Put a Ring on it! The proposal Aussies should make this silly season...

Aussies encouraged to make a smart commitment to their prized possessions including their pets!

In the lead up to Christmas, Aussies are being encouraged to ‘Put a Ring on it’ (their homes that is), as the ultimate gesture in securing their most prized possessions. 

Inspired by peak proposal season currently in full swing, where nearly 40 per cent of Aussies [1] pop the question in an act of commitment to their partner, Ring, leader in smart home security, is encouraging us to prioritise our commitment to our most valued items in our home – whether we own or rent.

Homes will likely be left unoccupied this upcoming holiday season as one-in-three Australians are ready to embrace out-of-home activities such as travel and social events despite cost-of-living pressures, with a quarter (26%) having made travel plans and a fifth (19%) being away from home more frequently attending social engagements. 

With an influx of parcel deliveries as Aussies spend on gifts for their loved ones, and an uptick in home break-ins over the last year, two-thirds of which involve personal item theft [2], the stakes around protecting our valuables this time of year are at their highest.

An Australia-wide poll by Ring* has revealed Aussies are feeling vulnerable about the safety of their most valued and prized possessions as the holidays approach, due to less time spent at home. A vast majority of Australians (84%) are willing to invest in protecting the things they love.

Renowned science communicator, astrophysicist, author and proud pet dad, Matt Agnew, shares this sentiment, spending increasing amounts of time away from home and having experienced a home break-in himself. 

To demonstrate his commitment to the things most important to him, Matt has put a Ring on it (his home) for peace of mind his beloved furry companion, Pluto, and his prized scientific apparatus are safe while he is away.

“This is a commitment that matters. With my social engagements and travel plans ramping up this time of year, I won’t leave anything to chance. Investing in an easy-to-install smart and connected security solution like Ring, is one of the easiest commitments I’ve ever made – to my beloved Pluto, my DSLR camera with its amazing lens for taking long exposure astrophotography and my peace-of-mind. It’s a no-brainer and a commitment I encourage all Aussies to make this proposal season.”

Passports, Pets and Parcels: Prized possessions worth protecting

More than half (53%) of all Australians have added some extra security measures ahead of the holiday season to protect their valuables and deliveries ahead of the holiday/Christmas season, with close to a third (31%) expecting more deliveries to their home leading up to the holidays. 

For most though, securing important documents, like passports and birth certificates, is the most important thing to protect when they are not home (58%), followed by sentimental items (45%) and pets (38%).

The Cost of Commitment: How much will we pay to protect the things we love?

Matt is one of the 16.6 million** Australians willing to invest in protecting the items they love at home with one-in-five (21%) Aussies saying they are happy to pay “as much as it takes” on protection measures. One-in-three (27%) are willing to pay between $100 to $300 which could be as much as $530 million and $1.6 billion^ nationally to secure their valuables.

From drastic measures like buying a guard dog (8%) to installing security cameras (34%), mounting sensor lights (23%) or installing a smart doorbell (22%) Aussies’ commitment is firm. For the 47 per cent of Aussies who have not installed security cameras, almost half cite cost (49%) while one-in-five (22%) believe it is overkill and are not concerned about security.

Mark Fletcher, Ring Managing Director, Australia says, “We’re about to hit peak busy season, and the ability to keep a vigilant and watchful eye on our most prized irreplaceable possessions, pets, and loved ones will be tested. 

Ring really is the ultimate smart home security choice for protecting what matters most at home, offering unmatched value for money, convenience, security, and connectivity for daily peace-of-mind to Australians. Just as we put a ring on our loved ones to reaffirm our commitment, we urge Aussies to put a Ring on the things they love at home, the convenient commitment for the ultimate protection.”

Ring’s top tips for peace of mind when you’re away from home:

✔️ Ensure Home Safety Before Your Departure: While it may appear straightforward, it's essential to double-check all windows and doors are securely locked before heading on holiday.

✔️ Adjust Recurring Deliveries: To prevent your home from appearing vacant during extended absences, consider rescheduling regular subscription deliveries such as milk or newspapers. If unexpected deliveries occur, having a Ring 

✔️ Video Doorbell is an easy way to instruct the delivery person to place the package in a secure location.

✔️ Remote Monitoring of Security Cameras: Consider installing a smart security system which enables you to access and review footage from your Ring devices directly on your smartphone, regardless of your location.

