6 Smart Gadgets That Will Make Your Pet Smarter and Happier

By Elisabeth Christ
Updated July 2024

Our pets are more than just animals - they're beloved members of the family. As technology continues to advance, there are more and more innovative products designed to enrich the lives of our four-legged friends. From high-tech feeders to interactive toys, these 6 smart gadgets will make your pet smarter and happier than you ever thought possible.

#1 Interactive Treat Dispensers

Petcube Bites 2 Lite

Interactive treat dispensers are a fantastic way to keep your pet entertained and mentally stimulated. These gadgets typically allow you to control the release of treats through a smartphone app, enabling you to engage with your pet even when you're not at home. Some advanced models feature cameras and two-way audio, so you can see, talk to, and reward your pet remotely. These dispensers can dispense treats on a schedule or be activated manually, promoting good behavior and reducing boredom. Perfect for both cats and dogs, interactive treat dispensers can help alleviate separation anxiety and ensure your furry friend stays active and happy. 

Petcube Bites 2 Lite

For this device, we recommend Petcube Bites 2 Lite for its advanced features and seamless user experience. This smart treat dispenser lets you interact with your pet remotely, providing both entertainment and rewards. The Petcube Bites 2 Lite comes with a built-in HD camera that offers 1080p video quality, night vision, and 160-degree wide-angle view, allowing you to keep an eye on your pet at any time. You can dispense treats through the Petcube app, which also supports two-way audio, enabling you to hear and speak to your pet. This gadget is ideal for pet owners who want to engage with their pets even when they’re not home, helping to reduce anxiety and boredom. Additionally, the Petcube Bites 2 Lite integrates with Alexa, allowing voice commands for treat dispensing. It can hold up to 1.5 lbs of treats and fling them at adjustable distances, making playtime more exciting for your pet. The setup is straightforward: connect the device to your Wi-Fi network, download the Petcube app, and you’re ready to interact with your furry friend from anywhere. 

Petcube Bites 2 Lite

Smart Treat Dispensers

✓ 1080p HD Video Resolution
✓ 160° Wide-Angle View
✓ 8x Digital Zoom and Night Vision
✓ 256-bit AES Encryption for Cloud Storage

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#2 Smart Pet Doors

Sure Petcare Microchip Pet Door

Smart pet doors are a convenient and secure way to give your pets the freedom to come and go as they please. These doors use microchip or RFID technology to recognize your pet's unique ID, ensuring that only your pet can enter and exit your home. This prevents unwanted animals from gaining access and provides added security. Many smart pet doors can be programmed to lock and unlock at specific times, offering flexibility and peace of mind. Whether you have a busy schedule or just want to give your pet more independence, a smart pet door can be a valuable addition to your home.

Sure Petcare Microchip Pet Door

If you’re confused on what brand you should choose for this smart device, we suggest the Sure Petcare Microchip Pet Door. This smart pet door reads your pet’s existing microchip or RFID collar tag, allowing only your pet to enter or exit, keeping out stray animals and other unwanted guests. It stores up to 32 pet identities, making it perfect for multi-pet households. The pet door features a manual four-way lock (in only, out only, locked, and unlocked) for additional control over your pet's access. The Sure Petcare Microchip Pet Door is powered by four AA batteries, which typically last up to a year. Installation is simple, with options for mounting on doors, walls, and windows. The device’s hole dimensions are 207mm x 234mm, making it suitable for small to medium-sized pets. You can program the pet door to lock and unlock at specific times via the Sure Petcare app, providing flexibility and security.

Sure Petcare Microchip Pet Door

Smart Pet Doors

✓ Microchip Compatibility and Storage
✓ Stores up to 32 pet identities
✓ Small to medium-sized pets suitability
✓ Weather resistance and durability

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#3 GPS Pet Trackers

Whistle Go Explore

GPS pet trackers are essential for pet owners who want to ensure their pets' safety and quickly locate them if they wander off. These devices attach to your pet's collar and provide real-time location updates via a smartphone app. Many GPS trackers offer features like geofencing, which alerts you if your pet leaves a designated safe area, and activity monitoring, so you can keep track of their exercise and health. With a GPS pet tracker, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that you can easily find your pet if they get lost, and monitor their daily activities to keep them healthy and active.

Whistle Go Explore

If you’re still looking for the right GPS trackers for your furry pet, consider the Whistle Go Explore. This GPS pet tracker provides real-time location tracking using GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular technology, with an accuracy within 10-15 feet. It features a 20-day battery life, ensuring you can track your pet without frequent recharging. The Whistle app offers detailed location history and alerts you if your pet leaves a designated safe zone, providing peace of mind. Beyond location tracking, Whistle Go Explore monitors your pet’s health and activity levels. It tracks behaviors such as licking, scratching, and sleeping patterns, helping you identify potential health issues early. The device is also equipped with a nightlight for better visibility in low-light conditions. Setting up the Whistle Go Explore involves attaching it to your pet’s collar, syncing it with the Whistle app, and setting up your pet’s profile.

