Creating a smart home isn’t just about convenience for you—it’s about enhancing your pet’s comfort, safety, and well-being, too. With the right technology, you can automate daily tasks, keep an eye on your pets when you’re not at home, and create an environment tailored to their needs.

These devices not only save you time and reduce stress but also ensure that your furry friends feel secure, engaged, and loved, no matter how busy your schedule gets. From health monitoring to interactive play, a pet-friendly smart home can improve the quality of life for both you and your pets.

Here are some essential tips for setting up a pet-friendly smart home:

1. Prioritize Safety with Smart Monitoring

Invest in smart pet cameras to keep an eye on your pets while you’re away. Look for models with two-way audio so you can talk to your pets and soothe them if they’re anxious. Some cameras even come with built-in treat dispensers, like the Furbo Dog Camera, allowing you to reward good behavior remotely.

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Furbo 360° Dog Camera

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  • Real-time bark alerts
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2. Maintain Comfort with Smart Thermostats

Pets are sensitive to temperature changes, especially when left at home. A smart thermostat can help maintain a consistent, comfortable environment. Options like the Nest Learning Thermostat or Ecobee SmartThermostat can be programmed to keep your home cozy for your furry friends, whether they’re lounging or playing.

3. Keep Them Hydrated with Smart Water Fountains

Hydration is crucial for your pet’s health, and a smart water fountain ensures they always have access to fresh, filtered water. Products like the PetSafe Outlast Water Fountain come in sizes as large as 128oz for XL dogs, so you don’t have to worry about refilling them constantly.

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4. Automate Feeding Times

A smart pet feeder is a game-changer for busy pet owners. These devices dispense the right portions at scheduled times, ensuring your pets are fed even when you’re out. The PetSafe SmartFeed lets you control feeding schedules via an app, so you never miss a mealtime.

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Smart Feed Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder

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5. Enhance Playtime with Smart Toys

Bored pets can get into mischief. Keep them entertained with interactive smart toys like the Wickedbone Smart Dog Toy or Ebo Cat Smart Robot. These gadgets can be controlled remotely and keep your pets active with engaging features like motion tracking and treat dispensers.

Pro Tip!

Swap out toys every week to keep things exciting. Think of it as rotating your pet’s “playlist.”

6. Simplify Cleanup with Smart Litter Boxes and Vacuums

Make pet care less of a hassle with smart litter boxes like the PetSafe ScoopFree SmartSpin, which automatically cleans itself, reducing odors and mess. Pair it with a smart vacuum cleaner like the iRobot Roomba i7+, designed to tackle pet hair and dander with ease.

7. Use Smart Doors for Convenience

A smart pet door offers your pets the freedom to go outside without constant supervision. Products like the SmartDoor™ Connected Pet Door recognize your pet’s microchip or collar tag, keeping unwanted animals out while allowing safe access for your pets.

8. Promote Relaxation with Calming Devices

For pets prone to anxiety, smart calming devices can make a big difference. Diffusers like the Feliway Optimum release soothing pheromones and many can be controlled remotely to create a stress-free environment during thunderstorms or fireworks.

Tips for Setting Up a Pet-Friendly Smart Home

9. Track Their Health with Smart Collars

Stay on top of your pet’s health with a smart collar or tracker. Devices like the Tractive GPS Cat Trackerand the Halo Collar 4 for dogs not only provide real-time location updates but also track activity and sleep patterns, helping you monitor their overall well-being.

10. Integrate Smart Lighting for Comfort

Pets can benefit from smart lighting systems like Philips Hue that simulate natural light cycles. Set schedules to help maintain a calming environment, especially for pets with anxiety.

Additional Tips for a Smarter Pet-Friendly Home

Leveraging the latest smart home technologies can help you monitor your pets, manage their needs efficiently, and respond promptly to any issues that arise. To set up a seamless and effective smart environment for your pets, follow this quick checklist for smart home success:

1

Secure Your Network:

Ensure all smart devices are connected to a secure Wi-Fi network to prevent hacking.

2

Set Up Notifications

Enable app alerts for critical devices like feeders, water fountains, and cameras to stay informed about your pet’s needs.

3

Test Devices Together

Before leaving your pet alone, test all devices to ensure they’re functioning properly and reliably.

Did You Know? Fun Smart Home Facts for Pet Owners
  • The Furbo Dog Camera sends real-time bark alerts to your phone, so you can check in when your pet may be distressed.
  • Smart feeders like the PetSafe SmartFeed can sync with voice assistants like Alexa, letting you feed your pet with a simple voice command.
  • Some smart litter boxes track your cat’s bathroom habits, helping you detect potential health issues early.

Final Thoughts

Setting up a pet-friendly smart home can transform your space into a haven for your furry friends. By incorporating these devices, you’ll not only make your life easier but also create a safer, healthier, and more enjoyable environment for your pets. 

Whether it’s automating feeding times, keeping them entertained, or ensuring their safety, smart technology puts peace of mind at your fingertips.

Pick breeds that fit well with small spaces, keep a consistent routine and think vertically to add some extra “real estate” for your pet. With a bit of planning and the right setup, apartment living can be just as fun and fulfilling for your pets as it is for you.

So go ahead—embrace the cozy life and enjoy every moment with your four-legged roommate!