Lisa Lavin believes that people need more face time with their pets – literally. Lavin's company, PetChatz, creates an IoT device that allows pet owners to check in on their animals while they're away.
Yes, apparently you can teach a dog to FaceTime. The device calls the pet, then dispenses a treat when it responds. Pet owners can use the system to chat with their animal, or check in silently throughout the day.
Lavin explained that PetChatz is intended to serve as virtual doggy daycare. In addition to video calling, the system is also equipped with games, a treat dispenser, special dog TV channels and aromatherapy.
"It's just really fun," Lavin said. "At any point in time I can call my dogs and check in, and I experience the joy in the middle of the day of seeing their faces."
Lavin said the Burnsvile-based company has been working on the tech for the last six years, and has sold thousands of PetChatz systems. Now, the company plans to use the PetChatz platform to develop an in-home medication management system.
"It's really an IoT platform that can be rinsed and repeated into different verticals," Lavin explained. "In essence, this system can become hub of connectivity in home health care."
Similar to PetChatz, this new device will feature an audio-visual interface, and can be pre-filled with days worth of small tablets, in this case, pills instead of treats. Caregivers can set a reminder for the device owner to take their meds, and after they do so, it will be recorded into an electronic medical record.
Creating a MedTech device was always part of the plan, according to Lavin. The company is currently testing prototypes this fall, and plans to bring the device to market in 2019.
