## 1 Introduction  
The Internet of Things (IoT) is an emerging paradigm that proposes the creation of dynamic networks of devices that can collect and exchange data with each other, anywhere, anytime, and from any network that is accessible [1]. This communication is aimed at carrying out actions that allow for monitoring and controlling the real world remotely, where people and other living beings cohabit [2]. The applications of the IoT in real contexts are varied, and this has led to an exponential increase in the number of interconnected devices in recent years [3]. The heterogeneity of sensors, actuators, and other types of IoT-compatible devices [4] has been decisive in providing innovative solutions that have helped to solve problems in today's hyper-connected scenarios, such as industry, agriculture, cities, homes, hospitals, among others [5]. In the case of smart homes, the IoT has focused mainly on the continuous monitoring of indoor and outdoor environmental conditions, security monitoring, automatic access control, comfort management, the control of household appliances, and the optimization of energy resources, leading to the reduced consumption of basic services such as water and electricity [6]. However, the IoT can also be applied to manage the care and entertainment of people living in a smart home. Thus, the IoT seeks to provide the welfare and quality of life of those who inhabit such scenarios. Complementary to the care of people living in a smart home through IoT technologies, this paradigm can also be beneficial to provide welfare to other living beings that inhabit modern homes. For plants, prototypes of smart pots have been proposed that can water the plants to maintain an optimal soil moisture level [7]. Similarly, for domestic animals or pets, various prototypes have been proposed, many of which aim to automatically provide food to pets left alone at home [8; 9]. The scope of the term \"pet\" varies depending on the perspective from which it is analyzed. Generally, people consider traditional companion animals (e.g., dogs, cats, and birds) as pets, while others may adopt fewer common animals (e.g., pigs and goats) or even wild and potentially dangerous animals (e.g., scorpions, snakes, spiders, primates, big cats, and caimans). Therefore, an analysis of the concept is proposed to clarify its definition in this research. First, from a psychological perspective, pets are described as \"the animals that live in our homes and share our lives\" [10; 11]. On the other hand, in anthropology, pets are seen as animals that have an owner [12]. Anthropologically, a pet is considered a \"domesticated animal that maintains a symbolic and social relationship with humans, acting as a mediator between the individual and their cultural and natural environment\" [13]. Thus, pets play an important role in the social and emotional structure of modern life [14]. Finally, zoology--which studies the anatomy, physiology, behavior, ecology, evolution, and classification of animals--shares a similar view with other fields regarding pets, but it examines pets' interactions with humans as well as their relationships with their environment and other species. Currently, there is no universal classification for categorizing animals as pets. Each region or country may establish its own regulations to define and group these animals. For example, Canada [15], Georgia [16], Byelorussia [17], the United Stated of America [18], and the European Union [11] define which animals can be considered pets in households and, in some cases, regulate the number and types of pets that can be kept, such as in the case of Canada. Such regulations aim to protect people from animals that may pose potential dangers and to shield pets from cruel treatment by humans [17]. Generally, pets are animals that live with and are cared for by an owner in a residential area, and they are widely recognized as companion animals. Consequently, animals that live in natural freedom cannot be classified as domestic pets.