If there is anywhere in North America where you would expect to see technology at work in unique ways, it’s the Silicon Valley—home to some of the world’s most innovative ideas. A state-of-the-art dog park in the area is using technology to meet an important health standard: keeping its patrons hydrated during the warm summer months.

The Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) is using the WaterDog—an automatic, outdoor pet drinking fountain—at its new, members-only dog park in Milpitas, CA. The park staff has installed five of the sonar-activated units at the park, allowing dogs to help themselves to fresh, clean drinking water.

Adequate hydration is critical to the health and well-being of all dogs. Stress, activity, and air temperature can all contribute to excess fluid loss and could lead to fatigue, weakness, tremors, heat stroke, or even death.

“Just like people, dogs should be well hydrated especially when they are active in warm weather," said Dr. Julia Lewis, director of animal welfare and staff veterinarian for HSSV. "It's important to provide access to fresh water for them. Water that sits in a bowl can become contaminated from debris, evaporate, or the bowl can get flipped over.”

The WaterDog is activated when pets come within one meter of the unit and turns off within seconds of the pet’s departure. It connects easily to an outdoor faucet and operates for up to one year on four, “C” cell batteries.

"The WaterDog is a fun addition to our new park," said Beth Ward, vice president of animal and customer care for Humane Society Silicon Valley. “It’s easy for most dogs to learn how to use it and they all enjoy the fact that they get fresh water when they come near the unit."

For more information contact:

Tracey Robertson
Media Relations
Contech Enterprises Inc.
250.413.3250 ext 124
1.800.767.8658
tracey.robertson@contech-inc.com

About Contech

Contech is a designer and provider of animal control and wellness products and non-toxic pest management products for home and garden, forestry, landscape, agriculture, and commercial applications. Safe and effective solutions such as the ScareCrow® motion-activated sprinkler continue to reinforce the company's reputation as a leading innovator in the pet and garden industries. Contech makes non-toxic traps for yellow jackets and wasps, outdoor flies, flour and pantry moths and fruit flies. For more information visit: www.contech-inc.com.