✔️ Create the Illusion of Occupancy: Consider implementing timer settings not only for your lights but also for sound. 

✔️ Having your radio turn on at various points throughout the day can give the impression that someone is at home.

Ring offers homeowners peace of mind, knowing their home and loved ones are fully protected. 

Price & Where to Buy:

Starting at just $79 for the Ring Indoor Camera and offering accessories such as a No-Drill Mount for the Ring Doorbell, Ring delivers exceptional value and convenience for homeowners and renters alike. 

For a full list of products available in Australia, visit https://ring.com/au/en.

About Ring

Since its founding in 2013, Ring has been on a mission to make neighbourhoods safer. From the video doorbell to the DIY Ring Alarm system, Ring’s smart home security product line offers users affordable whole-home and neighbourhood security. At Ring, we are committed to making home and neighbourhood security accessible and effective for everyone – while working hard to bring communities together. Ring is an Amazon company. For more information, visit www.ring.com. With Ring, you’re always home.

* About the research

The research was commissioned by Ring and conducted by Lonergan Research in accordance with the ISO 20252 standard. Lonergan Research surveyed 1,021 Australians 18+. Surveys were distributed throughout Australia including both capital city and non-capital city areas. The survey was conducted online amongst members of a permission-based panel, between 9 and 13 November 2023. After interviewing, data was weighted to the latest population estimates sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

** Figure based on 84% of survey respondents weighted against the latest adult population figures from the ABS.

^ Figure based on a calculation of the 27% of population who are willing to spend between $100 and $300, which equates to 5.3 million using latest adult population figures from the ABS.

[1] BBC article, released 5th December, 2018

[2] Crime Victimisation, Australia, 2021-22 financial year by the ABS, released 22 February, 2023.

Even if it rains cats and dogs on holiday, this clever 12v/240v Duoetto water heater keeps the RV clean for pet owners...

More people than ever are taking their pets on holiday in their RVs, caravans and campers, presenting owners with challenging clean-up tasks as their energetic animals roll around new territories ranging from sandy beaches to the dusty desert and remote rocky mountains.

“Post Covid-19, there is a huge domestic travel boom on here in Australia and around the world, as State borders open up and more people explore their own countries in safe, secure healthy environments,” says RV equipment and hot water specialist Jay King, Managing Director of Aus J Hot Water Solutions.

“Travelling with pets is an issue that many owners are currently addressing, as they ponder alternative possibilities to boarding them out and leaving their best friends sometimes lonely and fretting.”

Dogs are among the most popular pets to consider as travelling companions, with more than five million in Australia alone. They are generally more 'portable' than cats – though some people will travel with show animals of all types, ranging in size from cats in personal cages, through to horses in custom floats, says Mr King. 

“We are pet lovers here and internationally. The RSPCA pet welfare organisation tells us that 61 per cent of Australian households have pets, which is one of the highest rates in the world, behind the US with 67 per cent but ahead of the UK with 40 per cent.”

“We find that most pet caregivers are women – nearly two-thirds, who often consider their pet to be a family member. But men too love to travel with their best friend - even if sometimes they don’t like the mess that results after a dip in the sea or a roll in some nice red dust, which sticks to everything like glue and gets right up their noses.”

Aus J’s 12v/240v water heater is allowing RV and boating enthusiasts and family travellers alike – including their pets – to splash and roll about wherever they like, when they like, without having to plug into mains power to clean up afterwards with a hot shower, or rely on caravan parks facilities.

The clever Duoetto MK2 10-litre water heater that Aus J Hot Water Solutions sells locally and internationally (including NZ, Africa, Asia, UK, Europe and North/South America) is finding markets among RV, caravan, camping, and marine yacht and powered boat owners, as well as being used in work vehicles and 4wds used to tow RVs including caravans to remote places where they wish to maintain optimum cleanliness and comfort.

The tough, compact and durable water heater offers selectable temperatures between 30-75ºC (86-167ºF) on 240v and up to 70°C (158ºF) on 12v so people with pets can shower, wash, clean and enjoy abundant hot water whether mains power is available or not.

The latest Duoettos – which typically retail for under $A420 ($US310) – feature automatic sensors to allow switching to 12V when mains power is not available, enabling the Duoetto to deliver ample hot water in remote areas such as campsites or on boats where mains power is unavailable, which it often is in large areas of major RV, marine and work vehicle markets, says Mr King.

