A mat system is provided for a pet. The mat system includes a mat having a pet side. The mat is configured to be positioned on a ground surface such that the pet side of the mat is exposed for receiving at least a portion of a pet thereon. The mat includes a pressure-sensing switch configured to be activated when the pet applies a predetermined amount of pressure to the mat. The mat system also includes an input module configured to accept an input from a person, and a playback module operatively connected to the input module and operatively connected to the pressure-sensing switch. The playback module is configured to play audio that represents the input. The playback module is configured to play the audio that represents the input upon activation of the pressure-sensing switch.