When choosing a robotic dog for an older person at home, start by finding a model whose sounds, movements and responses to touch suit their preferences – rather than simply picking the one with the most features. Then consider who will operate the switches, clean it and take care of the power supply. A review of care homes published in the International Journal of Older People Nursing also describes negative reactions to robotic pets. A companion dog is no substitute for personal care or treatment.
If a familiar, furry feel would be welcome but barking or unexpected movements could be unsettling, look for predictable responses and a sound that can be switched off. The review published in the International Journal of Older People Nursing shows that not all older people respond positively to robotic pets.
Look for a companion that’s easy to use without a complicated set-up. Before buying, it’s worth checking who will switch it on and off, clean it, change the batteries or charge it.
Someone who used to enjoy having a dog but can’t or doesn’t want to care for a living animal now may appreciate the feel of its fur and the chance to stroke it. Introduce the companion gently and let the person decide whether they want to interact with it.
Start by considering how the person responds to sounds, movement and touch. Then work out which controls and power supply will be practical in their day-to-day home life.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sounds and movements | What sounds and movements does touch trigger? Is there a mute switch? | If barking or sudden movements might cause distress, I want to be able to limit the responses. Around 31% of consumers put a manageable level of stimulation first when making this choice. |
| Controls and care | Check the switches, battery type or charging connection, and cleaning instructions. | In a care setting, I need a companion that the person responsible can reliably look after; for around 25% of consumers, ease of use and care comes first. |
| Fur and feel | Check the fur material, sensor locations and whether it has a heartbeat or vibration function. | If stroking it is meant to bring back memories of a former dog, how it feels and responds to touch matters more to me than how many features it has. Around 25% of consumers put this first. |
| Introducing it and finding a place for it | Make the first introduction pressure-free and choose a place to keep it away from walking routes. | I want to see whether the person likes the companion at all, and avoid making it a trip hazard. This is the priority for around 19% of consumers. |
Barking, motor sounds or vibrations can be engaging, but may also be unsettling for someone who is sensitive to stimulation. The review in the International Journal of Older People Nursing reports that experiences with robotic pets in care homes aren’t always positive.
Check whether you can switch off the sounds and whether the movements are predictable. Observe the first interaction rather than assuming the person will respond positively.
Claims on product pages about helping someone feel calmer or less lonely don’t prove that it will have the same effect on a particular person at home. A pilot study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry describes results in family care at home as less clear-cut than those in care settings.
Think of the dog as a possible extra activity or conversation starter, while continuing with personal care and any existing treatment.
Depending on the model, you may need to change the batteries or charge a rechargeable battery. Ageless Innovation’s companion dog instructions also warn against leaving it on the floor, where it could cause someone to trip.
Before buying, check the switches, power supply and cleaning instructions, and choose a place to keep it away from walking routes.
The brand and exact model number can be important when matching a product to a warning. The European Commission’s Safety Gate system publishes product-specific warnings.
Make a note of the exact model before ordering, then check the product page and look for any relevant entries in the Safety Gate system.
Ageless Innovation describes an interactive companion dog that responds to touch and voice, with a simulated heartbeat.
German retailer Reviva describes the metaDog Husky as a plush dog that responds to touch, with a simulated heartbeat and USB-C charging.
A marketplace listing describes the Chongker Border Collie BPAI-P0002-DE as responding to touch and its name, with a heartbeat function and built-in rechargeable battery.
No. At most, a robotic dog can be an extra source of activity and companionship. A review in the International Journal of Older People Nursing describes varied responses in care homes, while the pilot study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry takes a cautious view of results from family care at home. Neither establishes a therapeutic effect for a particular person or model.
Show it to them where they can see it, and let them decide whether they want to touch it. Ageless Innovation’s family guide advises against presenting the dog as a real animal. Observe and respect a negative reaction, too.
It depends on whether changing batteries or arranging regular charging is easier. Ageless Innovation specifies four C batteries for its companion dog; Reviva’s retailer page describes the metaDog Husky as having a built-in rechargeable battery and USB-C connection. Always check the power supply for the exact version you’re considering.
Search the European Commission’s Safety Gate system using the brand and exact model number. It publishes product-specific warnings, so check that the model name and product details match the one you’re planning to buy.
For its companion dog, Ageless Innovation’s instructions warn against leaving it on the floor because it could cause someone to trip. Clean a robotic dog only as directed in the instructions for that model, and don’t treat its electronic components like those of a washable soft toy.