Meet Sydney and South Coast beach nomad Graeme Gherashe and his inseparable boxer Ms Bobbie who just loves to splash about.

“It is a great freedom to be able to get out onto the beaches and the wide-open spaces, but not so much fun if you bring the salt and sand back into the vehicle. My dog thinks she owns the space, and the entire bed. She has first dibs, so we both need a good washdown before we go inside,” said Graeme, a veteran of the 1970s panel van days (his was purple!) before he upgraded to a more spacious VW transporter. 

When Graeme was finishing fitting out his new vehicle for his day trips and interstate roaming with Ms Bobbie, he heard about the Duoetto solution. 

Mr Gherashe says the thought that had gone into the design impressed him: "the Duoetto MK2 10-litre water heater is easy to install. I was going to get it installed for me, but with some advice from Jay, the job was straightforward. If your plumbing and electrics are in place, it’s pretty simple – but still not hard even if they are not.”

“Our typical customers up to this point have been men" adds Mr. King. "But we are finding that it is starting to change as we get out to show our portable heaters at campsites and public spaces where singles, couples and families approach us. 

Sometimes it is the woman who is the handyperson and wants to install it – and with pets we find it is often the woman who is the one making the purchasing decision.”
“We are finding that women make the broader range of pet decisions generally, including choice of their new family member and how to care for it, whether it is a dog, cat, small mammal or reptile that appreciates a bath. 

“Some of the women we talk to tell us their cats and dogs seem to know when the family is preparing for a holiday – they can get very clingy and put a big guilt trip on you. So if you don’t want a fretting dog or a hostile moggy when you return, maybe it is time to have a look at how portable they might be. 

In addition to family happiness, you’ll probably find that the cost of boarding an animal for a month far exceeds the cost of a hot water unit to clean them and yourselves up after a holiday romp.” 

About Aus J Hot Water Solutions

Aus J offers a range of innovative gas and electric water heaters with models for domestic, commercial and recreational applications, including a 240v 10-litre Aqueous water heater designed to provide homes with near-instant hot water and reduce the wastage by having the heater located under the sink. 

For more information, please visit www.ausj.com.au 

For your chance to Win a Duoetto MK2 Electric Water Heater , enter our Competition before 17/01/21 (midnight AEST).

Ecovacs Robotics, the global leader in smart cleaning robots, has today introduced the DEEBOT U2 PRO, an affordable all-in-one home vacuuming and mopping robot featuring a brand-new Pet Care Kit. 

Enabling pet owners to effortlessly clean up fur even during their pet’s heavy shedding season, the DEEBOT U2 PRO is also the perfect starter model for time-challenged households. 

For under $599, the Pet Care Kit contains an extra large 800ml dustbin and tangle-free main brush which, when combined with the strong suction, delivers great results for even the most stubborn pet hair. 

The DEEBOT U2 PRO also features smart move navigation, high capacity deep cleaning and mopping functionality.

More than 60% of Australian households have a pet, with local pet ownership rates among the highest in the world, beating both the US and the UK. This includes close to four million households that have at least one dog, while more than 2.5 million Australian households have at least one cat.

 

As people spend more time at home throughout 2020, these figures continue to rise, with both the RSPCA and Pet Rescue seeing a surge in adoptions through this year. This includes a 45% increase in dog adoptions, while cat adoptions are up 20% when compared to RSPCA data from 2019.

“Australians love their pets, and 2020 has only seen more and more dogs and cats adopted around the country. Just as owners would do anything for their pets, they would also do anything to find a reliable solution to cleaning up pet hair, especially during shedding season!” said Karen Powell, Head of Ecovacs Robotics for Australia and New Zealand.

“The DEEBOT U2 PRO, designed especially for pet owners, takes some of our most popular features including mopping and navigation and teams it with a specialty Pet Care Kit that can tackle any hairy situation! It’s another way that we can continue to free up time to enable people to do more of what they love while we take care of the cleaning!”

Enhanced all-round vacuum – mop system deep cleans with the OZMOTM System

With Ecovacs’ leading dual mopping and vacuuming technology combining a 400ml dustbin and 300ml water reservoir, the DEEBOT U2 PRO can vacuum and mop an entire home, up to 200 square meters in a single go. The new model uses ECOVACS’ OZMOTM advanced mopping and four-stage cleaning system to make sure no dirt is left behind.

