IoT devices are increasingly being used for animal care and monitoring of both domestic and wild animals. These devices range from fitness trackers for pets to sensors that alert owners when farm animals are ready to give birth or help locate lost pets using GPS. IoT has also been implemented in zoos to better animal living conditions and safety by allowing zookeepers to monitor sleeping patterns and environmental conditions. The use of IoT for animal care has become a major driver of industry growth as animal-focused devices provide important monitoring while also appealing to pet owners.

1. How IoT is Changing
Animal Care
Vish Nandlall

2. Connected Animals
When discussing the many uses of IoT devices, we
commonly picture such gadgets being used by other
humans. However, there is a growing market of IoT
devices focused on animals — both domestic and feral.
These devices range from fitbit-style items tracking pet
activity to sensors aimed at enhanced monitoring of farm
animals. For example, IoT surveillance tools are used to
monitor pregnant animals close to birth, alerting owners
once labor has begun. Other items utilize GPS features to
track down lost pets.

3. IoT in Zoos
IoT has seen heavy implementation in zoo maintenance —
specifically in terms of bettering animal living conditions and
strengthening safety measures for visitors. For example,
zookeepers are now able to monitor animal sleeping patterns
via sensor technology to design proper bedding arrangements,
keep track of necessary cleaning procedures, and remain
cognizant of when to manipulate enclosure temperatures for
optimal sleeping conditions. This information has been made
increasingly compatible with cloud technology to facilitate
transparency and accessibility for zoo staff.

4. Driving Growth
Animal care, while an unlikely entity compared to larger industries, is
actually a major driving force behind IoT growth. Many animal-based
IoT items are both fun to use and crucial in purpose, creating an
effective blend of appeal factors that has enticed a wide audience. For
many of us, animals — especially our pets — are an important and
sensitive part of life, and therefore animal-centered IoT devices are
viewed as necessary investments. This notion, paired with the large
variety of animal-based devices on the market, reflects a thriving
market with little to no signs of slowing down.