The Pet Tech Boom: How Gadgets, Smarter Data, and New Expectations Are Reshaping Pet Commerce

Today, more than half of American pet households buy supplies digitally, millions subscribe to autoship plans, and wellness products — from DNA tests to tele - vet care — have become mainstream.

Pet commerce has transformed into one of the most innovative and emotionally charged sectors in consumer tech. And the story isn’t slowing down. With U.S. consumers spending over $16 billion annually on pet products online, the industry is now racing toward a future defined by real - time data, predictive care, and gadgets that blur the line between pet parenting and modern connected living.

This is what the landscape looks like now, and what it will become next.

The last 10 years: from toys & treats to AI, wearables, and subscription care
Look back at pet tech in 2014, and you’ll find a completely different world. Then, smart feeders were early prototypes, GPS collars were bulky, inaccurate, and expensive, tele - vet wasn’t even a conversation, subscription food was niche, pet insurance had low adoption, and cameras were webcams duct - taped to bookshelves.

Now (2024 – 2025), smart feeders auto - portion based on pet habits, AI cameras detect emergencies like choking or unusual behavior, DNA tests report breed breakdowns and health risks, lightweight GPS collars track vitals, sleep, and anxiety, tele - vet care is normalized, subscription services dominate food, supplements, grooming, and wellness, and connected litter boxes self - clean and report irregularities via app.

Pet tech has become wellness tech, and the consumer expectation has changed from convenience to proactive care.