Users can easily install the cleaning cloth plate to switch between vacuum and mopping functions. The electronically controlled water pump consistently draws water from the reservoir offering a superior and safe mopping performance.

 

The DEEBOT U2 PRO offers both a standard mode for everyday clean ups, as well as Max+ mode for intense deep cleaning performance that boosts suction power 2.5 times to handle the most demanding cleaning challenges. A three-layer filter including sponge and filter elements enables the robot to scoop up micrometer size particles without stirring up dust to maintain fresh air and a healthy environment for users.

The DEEBOT U2 PRO also features some of the industry’s most powerful battery power, a 3200mAh Li- ion battery that delivers 150 minutes of operating time.

Brand New Pet Care Kit Makes Fur Clean Up Easy

For dog and cat lovers, Ecovacs understands the frustration of constantly battling pet fur around the house. The DEEBOT U2 PRO’s Pet Care Kit, takes the work out of cleaning up after fast shedding family pets. 

The Pet Care Kit consists of an interchangeable 800ml XL Dustbin, Ecovacs’ largest [1] dustbin, and heavy duty Tangle-free Brush for easily managing even the most difficult pet hair problems. This kit can be optionally installed instead of the OZMO mopping tank and existing main brush to maximise pet hair cleaning capacity.

Smart Move Navigation

The DEEBOT U2 PRO features Smart Move navigation on hard floors to ensure an ideal cleaning path and protect furniture using their anti-collision sensors and soft cushion bumpers. 

The DEEBOT is designed to deliver the right tool for every job with a suite of targeted cleaning mode options including auto mode for general cleaning, edge mode and spot cleaning mode to manage special cleaning requirements. 

A magnetic boundary stripe (available to be purchased separately) provides added control over the cleaning routine and allows users to block areas of the home they don’t want the DEEBOTs to disturb.

Voice or APP control designed with “humans” in mind

The ECOVACS’ HOME App provides DEEBOT U2 PRO users with a “human friendly interface” for easy operation. The app enables users to easily schedule and manage cleaning routines and operating modes. It fits seamlessly into your lifestyle by conveniently working with the Amazon Echo or Google Home.

Pricing and Availability

The DEEBOT U2 PRO, including the Pet Care Kit, is available now with an RRP of $599 from Amazon.com.au.

About Ecovacs Robotics

Innovating Since Day One – Creating the Intelligent Home.

At ECOVACS ROBOTICS, we care about innovating solutions to enhance your lifestyle. Based on deep understanding of use cases and consumer experience, we design robots that help you “live smart, enjoy life”.

With over 20 years of design and industry-leading research, ECOVACS ROBOTICS is leading the market as homes become more intelligent and responsive. We are building a world where your home asks less of your attention, becomes more seamless and powerful, and frees you to spend more time doing what you love.

MEDIA RELEASE, 19th November 2020

Ease anxiety when leaving pets at home with a pet monitoring device 

Spending more time at home with our pets has been one of the few benefits of social distancing measures enforced due to coronavirus. 

Australians are known to hold one of the highest rates of pet ownership, and this has only increased due to the coronavirus, with RSPCA NSW already seeing a 30% increase in pet adoption compared to 2019.[1] 

However, as restrictions lift and pet owners return to work, they may experience guilt about leaving their pets home alone. The Uniden App Cam Solo+ and App Cam Solo PT are perfect monitoring solutions that will ease the stress of wondering what pets are up to at home, allowing owners to stay connected throughout the day.

Setting up the home

Whether it’s an inquisitive interest or checking for misbehaviour, the App Cam Solo+ and App Cam Solo PT allow users to monitor their pets’ activity. Both are wire-free security camera solutions, and easy to install as they do not require any cables or access to a power source. 

The App Cam Solo+ can be placed in different zones of the home depending on where the pet spends most of its time. 

The App Cam Solo PT is an ideal solution for pets kept in the backyard, with an ultra-wide viewing angle, as well as 355-degree pan and 140-degree tilt design, providing greater flexibility when installing and positioning around the home. 

Keep watch from anywhere

Footage of furry and feathered friends is recorded and viewed in Full HD 1080p and can be accessed from anywhere in the world via the dedicated Uniden app. With optional app push notifications when motion or sound is detected, users can be reassured their pets are safe and sound while at work or on holiday. 

