Gadgets for the Goodest Girls and Boys | Taste of the Wild

Technology changes our lives more every day, and those changes (mostly positive!) trickle down to our pets. This short list proves there’s a new pet tech product for just about everyone.

For the aspiring film director, there’s the GoPro Fetch Dog Harness. Now you can capture award-winning footage from your dog’s point of view, by mounting a GoPro camera on your pup’s back or chest. Explore your authentic, cinéma vérité technique as your dog digs up your daffodil bulbs. Achieve that shaky, hand-held camera effect as your pooch bounds after an annoying squirrel. Add a moody soundtrack and Sundance Film Festival, here you come.

For the pet owner who likes boundaries, there’s the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door. Tired of raccoons letting themselves in your pet door and raiding your kitchen at night? This high-tech door specifies entry to your dog and cat by reading their microchip or radio-frequency identification (RFID) collar tag. You can even program the door to lock during the evening so you can sleep soundly, knowing your pet is safe inside.

Have a chubby cat? Then you might need SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder. Made with the same microchip/RFID technology as the pet door above, this product will only open the feeder for the right cat. So, your “big boned” cat will be locked out of the food dish when it tries to gobble up your other cat’s food.

For people who wonder what their pets are doing when they’re away from home, there’s the Furbo Dog Camera. Via the HD live camera feed, you can catch your dog sleeping on the forbidden couch. The device enables you to talk to your dog from your office, toss a treat and watch your pooch scamper after it. With the app, you can even be notified when your dog barks.

If you’re running a dog-walking or pet-sitting business, check out the Scout for Pets app. In addition to helping you with billing, the app gives your clients instant information including photos from your visit, a GPS map of your walk and a report card documenting if the pet peed, pooped or drank water.

If you have an insatiable desire to keep up with your dog’s every move, then the Whistle 3 GPS Pet Tracker/Monitor is for you. This smart device attaches to your dog’s collar so you can track down your dog’s exact location the next time he or she escapes from the backyard. The monitor keeps up with your dog’s licking, scratching, sleeping and activity levels throughout the week so you can keep tabs on your dog’s health parameters and know when its allergies are kicking in. Your pet can even earn badges for meeting various fitness goals.

Want a virtual visit with a veterinarian from the comfort of your home? Then check out the TeleVet app. You can send the doctor a description of the problem, upload pictures and videos, then chat remotely with the doctor. Of course, nothing can replace a thorough veterinary exam performed in person, but for non-emergency situations, this may be right up your alley.

No doubt there will be more tech gadgets coming soon for your pet, so stay tuned!

The information in this blog has been developed with our veterinarian and is designed to help educate pet parents. If you have questions or concerns about your pet's health or nutrition, please talk with your veterinarian.