Designing Pet Care: An IOT Approach for Integrated and Empowered Pet Care at a Distance

Many people have pets that they consider to be family. Often, owners find themselves experiencing difficulties in coordinating health care for their pets because of the time investment, required knowledge, and responsibilities. There is a major gap in understanding between an owner and their pet(s), which only gets wider when the owners are away from their pets. This thesis project explores opportunities for an Internet of Things (IoT) approach to close this gap. It aims to create an ecology of digital tools for integrated and informed pet care over physical distance. Based on identified design opportunities, this project proposes the concept of SnapPet, a smart care system consisting of integrated tools in support of remote care activities for their pets.