Both cameras offer two-way talk in real time, so pets can be disciplined remotely if they are caught on camera chewing cables, scratching the couch, barking or digging holes in the yard.

Flexible and compatible

Footage can be stored directly to SD card or the Uniden Cloud ensuring important, funny or cute moments are captured and available to replay. Pet owners can also access images remotely for sharing via smart devices or social media. 

The App Cam Solo+ and App Cam Solo PT are compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing pet owners to view footage using voice control, ready to be replayed and enjoyed on a smart TV, phone or tablet.

Outdoor monitoring

The App Cam Solo+ is both an indoor and outdoor camera, so pet owners can set up monitoring wherever their pet spends the most time. It’s also possible to have multiple cameras accessible via one central app, with twin, triple and quad packs available. 

The App Cam Solo PT is a weatherproof, outdoor-only camera, perfect for watching over large backyards. The camera can be moved remotely via the Uniden app to cover all angles. 

One camera can keep watch over the entire backyard, removing the need to use multiple cameras. Starlight Night Vision delivers night vision footage with a clear image, ideal for checking on sleeping pets.

7 days free cloud backup

All products in the App Cam Solo range come with seven days of free cloud backup for the life of the product, including up to 1GB of storage, with the option of upgrading to a higher plan if required.

Price & Where to Buy

RRP: $279.95 for Uniden App Cam Solo+ single; $369.95 for Uniden App Cam Solo PT Kit (includes solar panel).

For customer enquiries, phone Uniden on 1300 366 895 or visit www.uniden.com.au

Facebook: www.facebook.com/uniden
Twitter: www.twitter.com/unidenaustralia
Instagram: www.instagram.com/unidenaustralia

[1] https://www.rspcansw.org.au/blog/media-releases/adopt-from-home/

Audible for Dogs: from chasing tails to soothing tales ...

Audible.com.au announces curated selection of audiobooks chosen for their canine calming appeal. Borne from study finding listening to audiobooks makes dogs left at home happier and more relaxed.

Audible.com.au today announced the release of Audible for Dogs, a curated collection of audiobooks for dog owners to play when leaving their furry friends at home. 

Curated in collaboration with dog lover, Osher Günsberg, and animal behaviourist, Dr Susan Hazel, Audible for Dogs was inspired by an independent study by Hartpury College in the UK. The study suggests listening to audiobooks can positively influence kennelled dogs’ behaviour, spending less time alert and more time resting compared to other audio influences like music[1]. The selection of audiobooks is now available at Audible.com.au/dogs.

It’s no secret Aussies love their pets, with 38% of households taking ownership of the 4.8 million pet dogs in Australia[2]. While we spend a whopping $12.2 billion on our pets each year[3], we’re busier than ever, and our dogs spend more time in the home than 50 years ago, often only able to socialise at assigned walking times[4]. That’s ruff! 

The Audible for Dogs collection has been designed to give pet owners peace-of-mind and keep their precious pups company with the comforting sound of the human voice.

Audible.com.au worked with Dr Susan Hazel and Osher Günsberg to curate the Audible for Dogs collection, chosen for their calming narration, evenly paced narrative, and length to cover a full workday away from home. 

Selections include Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice narrated by Rosamund Pike, Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield narrated by Richard Armitage, and Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables, narrated by Rachel McAdams. Selected audiobooks from the curated collection have been bundled together, so dog lovers can choose a Classics collection for high-brow canines, or an Aussie collection for their true-blue heelers.

The Hartpury College research also suggests a narrator whose gender, accent and tone are similar to the primary owners may contribute to calmer canine behaviour[5]. 

Australian audiobooks Cloudstreet by Tim Winton, narrated by Peter Hosking, and Kerry Greenwood’s The Spotted Dog, narrated by Jennifer Vuletic, were also included, along with Osher Günsberg and his precious wedding ring-bearer pup, Frankie’s favourite, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, by J.R.R. Tolkien and narrated by Rob Inglis.

The research shows audiobooks can potentially increase the likelihood of rehoming kennelled dogs[6], so to celebrate Audible for Dogs, Audible.com.au has partnered with the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home. Audiobooks from the Audible for Dogs collection are being played for their rescue dogs, who may find the shelter environment stressful. 

