Dec 10, 2014

PetSimpl's GPS-enabled device lets pet owners track their dogs and cats PetSimple + Recent MassChallenge alum PetSimpl, which has developed a wearable sensor for pets, is wrapping up an uber-successful Kickstarter campaign. More and more companies are turning to crowdfunding to test the viability of their products. PetSimpl took its dog and cat activity tracker, Pip , to Kickstarter recently, and, with one day left in the campaign, the company has already surpassed its $50,000 project goal by more than $15,000. They expect that number to rise in the next 24 hours as well. The product enables pet owners to keep track of their animals with a small GPS-enabled device that fits on an animal’s collar. When a pet is wearing Pip, its owners can track a dog if it gets lost or be notified when a cat leaves a certain pre-determined vicinity. The owner can also track a pet’s daily activity, much like a FitBit or other wearable device. PetSimpl founder Dave Waymouth said that he was just accepted into the Valley Ventures Mentors accelerator program in Springfield starting in 2015, and that the company expects to be ahead of its planned schedule in terms of shipping the device. Waymouth added that, “Like all hardware Kickstarters, something could go wrong, but we don’t anticipate it.” Dennis Keohane is a Senior Staff Writer for BetaBoston. You can drop him tips, pitch an idea, or just reach out to chat with him at Dennis.Keohane@globe.com . Follow Dennis on Twitter - Google+