Description:
In 2023, 66,900 people died in earthquakes, many of which were felt in Lima, Peru — located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where 90% of all seismic activity occurs.
Insight: While the most sophisticated technology can’t predict earthquakes, scientific evidence shows that animals could. Previous approaches to monitoring animals in the wild for earthquake forecasting have failed due to the use of outdated and invasive technology.

Objective: To warn people before earthquakes and give them time to evacuate.

Idea: Animal Alerts is the first earthquake warning system powered by pet health data. Using the existing PetPace smart health collars, dogs’ physiological and behavioral data are monitored. Integrated media and geotargeted notifications are then used to warn the residents.

Execution: Designed with the comfort of dogs in mind, the PetPace smart collar makes use of electrode-free non-invasive sensors. With volunteers from all over Lima, dogs were selected in different locations to be monitored for abnormal behavior and anxiety.

When multiple dogs behave abnormally at the same time, environmental factors such as weather are ruled out before considering the possibility of an earthquake.

The resulting alerts are sent out in real-time through geo-targeted mobile notifications, digital billboards, and radio, giving people valuable time to evacuate.

Media spaces were secured for free through partnerships. By partnering with local pet stores, pet owners and their dogs were invited to join the program.

Results: For PetPace, Animal Alerts is not only an opportunity to create awareness for their product as they enter the South American market but also a demonstration of how animal health monitoring can be of benefit to society. While increasing PetPace user base, Animal Alerts helps protect 9 million residents in a high seismic area. Launched in Lima, the program will soon be rolled out globally to countries with high seismic activity.