Sure, bark-control collars and self-cleaning litter boxes may make your life easier. But does such pet-tech really do right by your four-legged friend?
"More than looking at 'Are they cheap?' or 'Are they expensive?' or 'They don't live up to the hype,' it's more important to look at the device from the animal's welfare, from that point of view," says Nancy Peterson, an issues specialist with the Humane Society of the United States.
It's tempting to indulge in some sort of automated pet sitter, especially if you have summertime vacation on the brain. But before you go the gadget route with your cat or dog, consider how Peterson and other experts break down some of the more popular pet devices.
Electronic fence
What --An invisible barrier that keeps a dog or cat within a set perimeter so it doesn't run away. The pet wears a special collar that beeps a warning as it nears the designated boundary, usually enforced by buried wire. If the pet doesn't move away, the collar gives a slight static "correction."
Price --$120-$300.
Worth it? --Peterson urges you to do your homework if you plan to use such a correction device, as sometimes they'll malfunction, or dogs will risk the shock anyway. And there's more to it than just wrapping the collar around your pooch's neck.
"There's a certain special training that's needed. You don't just put it on, and it works," says Bonnie Beaver, a professor at Texas A&M; University who specializes in animal behavior. "And if the dog doesn't get that training, then it won't work right."
Bark-control devices
What --Bark-control collars can sense sound and vibration from the dog and increase levels of correction as needed, usually with a startling vibration.
Spray collars trigger a citrus-smelling mist at the dog's snout, while ultrasonic devices emit a high-pitched tone to deter barking.
Price --Collars run from about $50-$90, while ultrasonic emitters start at about $30.
Worth it? --Forget Fido barking at squirrels or other passersby. Peterson notes that dogs bark sometimes when they're just bored. "Your dog doesn't do this on purpose," she says. "He's sending you a message."
Talk to your veterinarian about that message -- he or she might suggest a trainer or behaviorist. Such services could cost more than an anti-bark collar, but they'll address the root of the behavior, whereas anti-bark devices merely address the symptom. If you still want to try one, Beaver says the citrus sprayer was the most successful in tests.
There are cheaper alternatives. Mary Beth Duerler, executive director of the Responsible Pet Owners Alliance in San Antonio, suggests shaking a coffee can filled with pennies when the dog barks and forcefully saying, "Stop!" or tapping on something metal or on the windowpane. The startling noise gets your dog's attention so you can get him to be quiet.
Pet microchip
What --A tiny chip implanted in a pet's skin that identifies the animal via a special scanner.
Price --$15-$50.
Worth it? --Absolutely. "It's just a marvelous way to get a lost pet back home," Duerler says. And chips aren't just for cats and dogs. Duerler says you can chip all species, including iguanas and birds. Duerler figures veterinarian chip services run about $50.
Beaver urges pet owners to register their animals nationally with the microchip company. She also suggests including a contact number for someone you know who doesn't live at your home. That way, if you lose telephone service there's an alternate contact.
Automatic feeder
What --Gadget that automatically offers a set amount of food for your pet per day or per hour.
Price --$70-$100.
Worth it? --Beaver says automatic feeders are fine for single-pet homes, but you should test the device for a few days before you leave your lone pet in its automated hands. And even then you should only use it if you're away for just a day or two.
All the more reason Peterson suggests you skip the auto-feeder and get someone you trust to feed your pets and make sure they're OK. Compare the cost of kennels or pet sitters with that auto-feeder. You might pay about the same or even less for the human touch.
Automatic, self- cleaning litter box
What --It's the litter box that does the dirty work for you.
Price --$100 and up.
Worth it? --Cleaning the litter box is a dirty job, but Peterson notes it's actually better to do the dirty work yourself so you can get a good look at what your cat has left behind, which can serve as an early warning sign that there's something wrong with Fifi's health. (Pregnant women are advised not to handle litter boxes because of the slight risk of toxoplasmosis, an infection that can cause birth defects.) If you have multiple cats, Beaver says you want at least one litter box per cat, regardless of what kind of box it is.