Technology plays a critical role in human life. But what about animals? Pets have also become an integral part of everyday life for most of us, though we often lack the time for proper care. This is where technology comes in—more specifically, custom pet care app development.
In the past, such products were primarily used by hunters, travelers, and special services. However, demand is now expanding to a much wider audience — pets and their owners.
Monitoring and Tracking Apps
These apps and systems help ensure that pets are safe and secure. Some means of care for our pets may have several complex functions.
For instance, they can provide comprehensive data on pets’ health, location, and even transmit information about their activity levels and overall well-being.
However, in practice, different systems are usually used to cover specific aspects of monitoring. These can be classified into three main categories:
Each of these categories has its own unique features, which we will explore in detail.
Pet GPS Tracking Apps
Track your pet’s location anytime. These apps use smart devices, such as collars with built-in GPS trackers, to exchange data with a server quickly. The process works as follows:
The user updates the map in the app and requests the pet’s status.
The app sends a corresponding command to the device attached to the pet.
The device records the pet’s geolocation and transmits the coordinates to the user via a mobile network.
The app displays the pet’s real-time location with an accuracy of up to 5 meters.
It’s important to note that current IoT devices use SIM cards and mobile networks for communication, so response speed and accuracy depend on regional network coverage. However, the time is not far off when these devices will connect directly to satellites, providing real-time geolocation transmission.
Pet Activity Tracker Apps
This is a type of solution that combines smart home systems with IoT equipment and serves as a kind of controller for animals. Imagine a situation where you leave your pet at home without the ability to check on them periodically.
In such cases, with specialized software, IoT devices, and a Smart Home system, you can simply check what your pet is doing at any given time — and not just that.
While pets don’t need reminders for meals, it is definitely worth occasionally encouraging them to be active. This can be done using sound emitters in collars, by activating toys connected to the smart home system, and more.
IoT Pet Monitoring Solutions
With Internet of Things devices, you can talk to your pet using two-way audio solutions. Yes, if you see that your pet is feeling lonely or, conversely, is too active, you can simply talk to them — or listen if you understand your pet’s ToV (Tone of Voice).
There are many such solutions, each designed to address different needs. At a minimum, these solutions provide:
Geolocation monitoring.
Activity tracking.
Communication.
Data collection from devices.
Use of medical IoT equipment.
However, this is just one category of software solutions designed for pets and their owners. There are other categories.
Animal Health Management Apps
Products with artificial intelligence, built-in reference guides, and platforms for cooperation with veterinary clinics. They are designed, in particular, for obtaining urgent assistance at the first signs of illness, scheduling appointments, finding clinics, and more.
But that’s not all. These systems also interact with most common IoT devices, including medical ones. Therefore, in addition to basic prevention, they can even provide emergency assistance, administer injections, and more.
This class of products can be divided into three segments:
Next, we will take a closer look at each of them.
Pet Health Monitoring Software
A type of product designed for comprehensive care. Typically, this software not only connects IoT devices to a smartphone application but also offers specialized solutions such as simulating pet health problems, selecting treatment options, and more.
As a rule, this functionality is part of broader platforms, but it can also be a standalone specialized solution. For example, in cases where a clinic provides its own equipment and software for clients and their pets.
Such software can also be universal, meaning it supports at least popular IoT devices in the region and is compatible with digital platforms of local clinics.
Virtual Vet Consultation Apps
Innovative solutions for vet clinics and similar institutions. These are comprehensive platforms that can combine:
Communication channels, including chats and video calls between the client and the clinic/staff/veterinarian.
Notification and reminder systems, including recommendations, scheduled procedures, visits, etc.
Built-in FAQ, containing useful information, a prescribed treatment plan, descriptions of medications, supplements, and more.
IoT device functionality, allowing veterinarians to receive accurate health data about the pet.
Other useful solutions, such as review systems for clinic services, facility ratings, navigation, and more.
And that’s far from everything, as the capabilities of such applications are only limited by the demand for features and the product owner's budget.
Pet Wellness Apps
Typically, this is an AI-driven application that provides valuable advice on pet care and well-being. It can include a variety of features, such as:
Tracking vaccinations, deworming, and parasite treatments.
Storing medical records (test results, diagnoses, prescriptions).
A symptom checker for a preliminary health assessment.
Diet recommendations based on breed, age, and weight.
Monitoring weight and food calorie intake.
Feeding schedule and reminders.
Physical activity recommendations.
A step counter for dogs.
Grooming schedule (bathing, trimming, ear and nail care).
Reminders for teeth cleaning and coat maintenance.
Games and training for mental stimulation.
Training video lessons.
Music or white noise for calming.
Budget planning for food and medical care.
Price comparison for services and products.
In fact, such systems can also include functionalities of specialized applications, such as geo-tracking and communication features.
Animal Safety and Emergency Apps
Solutions of this type allow pet owners to monitor their pets’ condition, environment, and other safety indicators. For example, apps can receive images from cameras embedded in IoT collars and stream them to the user
Another option is continuous audio monitoring and live data streaming from the collar, with notifications for any abnormalities.
For example, if your pet is supposed to be inside the house at a specific time, but the sensors detect outdoor noise, you receive an alert. You can also set up responses to loud sounds to understand what’s happening nearby.
Pet Emergency Alert Apps
This type of application is designed to establish and control security measures, synchronize with cameras, and ensure pet safety. They may include the following features:
Sending an SOS signal to the owner or emergency contacts in case of a critical situation.
