Pets: There's an App for your Best Friends

With pet care spending topping $72.56 billion in the United States alone last year, there’s little wonder why companies are cashing in on our obsession for cats, dogs, and other furry friends. This week, we delve deeper into the technology that is improving the lives of our pets, from the pet-friendly portrait mode on the iPhone 11 to pet healthcare innovations…

- Photography: Chritian Vieler

A BOOMING INDUSTRY

With the average American spending an eyewatering $1,300 on their pets every year, the pet industry is growing at an unprecedented rate, with many pet parents prioritizing their pet’s health and happiness above their own. What’s more, we’re increasingly seeing Gen Z and millennial audiences turning to pets to ‘fill the void’ of marriage and parenthood, which they’re putting off until later life due to career and financial limitations, whilst many of us rely on our pets for reassurance and comfort in today’s challenging times.

And it’s not just expensive cat food and veterinary bills we’re paying for - treats, bedding, and clothing are all common expenses for those with a loyal companion, and technology is coming into play, too. Indeed, the tech lovers amongst us are now reaching for our wallets to invest in technology and gadgets for our pets, whether that’s an app-powered water bowl or a camera so we can watch and interact with our pets when we’re out of the house during the day. Whilst many of these gadgets are fads and designed for a quick laugh, some of them can change our pets’ lives and create more welcoming, caring environments for all…

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT