May 20, 2024 8:00 AM EDT
Originally Posted on Street Insider
LIMA, Peru — A new collaborative initiative in Peru brings together experts in animal care, technology, science, and media to develop an innovative approach to earthquake early warning and public safety. The project, called Animal Alerts, uses PetPace smart collars and AI-driven analysis to turn pet health data into actionable alerts. Advised by Dr. Rachel Grant, the first phase of the program is currently underway in Lima.
Peru sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire and faces regular seismic activity that threatens communities and infrastructure. While seismology has advanced, reliably predicting earthquakes remains beyond current science. Animal Alerts seeks to complement traditional monitoring by analyzing physiological and behavioral signals from pets—especially dogs—that may change before seismic events.
“It’s been shown in many systematic studies that animals often behave differently prior to earthquakes,” said Dr. Rachel Grant, behavioral ecologist and senior lecturer at London South Bank University.
Dogs are well-suited for this type of study because of their keen senses and close contact with people. Using PetPace technology and AI, Animal Alerts aims to collect reproducible physiological data from pets in real time and investigate whether coordinated, anomalous changes in multiple animals can provide short-term earthquake risk signals.
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 of PetPace.
The PetPace smart collar is designed for comfort and non-invasive monitoring. Its sensors record vital signs such as pulse, temperature, and respiration in real time without electrodes. PetPace’s AI processes these parameters to estimate a dog’s stress level. If many dogs across different neighborhoods in Lima register a simultaneous and unusual rise in stress, that pattern could indicate a developing seismic event and trigger a community alert.
“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. A timely alert from Animal Alerts could help save countless lives,” said Carlos G. Brown, Disaster Risk Management Expert at TECHO Peru.
Leveraging the Power of Integrated Media
For alerts to reach people quickly, Animal Alerts has established media partnerships to broadcast geo-targeted messages across digital billboards, websites, mobile platforms, and radio. Media partners include Mediaplus Group and Reset Media. Local pet nutrition experts and retailers in Lima are supporting volunteer recruitment to expand the network of participating animals. A project website offers additional information and ways for pet owners 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,” said Alex Schill, Chief Creative Officer at Serviceplan Group.
“Growing up in a country like Peru, where seismic activity is constant, this idea becomes a really valuable tool,” added Rolando Cordova, Chief Creative Officer at L&C Lima-NYC.
About PetPace
PetPace is a developer and manufacturer of patented, AI-driven wearable pet technology based in Birmingham, Massachusetts. Its multidisciplinary team includes veterinarians, IoT professionals, engineers, algorithm specialists, and pet owners. PetPace partners with universities and research institutes to validate its products and refine clinical and analytic methods. The company’s mission is to monitor and improve pet health through continuous, non-invasive data collection and analysis.
About the creators
Animal Alerts was created by Serviceplan Group, L&C, and Mediaplus Group with collaborators including Eat, Sleep + Design, ASTRAL Kreativ, Ashwin Suresh, Dr. Rachel Grant, Rebecca, and Reset Media. Serviceplan Group is a global independent communications agency headquartered in Munich with offices worldwide. L&C is an award-winning agency with offices in Lima and New York and is affiliated with Serviceplan Group. Mediaplus Group is a large, independent media agency and a Serviceplan subsidiary.
Media and public interest in combining animal behavior with modern sensor networks continues to grow as communities seek complementary tools for early warning and disaster preparedness. Animal Alerts represents a multidisciplinary attempt to harness everyday pet health data for public safety while advancing research into animal responses to natural hazards.
Margie Adelman
VP of Communications
PetPace
[email protected]
916 220 3500
Source: PetPace