sessions with smart devices that offer novelty and interactivity—think automated laser toys, sensor-triggered chase balls, and treat-dispensing puzzle feeders. These tools tap into natural instincts like hunting, problem-solving, and food motivation. Smart doesn’t always mean better, though. For some pets, the real joy still comes from a loud crinkle toy or a wild game of tug.
For dogs with energy to burn—Border Collies, Huskies, Boxers—a mix of brain and body play wins. Puzzle feeders with multiple difficulty levels turn feeding into a task. Robotic balls or motion-reactive toys keep them chasing without needing your constant arm action. For cats, laser gadgets with randomized paths beat the traditional red dot dance, holding attention longer and offering a safe solo play experience.
Finding the right toy is trial and error, but the winners are obvious: they keep your pet coming back day after day, tail or whiskers twitching.
What Pet Owners Should Know Before Buying
Not every gadget is a perfect fit, no matter how shiny the specs. Start with the basics: is it compatible with your pet? A GPS collar for a Great Dane won’t work for a teacup Yorkie. And some toys built for high-energy breeds bore senior pets in minutes. Size matters. So does personality. Anxious dogs might find a treat-tossing camera stressful. Curious cats might dismantle that expensive smart toy in an hour. Think about how your pet interacts with the world before you hit “buy.”
Then there’s reliability. A fancy feeder with a buggy app is just a bowl with attitude. Battery life is another quiet dealbreaker—nobody wants to recharge a tracker every day. Read reviews. Check firmware update frequency. And avoid products that promise the moon but leave you troubleshooting at midnight.
Finally, remember: analog still has its place. A well-fitted harness, a squeaky ball, or a routine walk can outperform the flashiest tech. Use gadgets to fill gaps, not replace connection. If your pet’s happy, you’re doing it right—screen or no screen.
Final Thoughts: Tech With Purpose
The pet tech market is packed with flashy gear, promising smarter, smoother, cleaner lives. But here’s the truth: not every gadget earns its spot in your routine. The best ones don’t just beep, light up, or toss treats—they solve something. They ease a burden, fix a challenge, or free up your time without making you jump through hoops.
A smart feeder that delivers consistent portions while you’re at work? That’s useful. A camera that lets you soothe your anxious dog from the office? Practical. The focus should always be on making life better for your pet—and simpler for you.
Skip the gimmicks. Don’t buy twice. Choose tech that does real work, and you’ll get more years of happy, healthy, low-stress pet ownership. Invest well, and both of you win.
Norvella Neythanna is the co-founder and author at pethubnest She blends her passion for pets with her interest in technology, covering innovative products and ideas that transform pet care.
