Smart Pet Tech, an Emerging Market Opportunity
The pet-care sector has grown into a large industry, according to Fortune Business Insights, driven by digital technology and changing consumer habits. While North America and Europe account for the largest shares, Africa is gradually becoming part of this expansion as household incomes increase and internet penetration rises. In South Africa alone, more than 8 million households own dogs and 2.6 million own cats, according to Euromonitor.
Smarter Solutions at Home
One of the visible signs of this change is the increasing adoption of smart home devices designed specifically for pets. Products such as the self cleaning litter box show how pet owners are starting to use smart devices at home. Instead of scooping waste by hand every day, pet owners can now leave the cleaning task to the litter box. It automatically removes waste, keeps the area cleaner, and makes life easier for people living in apartments or working long hours.
Another example is the automatic pet feeder, which gives meals at set times even when the owners are not home. This helps pets stick to a regular eating schedule, prevents overfeeding, and is especially useful for people who have busy jobs or need to travel. The feeder can be programmed for different portion sizes, making it easier to manage pets’ health and daily routine.
One Step Further
Smart pet cameras are also becoming popular in many homes. These devices let owners watch their dogs or cats in real time using a smartphone. Many models include two-way audio, so owners can hear and talk to their pets, and some even allow treats to be dispensed from a distance. This technology helps people check on pets while at work or traveling, bringing peace of mind and allowing for early response if a pet seems distressed or unwell.
Where to Find Them
Leading marketplaces such as Takealot in South Africa and Jumia in Nigeria are critical to this change. They provide platforms where consumers can easily find premium, tech-enabled products that conventional retail stores don’t often stock. Detailed market analysis shows that smart wearable devices for pets, such as GPS trackers and health monitors, have gained the largest share among pet tech products.
The pet tech market has experienced strong growth globally and in Africa, with annual growth rates consistently above 10% in recent years. This fast progress results from multiple factors, including rising pet ownership, increasing urban populations, and growing disposable incomes that allow consumers to invest more in their pets’ well-being.
Sustainability and Innovation Hand in Hand
Sustainability remains an important theme too. For example, eco-friendly pet products, such as biodegradable litter, recycled plastic toys, and plant-based cleaning solutions, resonate strongly with environmentally conscious consumers. Innovative businesses have an opportunity to combine smart technology with sustainable practices, creating products that reduce waste while improving pet health and comfort. This focus is particularly relevant in Africa, a continent already positioning itself as a future leader in renewable energy and green industries.
Environmentally Friendly Pet Tech Solutions
One example is smart water fountains designed for pets that maintain a constant clean water supply by circulating and filtering water using energy-efficient technologies. These fountains often use replaceable carbon and ion-exchange filters to remove impurities and avoid waste, while some models incorporate ultraviolet light for antibacterial effects, reducing the need for chemical cleaners.
The pet tech market is growing quickly, with more owners investing in devices that improve their pets’ health and daily care. This growth is expected to continue as technology advances and becomes more accessible globally, creating more opportunities for businesses focused on smart, sustainable pet care solutions.