From today until 2 November 2019, Audible.com.au will donate $1.00 per purchase of any audiobook in the Audible for Dogs collection to the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, up to a maximum donation of $10,000.

Dr Susan Hazel, Senior Lecturer, Animal Behaviour, Welfare & Ethics, from University of Adelaide said: “Recent research suggests listening to audiobooks can reduce high-stress indicators such as barking, howling, pacing or standing in kennelled dogs. Humans have selected canine companions over thousands of years based on those that like being with people the most. Which now means they may not like it when we leave them alone. For some dogs, audiobooks may be helpful when an owner is not at home, providing a calming human voice.”


Osher Günsberg, host of reality TV franchise, The Bachelor Australia, said: “I’m passionate about mental health, and that extends to my dog Frankie’s wellbeing too. I’m stoked to partner with Audible to bring spoken-word entertainment to Aussie dogs to help keep them company when we’re out and about. I feel more at ease knowing Frankie is in the company of specially curated audiobooks chosen for their calm and even narration. Lately, I've been leaving him listening to The Lord of the Rings which, he seems to enjoy.”

Leanne Cartwright-Bradford, Country Manager, Audible.com.au said: “Move over dog-eared books – we’re excited to bring Audible for Dogs to Australian dog owners, harnessing the power of spoken word entertainment to help provide comfort to our dogs. There are so many ways our customers use Audible, from listening while commuting, to doing the housework, relaxing at home or exercising at the gym, and now keeping their dogs company when owners aren’t at home.”

Faith Harrsen, Marketing Manager, Sydney Dogs and Cats Home said: “Many of our rescue dogs find the shelter environment stressful, and we’ve found having a familiar voice and tone playing daily from the Audible for Dogs collection has contributed to a more calming space. 

Aladdin, currently our longest-term doggy resident, has been listening to Sherlock Holmes narrated by Stephen Fry, along with our other kennelled dogs. He can be reactive, barking as other dogs pass his kennel, but our team of behaviourists have observed that when the audiobook is playing it appears to distract him and he usually listens quietly and calmly, which has been wonderful to note.”

With a 30-day membership trial, new listeners can enjoy one free audiobook, including any one of the specially curated Audible for Dogs collection at Audible.com.au/dogs.

MEDIA RELEASE, 2nd November 2018

Sure Petcare to preview new dog behaviour and activity monitor at Brisbane Dog Lovers Show ...

Sure Petcare, the pet technology specialist, will be previewing the latest offering in pet tech, Animo - a dog behaviour and activity monitor - to visitors of the Brisbane Dog Lovers Show, held at the Royal International Convention Centre on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 November 2018.

Animo allows owners to track their dog’s activity and behaviour, building a comprehensive picture of their health and wellbeing. Planned for launch late 2018, Animo is more than the standard ‘Activity Monitor’: it provides owners with a window into their pet’s day, his activity, behaviour and wellbeing. 

By learning a pet’s daily behaviour traits, Animo alerts owners to possible changes outside normal parameters, including barking, scratching and shaking and also includes:

• Activity and Behaviour Monitor
• Records sleep quality during the night
• Monitors activity and play
• Set goals and check these against recommendations
• Reports behaviour-based insights to help indicate changes in health or wellbeing
• Durable, lightweight, compact and waterproof – designed to cope for the day to day activity demands
• Six-month battery life which is easy to replace with a coin cell which does not need repeated recharge

Graham Taylor, National Business Manager, Sure Petcare Australia said: “The launch of Animo will be a game changer, offering a unique window into the behaviour and activity tailored to an individual dog. Changes in sleep quality, or in general wellbeing of your dog, such as increased scratching, shaking or barking, can be an indication of an underlying,deeper issue. 

Animo has been designed for owners to identify changes in what is normal for their dog, helping owners to make proactive action when needed. We are delighted to be showing this to the Australian market ahead of our launch later this year.”

Animo has a suite of algorithms that interpret activity data into accurate and intelligent insights and is the culmination of extensive research and collaboration between Antelliq group companies to apply this world-class animal monitoring system to canine activity and behaviour. 

The breadth of activity and behaviour monitoring delivered, as well as the accuracy of its algorithms will make it a game-changing product.

Visitors to the Sure Petcare stand (728) will be offered the opportunity to win one of two Animo products.

