Top 6 Starter Pet Tech For Beginners: Must-Have Gadgets in 2025 (Tested)
- Nick
- Jun 2
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 5
*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Read our affiliate disclosure
Today, fellow pet owners, we are on a guide for every beginner as a pet parent. So, let’s be honest: being a new pet parent is part joy, part mild panic. You want to do everything right—but you also want to sleep in without guilt, go to work without worry, and maybe even leave town for a weekend without frantically texting your neighbor, “Can you check if Rex ate?”
That’s where smart pet tech comes in. I’m not talking about gimmicky gadgets or overpriced novelty toys; I mean the starter-level gear that makes your life easier while improving your pet’s well-being.
When I first set up a smart camera to check on Bruno during the workday, I caught him sleeping soundly in the same sunbeam for hours. It was such a relief—and also the moment I realized: these tools are more than mere control; they’re about connection.
So here’s your beginner-friendly breakdown of smart pet gear that works, why it matters, and how to use it wisely.
Join Heart for Paws to help us save pet lives
1. Smart Pet Feeder
This is where you say goodbye to the 5 A.M. wake-up barks.
What It Does
Indeed, smart pet feeders are a game-changer for anyone tired of those early morning mealtime alarms. Next time you are stuck in traffic, working late, or you're the one craving a sleep-in Saturday, these devices will make sure your pet's feeding routine is on track without fail. You will notice that their design makes sure they dispense pre-measured portions of dry food on a set schedule, such that your cat or small dog doesn’t overeat—or guilt-trip you with their best "I'm starving" stare.
Why You’ll Love It
Many models now come with added features like app control and voice recording. That means you can feed your pet remotely or even leave a personalized message that plays at mealtime—so they still hear your voice, even when you're not home. This is where you crack the code for weight and stress management, especially in food-motivated pets.
Beginner Pick: PETLIBRO Granary Feeder
We're glad you're here. If you're just getting started with smart feeders, the PETLIBRO Granary is a solid first choice. It’s simple to program, holds up to 5 litres of kibble (which lasts days, if not weeks), and even has a dual power system—so feeding goes uninterrupted during power cuts. One of the standout features is the built-in voice recorder, allowing you to pre-record a short message that plays before every meal. In our case? Bruno hears, “It’s breakfast time!” from the machine and trots off happily, while I enjoy an extra hour of sleep. Bliss.
2. Pet Camera
This is where you have peace of mind in your pocket.
What It Does
You just got here, friend. We're happy to break it to you that pet cameras stream live video to your phone so you can check in on your pet anytime, anywhere. Next time you're at work, stuck in traffic, or curious about what they're up to, you'll get eyes on your pet instantly. Many models also come with two-way audio and even built-in treat launchers—because nothing says “I love you” like snacks delivered by a robot.
Why You’ll Love It
These cameras are a lifesaver for anxious pet parents—and the pets who miss them. Being able to see and talk to your cat or dog during the day can ease separation anxiety on both sides. Plus, they’re great for solving mystery behaviours. Why is your dog barking nonstop at 2 p.m.? Now you’ll know. And yes, it’s usually the mailman… or a leaf.
Beginner Pick: Furbo 360° Dog Camera
Friend, if you’re new to pet cameras, the Furbo 360 is your go-to for both dogs and options available for cats (prices vary). With this gem, you get a full panoramic HD view with night vision, and you will see every corner of the room, even in the dark. Also, the barking and motion alerts are impressively smart, notifying you when something unusual happens. Best of all? You can fling treats remotely with a tap on your phone. Yes! Watching Rex try to catch flying treats mid-air while I was on a Zoom call? Absolute highlight of my week.
3. GPS Collar
This is where you track and monitor your pets with ease.
What It Does
GPS collars are made for one job: to show your pet’s real-time location, and so you're connected no matter where they roam. Many models include features like activity tracking and geofencing, so you can monitor both movement and well-being. That adventurous pup or a sneaky cat in your crib; you’ll know exactly where they are—and when they’re pushing boundaries.
Why You’ll Love It
From years of use, I'd sum up a GPS collar as peace of mind wrapped in tech. One more thing: you can set up “safe zones” like your home or garden and get instant alerts if your pet steps out of bounds. Bonus: most devices also log your pet’s activity, steps, and even sleep patterns, making it easier to stay on top of their health. You'll love this.
