Dog owners embrace state of the art technology

A Christchurch start-up, Doggone, is set to change the way people look after their pets. Trialling for four months in Stokes Valley, Doggone is working with Hutt City Council to provide a quick and effective way of reuniting lost dogs with their owners.

A Wellington community is one of the first in New Zealand to give the new phone app a go.

Heather Clouston is one dog owner trying Doggone.

“I’ve only ever lost Poppee once, but it was quite a terrifying moment because I had no idea where she was and luckily I did find her down the road,” she said.

Ms Clouston and Poppee are among the hundred of Hutt City residents trialling the phone app which communicates with a Bluetooth tag worn on the dog’s collar.

Hutt City Council last month received 80 complaints of dogs on the loose and impounded 62 dogs.

Les Dalton of the council’s Animal Services hopes the technology will mean animal control officers deal with fewer strays.

“Those who have that smartphone app who are in the community are going to all be able to join in and see those dogs reunited rather than dogs picked up by council and put in the shelter,” he said.

The four-month trial of the technology is happening in the suburb of Stokes Valley which was chosen for its high concentration of dog owners.

If the trial is successful, it’s hoped the technology could be rolled out nationwide.