How Smart Tech and AI are expanding the pet retail toolkit

Technology at SUPERZOO 2026 is moving beyond novelty and into everyday usefulness. Smart Tech/AI is a main category in the New Product Showcase, while the education program gives pet retailers and groomers practical ways to think about artificial intelligence, digital communication and operational tools.

That combination matters. Buyers can see products in action on the show floor, then consider the larger business systems that help a store communicate, merchandise and serve customers more effectively.

Connected products become easier to evaluate in person

Pet technology can include tools that support feeding, monitoring, enrichment, safety, mobility and care routines. An in-person demonstration lets a retailer move beyond a list of features. Buyers can assess setup, interface clarity, durability, packaging and the amount of explanation a customer may need.

The best booth conversations connect technology to a real use case. Who is the product for? What routine does it simplify? How does the pet interact with it? What support is available after purchase? Those questions help retailers choose technology that fits both the animal and the store’s service model.

AI as a business assistant

SUPERZOO’s education schedule includes sessions on preparing for an AI-driven economy and balancing high-tech tools with authentic brand communication. That framing is especially useful for independent pet businesses. Technology can help organize information, develop marketing ideas and improve efficiency, while the retailer’s experience and trusted customer relationships remain central.

The most promising technology at SUPERZOO will help pet professionals deliver more informed, responsive and personal service.

A practical evaluation checklist

• Ease: Can staff demonstrate the product confidently?
• Value: Is the benefit easy for a customer to understand?
• Support: Does the brand provide training, troubleshooting and updates?
• Trust: Are privacy, safety and care guidance communicated clearly?
• Fit: Does it complement the store’s current assortment and expertise?

With Smart Tech/AI represented in both the product showcase and education program, SUPERZOO gives attendees a valuable environment for separating interesting ideas from tools that can become genuine retail solutions.

Review the official New Product Showcase categories, explore the 2026 education schedule, and visit SHOWFLOOR.TV’s SUPERZOO event hub.