Photograph: Unsplash (free licence).
Quick answer: pet technology, or pet tech, is becoming established in Spain. AEDPAC’s 3rd Pet Parents Barometer highlights cameras, GPS trackers and automatic feeders, although three to four in ten owners still use no device at all. Water fountains, feeders and automatic litter trays lead the small pet appliance category.
A few years ago, a programmable feeder or a fountain with a sensor seemed a luxury. Today they are part of the routine for many families, especially those who spend long hours away from home. The studies published this year show which devices are gaining ground and who is using them.
Pet tech takes hold in Spanish homes
The 3rd Pet Parents Barometer, presented by AEDPAC at Iberzoo Propet 2026 with a dedicated section on technology adoption, describes pet tech consolidating, with cameras, GPS trackers and automatic feeders among the standouts. At the same time, it notes that three to four in ten owners still use no technology to care for their pet, so there is plenty of room to grow.
Alimarket’s 2026 report on small pet care appliances, published in July, describes a strategic and growing category led by water fountains and dispensers, feeders and litter trays, alongside beds, clippers and scales.
Wi-Fi feeder with optional cameraView product
3 L cordless fountain with sensorView product
2.2 L steel fountainView product
Cat owners trust technology, especially younger ones
Sanicat’s 2nd Feline Barometer, released in October 2025, provides cat-specific data: 72% of Spaniards believe technology can improve their cat’s quality of life, yet only 30% of owners use any kind of technology, beyond the microchip, to care for their cat. Confidence varies with age: it reaches 80% among 18 to 24-year-olds and falls to 64% among the over-60s.
The devices most often mentioned for cats are smart food dispensers, cameras, health and vaccination reminder apps, activity collars and automatic litter trays.
What each device offers
- Automatic feeders: serve portions at set times and help keep a steady routine when you work away from home.
- Fountains with a sensor or filter: provide moving water, which many cats prefer, and switch on when they detect your pet.
- Automatic toys: move by themselves and tap into the hunting or chasing instinct when boredom sets in.
- GPS trackers: show where your dog is on countryside walks or trips; check the coverage and whether a subscription is needed.
Electric snake for catsView product
Self-rolling smart ballView product
Interactive ball with remoteView product
Choosing well and using it sensibly
Technology helps, but it does not replace daily attention or vet check-ups. Before buying, check that the device is easy to clean, that its battery life or power supply suits your routine and that it still works offline if the Wi-Fi drops. Introduce each device gradually, supervise the first few uses and speak to your vet if you notice changes in your pet’s appetite or how much it drinks.
See more cat water fountains, automatic cat toys and interactive dog toys.
Frequently asked questions
What is pet tech?
It covers devices and apps designed for pet care: smart feeders and fountains, cameras, GPS trackers, activity collars, automatic litter trays and toys that move by themselves.
Is an automatic feeder a good idea if I work away from home?
It can help keep regular mealtimes and split the daily ration into several meals. Stick to the daily amount recommended by the food manufacturer and check every day that the feeder is working.
What should I look for in a smart water fountain?
It should be easy to take apart and clean, have replacement filters available, run quietly and hold enough water for the number of pets you have.
Keep reading
- Cat water fountains: are they worth it and how to choose one
- Trending pet products right now
- Water for dogs and cats: how much they drink and how to encourage them
Sources: