Today’s pet parents have access to an array of mobile apps designed to make pet care more efficient, informed, and fun. From managing medical records and tracking fitness to training tips and social networking for pets, there’s a pet app for nearly every need. In this article, we’ll dive into the top 10 pet apps every dog and cat owner should consider downloading, including their features, benefits, and how they can enhance your pet-care routine.
1. PetDesk
Overview: PetDesk is an all-in-one app for managing your pet’s health, appointments, and medical history. It’s designed to simplify pet care by keeping everything in one place.
- Key Features:
- Manage vet appointments, grooming, and boarding schedules.
- Track medical records and vaccination history.
- Set reminders for medications, flea treatments, and grooming.
- Syncs with participating veterinary practices.
- Best For: Busy pet owners who want a streamlined way to manage their pet’s healthcare needs.
2. Rover
Overview: Rover connects pet owners with trusted dog walkers, sitters, and boarders. This app is invaluable for pet parents who need to ensure their pet is well cared for during work hours, travel, or unexpected events.
- Key Features:
- Find and book dog walkers, sitters, and boarding services.
- View sitter profiles, read reviews, and choose based on your pet’s specific needs.
- Track your dog’s walk in real-time with GPS.
- Easy in-app payments and secure booking.
- Best For: Pet owners looking for reliable, vetted pet care professionals.
3. Pet First Aid by American Red Cross
Overview: Created by the American Red Cross, this app provides pet owners with vital information on first aid for pets. In emergencies, it can be a lifesaver by helping owners administer first aid before professional help is available.
- Key Features:
- Detailed guides on handling common pet emergencies.
- Instructions for CPR and vital signs checking.
- Tips on preparing for natural disasters with pets.
- Locate the nearest veterinary hospital in case of emergency.
- Best For: Pet owners who want to be prepared for medical emergencies.
4. PawTracks
Overview: PawTracks is a pet activity tracker designed for monitoring your pet’s daily exercise, sleep, and general activity. The app syncs with pet activity tracking devices to give you insights into your pet’s health.
- Key Features:
- Track daily activity, exercise, and sleep patterns.
- Monitor calories burned and set fitness goals.
- Set reminders for vet appointments and medication.
- Easy-to-read reports on your pet’s health metrics.
- Best For: Pet owners interested in tracking their pet’s physical health and activity levels.
5. BarkHappy
Overview: BarkHappy is a social networking app for dog owners that allows you to connect with other pet lovers, discover pet-friendly locations, and organize playdates.
- Key Features:
- Find dog-friendly restaurants, hotels, parks, and events.
- Connect with other pet owners and arrange meetups.
- Access exclusive pet discounts at nearby stores.
- Get lost-and-found alerts in your area.
- Best For: Social pet parents who want to connect with other dog owners and explore pet-friendly places.
6. PawBoost
Overview: PawBoost is dedicated to helping pet owners find lost pets. Through this app, pet owners can report a lost pet and receive help from a community of local pet lovers.
- Key Features:
- Post lost or found pet alerts.
- Browse listings for lost and found pets in your area.
- Access resources and tips for locating lost pets.
- Get alerts from other users in your local community.
- Best For: Pet owners who want peace of mind knowing they have a resource for lost pet recovery.
7. Chewy
Overview: Chewy is a leading pet supply store with an app that offers an easy way to shop for pet food, toys, medication, and more. They offer fast delivery and excellent customer service.
- Key Features:
- Shop a wide selection of pet food, treats, toys, and accessories.
- Prescription management and auto-ship options for convenience.
- 24/7 customer service for help with orders and pet care advice.
- Access to user reviews to help with purchasing decisions.
- Best For: Busy pet owners who want a convenient way to shop for pet supplies and medication.
8. Whistle
Overview: Whistle is a pet tracker app that pairs with Whistle GPS collars to monitor your pet’s location, activity, and health. It’s particularly useful for pets that spend time outside or have a tendency to roam.
- Key Features:
- Real-time GPS tracking with geofence alerts.
- Tracks activity levels and sleep patterns.
- Health monitoring, including scratching, licking, and mobility trends.
- Set goals for exercise and monitor progress.
- Best For: Owners of active pets or those who like to keep track of their pet’s location and health.
9. 11pets
Overview: 11pets is an app for pet care management, including health records, grooming schedules, and feeding tracking. It’s great for those who want detailed pet care documentation.
- Key Features:
- Log vaccinations, deworming, and other medical history.
- Set reminders for grooming, nail trims, and feeding schedules.
- Record vet visits and upload relevant documents.
- Track multiple pets and view all data in one place.
- Best For: Pet owners who want a comprehensive record-keeping tool for their pet’s health and care.
10. Tractive GPS
Overview: Tractive GPS is another pet-tracking app that provides real-time location tracking for pets. With this app, owners can create a virtual fence and receive alerts if their pet leaves the area.
- Key Features:
- Live GPS tracking for real-time location.
- Safe zone settings with instant alerts if your pet exits the designated area.
- Activity tracking to monitor pet fitness.
- Waterproof and durable design for adventurous pets.
- Best For: Pet owners who prioritize safety and want the added security of knowing where their pet is at all times.
Choosing the Right Pet App for Your Needs
With so many pet apps available, it can be hard to know where to start. Here’s a breakdown of how to choose the right app based on your needs:
- Health Management: For pet health records, reminders, and emergency care information, consider PetDesk, Pet First Aid, or 11pets.
- Pet Care and Services: If you need dog walkers, pet sitters, or boarding services, Rover is an excellent choice.
- Location and Safety Tracking: For GPS tracking, Whistle and Tractive GPS both offer reliable services.
- Social Networking: BarkHappy is perfect for pet owners who want to connect with others and find pet-friendly spots.
- Lost and Found: For peace of mind, PawBoost is a must for finding or recovering lost pets.
Final Thoughts
Whether you need help managing your pet’s health, keeping them active, or finding trusted care, these top pet apps can make pet parenting more convenient and fun. By understanding the unique features of each app, you can pick the ones that best match your needs, helping you keep your pet happy, healthy, and safe.