How are IoT and Wearable technologies transforming veterinary research, without disrupting operations?
There are three questions that now determine CRO innovation and growth.
The CROs answering "yes" to all three share a common advantage: integrated IoT and wearable technology platforms that transform animal monitoring from periodic observations into continuous intelligence.
The operational divide is clear:
Advanced CROs: Deploy connected monitoring, maintain long-term strategic partnerships, demonstrate operational sophistication that enables innovation, expansion and premium pricing.
Traditional CROs: Still rely on manual observations, facing client concerns about data quality and delivery speed, struggling to grow existing relationships or justify premium positioning.
This isn't just about chasing new business—it's about deepening partnerships and protecting revenue from existing clients whose expectations are fundamentally shifting.
Let's clear up the jargon. When we talk about IoT (Internet of Things) and wearable technology in veterinary research, we are really talking about:
The key word here is "continuous." Instead of collecting data during scheduled checks, these systems provide a constant stream of information that complements—not replaces—veterinary expertise and observation.
Let's talk about what connected monitoring actually does for research organizations, based on real implementations:
The most immediate benefit: catching problems before they become emergencies. This isn't about replacing veterinary judgment. It's about giving your team better information to make decisions.
Manual data collection has inherent challenges:
Connected monitoring addresses all of these:
Every data point from a connected system comes with:
During inspections, instead of pulling together binders of manual logs, you can provide inspectors with complete, tamper-proof digital records. This isn't just convenient—it demonstrates operational maturity.
This often gets overlooked in technology discussions, but it's fundamental: continuous monitoring improves animal welfare.
Here's where many organizations get stuck. They see the full vision of a completely connected facility and think, "We could never implement that."
But you don't have to. Start small, prove value, and scale gradually.
Start with one study and monitor one critical parameter.
Common starting points can be:
What you'll learn:
Once you've proven the concept, expand to monitoring multiple vital signs across several studies.
Typical walk phase:
At this stage, you're building confidence with:
Only after proving value in smaller deployments should you consider comprehensive implementation:
Will this replace our veterinary staff?
No. Connected monitoring enhances veterinary expertise, it doesn't replace it. Think of it like having an extra set of eyes that never blinks. Your team still makes all clinical decisions—they just have better information to work with.
What about device reliability? What if sensors fail?
Modern devices are highly reliable, but failures can happen. That's why connected monitoring is designed to complement, not replace, traditional observations. Your protocols should include both automated and manual checks. The technology provides a safety net, not a single point of failure.
Will animals tolerate wearing devices?
Today's wearables are designed for minimal impact—lightweight, comfortable, and often imperceptible to the animals after a brief acclimation period. Many devices attach to existing collars or harnesses. Start with less sensitive animals to prove the concept before expanding.
How do we handle the initial investment?
The crawl-walk-run approach addresses this. Start with a pilot that requires minimal investment—often just a few thousand dollars for a single study. Once you demonstrate ROI through labor savings, improved data quality, or faster trial completion, expanding becomes an easier business case.
What about regulatory acceptance?
FDA and EMA are increasingly supportive of validated connected monitoring systems. The key is proper validation, documentation, and compliance with 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records. When implemented correctly, automated systems actually improve regulatory compliance by eliminating common manual data collection errors.
Not all technology partners understand veterinary research. Look for understanding of veterinary clinical trial operations, flexibility to integrate with your existing systems, support for phased implementation, and experience with GLP and regulatory requirements.
Cambridge PetTech has 25+ years of IoT and data engineering expertise through Cambridge Technology and exclusively focuses on pet and animal health industry. Our custom AI & IoT solutions and proven Crawl-walk-run methodology prove value before scaling.
Connected monitoring isn't about replacing what works. It's about enhancing veterinary expertise with better data, catching problems earlier, improving animal welfare, and making your team's jobs easier.
You don't need to transform your entire facility overnight. Start with one study, one parameter, and prove the value. The technology will speak for itself.
The question isn't whether connected monitoring works—it's whether you're ready to take that first small step.
Let's have a conversation about your specific situation. We'll help you identify the best starting point for your organization, understand realistic timelines and resource requirements, and create a no-obligation roadmap tailored to your needs.
Questions? Email us: sales@cambridgepettech.com
