Technology is an ever-evolving industry and there are more and more tech products built to make our lives easier. There are also some apps for dog owners that’ll make taking care of their pups a lot easier and also find new ways to improve their relationship. In this post you’ll find twelve apps for dog owners to use that will make their dog-owning journey easier. From dealing with an emergency to training and meeting up with other pet parents and setting up playdates, there is an app for everything.
It doesn’t mean you need to have them all but try some out and see which ones can actually be helpful and fit your lifestyle better and according to what makes the most sense for you and your four-legged buddy.
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1. Pet First Aid
The first app on this list is one that every dog owner should carry around as it will help deal with any dog emergency. It was created by the American Red Cross and provides step-by-step instructions on what to do in an emergency situation. This app will help you provide first aid to your dog in many situations such as if it gets attacked or eats something toxic. It walks you through how to give your dog CPR and any information regarding warning signs that you should seek veterinary help immediately and find the nearest veterinary hospital to you.
Hopefully, you’ll never need to use it but it’s always a good idea to have it available on your phone at any time. This app is free and is available on both iOS and Android devices.
2. 11pets
A big part of being a responsible dog owner and ensuring your dog stays happy and healthy is keeping track of your dog’s weight, vaccines, and deworming. 11pets is a great app that will allow you to keep track of your dog’s medical history and remind you of your dog’s upcoming vaccines and vet appointments besides also allowing you to closely monitor its nutrition and weight.
It’s a free app that can be accessed on several devices and is available on both iOS and Android devices.
3. Pet Monitor VIGI
You have probably already heard about monitoring systems where you install a camera somewhere around your house that you can access remotely to check up on your dog, right? Pet Monitor VIGI is similar to this with an advantage. With this app, you don’t need to buy any new hardware and can simply use this on any device with a built-in camera.
It’s a one-time purchase app that you can download to any device and all you need is to set it up on your computer or tablet when you leave the house. Besides being able to see and hear everything that is going on in your house while you’re away, you can also interact with your dog as it has a two-way audio and video system.
This app has a price of $4.99 and is available on both iOS and Android devices.
4. BarkHappy
BarkHappy is a 2-in-1 app. This app allows you to search for all the dog-friendly restaurants, stores, hotels, bars, parks, and more near you. Besides this, it also works as a social media that allows you to chat with other dog owners and schedule play dates for your dog. One of the best features this app offers is the fact that it allows you to report lost and found dogs. That way, other users can help find a dog or a lost dog’s owner.
This app is free and available on both iOS and Android devices.
5. Tractive GPS
Tractive GPS is great for dog owners that like to let their dogs roam free and are afraid they’ll get lost. To use the app you’ll need to purchase a GPS tracker that will attach to your dog’s collar and connect it to the app on your phone. This app allows you to always know the live location of your dog with its location being updated every 2-3 seconds. It also allows you to set “safe zones” for your dog to wander in and will alert you anytime your dog wanders off this safe zone.
The GPS tracker has a one-time cost of $49.99 and you’ll also need to get a monthly subscription that starts at $4 per month. The app is available on both iOS and Android devices.
6. Rover
Rover is a one-stop-shop pet service app. It has an extensive database of trusted services where you’re able to search for pet sitters, dog walkers, boarding and daycare services, house sitters, and drop-in visits. The great thing about this app is that all of the services in its database have been reviewed and previously approved by the Rover team and are backed by the Rover Guarantee. This app also has 24/7 support, photo updates, and reservation protection.
The app itself is free to download, although you’ll need to pay the price for the service you wish to hire. It’s available on both iOS and Android devices.
7. GoodPup
GoodPup is a training app for dogs where you can get 1-on-1 instructions from a certified dog trainer via video through the app at the time that best suits your schedule. Besides the training sessions, you’ll also be able to reach your trainer outside the scheduled sessions with any questions regarding your dog’s training.
When you sign up, the app will design a personalized training plan specifically for your dog. These training plans include weekly private 30-minute sessions, daily training tips, and a 24/7 chat with trainers. Although it has a 7-day free trial, after that there’s a cost of $29 per month and the app is available on both iOS and Android devices.
Making sense of it all
Living with a dog can be a lot easier with the help of apps made specifically with dog owners in mind. From tracking your dog’s medical history, live location or simply engaging with your local community of dog owners, there’s an app for everything. This list is just a sample of what you’re able to find out there and, some of the most useful ones. You may not use all of them but it certainly doesn’t hurt to try them out to find out which ones best fit your needs and your lifestyle.