AIpiphanies

Humans have been guessing what dogs want since someone first mistook barking for “feed me now.” Zoolingua wants to change that. According to PYMNTS, this AI startup is building a system combining computer vision and deep learning so dogs’ barks, growls, and whines can be translated into rough human-language equivalents—like “I want to go outside,” or “My shoulder hurts.” It starts simple, but the roadmap includes the more ambitious: signs of discomfort, anxiety, or health issues.

We find this fascinating (and terrifying in just the right way). On one hand: a future where you know your dog isn’t just being dramatic when it stares at the door all evening. On the other: the knowledge that your pet’s emotional life might be cataloged like your screened calls.

What we note: this isn’t about perfect translation. It’s about connection. Even before accuracy, the gesture is meaningful. Imagine fewer misread signals like the “I’m hungry” bark mistaken for “I hated bath time forever.” And yes, fewer chewed shoes (maybe).

Still, there’s a shadow side: what happens when AI suggests “dog is anxious” and that leads to recommendations—or products—to “fix” that anxiety? We must be sure we’re listening—not just selling.

So yes, Zoolingua might help you understand Fido better. But part of the joy here is realizing that maybe it was understanding all along—it just needed someone (or something) to officially translate.

👉 Zoolingua wants to translate dog barks into human conversation — PYMNTS