Technology is transforming how pet care facilities operate. From automated booking to smart monitoring, these trends are reshaping client expectations and competitive dynamics. Hereâs whatâs happening and what it means for your business.
Current Technology Landscape
Where Most Facilities Are Today
The majority of pet care businesses now use:
- Cloud-based management software (booking, CRM, billing)
- Online booking with real-time availability
- Automated reminders via email and SMS
- Digital payment processing
- Basic reporting and analytics
If youâre not here yet, this is the baseline to reach.
Whatâs Emerging
Several technologies are moving from ânice-to-haveâ to âexpectedâ:
1. Mobile-First Client Experience
The Shift
Pet parents increasingly expect app-based interactions:
- Booking and managing reservations
- Receiving updates and photos
- Making payments
- Communicating with staff
- Viewing their pet via webcam
What This Means for You
- Ensure your software provider has a quality mobile app
- Optimise your website for mobile users
- Consider whether a branded app makes sense (usually only for larger operations)
Investment Level: Low-Medium
Most modern software platforms include mobile capabilities. The investment is choosing the right platform.
2. Real-Time Communication & Updates
The Expectation
Pet parents want to know how their pet is doingânot at the end of the day, but throughout:
- Photo and video updates during the day
- Activity summaries
- Feeding and potty confirmations
- Behavioural observations
Technologies Enabling This
- Digital report cards with photo attachments
- Automated activity logging by staff
- Push notifications for key events
- Two-way messaging through owner portals
Investment Level: Low
Most management platforms now include report card features. Staff time to create content is the main cost.
3. Webcam and Live Streaming
The Demand
Pet parents increasingly expect to peek in on their pets. Webcam access:
- Reduces âcheck-inâ calls from anxious owners
- Builds trust and transparency
- Differentiates premium offerings
- Provides marketing content
Implementation Considerations
- Camera placement: Playgroups, rest areas, outdoor spaces
- Privacy: Staff training on camera awareness
- Quality: HD cameras, reliable streaming
- Access control: Password-protected, client-only access
- Bandwidth: Sufficient internet for multiple streams
Investment Level: Medium
Expect ÂŁ1,000-5,000 for quality camera setup plus ongoing bandwidth costs. ROI comes through premium positioning and reduced support calls.
4. Smart Facility Monitoring
Whatâs Available
Connected sensors and systems can monitor:
- Temperature and humidity in each area
- Air quality (important for respiratory health)
- Water bowl levels
- Door/gate status (security)
- Noise levels (barking detection)
Benefits
- Early warning of HVAC failures
- Automated alerts for environmental issues
- Data for compliance documentation
- Peace of mind when facility is unstaffed
Investment Level: Medium-High
Quality monitoring systems run ÂŁ2,000-10,000 depending on facility size and sensor coverage.
5. Automated Check-In/Out
The Technology
Self-service kiosks or mobile check-in that:
- Confirms booking details
- Collects updated health information
- Processes payments
- Prints or displays kennel assignments
- Captures electronic signatures
Where It Makes Sense
- High-volume facilities with morning/evening rushes
- Locations with limited front desk staff
- Premium facilities emphasising efficiency
Investment Level: Medium
Kiosk hardware runs ÂŁ1,500-5,000. Software integration varies by platform.
6. Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
Beyond Basic Reporting
Advanced analytics help you understand:
- Demand patterns by day, season, customer segment
- Customer lifetime value and churn prediction
- Pricing optimisation opportunities
- Staff efficiency metrics
- Marketing attribution accuracy
Practical Applications
- Predict busy periods and staff accordingly
- Identify at-risk customers before they leave
- Optimise pricing for different segments
- Measure which marketing channels actually work
Investment Level: Low-Medium
Most modern software includes improved analytics. Advanced tools or custom dashboards may require additional investment.
7. AI and Automation
Current AI Applications
- Chatbots for basic enquiries and booking assistance
- Automated scheduling optimisation
- Predictive maintenance alerts
- Review response assistance
- Marketing content generation
Future Potential
- Behaviour recognition via camera analysis
- Automated health monitoring
- Predictive demand forecasting
- Personalised client communication at scale
Investment Level: Varies
Basic AI features are increasingly built into software platforms. Advanced implementations require dedicated investment.
What to Invest In Now
Tier 1: Essential (If You Donât Have It)
- Modern management software with mobile access
- Online booking with real-time availability
- Automated email/SMS reminders
- Digital payment processing
Investment: ÂŁ50-150/month in software
Tier 2: Competitive Advantage
- Digital report cards with photos
- Client communication portal
- Basic webcam access
- Environmental monitoring
Investment: ÂŁ2,000-8,000 one-time plus ongoing costs
Tier 3: Premium Differentiation
- Comprehensive webcam coverage
- Self-service check-in
- Advanced analytics
- Smart facility systems
Investment: ÂŁ10,000+ depending on scope
Technology Selection Criteria
When evaluating new technology, consider:
Business Impact
- Does it solve a real problem or improve a key metric?
- Whatâs the ROI timeline?
- Will clients actually value it?
Implementation Reality
- How complex is setup?
- What training is required?
- Does it integrate with existing systems?
Vendor Viability
- Is the company established and funded?
- Whatâs their support reputation?
- Can you export data if needed?
Total Cost
- Initial purchase/setup
- Ongoing subscription or maintenance
- Staff time for operation
- Opportunity cost of alternatives
Common Technology Mistakes
Chasing shiny objects: Implementing technology because itâs cool, not because it solves a problem.
Under-investing in basics: Skipping foundational software for flashy add-ons.
Ignoring integration: Buying systems that donât talk to each other.
Overcomplicating: Creating tech debt thatâs hard to maintain.
Neglecting training: Buying tools staff donât know how to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whatâs the most impactful technology investment for a small facility?
Modern management software with online booking and automated reminders. It affects every customer interaction and saves significant time.
Do clients really care about webcams?
Increasingly yes, especially for boarding. Itâs becoming a standard expectation for facilities positioning themselves as premium.
Should I build custom software?
Almost never. The cost and complexity of custom development far exceeds what off-the-shelf solutions provide. Focus on choosing the right platform and configuring it well.
How do I keep up with technology changes?
Follow industry publications, attend trade events, talk to peers, and maintain relationships with your software vendors. You donât need to adopt everythingâjust stay informed.
What technology trends should I ignore?
Anything that doesnât clearly improve customer experience, operational efficiency, or business metrics. Blockchain, NFTs, and various buzzwords rarely have practical pet care applications.
Conclusion
Technology in pet care is evolving from ânice-to-haveâ to âexpected.â The facilities that thrive will be those that adopt foundational technology first, then selectively invest in innovations that genuinely improve their business.
Start with the basics. Master them. Then evaluate emerging technologies against real business needs, not hype.
Related reading: Dog Daycare Software Complete Guide, Kennel Software Complete Guide, Grow Your Kennel Business
