Animal Alerts powered by PetPace™ Turns Pet Health Data into Earthquake Warnings
May 20 2024 - 8:00AM
Business Wire
In a groundbreaking initiative launched in Peru, a collaboration
of experts in the animal care, technology, science, and media
sectors has led a whole new approach to early earthquake warnings
and public safety. Animal Alerts is a project to develop the first
earthquake warning system powered by PetPace, the industry leader
in animal health monitoring. Advised by Dr. Grant, the first phase
of the project is underway in Lima, Peru. Using the innovative
PetPace smart collar, health data is collected and analyzed for
correlation to earthquakes, with the aim of developing a system to
alert residents via different media channels.
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PetPace and Animal Alerts turn pet health
data into early warning of earthquakes in Peru study. (Photo:
Business Wire)
Earthquakes have a devastating impact on communities and their
livelihoods worldwide. Peru is a known seismic zone, due to its
location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. Despite many advances in
the field, there is no technology to date that can predict
earthquakes reliably.
“It's been shown in many systematic studies that animals often
behave differently prior to earthquakes,” says Dr. Rachel Grant, a
behavioral ecologist, and senior lecturer at the London South Bank
University. Dogs are particularly useful models of this phenomenon
due to their acute senses and their proximity to humans. “Animal
Alerts, with the use of PetPace AI technology, allows us, for the
first time, to collect reproducible physiological data in real time
which could help with short term earthquake risk forecasting.”
Combining nature and technology
“PetPace is focused on continuously monitoring the physiological
and behavioral data of dogs to ensure their well-being. The same
data can be harnessed with the aim of protecting communities,” said
Dr. Asaf Dagan, Chief Scientist and Cofounder, PetPace. Designed to
ensure comfort for pets, the PetPace smart collar collects vital
health data through its electrode-free, non-invasive sensors. Data
such as pulse, temperature, respiration etc. are recorded in
real-time. Based on these parameters and AI algorithms developed by
the PetPace science team, the dog’s stress level is determined.
When multiple dogs in various locations within Lima show an
anomalous increase in stress level at the same time, this could be
an indication of an impending earthquake.
“There is an urgent need for innovative approaches to warn the
public before an earthquake. Especially since Lima's infrastructure
is extremely vulnerable to seismic activity. And so, a timely alert
from Animal Alerts could help save countless lives,” says Carlos G.
Brown, Disaster Risk Management Expert, TECHO Peru.
Leveraging the power of integrated media
For effective earthquake warning, Animal Alerts has secured
media partnerships through Mediaplus Group and Reset Media for the
broadcasting of alerts through geo-targeted messages on digital
billboards, web, mobile, and radio. Through the support of various
pet nutrition experts in Lima, retail promotions call for further
volunteers to join the program. A website provides further
information and ways for people to participate.
“This initiative not only showcases an innovative use of
technology, but also emphasizes the deep connection between humans
and their pets, leveraging this bond for protecting the community.”
— Alex Schill, Chief Creative Officer, Serviceplan Group
“Growing up in a country like Peru, where seismic activity is
constant, this idea becomes a really valuable tool.” — Rolando
Cordova, Chief Creative Officer, L&C Lima-NYC
About PetPace
Based in Birmingham, MA, PetPace is a leading developer,
manufacturer, and marketer of the most advanced, patented AI-driven
wearable pet technology in the world. PetPace is composed of
veterinarians, IoT professionals, engineers, algorithms experts,
data specialists, and pet owners. PetPace conducts thorough
research with top universities and research institutes worldwide to
bring their proprietary product portfolio to market. They are
dedicated to protecting and improving the health of all pets. For
more information visit www.petpace.com
About the creators
Animal Alerts is an initiative created by Serviceplan Group,
L&C, and Mediaplus Group along with collaborators: Eat, Sleep +
Design, ASTRAL Kreativ, Ashwin Suresh, Dr. Rachel Grant, Rebecca,
and Reset Media.
Serviceplan Group is one of the world's leading independent
communication agencies, headquartered in Munich, with offices
around the world including in Paris, New York, and San Francisco.
L&C is an award-winning advertising agency with offices in Lima
and New York and is an affiliate company of Serviceplan Group.
Mediaplus Group is the largest independent and partner-managed
media agency in Europe and is a Serviceplan subsidiary.
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Margie Adelman VP of Communications PetPace
Margie.adelman@petpace.com 916 220 3500