Whistle Go Explore

GPS Pet Trackers

✓ Precise location updates every 15 seconds
✓ Health and activity monitoring
✓ Up to 20 days of battery life
✓ IPX8-rated weather resistance

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#4 Automatic Pet Feeders

PetSafe Smart Pet Feeder

Automatic feeders are a game-changer for pet owners with busy lifestyles. These devices allow you to schedule and portion your pet's meals, ensuring they receive the right amount of food at the right times. Many automatic feeders can be controlled via a smartphone app, enabling you to adjust feeding times and portions remotely. Some models even include features like voice recording, so you can call your pet to their meal, and cameras to monitor their eating habits. Automatic feeders help maintain a consistent feeding schedule, prevent overeating, and ensure your pet is fed even when you're not home.

PetSafe Smart Pet Feeder

We believe PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder is one of the best pet feeder in the market for its reliability and convenience. This feeder allows you to schedule up to 12 meals a day, with portion sizes ranging from 1/8 cup to 4 cups. The PetSafe app provides control over feeding times and portions, making it easy to adjust your pet’s diet remotely. The feeder’s design includes a locking lid to keep food fresh and secure, and it can hold up to 24 cups of dry or semi-moist food. The PetSafe Smart Feed integrates with Alexa, enabling voice commands for feeding. It also features a slow-feed option to dispense food gradually, preventing gulping and promoting better digestion. Furthermore, the feeder is powered by a dual power system: an AC adapter and optional battery backup, ensuring uninterrupted feeding during power outages.

PetSafe Smart Pet Feeder

Automatic Pet Feeders

✓ Schedule up to 12 meals per day capability
✓ iOS and Android compatible
✓ Slow feed and immediate feed options
✓ Up to 24 cups food capacity

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#5 Smart Pet Toys

Wicked Ball Interactive Dog Toy

Smart toys are designed to keep your pet engaged and active, offering a variety of interactive play experiences. These toys often incorporate sensors, cameras, and AI to adapt to your pet's behavior and preferences. They can move, make sounds, and even dispense treats to keep your pet entertained for hours. Some smart toys are designed for solo play, while others can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app, allowing you to interact with your pet even when you're away. Smart toys are a great way to provide mental and physical stimulation, prevent boredom, and strengthen the bond between you and your pet.

Wicked Ball Interactive Dog Toy

Try looking at the Wicked Ball Interactive Dog Toy since it has an engaging and durable design as a pet toy. This smart toy is equipped with sensors that detect your dog’s movements and respond with playful actions, keeping your pet entertained for hours. The Wicked Ball offers three interaction modes—gentle, normal, and active—catering to different play styles and energy levels. Its built-in motion sensor triggers movement, sound, and lights to capture your pet’s attention and encourage active play. The Wicked Ball is made from pet-safe, durable materials, ensuring it can withstand rough play. It’s also waterproof, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The toy features a 4-hour battery life on active play mode and can be easily recharged via a USB cable. To use, simply charge the ball, select the desired interaction mode, and let your dog enjoy the fun.

Wicked Ball Interactive Dog Toy

Smart Pet Toy

✓ Interactive play modes
✓ Obstacles detection technology
✓ FDA-approved materials
 ✓ 8 hours of battery life

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#6 Smart Litter Boxes

Litter-Robot 3 Connect

Smart litter boxes are a convenient and hygienic solution for cat owners. These devices automatically scoop and clean the litter, reducing the need for daily maintenance and ensuring a fresh and odor-free environment for your cat. Many smart litter boxes feature sensors that detect when your cat has used the box and initiate the cleaning cycle. Some models also offer app connectivity, allowing you to monitor your cat's litter box usage and receive alerts if there are any changes in their habits. Smart litter boxes make litter management effortless, promote better hygiene, and provide valuable insights into your cat's health.

Litter-Robot 3 Connect

The Litter-Robot 3 Connect might be the best smart litter box for your pet in house. This automatic, self-cleaning litter box uses a patented sifting system to separate waste from clean litter, reducing the need for frequent scooping. The Litter-Robot 3 Connect is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to monitor and control it via the Whisker app. The app provides real-time notifications about your cat’s litter box usage, waste drawer status, and overall litter box health. The Litter-Robot 3 Connect features a spacious, globe-shaped design that accommodates cats of all sizes. It has a carbon-filtered waste drawer to control odors and an automatic night light for better visibility. The device is energy-efficient, using a low-voltage power supply. To set up, plug in the Litter-Robot, add clumping litter, and connect it to your Wi-Fi network via the Whisker app. This smart litter box offers a hassle-free solution to litter maintenance, ensuring a clean and comfortable environment for your cat.

Litter-Robot 3 Connect

Smart Litter Boxes

✓ Automatic self-clean
✓ Wi-Fi connectivity and mobile app integration
✓ Adjustable cleaning-cycle timer
✓ Approximately 13 gallons of waste drawer capacity

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Final Thoughts

Petcube Bites 2 Lite

Pets bring so much joy and companionship to our lives. With these cutting-edge gadgets, you can take your pet's wellbeing to the next level and give them the stimulation and care they crave. Your furry friend is sure to be the happiest, healthiest pet on the block.