When it comes to pet care, owners love their gadgets. This is according to a recent report from market research firm Packaged Facts, titled, U.S. Pet Market Outlook, 2020-2021: Responding to the COVID-19 Impact. Data shows an 11 percent increase in the sales of “smart” pet products (i.e. those using Bluetooth, GPS, Wi-Fi, etc.) in 2019 as compared to the previous year, with revenue hovering around $491 million. Containment technology (e.g. invisible fencing systems, “smart” pet doors) is the largest category, accounting for 36 percent of product sales, followed by collars/tags (28 percent) and toys (21 percent). The report cites product convenience as the primary selling point for owners, along with pet health and safety and the desire to stay connected with pet care professionals. “In addition to helping to keep pets healthier and facilitating pet care, the new wave of smart products is beginning to perform another valuable function: encouraging pet owners to restock specific pet supplies online—especially food, cat litter, and other consumables—via smartphone and desktop app, a function that has proven to be especially essential in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic,” Packaged Facts adds.
