Pet AI Research - FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Pet AI Research app?
   The Pet AI Research app is a new mobile tool developed within the Mars Petcare division, in partnership with the Waltham Petcare Research Institute. 
   The primary purpose of the app is training our AI technology to better identify potential oral and dermatological issues in dogs (with more coming soon). The app's photo-scanning technology will be used for proactive detection of possible pet health issues; veterinarians and researchers will also find invaluable uses for this technology. It will also help us to develop and implement exciting new features in the Whistle app and across other Mars Petcare brands
   Get the app from the App Store HERE
   
   
   
2. I don't trust AI. I think diagnosis and treatment should be done by humans
   We agree! Mars Petcare works alongside so many vets, clinics, animal hospitals and researchers to find new and innovative ways to help the furry members of our families live the longest, healthiest lives possible. Pet AI Research is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment information for any illness or disease. We hope this will be a tool to help proactively identify things like inflammation or reduced mobility that may not be obvious to us humans until it's progressed. Early identification and treatment can make a world of difference for your pets' quality of life! Our AI uses advanced photo scanning technology - your photo submissions ensure we train that technology on high quality images, not from random or unvetted sources. 
   If you are concerned about your pet, always contact your trusted vet immediately ❤️
   
   
3. What is the purpose of the app?
   The Pet AI Research app is a mobile tool designed to provide data from real-world users to analyze user experience and functionality. It also allows us to collect photos that will help improve our machine learning model to screen for potential health markers and issues and support research studies. This app allows us to ensure only the highest quality photos are included from sources we know are real people. As development continues, we'll add screening for additional issues and health concerns. The technology we develop will be used in many places for many purposes -this is just a stepping stone in the process!
   
   
4. Why are you asking ME to submit pictures? 
   The best way for our model to learn to scan and interpret photo submissions is by using photos taken by regular people. The best way to learn how people will use technology is by actually seeing how they use that technology and building from there! We also want to be sure the photos we use to build our technology come from real people. We'll never take chances using photos from questionable sources. Our Whistle Pack pals are the best, most caring source we know
   
   
5. What's in it for me?
   You'll be part of building the most innovative technology in pet health and research, making a better world for pets everywhere! 
   And, the more photos we collect from pet parents like you, the more we'll be able to offer rewards 😉
   
   
6. Why is it only for dogs? Can I take pictures of my cat, bunny, ferret, etc?
   It's only for dogs - for now! We have a rich history of data collection from studying dogs, including with our Pet Insight Project community and some of our partners like The Waltham Petcare Science Institute. That allows us to build on these already expansive studies. Other pets like cats are a bit harder to study in the same ways (IYKYK), but we do plan to expand the use of this technology to other furry friends soon! 
   
   
7. Why is it only for iOS? Will it work on Android?
   We start app development on iOS because it's a simpler operating system that is the same on every iPhone. The Android operating system isn't identical across all phone models and brands, which makes it more complex to develop an app that works reliably across every Android. Once we have a final version of the app technology that works well and people love, we can expand the functionality for Android, or develop its own version. Don't worry, we won't forget you Android users!
   
   
8. I have (or have access to) more than one dog. Can I take the studies more than once?
   YES! We encourage you to submit photos for each of your dogs - and your neighbor's dog, your friend's dog, your barber's dog... the more photos we collect, the better the app will perform! And, the more new studies we can add and the more rewards we offer for participating! All we ask is that you take new photos each time. Duplicate photos will just get screened out.
   
   
9. Can my neighbor/friend/barber just download the app themselves?
   Sure! As long as they have an iPhone or iPad running a current version of iOS, they can get the app and paw-ticipate in the studies!
   
   
10. What if my dog(s) doesn't have a skin or oral health issue?
    That's ok! The machine learning model needs to learn healthy skin and teeth too, to better differentiate from issues or conditions. 
    
    
11. The app didn't work, or I didn't get a confirmation that my photos uploaded
    That's also ok! Our data scientists will be analyzing performance, bugs, failures and all the things that can happen unexpectedly with new technology. Your experience will help us identify issues, so even an unsuccessful submission is still a success! 
    You don't have to try again, but you definitely can if you want to
    
    
12. Do I have to give the app permission to access my camera?
    Yes, if you upload the photos directly to the app. You can also add photos from your camera roll instead! 
    
    
13. How are you using my profile information and photos that I add to the app?
    We are only collecting data to examine and test app functionality and overall ease of use. The photos will be used to help train our machine learning models. No photos or profile information will be used for any other purpose or outside of the app testing. No identifying information is collected or stored. We don't ask or collect any information about you, just some demographic info about your dog like breed, age, weight, and so on. You can review our Privacy Policy here  
    
    
14. How long is this going to take?
    Each study takes about 5-10 minutes, max. We promise! Just tell us about your dog, then take a few photos. That's it!
    
    
15. I want to contribute! So, how does this work?
    You're in luck, we have an article for that!
     
    
    
16. I DON'T want to contribute! How does THAT work?
    No worries! You can tap "Stop receiving emails" at the bottom of the email you received. If you're an active Whistle user, you won't be removed from any important alerts or messaging you've chosen. You'll just be removed from this particular list. 
    You can also contact Customer Support and let them know you're not interested in this project and they'll be happy to help! 
    
    
    
    I have another question that's not answered here
    
    The Whistle Customer Support team is happy to help you out! You can reach them at 
    📧 support@whistle.com any time
    or
    ☎️ 855-999-0471 Monday - Friday  10am - 6pm EST