The pet retail world is changing fast — and not just in the types of products customers are looking for.
The way people shop is evolving, and that’s reshaping how store owners manage their day-to-day operations, too.
Take convenience, for example. Buy online, pickup in store (BOPIS) is booming, projected to make up 13.5% of all U.S. e-commerce sales by 2030 — a staggering $335.9 billion in revenue.
That tells us one thing loud and clear: Shoppers want options, and they want them now.
If you’re an independent pet retailer, you’ve likely felt this shift firsthand:
Luckily, pet retail technology is evolving just as quickly. And when you know which tools to use, keeping up with the trends is easier than you’d expect.
To help you keep up (and get ahead), here are six pet technology trends you should know about.
Not every trend is worth your time, but these six are shaping the future of pet retail. And they can give your pet store a serious edge if you implement them right.
Gone are the days of ordering too many dog treats or running out of flea shampoo at the worst time.
Smart inventory tools help you stay on top of what’s selling and automate reordering so you don’t have to think about it.
Let’s say you sell out of a popular dog food every 10 days. With smart ordering, your system will notice the trend, prompt you to reorder automatically, and prevent future out-of-stock moments. No more frustrated customers!
Here’s a breakdown of how smart inventory tools can help your pet store:
Related Read: How To Manage Pet Store Inventory: 5 Tips & Tools
Did you know that nearly 80% of pet parents shop both in store and online?
That goes to show you that today’s pet parents want flexibility — whether that’s shopping online, picking up in store, or booking grooming appointments right from their phone.
That’s why omnichannel integration is a must.
A connected system syncs your in-store point of sale (POS) system with your e-commerce website, so your inventory, orders, and customer profiles stay up to date everywhere. You can offer BOPIS, local delivery, or appointment booking without juggling different systems.
Here’s an overview of what omnichannel tools help you do:
The pet industry runs on relationships. The better you know your customers and their pets, the more likely they are to keep coming back.
Loyalty programs, email newsletters, and personalized offers used to take a lot of time, but today’s marketing tools can automate the process and make it easy to stay in touch.
Look for tools that help you:
With eTailPet, the POS system made specifically for pet store owners, these tools are built right in.
Small business owners today have access to powerful reporting tools that used to be reserved for big-box chains. Modern pet retail software gives you clear, actionable reports on sales, inventory, customer behavior, and more.
Here’s what you can track with the right POS system:
Speed and convenience are key for the customers walking through your doors.
Offering contactless payments, mobile checkout, and digital receipts helps create a smooth experience for your customers — especially for quick visits or busy days.
Here’s what modern payment solutions allow:
Related Read: Pet Shop Payment Processing With a POS System: 10 Benefits
It’s not just pet technology for your store that’s getting smarter — pet products are, too.
Consumer demand for pet tech is skyrocketing. Pet technology was estimated at $10.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $41.3 billion by 2032.
Customers love gadgets that help them care for their pets. Products like GPS collars, fitness trackers, and auto-feeders are in high demand, especially among millennial and Gen Z pet parents.
Here’s why carrying these products in your pet store matters for your business:
You don’t need to jump on every new tech trend to run a successful pet store. What really matters is choosing the right tools — ones that are built for pet retailers like you and actually solve day-to-day problems.
Whether it’s inventory headaches, a clunky checkout process, or staying in touch with your best customers, the solution isn’t always more software, it’s smarter software.
Here are a few tips to guide your next move:
When your tools work together and actually make your day easier, tech becomes something you can rely on, not a hassle.
You don’t need to piece together five different systems. eTailPet brings everything together in one smart, easy-to-use platform — and it’s built specifically for independent pet retailers.
Here’s how eTailPet helps you stay ahead:
Ready to turn these pet technology trends into your competitive advantage? Learn how eTailPet can help. Book your demo today.