Estimates for the pet retail market has been suggested to be over $75 million. Naturally, pet ownership has been common for centuries. However, some aspects of the pet landscape are recently changing significantly. Just as we have embraced digital platforms and mobile apps, pet-centric technology–“PetTech”–is now a hot item as well. In fact, dozens of new apps for dogs and other pets now exist that pet owners may consider. But knowing which one is best and offers the services needed can be challenging.
Every year, new startup companies are entering the market selling new apps for dogs. In 2017, venture capital funding for dog technology approached nearly $300 million. In 2018, this figure exceeded $500 million. Understanding this, it is apparent that apps for dogs and other pets have the potential to be in high demand by pet owners. By dividing this industry into various sectors, it becomes easier to identify which apps for dogs might be most attractive. And it is also easier to appreciate how these dog technology services might make one’s life much easier.
“People were using connectivity to add value to a bunch of different products, and pet tech is definitely one of those. People like to see what their pets are doing in the house while they’re away.” – Rick Kowalski, Senior Manager of Industry and Business Intelligence for the Consumer Technology Association
PetTech that Tracks and Trains
Several apps for dogs now exist that involve tracking pets in various fashions. With the advent of GPS technologies, the opportunity to locate your pet has become routine. For example, the Tagg app (as part of the Tagg Tracker system) notifies you if your pet is outside a safe zone. The Whistle app does the same thing up to 3,000 feet from your home. And naturally, this also may come in useful should one’s pet be stolen. With the use of wearable technologies, this dog technology has become rather commonplace.
Other apps for dogs take tracking into a completely new realm. For example, the Spending on My Dog app allows one to track expenses on your pet. In fact, one can even import this into other digital accounting systems. Similarly, PetMinder app lets a pet owner schedule reminders and appointments. But the most novel among the apps for dogs is the Go Dogo system, which is an interactive, intelligent system for dogs while at home. Developed by engineers at Copenhagen, dogs train through audio-video technologies and an auto-treat dispenser unit. Thus, even while a pet owner is away, their dog can be both engaged and mentally stimulated.
“Millennials don’t want to be given thousands of choices for pet food, or beds, or dog groomers. They want to be steered to the best choices by someone they trust.” – Marc Atiyeh, CEO and Cofounder of Pawp
PetTech that Provides Supplies and Services
While tracking and training are popular apps for dogs, so are those facilitating supplies and service. E-commerce apps that make shopping for pet supplies easier are definitely on the rise. One of the biggest apps for dogs is Chewy, which offers same-day shipping on pet food, toys, treats and supplies. Also, Bullymake Box creates “tough toys” for those pets who love to chew. Their app guarantees any of their toys will last a minimum of 14 days. And New York-based startup Pawp is looking to provide all sorts of pet supplies through its app. It in actuality hopes to be one-stop shopping for supplies and services by using a more targeted approach.
These are just some of the major players in terms of new Pet Tech. But others that provide more selective services also exist. For example, many pet owners use Rover, which provides bios and photos of vetted and reviewed pet caretakers. Bring Fido allows pet owners to locate pet-friendly hotels, restaurants and events when traveling. And PetSnap provides 32 different sounds to help you take that perfect picture of your pet. These apps for dogs and many others are honing in on selective facets of pet care needs. And as a result, many pet owners are finding such dog technology assistance is quite valued.
“We may have thousands of SKUs but for each customer, we’re still offering the exact selection that they want when they want it, and we deliver it reliably, predictably, in a high-quality manner.” – Sumit Singh, CEO of Chewy
Pet Tech for Better Pet Health
Like human wellness, pet health is naturally important to pet owners. As a result, many apps for dogs and other pets facilitate health record-keeping and activities. For example, Pet Phone allows one the ability to manage all important pet information in one easy-to-find location. It also helps keep track of vet appointments, medications, and other vital health data for pets. PupTox, on the other hand, helps pet owners identify potential toxins for their pets in flowers, plants, and foods. And Pet First Aid is a diagnostic and resource tool that pet owners can use to identify symptom seriousness and care.
In addition to these apps for dogs, other dog technology helps pets stay healthy and active. Whistle, which was already noted for its GPS tracking system, includes a pet pedometer. Likewise, Petometer is an exercise and activity tracker that encourages pet owners to maintain pets on a regular activity schedule. And The Pet Pal provides a comprehensive health app for pets. It not only records important pet medical and health data but also collects insurance, vet, and sitter information for data-sharing. This appears to be a growing area of apps for dogs and pets currently.
Growing Consumer Trends for Dog Technology
With the number of startups entering this particular sector, it is clear that consumer demand for dog technology is increasing. A major reason for this is the number of Millennials who are choosing to have pets. In fact, this is the fastest-growing segment of pet owners in the country. And with their technological savvy, it’s not surprising they are flocking to apps for dogs. Without question, the apps available definitely make pet ownership more convenient and more comprehensive. This is why it is likely that businesses in this field will continue to excel in the years to come.
