TECHNOLOGY | PET GAZETTE | 27
ENHANCING
YOUR PET’S
LIVELIHOOD
Technology has been easily - and relatively
seamlessly - accepted and integrated into our everyday lives
so it’s no surprise that many pet owners also want to introduce it into the lives of their companions
T
echnology, its developments and what we can do with
it has greatly transformed the way we live our lives today.
So many are reliant on it, and that desire to make more
use of it has already taken over the pet industry.
MICROCHIPPING
Compulsory microchipping for dogs was introduced in April 2016,
some 17 years after the technology was first used in pets. This measure
has become so ingrained when it comes to the safety of pets that,
apart from it being required by law for dogs, it’s rarely considered as
the piece of revolutionary technological equipment that it is and just
viewed as a necessity. The protection that microchipping has offered
dogs has led to different governments in the UK considering the
introduction of new laws to fine owners £500 if their feline friends are
not microchipped. Although 11 percent of dog owners do not know it is
required by law, 93 percent of them have microchipped their pooches
and this small piece of equipment benefits owners and professionals
alike. By being able to locate lost pets, animal shelters are not
burdened with taking in otherwise well looked after pets, meaning
there is more space for abused and abandoned animals that need the
refuge. As for the welfare of all animals, this piece of technology has
made it easier hold irresponsible keepers accountable when they are
involved in incidences.
FITNESS TRACKERS
Pet obesity has really come to the forefront in recent years and
humans are no longer alone in making use of wearable tech to be
more aware of how active they are and to encourage increased
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movement. While promoting a healthy, low fat diet is effective in
maintaining the weight of a pet, fitness trackers help to remind owners
how important it is to keep their companions moving. According to
PDSA’s 2017 PAW Report, just 52 percent of dog owners said they
walked their dog more than once a day (a minor uptick from 2016
which was 49 percent) while 33 percent walked their pooches just
once a day. The research also showed that 4.2 million dogs (45
percent) were only getting up to 30 minutes of exercise during a walk
and 93,000 were never walked at all (one percent). With modern life
becoming more sedentary for many people, these trackers can help to
give owners the push they need to keep their pets fit.
SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS
Working patterns mean many people are not able to give their pets
the attention they would wish to, and not all owners can afford a
dog walker or pet sitter. In this case, some owners have opted for
surveillance cameras to keep connected with their pets and keep them
company from a remote location. Some cameras are even advanced
enough to be voice activated and have the ability to follow commands,
so treats can be dispensed and a pet doesn’t have to feel lonely
during the day.
APPS
Pet-related apps are more of an aid to owners than anything else with
features ranging from first aid, click training, lost pet alerts, and pet
communities. The majority of people look at a screen at some point in
the day so it’s no wonder that part of an owner’s pet parenting may
depend on an app.
December 2018