The Magic Intersect of Smart Tech + Pet Care
Smart home technology offers both security and convenience, so why shouldn't use it to make caring for your pets easier? From automated feeders and cycling water bowls to smart lighting settings and home security cameras, smart home devices can enhance the well-being of your pet's life. To pinpoint some of the ways smart tech can help pet owners, we connected with Lutron's Chief Corporate Brand Ambassador, Melissa Andresko. "Many pets grew accustomed to having their owners home more, whether they were working from home, or traveling less," shares Andresko. "Now that many people have returned to their offices and are back on the road, we need to transition our pets into a comfortable, new routine. One way to help with the transition is through smart home products, particularly lighting."
Keeping the Lights On For Your Pet
You might consider smart lighting routines when you're away on vacation, but it's really useful on a day-to-day basis. "Scheduling lights to turn on at specific times of day ensures your home and pets aren't left in the dark, giving you peace of mind while away from home," notes Andresko. A dark home may be riddled with safety hazards. Help your pet remember that home is a safe space. Having settings to keep the lights on in the evening can help keep pets safe.
Create a Comfortable Space
Closing the curtains and blinds while you're away for the day can be common, but what if you know your pet enjoys channel Squirrel TV from 10 a.m. to noon? You can set your blinds to a schedule. "My dog, like most, is very curious about what is happening outside and gravitates to sleeping in his favorite 'sunny spot' in our house depending on the time of day. Lutron’s Serena Smart Shades enable the same scheduling features and control via the Lutron app. You can set Serena shades to automatically open and close when you need. This makes sure pets can see out the window and sleep in their favorite sunny spot when you are away from home." Squirrel escapades aside, programming the shades to close at dusk while other smart lights turn on can improve privacy and enhance security while you're away.
Use Smart Feeding Tools
Smart feeding systems take some of the worry out of missing mealtime. With the ability to dispense food at scheduled times or on command remotely using a smartphone app, you can relax knowing that the pet has the correct portion control, meal tracking, and is fed on a proper schedule. Smart water fountains are also a game-changer in the pet tech realm. Some systems, like the TESLA Smart Pet Fountain, can even cycle water keeping it fresh for up to five days.
Set Smart Fan Controls to Make Spaces More Comfortable
"Fans are a reliable way to stay cool by keeping air flowing through the home, especially in spaces without air conditioning, such as porches, sunrooms, and gazebos," notes Andresko. Smart technology makes it easier for us to manage airflow and make rooms of our home more comfortable for pets throughout the day. She notes, "Lutron Caséta Smart Fan Controls can be scheduled to turn fans on during peak temperature times of day to keep pets cool in their favorite spaces. The latest Lutron App update even allows for light and fan controls to stay on for a set amount of time, such as two hours after they are turned on, which can be useful if you want lights or fans to stay on for your pets well after you leave a room."
Maureen Minkel, Senior Director of Energy Efficiency and Conservation at South Jersey Industries makes another important point. "In warmer seasons, run ceiling fans clockwise to push cool air down; using a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat/air conditioner setting about four degrees without impacting comfort." During cooler weather, switch direction and help circulate warm air in your home to improve your pet's comfort.
Help Your Pet Feel at Ease With Blackout Shades
Automating your home's shades comes with one additional benefit for pets: Blackout shades can be useful with pets who fear lighting and storms. Being able to darken room can help create a sense of calm. "All Lutron Serena smart shades bring the same smart benefits to a home and the pet owner, so it ultimately comes down to style preference," shares Andresko. "Lutron Serena Roller Shades are the most popular within the Serena product family and come in hundreds of fabric choices. And good news for cat owners, Serena shades do not have drawstrings for our furry friends to play reducing potential damage or danger to pets."
Smart Plugs Help Monitor and Manage Aquariums
We use smart plugs for all kinds of functions, but we love that the Lutron Caséta Outdoor Smart Plug can be used to control devices with small motors like fountains to keep a fishpond’s water circulating.
Simulate Home Security Systems
Motion sensors in smart electronic devices can make your home safer for your pet, too. "[Automations] can be added to lighting controls wirelessly, allowing our furry friends to turn on the lights by walking through a room." She elaborates, citing an example relative to home security. "Integrating your Lutron Caséta smart lighting system with a Ring doorbell camera also allows you to have specific lights turn on when the doorbell rings or if the camera detects a person on your property. You can even set up routines to automatically turn on lights if a smart speaker detects a dog barking."
