Top 5 Smart Home Gadgets for Pet Owners

Monitor your pet, enhance their daily life, and secure your home with these useful smart devices.

Being away from your furry friend is never easy for any pet owner. To your pet, a few minutes apart can feel like days, and that's heart-wrenching. As a pet owner, it's important to find solutions that simplify both your life and that of your pet. Smart devices designed for pet-friendly households can be a great help. When choosing these gadgets, it's crucial that they not only cater to your pet's needs but also add value to your home. From robot vacuums that tackle pet hair to smart feeders that nourish your pet in your absence, there are numerous smart home devices that enhance life for both you and your pets. Here are some of our top picks for smart home devices for pet owners.

1) Arlo Essential Indoor Camera

The Arlo Essential Indoor Camera offers significant security for both you and your pets. While the initial setup may be somewhat challenging, it can be conveniently positioned in your kitchen or near your pet’s crate for easy monitoring. The user-friendly app lets you keep tabs on your bird, dog, cat, or even goldfish. A major advantage of this camera is that it operates without a hub, simply plug it into an outlet and it’s ready to go. This wired camera features a privacy shield, ensuring that no one can watch you or your pet when the camera is off. It delivers Full HD video through a 2MP sensor directly to your phone or tablet. The camera also includes two-way audio, which means you can communicate with your pet from afar. Plus, its infrared night vision capability ensures you can see your pet even in the dark.

2) Dogness Automatic Pet Feeder

The Dogness Smart Pet Feeder is an excellent choice if you need to feed your dog or cat while you're away. It features an HD wide-angle camera with night vision, allowing you to monitor your pet’s eating habits closely. Additionally, it includes a microphone, so you can talk to your pet from wherever you are. This feeder is equipped with anti-blocking technology, ensuring that it dispenses the correct portion of food smoothly every time.

Capable of holding up to four liters of food, the smart feeder allows you to use its app to set feeding schedules and specify portion sizes for specific times. It’s designed to be cordless to prevent any chewing mishaps by your pet. The feeder operates on a rechargeable battery, minimising the frequency of recharges. Furthermore, the app includes a battery level display, keeping you informed about the power status.

3) Ecovacs Deebot N10 Plus

Most pets shed, and living with pet dander can make it feel like allergy season all year round. A smart robot vacuum and mop combo like the Ecovacs Deebot N10 Plus can help. Not only does it clean on a schedule, but it also eliminates odours from pet accidents.

You can control the Deebot N10 Plus using the Ecovacs app, directing it to specific areas where your pet had an accident, whether you're home or monitoring through a camera. It mops up spills and collects pet hair, and features antibacterial filters that trap and eliminate odours, dust, and dirt. While it may require some navigation around pet toys, this affordable vacuum and mop combo effectively maintains a cleaner, fresher home.

4) SureFlap Microchip Pet Door

If you have a large cat or a small dog that enjoys spending time outside, the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door can ease your worries about managing their indoor and outdoor activities. This pet door syncs with an included RFID collar tag or your pet's microchip to monitor their movements, sending you alerts about whether they are inside or outside. Capable of storing information for up to 32 pets, it's ideal for households with multiple animals.

The door ensures security by remaining locked to any animal without a recognized chip. Installation is straightforward on any door, wall, or window, and the companion app allows you to set a curfew schedule for your pets. However, a hub is required to use the app, so consider this when making your purchase.

5) August Home Wi-Fi Smart Lock and Keypad

If you're away at work and don't have a fenced yard for a pet door, and your dog needs to be let out, the August Home Wi-Fi Smart Lock and Keypad is a secure solution for dog walker access. Instead of leaving physical keys, the smart lock features a keypad where your dog walker can enter a pre-set code to unlock your door.

The lock also supports access through the August app, but using the keypad code allows for quick and efficient entry and exit. It includes built-in Wi-Fi and can be controlled via voice commands. As an added convenience, the lock can detect your smartphone as you approach and automatically unlocks, letting you enter hands-free. It's compatible with any single cylinder deadbolt and is easy to install, setting both your dog walker and your dog up for a smooth experience.