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• AI is moving closer to decoding animal language in real time. Devices are already enabling limited communication of emotional and behavioural cues between pets and humans
• The global pet tech market reached over £4.5 billion in 2023, with UK pet ownership rising by 3.2 million households since 2020
• 75% of pet owners say they’d use technology to better understand their animals, according to Mars Petcare

Let’s be clear—AI isn’t about teaching pets to speak English. It’s about recognising patterns in animal behaviour and translating them into something meaningful for humans. And according to several emerging tech startups, we’re closer to that than we might expect.

Earlier this year, researchers at the University of Tokyo trained AI to analyse the vocalisations of domestic cats. Their model could recognise various meows based on the cat’s mood or intent, such as hunger, anger, or affection. Projects like these point to a future in which pet technology extends beyond novelty.

I’ve tested collars that translate basic signals into soundbites. Some notify me when Milo is agitated or anxious. The underlying principle is data collection—thousands of samples from dogs and cats mapped to specific behaviours and emotional cues.

What’s Already on the Market

Companies like , started by cognitive scientist Con Slobodchikoff, are working to decode animal communication using machine learning. Slobodchikoff spent decades studying prairie dog calls and believes similar models could be applied to dogs and cats.

FluentPet, a button-based communication system, lets dogs like Bunny—the viral TikTok dog—tap buttons that say pre-recorded words. Some describe this as language learning, though most experts frame it as behavioural conditioning.

Wearable devices like the Petpuls smart collar use bark recognition to classify emotions, such as happy, anxious, angry, sad, or relaxed, based on acoustic data.

The Science Driving This

AI pet communication relies on three pillars:

• Audio processing: Recognising tone, pitch, and frequency patterns
• Motion tracking: Interpreting tail movement, posture, and pacing
• Biometrics: Monitoring vitals like temperature and heart rate

Each device feeds this data into an AI model trained using large datasets of animal behaviour. Some models refine accuracy with regular use.

The Role of Training and Environment

This is going to be very context-sensitive. This bark can mean different things depending on the setting, time, or environment. The AI seemingly has the potential to adjust more quickly to these variables than a human would.

There’s no universal animal language. That makes generalising models across species or breeds challenging. Still, even partial recognition can help reduce stress, improve response, and strengthen care.

Real-World Feedback

Some pet owners say these devices help reduce guesswork. When a collar indicates “I feel lonely,� they may spend more time with their pet. Others use it to observe changes in behaviour while away.

Still, not every pet responds the same way. Some ignore the devices. Others appear calmed by voice feedback. As one London-based tester noted, “It’s like subtitles for my dog. Not perfect, but better than nothing.�

The Next Step

Developers are exploring wider use cases:

• Multi-species tools: Expanding models for cats, birds, or horses
• Smart Ì첩ÈüʹÙÍø integration: Lighting or music adjusting to a pet’s mood
• Behaviour alerts: Early signs of stress or illness are detected and flagged

Some teams are creating AI companions for pets—devices that respond with sound or motion to keep animals engaged while alone.

What to Consider Before You Buy

These tools might be pricey. Entry-level collars start at £80, while premium models cost over £200. Consider the ease of updates, user data rules, and the company’s track record.

Most essential, understand the restrictions. These are methods for raising awareness, not replacements for attention or care.

A Growing Sector

The pet technology market is booming. Analysts predict that the global market for smart pet devices will exceed £10 billion by 2030. As AI advances, more pet owners are likely to investigate this technology, not only for convenience but also to broaden their understanding.

Final Thought

AI pet communication isn’t about replacing the bond you already have. It’s about reinforcing it.

These tools won’t let your dog give speeches. But they might help you respond with more clarity and care.