Half of pet owners have bought gadgets for four-legged friends

• 48% of Brits invest in technology for pets
• 62% of pet owners don’t want their four-legged friends to be lonely
• London pet owners invest most in tech for pets

British pets are now being entertained and fed by the latest smart technology according to new research.

The survey of 1,007 UK adults carried out by gadgets and technology e-tailer, LaptopsDirect.co.uk, revealed that 48% of British pet owners have invested in technology specifically for their four-legged friends.

The survey found that 39% of pet owners have purchased smart technology such as pet monitors to check in on their companion at home when they are out of the house – such as during the working day.

Meanwhile, a third (33%) of British pets are served meals via automatic pet feeders, set up in the home.

And almost 1 in 10 (9%) fury friends have interactive technology such as games and gadgets specifically designed for pets to keep them entertained.

When questioned on the reasons why British pet owners purchase or make use of technology for their pets, 62% said it was to stop their pets feeling lonely when left at home alone.

57% of pet lovers said technology allows them to interact and keep an eye on their pets when away from home.

London pet owners were found to invest the most (56%) in technology for their four-legged friends closely followed by Birmingham animal lovers (53%) who said they have purchased technology for their pets.

Says Mark Kelly, marketing manager at LaptopsDirect.co.uk:

“Given how quickly an integral part of day to day life technology and gadgets have become, it was only a matter of time before pets started getting in on the action too.

“Technology can never replace time spent with pets at home but it’s wonderful to see pet owners of Briton embracing technology to monitor and entertain their pets. Pet technology has come a long way and now offers much more than chipping your four-legged friend in case they go missing.

“We have seen some really innovative pieces of technology enter the market which allows pet owners to interact with their animals including dog ball launchers, video pet monitors and pet feeders.

“As pets are part of the family, it’s no surprise Britons are happy to invest in technology to keep them happy if left alone for long periods of time.”