Over 10 Million Pet Owners Soar... 'Pet Appliances' Stir Up Market from Washing Machines to Snacks

'Samsung Jetbot AI' robot vacuum cleaner and 'SmartThings Pet' care service
[Photo by Samsung Electronics]

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] As we enter an era where one in five people in the nation owns a companion animal, major domestic home appliance companies are focusing on 'pet care' products suitable for managing pets. They are expanding the related market by releasing products that help maintain household cleanliness such as vacuum cleaners and air purifiers, as well as pet-specific food cookers, washers, and dryers.

According to the home appliance industry on the 13th, Samsung Electronics plans to launch the AI-based robot vacuum cleaner 'Samsung Jetbot AI' linked with the 'SmartThings Pet' care service in Korea and the United States during the first half of this year. SmartThings Pet is a pet management service introduced by Samsung for the first time, allowing users to remotely check pet videos using the wireless vacuum cleaner's camera and sensors. When linked with the Samsung SmartThings app, users can receive a 'customized pet' service. For example, if a pet barks, it notifies the user in real-time, allowing them to adjust the indoor temperature or feed the pet, enabling care even from outside the home.

Earlier, Samsung Electronics also launched last month the Bespoke Cube Air 'Pet Care' model air purifier equipped with a microfiber filter that focuses on removing pet hair in the air and a deodorizing filter that effectively eliminates odors from urine, feces, and pet food. The new direct-heating oven model includes functions to easily prepare 16 representative pet snacks such as chicken breast jerky and dried pumpkin treats.

LG Tromm washer and dryer with pet clothing care function applied
[Photo by LG Electronics]

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LG Electronics recently introduced Tromm washers and dryers with pet clothing care functions for the first time, targeting 'Petfam' (a combination of pet and family). The pet care washing course of the LG Tromm washer 'Steam Pet' is useful for removing everyday stains and odors such as feces, mud, and grass from pet clothes. The pet care drying course helps eliminate the scent of dogs and cats and fecal odors from clothing.

Earlier, in November last year, LG also released the cordless vacuum cleaner 'CodeZero A9S Pet ThinQ,' which is effective in removing pet hair stuck on sofas and carpets. This product features a suction port that reduces hair tangling and a simple emptying system that compresses hair in the dustbin. Last month, LG launched the new 'PuriCare 360°' air purifier and introduced the 'Pet Plus' model, which enhances deodorizing performance and hair and dust removal functions compared to previous models.

According to the '2019 Public Awareness Survey on Animal Protection' by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, the number of households raising companion animals in Korea reaches 5.91 million. Considering the average household size (2.4 people), it is estimated that the number of people owning pets exceeds 10 million. Accordingly, not only home appliances but also markets related to companion animals are expected to grow rapidly in the future. According to the Korea Rural Economic Institute, the domestic pet-related industry size is projected to steadily increase from 2.3322 trillion won in 2017 to exceed 6 trillion won by 2027.

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