Beginner Pick: Fi Smart Dog Collar Series 3
The Fi Series 3 is a favourite for first-timers. Here's why it's our best pick: Its GPS tracking is impressively accurate, with a signal that holds up in the city and the countryside. The battery lasts up to 3 months (yes, really!), and it tracks everything from your dog’s steps to sleep cycles. It once helped me locate Bruno after he bolted during fireworks—turns out he was curled up behind a neighbour’s shed. That moment alone made the investment more than worth it.
4. Smart Water Fountain
Hydration that feels natural, you can bet.
What It Does
Let's get the basics: smart water fountains circulate and filter your pet’s drinking water, keeping it fresh, cool, and appealing. Unlike stagnant bowls, the flowing stream mimics natural water sources, making it more attractive, especially for picky cats or hesitant drinkers. I have two of these.
Why You’ll Love It
If your pet doesn’t drink enough, this simple upgrade can make a world of difference. The constant circulation will encourage hydration, which *can reduce the risk of kidney issues and urinary tract problems. Built-in filters also remove hair, debris, and bad tastes. Your pet gets cleaner water with every sip. Daily.
Beginner Pick: Petlibro Dockstream Fountain
The Petlibro Dockstream stands out for its ultra-quiet operation—you’ll barely hear it hum. It uses triple-layer filtration for top-notch water quality and comes with dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning. Rex barely used to touch his bowl, but once we switched to a flowing fountain, he was lapping it up daily. Turns out, he just had a taste for the finer things.
5. Smart Toy
This is where Fun, Focus, and Burned Energy meet.
What It Does
You probably had one as a kid. Then you'll remember that smart toys are like personal trainers for your pets, minus the whistle. These clever gadgets move, bounce, or dispense treats on their own, keeping your pet entertained and mentally stimulated even when you’re busy (or just trying to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee)— I love coffee.
Why You’ll Love It
I found this category fantastic for fighting boredom and curbing those “I just chewed your couch” behaviours. Naturally, interactive toys will encourage learning and focus, especially in high-energy pups and curious kittens who always seem to be one paw away from chaos. You’ll also love the guilt-free break knowing they’re happily occupied. I have nothing negative to say about these toys.
Beginner Pick: Wickedbone Smart Bone
The Wickedbone is a fan favourite and made it to the top of our list for a reason. First off, it rolls and spins on its own or via app control, so you can play chase from the couch. Plus, it’s tough enough for chewers and offers multiple play modes to keep things fresh. Honestly, it’s like a robot buddy that wears your pet out for you. You're welcome.
6. Health & Behavior Monitors
This is where you know what your pet can’t say.
What It Does
These smart devices will keep tabs on subtle shifts in your pet’s behavior, like restlessness at night, unusual licking, scratching, or a sudden drop in activity. They are designed to work silently in the background, collecting data that could be vital in detecting early signs of illness, stress, or discomfort.
Why You’ll Love It
From the experience of using them, health monitors act like silent translators, revealing what your pet can’t put into words. At some point, they became more useful for senior pets and those with chronic conditions. Plus, they help vets make faster, more accurate diagnoses. It’s like having a wellness check on loop. Literally.
Beginner Pick: Whistle Health + GPS
Friends, unlike many others, this device doesn’t just show where your pet is—it shows how they’re doing. You get daily health summaries, behaviour trends, and alerts if something’s off (like constant licking or restless sleep). A friend of mine discovered her dog’s early arthritis because the Whistle flagged unusual nighttime pacing. That alert probably saved her pup months of silent pain. It could save yours too!
Final Words From Your Pet Tech Sensei
Smart pet tech is about enhancing it. I tell you, these tools buy you peace of mind, help you build stronger routines, and let you understand your pet in deeper ways.
So if you’re new to all this, start small. Pick one or two gadgets that solve a problem you’re already facing—like inconsistent meals or separation anxiety. Let the tech do its job while you focus on bonding.
And remember: you don’t have to go high-end to go high-impact. Even one smart upgrade can make your pet parenting life easier, happier, and a whole lot smoother.
Like what you sniffed out here? Join Heart for Paws to help us save pet lives.
