Pet tech explored: How UK pet owners are embracing technology

• Smile for the camera! Dog owners are more likely than cat owners – 43% versus 35% – to use a pet monitoring camera.
• GPS collars and trackers were the most popular form of pet tech (41% of all respondents). Millennials (aged 29 to 44) were the most likely (47%) to say they use GPS trackers.
• Women were more likely to express interest in pet security than men – 40% versus 36% – and were 5% more likely to cite “peace of mind” as a reason to get a pet monitoring camera.
• Gen Z (aged 18 to 28) were the most likely (34%) to express concerns about the cost of pet technology, such as subscription fees.
• People in the West Midlands (47%) and Scotland (44%) were most likely to express interest in advanced health monitoring, while the East Midlands had the highest interest in pet security (45%).

These days, the ways we interact with our pets has come a long way from simply playing ‘fetch’. Thanks to a new generation of pet tech, we can monitor our pets’ health, their wellbeing and even their whereabouts.

First, we asked dog or cat owners who own at least one form of pet technology to reveal their must-have gadgets.

Across the generations, millennials (aged 29 to 44) were the most likely (47%) to use GPS trackers. This compares to 32% of Gen X (aged 45-60) and 36% of Baby Boomers , aged 61 to 79.

And when it comes to pet products, cat and dog owners often see things differently.

• 45% of dog owners use a GPS collar or tracker versus 37% of cat owners.
• Dog owners were also more likely to use a pet camera - 43% versus 35%.
• For cat owners, microchip cat flaps were understandably popular (33%) while more than a quarter (26%) use self-cleaning litter trays.

What’s motivating pet owners to embrace technology?

The biggest motivation for getting a pet camera was “peace of mind” (58%) which rose to 65% among Gen X (aged 45 to 60).

Meanwhile, women were more likely than men – 60% versus 55% – to cite “peace of mind” as the reason for using a pet camera.

Cleaning a litter tray is surely one of life’s ickier tasks. But for pet owners who plumped for that magical self-cleaning tray, the top motive (45%) was “it offers convenience and saves me time”. Baby Boomers were the most likely to answer ‘convenience’ (57%).

Cuddly toys, blankets and comforters will always have their place in any pet home. But for many pet owners, electronic toys are all about fun. More than half (52%) of respondents – and 55% of cat owners – said that electronic gadgets, such as automatic ball launchers, “provide entertainment or enrichment for my pet”.

While many cat and dog owners have embraced technology, pet owners also told us about their concerns.

Whether we’re ‘all in’ on the benefits of pet tech, or we have certain reservations, how would we like to see technology – and our relationship to it – evolve?

There was a strong appetite for proactive and preventative pet healthcare among both cat (39%) and dog (41%) owners. Regionally, people in the West Midlands (47%) and Scotland (44%) were most likely to express interest in advanced health monitoring.

A desire for enhanced pet security was slightly higher among women than men – 40% versus 36% – and was highest in the East Midlands (45%).

Our hopes and expectations for pet technology have evolved, but as Dr Brian Faulkner suggests, some things haven’t changed.

“Pet owners understandably want their cats and dogs to feel safer, healthier and in a better mood. But while technology can help us feel more secure, no device is infallible. If you have any concerns about their health or behaviour your should always consult your vet."

• What does your pet actually need? No two pets are the same, so think about their behavioural norms and what problem you're trying to solve.
• Are there hidden costs? Watch out for subscription fees. Forget the paw print - check out the small print!
• Remember to find a balance. Technology should complement, but not replace, your relationship with your pet. Think about your daily pet routine and how technology can enhance - not hinder - those activities.