Sure Petcare is celebrating 10 years of providing innovative products to the pet care market. Starting in 2007 with the introduction of the SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap, enabling unique access to the home for a specified pet, Sure Petcare has since introduced smart feeding products as well as the introduction of the world’s first app-controlled pet door, the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect in 2017. 

Sure Petcare’s product road map includes further app-connected products designed to support a pet’s health and well-being and will be launched over the next 12 months.

For more information, please contact the Sure Petcare team on 1800 824 142 or enquiries@surepetcare.com.au or visit www.surepetcare.com


About Sure Petcare

Sure Petcare, the pet technology specialist, provides pet products that empower owners to care for their pets in entirely new ways. Founded in 2007, Sure Petcare has developed an award-winning range of microchip-operated pet doors and feeders including the Microchip Cat Flap, the Microchip Pet Door, Microchip Pet Feeder and Sealed Pet Bowl, which solve many problems commonly experienced by pet owners.

Through continuous innovation, Sure Petcare launched its first connected product - the Microchip Pet Door Connect in 2017, which enables pet owners to control the pet door using an app. The company’s near-term product roadmap features a portfolio of connected products designed to provide proactive pet care by giving owners data and insight into their pets’ day-to-day behaviours, activities and routines. Over time, this information provides a greater understanding of their pets’ health and wellbeing.

Sure Petcare products have been used by pet owners across the globe for ten years. The company sells direct, through retail stores and veterinary practices in 35 countries.

MEDIA RELEASE, 23rd October 2018 - Cambridge (UK)

Pet ownership is trending younger and owners are embracing their pet parenting role with a bigger focus on their pet’s health and advice from their veterinarian¹.

After all, veterinary professionals are transforming the lives of pet lovers every day with innovative remedial treatments and new medical technologies that help companion animals live longer and healthier lives.

Millennials – now the largest demographic of pet owners – are conscientious pet owners who invest more time in their pets, do their research when it comes to their pet’s health, and are more likely to follow their veterinarian’s advice for pet product purchases¹, according to Dr Diederik Gelderman, Australia’s leading veterinary business coach, veterinarian and author of Veterinary Success Secrets Revealed.

“Millennials want to be partners with their veterinarians and use veterinary products preventively rather than just as a treatment¹,” he added.

Young pet owners are also very tech-savvy and enjoy more time in digital spaces, not just posting endless photos of their animals but also connecting with their furry friends remotely through webcams and tracking their activity through pet wearables!

GPS-enabled pet trackers are also a great tool for pet owners to help them find a lost pet. Furthermore, university-partnered cat tracker studies are using GPS units to map out exactly where felines roam, providing valuable information about their impact on wildlife².

“Pet trackers will eventually find a place in the veterinary practice,” said Dr Gelderman. “Pet trackers collect data that links pet activity levels and their health, and as the technology improves, the ability to monitor more parameters will become even greater.”

For instance, veterinary professionals can use pet trackers as an effective post- operation monitoring tool, to track any diseases that affect movement, such as arthritis or monitor weight loss progress in overweight pets.

“In fact, pet obesity data reveals more than 50% of dogs and cats are overweight with much higher rates of disease in overweight/obese pets,” said Dr Gelderman.

Furthermore, about 45 per cent of pet owners have a dog aged 7 years or older³. The growing population of older pets means more companion animals are suffering from age-related conditions, he added.

“Pet tracker technology can help to build that relationship between the veterinarian, pet owner and pet, and provide better patient outcomes,” he said. 

Dr Gelderman encourages the veterinary industry to embrace innovation and promote the benefits of pet activity data, which give insight into pet health and wellbeing and may improve their lives.

“Pet owners value their pets more than ever before and using pet trackers and other digital tech to improve their relationship with their companion animals, and this is likely to increase,” he explained. “The veterinary profession must be proactive in embracing innovation so that they can continue playing a vital role in the lives of pets and their owners.” 

Dr Diederik Gelderman does not endorse Biotraka.

 
Price & Where to Buy

RRP: $197.00 (+12-month subscription) launch offer.

For more information, visit www.biotraka.com 

¹ Gen Z and Millennials as Pet Market Consumers: Dogs, Cats, Other Pets. Packaged Facts.
² Cat Tracker Australia
³ U.S. Pet Market Outlook, 2014-2015. Packaged Facts.

About Biotraka

Biotraka is a pet wearable that captures your pet’s activity levels and allows comparisons over different time periods to give you the assurance that your pet is getting the exercise they need.

