15 Best Gadget Gifts for Geeky Pets

Amy Tokic
by Amy Tokic

This has been an awesome year for geeky pet parents. It was hard to narrow the list down, but I’ve picked PetGuide’s top 15 geeky and gadget gifts for pets who like to get their nerd on!

1. Editor’s Choice: PupPod Rocker Training Treat Tossing Camera Dispenser & Puzzle Dog Toy

Remotely controlled, rewarding, and tons of fun, this nifty little gadget will have your pooch occupied for hours on end. The set includes a treat-tossing camera and a puzzle dog toy, both of which can be remotely controlled through a smartphone app which means you can entertain and reward your pet wherever you are! The camera streams video in 1080p so you can enjoy your puppy’s eager face waiting for a treat in full HD, and a 160-degree field of view. The puzzle toy, aptly named PupPod Rocker, has multiple levels of gameplay and rewards, from the starting learn association level all the way up to the most challenging, sound randomization. The goal is for your dog to solve the puzzle so the treat dispenser would toss out treats. So much fun while learning!

2. Runner Up: iFetch Interactive Ball Launchers for Dogs

What active, young dog doesn’t love playing fetch? While your pooch might be enthusiastic about running after a ball, you might not be as enthusiastic about throwing it – or you might simply lack the time. Enter the automatic ball launcher. Suited for indoor or outdoor use, iFetch ball launcher can be set to throw a ball at different distances with a simple touch of a button – 10, 20, or 30 feet. All you have to do is plug it in, load the balls, and watch your pooch go bananas! There are two options available: small, which uses special mini balls and is suited for petite dogs, and large, which uses standard tennis balls and is a good fit for bigger breeds. This interactive ball launcher is created in the United States and comes with a one-year warranty.

3. Best Interactive: Furbo Dog Camera

This remote treat camera comes with HD Wifi Cam, 2-Way Audio, and Treat Tossing capabilities. I’ve got one of these bad boys at home and Oscar loves it. It’s perfect for smaller dogs who get scared by loud noises or spooked by the sound gears turning. The Furbo is much quieter than other remote treat cameras on the market. I also like how it gently tosses treats, as other units tend to shoot them across the room like a yummy cannon. The camera gives you a pretty great view, too: it’s a 1080p full HD camera with night vision and you can use it to livestream your pet on your phone with a 160-degree wide-angle view, day and night.

4. Best Tech Toy: PlayDate Smart Ball

A ball with a camera inside, the PlayDate Smart Ball can be controlled from anywhere in the world! Protected by a polycarbonate shell, the camera always takes a great shot – no matter where that ball rolls, it will always be facing your dog. Once you’re finished playing, upload the footage to your Instagram account.

5. Best Sensor: Waggle RV/Dog Safety Temperature & Humidity Sensor

Do you often travel with your pet in tow or share a mobile home with your four-legged bestie(s)? Then this is one of those gadgets you never even knew you needed. This sensor keeps an eye on your dog’s safety while they are alone in the vehicle by measuring temperature and humidity levels, as well as heat index. The sensor can be placed in any vehicle and will send updates on all of the above mentioned parameters straight to your phone every 15 minutes or instantly if any of them reach critical levels. You can also monitor real time situation via an app. And if you’re worried about it losing power, don’t be: a built-in rechargeable battery gives you peace of mind even when your RV power is lost.

6. Best Collar: ILLUMISEEN LED Dog Collar

Whether you like to walk your pet early in the morning or late at night or you live in an area where it’s dark for the better part of the day in the winter, visibility is the key to safety – and this LED-illuminated dog collar will make sure your pet is easily spotted in the dark. Built to last and provide highest possible visibility, this dog collar has 3 modes of operation that can be switched with a simple click: steady mode, rapid flashing, or slow flashing. There are 6 vibrant colors to choose from and 6 sizes to ensure a snug fit for dogs of any breed. The collar is rechargeable via a USB cable, with one hour of charge giving you 5 hours of unparalleled visibility for your pet.

7. Best Cam: PetChatz and PawCall

This bundle gives you the PetChatz system starts with the HD unit, which features a two-way HD (low light) video camera and full-frequency two-way audio system. It also comes with the PawCall accessory – your pet can get in touch with you while in “Call Mode” and allows you to engage them using “Game Mode”.

8. Best for Cats: Magkay Interactive Cat Toys for Indoor Cats

The future is now! If you and your pet share the same geeky affinities, this toy will be the ultimate selection. This futuristic, remote-controlled cat toy can bring so many hours of fun into your home. Magkay Interactive Cat Toys for Indoor Cats features a small “cart” with two large wheels and a dangling bell and feather toy. With the help of an easy-to-use remote control, you can twirl and drive this cart in any direction whatsoever, making your cat go zooming about! And – would you believe it – the gadget also has an automatic feature, which controls the cart even when you are out and can be set on a timer for some quick fun.

The two large rubber wheels have built-in LED lights that can flash and change colors, further enticing your cat. The gadget boasts a 700mAh rechargeable battery that gives it 2.5 hours of work time. Charging is easy, through a classic USB port. All in all, this futuristic toy will satisfy all your geeky senses and provide your pet and you with hours of fun and bonding time.

