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The smart home is for more than just humans. Some of the technology that makes everyday living easier also helps pet parents take better care of their furry friends. Here are some of my favorite smart home devices for pets.
1Security Camera
When I’m away from home at work or running errands, I always worry about how my dogs are doing and whether they are causing any mischief, whether it’s ransacking the trash or trying to destroy my couch. Home security cameras are a great way to check in on your pets, and whatever else is happening at home, from anywhere with an internet connection.
There are a wide variety of security cameras for both indoors and outside. TheAqara Camera E1is a nice, all-around choicethat I’ve previously reviewed. Along with being compatible with all major smart home platforms—Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa—the camera can provide a full, 360-degree view of your interior with pan/tilt functionality. It also doesn’t need a subscription to view recorded content.
For a camera specifically for pets, try out theFurbo 360thatwe’ve previously reviewed. It offers a number of great features like 360-degree view, 4x zoom, and the ability to talk and listen to your furry friend. you may even fill it with treats that you can remotely toss to your cat or dog when you’re away from home.
2Pet Tracker
Every pet parent’s worse nightmare is their cat or dog slipping away from home. But a pet tracker can help you always know where your pet is at all times. Models on the market use different technology, like GPS or cellular networks, to track your pet if they ever stray.
TheFi Series 3is a nice choice for anyone looking for that extra peace of mind with their dog. The collar is available in a wide variety of sizes and colors. It uses GPS and can provide your pet’s location with great accuracy. It’s also waterproof and designed to withstand being worn by a rowdy pet.
If your dog ever leaves a certain area, you’re able to receive an escape alert. The battery can provide up to 3 months of use on a single charge. There is, however, a subscription required to use the collar.
For a much less expensive, but not as accurate choice, try out anApple AirTagon your pet’s collar. There are a few things to consider ifyou want to put an AirTag on your dog’s collar.
Instead of cellular or GPS, the AirTag uses the Find My network that depends on other Apple devices. So in a dense, urban area you should have a much better luck finding a lost animal compared to a rural location.
3Smart Feeders/Water Fountain
If you have a smaller dog or cat, an automatic smart feeder will make sure that your furry friend always has something to eat. And since many cats have an aversion to drinking standing water, you may also find a smart water system that will keep the water circulating in a fountain while filtering the water as well.
A great, all-around pet feeder is thePETLIBRO 6L option with built-in Wi-Fi. The feeder can hold up to 6 liters of food for a cat or dog. With a companion app, you can set the exact time of day to feed your pet. It will also provide feeding records.
To help your pet better acclimate, you can also record a voice message that will play when food is dispensed. While you’ll use a power adapter, backup power is provided with batteries to help make sure your pet is fed even during a power outage.
For a picky feline, or thirsty dog, thePawaii Pet Fountainalso uses Wi-Fi and a companion app. With the app, you’re able to see your pet’s hydration level. There’s no need for a power outlet as the fountain uses a rechargeable battery that can go for up to 30 days between charging.
4Robot Vacuum
Dogs and cats bring an ever-constant battle against fur, dirt, and more. That’s why a robot vacuum cleaner is an essential tool to keep your home’s floors clean without having to break a sweat every day.
Instead of always having to worry about a pile of fur, you can have your robot friend take care of vacuuming. Many newer options also have the ability to mop hard floors at the same time for a more thorough clean.
For a top-of-the-line option, try out theEufy X10 Pro Omnithat I’vepreviously reviewed. A combination mop and vacuum, it can clean pretty much any flooring option imaginable. An 8,000 Pa suction vacuum can take care of pet hair while the mop actually features downward pressure to tackle stains on hard floors. The vacuum also uses AI to detect objects to avoid, including pet waste.
A more budget-friendly option is theiRobot Roomba i3+ EVO.It’s made to vacuum both hard floors and carpet and tackle pet hair. The self-emptying system can work for up to 60 days before needing to change out the dirt bag. It also has sensors to clean dirt areas more thoroughly.
5Self-Cleaning Litter Box
One of the least favorite chores of any cat owner is scooping the litter box. It’s dirty, and well, just stinks. But a new class of self-cleaning robot litter boxes can tackle that unenjoyable task. Each time your cat uses the litter box, the robot will sift through the waste and remove it, leaving just the clean litter.
If you’re ready to retire your scoop, try out theWhisker Litter-Robot 4. Safe for up to four cats, the robot uses Wi-Fi to connect to a companion app. There, you can quickly see information like real-time waste and litter levels. A carbon filter will help lessen odors. You also don’t need to worry about using any special litter with the robot. For more information on how it works, take a look ourcomprehensive review of the Whisker Litter-Robot 4.
The world of smart home technology can help you do more than turn on the lights or unlock your door with just a simple voice command. These smart home devices for pets show the potential of how technology is helping our cats, dogs, and more.
