A Winona company has been chosen to manufacture a new device that is designed to allow pet owners to communicate with their pets from anywhere in the world.
               
Twin Cities Business reports RiverStar Incorporated has a deal with  Burnsville start-up company, Anser Innovation, to manufacture the "PetChatz" device which uses the internet to allow owners to dispense treats and emit comforting smells remotely through the click of a button.
               
The magazine says in addition to manufacturing, assembling, and packaging the device, RiverStar will also handle shipping and warranty services for Anser.  Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Anser told the online magazine that the PetChatz device is geared toward the "seriously afflicted pet owners" who spend more on their pets than the average animal owner.
    
PetChatz will sell for between $200 and $300 and Anser expects sales to reach between $35 million and $45 million within five years.  The device is expected to be available to the public in early 2013.