Home automation makes life easier in a multitude of ways, from aesthetic enhancements to eco-friendly efficiency. But what about the fur babies who live with us? Smart home technology can also provide a constant connection to furry friends. Being away from home doesn’t have to feel so far away.
Take a look at our story about the Dad of three fur babies, and the many ways he manages his life through carefully selected smart home technology.
My connected home is an awesome place for pets. When I originally sat down with my designer to plan the smart home system I wanted, it was with my two dogs and one cat in mind. I spend a significant amount of time away from home, so I made sure it was outfitted to provide an excellent life for them when I can’t be there. It is safe to say they get the royal treatment.
Ambiance
My control app allows me to program music, lighting, shading, climate control, and several other features of my home, remotely. When I leave in the morning, I turn on an ambient playlist specifically for my fur babies. It includes environmental sounds like ocean waves, wood instruments, falling rain, and bird calls. I also set the temperature quite a bit cooler for optimum comfort. I turn out all the lights as well and lower the shades. This encourages relaxation for the early hours of the morning.
Potty Time
The pet sitter, arrives every day at 10 am. My smart-doorbell lets me know that she is there. I use the smart home app to easily disarm the alarm and unlock the front door so she can go in and get the dogs for their walk. While she is out, I usually hit the dispense button to feed the cat in the upstairs bedroom. His Smart Pet feeder pours a perfect amount of food to keep him svelte and healthy.
When the pet sitter returns with the dogs, she puts them in the backyard if the weather is favorable. They get some more outside time that way. When she leaves, I simply re-arm the security and front door. The dogs run around chasing lizards for a while, basking in the sun. I get a notification when they approach the automated dog door. There is a camera that lets me know they are both there, ready to go inside. I open it from the app and close it securely once they’ve cleared the door.
Accessories
Smart Pet accouterments are a fun part of being a pet dad. I have recessed pet cams in several rooms of the house. They are not visible to the naked eye. But it allows me to know what everyone is up to while I am away. If the babies are behaving, I use an app to pop out a treat. If someone is thinking of taking a snooze on one of the leather sofas, I say, “No!” in my most stern voice, which shocks the pants off of the delinquent pup.
There are fun smart-toys for the cat as well. I have automated lasers in several of the rooms. Notifications let me know when the cat has approached one, and I can entertain him for a minute or two before he gets bored. His litter box is hidden in a bathroom cabinet, with fully automated controls and air cleansers. No one ever suspects I have a cat until they see him.
I like to think I am the most awesome pet dad ever. I can thank my smart home designer for making care for the furry creatures this simple. When I’m home, I simply enjoy spending time in a place that allows me to live a richer life, with more ease, and more fur baby love.
Responsive Living, the term coined by Acoustic Architects founders, Aaron Flint and Spencer Hauldren, is the concept of seamlessly enhancing the client’s unique lifestyle using smart home technology. Responsive Living allows you to interact with your space via touch input, voice command, and predictive automation, placing you in full control of your home.
If you would like to learn more about home automation for your furry friends, feel free to connect with us. We will be happy to schedule a demo with you.
Like what you read? Spread the word and share on LinkedIn.