9. Best Door: PetSafe Interior and Exterior Cat Door

Tired of uninvited guests in your home, but don’t want to limit your pet’s outside time? This microchip-controlled pet door flap will make sure that the only pets allowed inside are those that you want in – no more nosy neighbor tomcats or greedy racoons looking to steal your kitty’s kibble. The way this cat flap works is pretty straightforward: it will only open if it scans your cat’s unique 15-digit microchip ID upon entry. Alternatively, if your pet is not microchipped, you can separately purchase collar tags that will work the same way. You get the option to pre-program up to 39 pets that are allowed entry, so no worries if you share your home with multiple felines that are free to come and go as they please.

10. Honorable Mention: Dog Buttons for Communication Starter Pack

If only our pets could talk… Well, what if we told you they could? Dog communication buttons are all the rage among pet parents, as they help you train your pet to communicate in a way you can easily understand. This starter pack includes 4 different loud and clear already recorded buttons for dogs that they will be taught to press and express their wishes: out, play, food, or water. The video instructions on how to train your pet to properly use the buttons come inside the box (or rather, instructions on how to access those videos) so you won’t have any trouble figuring out how to teach your pet the basics. You can choose between male or female voice, and different word combinations (e.g. toy, walk, done, help).

11. Best Remote Controlled: GoBone

The GoBone dog toy can be controlled or can be left turned on for your dog to play with while you’re away. This remote-activated toy uses a few pieces of kibble to keep your dog interested and moves around completely on its own. Its two wheels (where the food is also conveniently stored) helps it move about your home and exercise your dog, and its behavior is customizable to your dog’s age, weight, breed, and play style. If you suddenly have the urge to play with your pooch while you’re at work on your break, the app will allow you to maneuver the GoBone from wherever you are. This dog toy is rechargeable and easy to use- playtime lasts up to 60 minutes in freestyle mode and up to 8 hours in autoplay mode, ensuring tons of fun for your four-legged bestie either way. The exterior parts are made in the USA with FDA food-grade materials so you can rest assured that the toy is completely safe for your pet to play with.

12. Best Tracker: Tractive Waterproof GPS Dog Tracker

Ideal for active, outdoorsy dogs or simply as a precaution in case your pet gets lost, this GPS dog tracker will help you track your pet’s every step – in real time. It can easily be mounted on most collars (and it’s not too bulky) and works with a smartphone app, through which you can view your pet’s location anytime, anywhere. It works worldwide, and also has the option of live tracking, which shows your pet’s movement with updates every 2 to 3 seconds. Another nifty feature is the ability to preset safe zones or virtual fences (e.g. your garden or backyard) and get notified the moment your dog leaves one of your areas you previously set as allowed. The tracker is fully waterproof, shockproof, and rechargeable to ensure your pet’s safety at all times.

13. Best Feeder: WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder Food Dispenser

If you work long hours or have trouble setting up consistent meal times for your pet, particularly if they are on a diet, an automatic pet feeder can make your life so much easier – and your pet’s, too. This automatic cat and dog feeder allows you to schedule up to 4 automated feedings per day, as well as control the portion size – anywhere from 2 teaspoons to 4.5 cups can be dispensed per meal. The feeder works with kibble whose size is 0.2” to 0.6” in diameter, so it can be used for small and big dogs and cats alike. To boot, it also has a nifty feature which allows you to record a voice message to your pet, beckoning them to come eat when it’s time for dinner! Convenient and reliable, this automatic feeder works when plugged in the outlet, but in case of an outage, it can use 3 D-size batteries to function, ensuring your pet doesn’t go hungry.

14. Best Crate: ZenCrate

The ZenCrate is ideal for dogs who are scared of fireworks or thunderstorms. This intelligent dog crate looks like a beautiful wooden enclosure that seamlessly works with your decor, but inside offers a doggy haven. It features motion-activated music that automatically turns on when the crate is occupied (you can even create a playlist to play songs that makes your pooch feel relaxed). The ZenCrate is also equipped with sound insulation, vibration-dampening feet, battery backup, orthopedic memory foam, a motion-activated fan, and can be WiFi-enabled.

15. Best Laser: Modmong Engaser Laser Pet Toy

The Engaser makes a wonderful stocking stuffer! Designed to fit ergonomically in the palm of your hand, the Engaser laser toy makes it easy to entertain and exercise your dog or cat for hours of fun. Equipped with USB, just plug it into your computer to recharge for more fun! This fun little toy comes in purple or white color.

What to consider when choosing gadget gifts for my pet?

As it is usually the case with all pet products, the first thing to have in mind is your pet’s safety. Gadgets for pets might seem super fun or practical, but if they are not tested for safety, they can be more trouble than they’re worth – go for gadgets that are made from pet-safe materials, don’t have small pieces that could be ingested, and are durable enough so they don’t break and hurt your pet. Next, consider your pet’s age, size, and activity levels. A gadget should be appropriate for your pet’s unique preferences and their breed and age – a Shorkie puppy and a Great Dane simply can’t get the same experience with one gadget.

Are gadget gifts interactive?

They can be but they don’t necessarily have to be. For instance, gadget gifts such as GPS trackers or microchip-controlled pet flaps are not interactive, but still, nonetheless very practical gadgets that make a great gift for a fellow pet lover or your own pet. If you want something interactive, however, the choices are plenty, from smart toys to automatic feeders and treat-dispensing cameras, you will easily find a gadget gift that has enrichment qualities, as well.

Additional resources:

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Amy Tokic
Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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