Petlibro Smart Feeder Outage Leaves Pets Unfed

On Tuesday, Petlibro, a maker of Wi‑Fi‑enabled pet feeders that pair with a mobile app via Bluetooth, experienced a service outage that prevented scheduled feedings. Users reported that their dogs and cats went hungry while owners were away, underscoring the vulnerability of relying on connected devices for essential pet care. The feeders allow owners to set automatic dispensing times, a feature designed to simplify routine feeding when the household is empty. Petlibro’s CEO, York Wu, explained to The Verge that the disruption stemmed from a problem with how the Petlibro app communicates with devices through its online servers. While the company has not yet detailed a resolution timeline, the incident highlights the importance of robust connectivity and backup plans for smart home appliances that perform critical functions. Pet owners and manufacturers alike are reminded that even seemingly mundane devices can become points of failure, potentially impacting animal welfare and daily convenience.