Automatic alerts about a missing pet, including a photo and description.
Notifying veterinarians and local animal rescue services.
Step-by-step instructions for first aid.
Video tutorials and interactive guides for handling injuries, poisoning, respiratory failure, etc.
Automatic vet calls in critical situations.
Fire, flood, and extreme weather warnings that could endanger pets.
Evacuation instructions, considering the presence of pets.
The actual list of features will depend solely on the demand for them and the feasibility of implementation, considering the application's operating region, the availability of relevant services, and other factors.
Pet Safety Apps
Usually, this category includes applications designed for pet’s safety. At the same time, they do not have a strictly defined list of features and may include the following capabilities:
Location tracking. GPS trackers send notifications if the pet leaves the safe zone (e.g., yard or house).
Emergency alerts. Notifications to the owner if the pet gets into a dangerous situation.
Health monitoring. Medical reminders for vaccination, medication intake, and veterinary visits. It may also include activity tracking, step counting, sleep analysis, and general health monitoring.
Lost pet search. The ability to create a missing pet announcement and receive assistance from volunteers and other owners in the search.
Remote monitoring. Cameras, two-way communication, etc.
Maps of veterinary clinics, pet stores, and hotels. Reviews on the quality of service in these places.
Identification and safety. QR codes or NFC chips containing the owner's contact information.
And this is far from a complete list of possible features for this type of application.
Pet Management and Convenience Apps
If your pet is left alone at home, you may need tools for its remote support, monitoring, etc. This type of application allows you to interact with your pet remotely. There are several types of such programs, including:
Below is a brief overview of each of them.
Smart Collar Apps
This type of solution is designed to monitor the emotional well-being of pets remotely, track their location, and more. Here are some common features:
Real-time GPS tracking allows owners to see where their pet is.
Geofencing (Safe Zones) sends alerts if the pet leaves a designated safe area.
Movement history shows where the pet has been over a certain period.
Step counter to track the distance traveled and activity level.
Sleep monitoring analyzes the quality and duration of the pet's rest.
Body temperature data, heart rate, and breathing measurement.
Lost Mode activates a signal on the collar or sends special notifications.
LED lighting helps locate the pet in the dark.
Voice commands, as some models allow sound transmission to the collar.
Smartphone or smart home synchronization.
If needed, additional features can be integrated as long as the IoT collars have the necessary hardware capabilities.
Smart Feeder Apps
Specialized applications for smart feeders that automate the feeding process. These apps typically include the following features:
Feeding schedule setup with the ability to set the time and portion size.
Remote control, allowing food to be dispensed manually via a smartphone.
Portion control to set the right serving size according to the needs.
Feeding history that records the time and amount of food dispensed.
Feeding reminders for scheduled meals.
Diet analysis and nutrition recommendations based on the breed, age, and weight.
Food level sensor with alerts when food is running low.
Automatic food restocking, as some models integrate with online stores to order food.
Built-in camera to monitor the pet eating in real-time.
Two-way audio communication to talk to the pet during feeding.
Individual feeding schedules for multiple pets with separate portions for each.
Diet mode to control food intake for overweight pets.
Pet recognition (RFID/NFC chips) to dispense food only to designated animals.
The final functionality will depend on the specific hardware the app is designed for.
Pet Care Reminder Apps
An app for pet monitoring and reminders about essential care tasks. It includes the following features:
Activity and sleep time alerts.
Synchronization with security cameras and collars with two-way communication.
Reminders for feeding, rest, or walk times.
Health condition alerts, notifying owners of changes in the pet’s well-being.
Additional useful tools, such as a database and an AI-powered personal consultant.
However, the final functionality will entirely depend on the audience’s needs and the available development budget.
Information and Social Connectivity
Digital Pet ID Apps serve as digital passports for pets, storing owner details and pet-related data in a centralized database. However, the functionality of such apps extends far beyond basic identification.
Moreover, it is possible to create full-fledged social networks that connect pet owners and their animals with others. Why? For experience exchange, shared leisure activities, breeding, and more.
Let’s take a closer look at several types of such applications and systems.
Pet Profile Management Apps
Specialized applications and systems designed to store critically important information, including:
Name, age, gender, breed, weight, and personality traits.
Photos for quick identification.
Microchip number, QR code, or NFC tag.
Medical history, vaccinations, allergies, surgeries.
Reminders for veterinary check-ups, medication, and vitamins.
Set safety rules and receive advice from veterinarians or experienced pet owners.
Storage of food details and feeding schedules.
Veterinary passport, insurance, and vet contact information.
Sharing lost pet information.
Chats, forums, and meetups with others.
Shared profile access for family members or pet sitters.
However, this functionality is usually integrated as part of the next type of applications.
Pet Location Sharing Apps
True social pet-friendly platforms that allow you to protect our pets and find company for relaxation, entertainment, and more. Typically, they offer the following features:
Tracking the pet's location.
Location sharing.
Safety and control zones.
Interactive features and navigation.
Integration with other devices.
Here, you can also share photos and videos, create stories on behalf of your pets, interact with other pet owners, plan joint walks, and more.
Conclusion
Technology is an integral part of human life, that’s a fact. However, digital services are also becoming useful for pets today.
Do you have an interesting concept or are you sure your idea will be in demand on the market? Delegate its development to Lampa.dev – a pet care app development company that knows everything about creating IT solutions, audience needs, and pets!