Sales of ‘smart’ pet tech products rose 11% during 2019 according to US market research firm Packaged Facts, with smart products referring to those which use Bluetooth, GPS, Wi-Fi or radio –frequency identification (RFID).

“For most pet tech products, key selling points are product convenience, such as the ability of smart feeders to signal or relay food reorders; pet health and safety—primary selling points for pet containment and monitoring systems; and keeping pet owners connected with their pets and with pet care professionals”, said a Packaged Facts spokesperson.

The market research company also recently conducted their annual US Pet Market Outlook report, with this edition covering the impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic on the pet industry.  The research showed that there had been a surge in online shopping for pet products, along with an uptick in adoption of veterinary telehealth services.

The US Pet Market Outlook 2020-21 noted that “along with virtually every other area of the US economy, the pet industry will be battered by the coronavirus pandemic through 2020 and beyond. But the pet industry stands out as famously recession-resistant”.