Samsung is moving pet health monitoring closer to the smartphone. Through AI in the SmartThings Pet Care ecosystem, owners of dogs and cats may soon be able to take a photo with a Galaxy phone and receive an early analysis of their pet’s condition.
The approach stands out because it removes the need for extra hardware. Instead of relying on smart collars or subscription-based pet cameras, Samsung is trying to place the first layer of pet health screening inside a device many users already carry every day.
AI looks for early signs of illness
The feature is being developed with Lifet, a startup focused on animal health. Lifet is part of Samsung’s external incubation program, which supports technology-driven ideas across different fields.
The process is straightforward. Users point a Galaxy smartphone camera at a dog or cat, then take a photo that the AI system analyzes for possible health signals.
Samsung says the system can detect early signs of several conditions, including dental disease, patellar luxation, and cataracts. Those findings are meant to serve as an initial alert rather than a final medical judgment.
Lifet says the analysis service it developed has an accuracy rate of up to 97 percent. That figure remains a company claim and has not been presented as an official Samsung test result.
Built into SmartThings Pet Care
Samsung is introducing the technology as part of SmartThings Pet Care, linking pet monitoring with its broader smart home ecosystem. The integration points to a wider plan to make pet care one more connected part of the home experience.
That setup could let users manage several functions within a single system rather than using separate tools for different tasks. It also reflects Samsung’s push to make pet care feel like a natural extension of the smart home, not a stand-alone add-on.
The company also says no additional hardware is required. Users do not need to buy a smart collar, a dedicated camera, or a separate paid service to begin an initial check.
Not a substitute for a veterinarian
Samsung is careful to frame the feature as a support tool, not a replacement for professional care. The AI output is designed to help owners notice possible problems earlier, but it does not replace a veterinarian’s diagnosis.
If the system flags an issue, owners are still advised to take their pet to a veterinarian for a follow-up examination. That distinction matters, especially for users who may be tempted to treat a photo-based result as a final answer.
Still waiting for a release date
Samsung showed the technology at VivaTech 2026 in Paris, giving the public an early look at what the service may become. Even so, the company has not announced a launch schedule for the feature.
Samsung has also not said which Galaxy devices will support it once it becomes available. The company has not revealed the first markets or countries that may receive the rollout either.
For now, the feature signals how AI is expanding into everyday pet care. If SmartThings Pet Care proves reliable in real-world use, Samsung’s photo-based screening could become a practical way for owners to spot changes in their pets sooner.