PetParker, a smart, temperature-controlled kennel system designed to keep dogs and cats safe while their owners run errands, will soon make its debut on the Sunshine Coast.
And local realtor Jillian Dueck is thrilled to be the one making the introduction.
“About two years ago, I was in downtown Vancouver and I saw a PetParker at Pacific Centre and I thought, well, this is amazing and we definitely need some of these on the Sunshine Coast,” said Dueck. “Since then, I've been trying to figure out how to get them over to the Coast.”
PetParker offers secure, app-controlled “pet pods” outside of stores, gyms and other high-traffic locations where pets typically aren’t allowed. Each unit is equipped with internal cameras, air conditioning and heating, UV sanitation, and real-time monitoring via the PetParker app. Owners can reserve a pod ahead of time or access one on demand, unlocking it with their phone and tracking their pet during the visit.
Dueck said a typical scenario specific to the Coast demonstrating the need for a PetParker, is tourist season, which sees people travelling from the mainland with kids and pets enroute to their holiday destination and they want to stop to pick up groceries.
“It's not that these are terrible human beings. There's just no solution being offered. You can't leave your dog tied up outside because it's too hot, the concrete is hot, and you risk your dog being stolen,” said Dueck. “And you can't leave them in the car. What are you supposed to do? So, when I saw this, the PetParker, for me it just seemed like a no-brainer.”
But it’s not just visitors who need the service says Dueck. She notes seniors out doing errands and even locals simply out for a walk who decide they’d like to stop and grab something from a shop or restaurant, could all take advantage of the service. Popular locations include grocery stores, pharmacies and coffee shops.
“I've been on the Sunshine Coast for nine years now, and just seeing and hearing about the fights and the dogs being left in cars and police being called and it’s just getting worse and worse every year, and there being no alternatives for anybody,” said Dueck.
The units are already in use in some Metro Vancouver cities and in parts of Toronto, with plans to expand to other cities across BC and Ontario. PetParker has partnered with select retailers and municipal governments to place the pods strategically in pedestrian-heavy zones.
Before they can gain access to the service, pet owners must prove their dogs are housebroken and vaccinated. A built-in camera means the owner can view their pet through the app, while PetParker also monitors them. Staff regularly clean and inspect the pods, and a 24/7 support team is on standby in case of emergencies. PetParkers are paid for by sponsorship, so a company can pay to have one in front of their store or have it custom wrapped with their logo.
“There's no risk, they're very safe, everything is very easy to use by your app and it's temperature controlled as well,” said Dueck. “It’s really nice in our community too, given that we have so many seniors and people that don't necessarily drive who want to take their pets out because they are their companions and friends and they can go for a little walk and stop and get a couple groceries,” said Dueck. “And with this, they can safely leave their pet in the PetParker. No one's going to steal them and it's comfortable in there.”
Dueck wants pet owners to see PetParkers for themselves, so she’ll be at Sunnycrest Mall for pop-up events, July 24 and Aug. 1 and 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
