People usually start searching for “pet tech” when something practical is on the line: a dog that slips gates, a cat that eats too fast, a long day away from home, or that uneasy sense you might miss an early sign of illness. Done well, technology can add a quiet layer of safety and routine. Done poorly, it can create blind spots—missed vet visits, bad data, or a false sense of security.
Below is a clear, grounded look at what pet-care technology can (and can’t) do, where it fits best, and the simple checks that keep it reliable. Microchips, GPS trackers, feeders, cameras, and activity monitors all have their place, as long as they’re treated as tools—not substitutes for hands-on care and regular veterinary advice.1, 2
Modern pet care, in plain terms
Modern pet care leans towards prevention. You notice changes early, you keep routines steady, and you build an environment where your animal can move, sniff, play, and rest in ways that match their natural behaviours. Technology can support that, especially when life gets busy or your pet’s needs are changing with age.7, 8
The role of technology in pet care
Most pet tech falls into three broad jobs:
- Identification and recovery (microchips, registration databases, GPS trackers).
- Daily routines (feeders, water fountains, cameras, reminders).
- Patterns over time (activity trackers and home monitoring that help you notice “something’s off”).
The useful shift isn’t that these devices “know” your pet better than you do. It’s that they can quietly collect consistent information—especially when you’re not home—so changes are easier to spot and routines are easier to keep steady.
What technology can realistically improve
Peace of mind when you’re away
Cameras and two-way audio can confirm the basics: your pet is moving normally, settling, and not stuck in a room or tangled in something. Treat this as a quick check, not constant surveillance.
Routine feeding (without guesswork)
Automatic feeders can help keep meal timing consistent. They’re most helpful when multiple people feed the same pet (and accidental double-feeding is a real, quiet pathway to weight gain). Obesity is common in both dogs and cats and is linked with reduced quality of life and shorter lifespan, so routine and portion control matter.7
More enrichment, not more “stuff”
Puzzle feeders, scent games, and interactive toys can offer mental work that fits natural behaviours. The goal is a richer day, not a noisier one. Too little stimulation can contribute to stress and problem behaviours; thoughtful enrichment helps pets stay steadier and more relaxed.6, 7, 8
High-tech gadgets for monitoring pet health
Wearables and home monitoring devices often track movement (steps, activity time), rest, and sometimes scratching, licking, or other repeat behaviours. Used carefully, they can help you notice a trend—like a gradual drop in activity, or restless sleep—before it becomes obvious day-to-day.
A few grounded rules keep this category useful:
- Use the data to start a conversation, not to make a diagnosis. A sudden change is a cue to observe closely and, if needed, speak with your vet.
- Look for patterns over weeks. Single-day spikes and dips happen for normal reasons (weather, visitors, routine changes).
- Check fit and comfort. Collars and harnesses should be secure without rubbing, and devices shouldn’t add bulky weight for small pets.
Technological solutions for feeding and hydration
Automatic feeders and water fountains can support routine—particularly for pets who do best with smaller, regular meals, or households where people come and go at odd hours. They’re also handy when you want to measure food more precisely than “a scoop that looks about right”.
Keep the practical risks in view:
- Overfeeding can still happen if the portions are set too large or treats aren’t counted alongside meals. If your pet is gaining weight, adjust the plan with veterinary guidance.7
- Hygiene matters. Wash bowls and food-contact parts often, especially in warm weather.
- Don’t rely on a single device for safety. Power cuts, Wi‑Fi dropouts, jammed mechanisms, and flat batteries are all normal failures. Have a simple backup plan.
Tech tools for training and entertainment
The best “training tech” is usually the simplest: tools that help you deliver consistent practice and enrichment. Reward-based training, food puzzles, and rotating toys can give structure to the day without overstimulation.
Enrichment is most useful when it’s varied and safe. Dogs, in particular, benefit from opportunities to sniff, explore, solve problems, and move their bodies in ways that don’t just burn energy, but settle the nervous system.6, 8
A note on anxiety and boredom
Some devices are marketed as cures for separation anxiety or boredom. In real homes, they’re better seen as small supports. If your pet shows persistent distress—destructive behaviour, constant vocalising, toileting changes, or withdrawal—technology won’t replace a proper behavioural plan and veterinary guidance.6, 7
GPS and microchipping: keeping your pet identifiable
Microchips and GPS trackers solve different problems.
- A microchip is permanent identification implanted under the skin. It carries a unique number that must be linked to your up-to-date contact details in a registry. It is not a GPS tracker, and it can’t “show” your pet’s location on a map.1, 3
- A GPS tracker can help you locate a pet in real time (or near real time), but it depends on battery, device durability, and network coverage.
Microchipping only works as well as the database details behind it. If your phone number changes or your registry closes, that tidy microchip number can lead nowhere. Several Australian animal welfare organisations have warned owners to check which registry holds their details and update them promptly when changes occur.1, 4
Quick microchip check (worth doing today)
- Ask your vet (or local council service) to scan the microchip and confirm the number matches your paperwork.1
- Confirm your contact details are current in the relevant registry (especially after moving house or changing numbers).1
- If you’re in NSW, note that pets must be microchipped before sale/give-away or by 12 weeks of age, with the owner details recorded by an authorised identifier.5
The future of pet care technology (and its limits)
Pet tech is getting better at spotting patterns: changes in activity, changes in sleep, changes in routine. That’s genuinely useful, because animals often show illness as subtle shifts long before a crisis.
But two limitations don’t go away:
- Accuracy and context. Sensors can misread, and normal life can mimic “alerts”. You still need observation and veterinary advice.
- Over-reliance. A device can support care, but it can’t replace the steady benefits of play, gentle handling, enrichment, and routine veterinary checks.6, 7
Conclusion: use technology as a quiet helper
The best pet tech fades into the background. It keeps routines steady, helps you notice change, and makes it easier to bring useful information to your vet—without pretending to be a vet. If you choose devices that fit your home, maintain them, and keep your pet’s comfort first, technology can add a calm layer of support to everyday care.
References
- RSPCA Australia — Microchipping
- RSPCA Australia — Importance of microchipping pets
- Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry — Microchips (cats and dogs import advice)
- RSPCA Queensland — Important update: Pet microchipping (HomeSafeID)
- NSW Office of Local Government — Microchipping (NSW Pet Registry)
- RSPCA Australia — The importance of enrichment for dogs
- RSPCA Pet Insurance (Australia) — Supporting the emotional wellbeing of dogs and cats
- RSPCA Knowledgebase — Why is enrichment important for dogs?
- Agriculture Victoria — Permanent ID, microchips and scanners
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom