frame3_0You have heard of nanny cams.  You may know about the live webcams at doggie daycare centers.  Yet new technology is pushing the envelope further, as you can now check in on your dog walker and even get the scoop on your dog’s bathroom breaks (if you choose!)  It’s a trend that dog walking services are embracing.

In New York City, for example, a place I immediately think of when I think of dog walkers, competition for this service can be stiff.  One dog-walking service, known as Swifto, has offered GPS tracking at no extra charge since opening more than a year ago.  Realizing that verification is something many owners often have anxieties over, they decided to make this service available.  Their clients have access to a smartphone app, which tells them exactly how much exercise their dog received.  The app also calculates the speed of a dog walk or run, and how often their pup stopped for bathroom breaks.frame4-technology

This is just one example of a company relying on dog walking technology to set hem apart.  Numerous others around the country are joining the revolution, so to speak.  In fact, Pet Check Technology, a software company, offers advanced technology to pet care companies, including dog-walking and pet-sitting services.  It has experienced steady growth since its inception in 2010.  Their software is available in 16 states and will soon be available worldwide.  The company founder, Doug Simon, says that “pet parents are concerned about 3 main things when it comes to a pet sitter: What time did my sitter arrive, how long did they care for my pet, and where did they actually go.”  This service provides accountability.  They use QR codes, smartphones, and GPS tracking.  For instance, when a pet owner signs up with a company using Pet Check, the owner receives a unique QR code, which the dog sitter or walker then uses to scan in and out of the owner’s home.  The owner then receives automated, real-time alerts and can log in anytime to view a GPS map.  Simon says that the response has been great so far.  Interested?

Dr. Dawn
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