Geolocation, through a unique combination of three technologies, ensures you can locate your family companion anywhere, anytime. PLUS, easy-to-set-up Safe Zones alert you when your pet leaves the yard giving you peace of mind when you are not with them. The lifestyle-proof design is waterproof and robust, built to withstand your pet's active lifestyle with the longest battery life available.

BioTraka provides you a constant source of knowledge to allow you to nurture your pet. To discover more, visit www.biotraka.com 

MEDIA RELEASE - Sydney, 21 June 2018

The Furbo Camera, the first treat-tossing dog camera that lets parents and pups stay together from anywhere is finally in Australia!

Furbo Dog Camera, the best-selling dog camera worldwide, has taken Ellen DeGeneres by storm. "The number one gift on every dog lover's wishlist. Furbo's so cool!", says Ellen DeGeneres.

Tomofun, the company dedicated to bringing joy and innovation to pet lovers around the world, is excited to announce the launch of its Furbo Dog Camera in Australia – the only treat-tossing dog camera designed specifically for dogs. 

Designed to help dog parents care for their pups in real time all the time, Furbo Dog Camera is the first dog camera to include a treat-tossing feature, which allows pups and parents to play from anywhere – relieving pawrents concerns about their furbabies being left home alone.

Furbo Dog Camera is the first dog camera designed with an interactive treat tossing system, to allow parents and pups to play from anywhere. Parents can simply take their dog's favourite rounded treats, drop them into the top, and watch as their pup chases the treat through the air.

“As a dog parent, the hardest part of my day used to be the moment I would leave for work and hear my dog crying. Other solutions allowed me to watch what he was doing remotely, but didn’t allow me to truly interact with him or to help keep him occupied during the day when he was lonely,” said Furbo Dog Camera Co-founder Maggie Cheung. 

“We created Furbo Dog Camera out of our personal need as dog parents, and we can’t wait to give other dog mums and dads the same ability to stay close with their furry loved ones from anywhere.”

Furbo Dog Camera is designed with AI recognition technology, along with the input of over 5,000 dog pawrents, vets, and dog trainers, meaning the Furbo Dog Camera is made specifically to suit the needs of dogs, and includes barking alerts so parents can know when their pup is in distress, a clicking sound proven to create positive associations for training, and a blue and yellow light scheme - tailored to a dog’s visual capabilities.

"Pet technology is an emerging industry, and we’re proud to be introducing a new kind of product that not only is the first of its kind, but truly changes the way we interact with our dogs when we’re away from them. We’re very excited to get this product into the hands and paws of our users, and are well-positioned at the forefront of this growing industry" said Victor Chang, CEO of Tomofun.

FURBO DOG CAMERA - MAIN FEATURES 

● Dog Specific - distinctly designed with a dog’s needs in mind using AI recognition technology

● HD Camera + Night Vision - 1080p HD camera features a 160° wide-angle lens, 4x digital zoom and infrared LED night vision for monitoring and clear pictures and videos

● Two-way audio - Crisp, built-in speaker and ultra-sensitive microphone, to both hear and speak to dogs and give them the comfort of a familiar voice throughout the day.

● Treat Tossing System - Simply pop off the lid, drop in your dog's favourite treats, and with the touch of a button on your app you can play with, and reward, your furry friend at home
● Barking Alerts – uses AI-recognition to deliver push notifications to your smartphone letting you know if your dog is barking so you can soothe them in real time
● Mobile App Connectivity - WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities, compatible with both iOS and Android, provides access from your smartphone, tablet, or Apple Watch.

PRICE & WHERE TO BUY

The Furbo Dog Camera is exclusively stocked on the Furbo website along with Amazon Australia and normally retails for $359.

RRP: A$359  at www.furbo.com

About Furbo Dog Camera

Furbo Dog Camera is the world's first treat-tossing camera designed just for dogs. It lets you see, talk and toss treats to your dog when you're not home. Launched in 2016, Furbo Dog Camera is the bestselling dog camera on Amazon in five countries. Furbo Dog Camera is a property of Tomofun, a pet technology company dedicated to bringing joy and innovation to every pet lover in the world.

Tomofun is headquartered in Bellevue, Wash. with offices in Taiwan, Japan and Germany. 

For more information, visit www.furbo.com

MEDIA RELEASE 03/05/2018