While large numbers of retailers worry about their future, Pets at Home has seen its profits increase. The lockdown pet boom saw people adopting kittens and puppies in attempts to curb loneliness and, as a result, they splashed out on pet-parent memberships, accessories, and essentials.

Increased anxiety and loneliness led to a boom in pet sales during lockdowns – but as offices open up again, people are having to navigate new challenges. A slew of pet-tech solutions is cropping up to relieve pet parents of the guilt of leaving home and to help alleviate separation anxiety.

For a new generation of pet owners, spurred on by the pandemic, the emotional health of their animals is more important than ever before. Petpuls’ AI-powered dog collar promises to deepen the pet-owner relationship and provide emotional transparency by giving dogs a voice.

Going to the vet can be a difficult experience – pets may get spooked at the clinic by strange smells, sounds, and other animals, while many owners struggle to find the necessary time and funds to visit. FirstVet addresses these pain points by setting up virtual appointments through video calls.