# Social Petworking Apps and smart pet games provides play through high-tech convenience. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 6, 2014, updated Mar 27, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/digital-pet ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.5/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Social Petworking trend? **Social Petworking:** In an age where time is often limited due to responsibilities of work and family, consumers are looking to more contemporary ways to delegate their tasks more efficiently. Interactive pet apps and tech games that allow dogs and cats to play offers a source of distraction that owners can easily provide without sacrificing time to do it, reflecting the growing demand for features that allow individuals to optimize their time more efficiently. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 16, 2013 to Jul 26, 2017 - Published: Mar 6, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Social Petworking trend ### Smart Pet Games Apps and games that allow pets to play by themselves offer a tech solution to busy pet owners. ### Connected Pet Products Pet products that connect to the internet are becoming more popular, from treat dispensers to game consoles. ### Automated Pet Toys Pet toys that are intelligent and can react to a pet's actions allow owners to automate playtime with their household companions. ## What the Social Petworking trend means for industry ### For Pet Tech This is an industry that is continually growing and offers a wide range of products to consumers with pets. ### For Smart Home Pet products that connect to the internet and offer automation align themselves with the smart home industry, which continues to expand. ### For Gaming Pet toys and games that are interactive and stimulate the mind of a pet are similar to the gaming industry, which opens up partnerships and funding opportunities. ## Trend signals for Social Petworking Trend score 4.5 out of 10, from popularity 76%, activity 53%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 76% - Activity: 53% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Social Petworking trend 6 featured examples from Jun 16, 2013 to Jul 26, 2017. - [Cat Selfie-Enabling Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snapcat): The Snapcat App Lets Kitties Take Selfies by Pawing at the Screen (Category: Tech) Implication: The pet technology industry is expanding with products like Snapcat that enable pets to take their own photos. - [Randomized Smart Pet Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toy-for-cats-and-dogs): The 'Felik' Intelligent Toy for Cats and Dogs Reacts to a Pet's Actions (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The pet products industry can embrace the trend of automated pet toys, like the 'Felik', to meet the needs of busy pet owners and provide convenience. - [Color-Matching Pet Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/color-match-by-cleverpet): Pets Can Stay Occupied at Home with Color Match by CleverPet (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The pet tech industry can capitalize on the trend of interactive pet games, developing innovative products that cater to the mental stimulation needs of pets. - [Color-Changing Fetch Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glowstreak): The Nite Ize GlowStreak LED Dog Ball Allows for Nighttime Games of Fetch (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporating technology, such as motion-activated LED lights, into pet toys to enhance playtime and engagement. - [Digitally-Tossed Pet Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/icpooch-treat-dispenser): iCPooch Treat Dispenser Tames Terrified Terriers and Other Pets (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The iCPooch treat dispenser is a novel product in the growing pet technology industry, providing opportunities to develop more advanced digital products for pet owners. - [Canine Entertainment Units](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cleverpet-hub): The 'CleverPet Hub' is Currently on Display at CES 2016 (Category: Tech) Implication: The pet care industry has the opportunity to develop and market more innovative, technology-driven products like the CleverPet Hub. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)