For more than 20 years I’ve traveled around the country talking to pet owners, trainers, retailers, veterinarians, and media about pets. Just this past week I had the chance to discuss one of my favorite topics— caring for your pets with today’s technology. From GPS trackers and automatic water feeders to mobile apps and  XFINITY Home, there are many high-tech tools that you can use to keep your pets safe and sound when you are away from home. 

Pet owners tell me how much they like Tagg— The Pet Tracker. Not only can you track your pet’s location, but it sends you a text or an email if your dog escapes the yard, so you can find him or her right away. It also tracks Fido's daily activity level. Other favorites are the automatic gadgets like LitterMaid’s litter box cleaner and PetSafe’s pet feeder, which can dispense up to five meals at times you choose. Mobile apps, like Friskies’ Happy Wings and JitterBug, and motion control and laser electronic toys are also great devices to keep your entertained while they are home alone.  

One of the coolest products I’ve come across is XFINITY Home, Comcast’s security, home control and energy management solution. With it, pet parents can remotely manage their pets’ wellbeing. You can set it to send you a text message when your door opens, so that you know when your dog walker arrives, or how long he or she stays. (How great is that?) You can also use your computer, tablet or smartphone to keep an eye on your pet via live streaming video, so you know if your new puppy is up to no good, or if your cat has enough food in the dish. And, if the day is colder than expected, or if you have to stay at work later than you thought, you can adjust the temperature and lighting as needed. 

As a pet parent myself, I want to provide the best care possible for Chilly, my Labrador-Dalmatian mix, and my two cats, Olivia and Turtle, and I know many pet parents feel the same way. Luckily there are high-tech tools available to help manage their care, comfort and safety! 

To learn more, check out this article from my media tour in the Wilmington News Journal. You can also follow me on my blog or on Twitter (@FetchingKristen).