In an increasingly digital landscape, new innovations are making dogs’ lives better. Sometimes technology clashes with dog ownership – after all, we’ve all lamented a distracted dog walker using their phone. But the latest developments in apps can also improve your dog ownership skills. Check out our roundup of the ten best apps for dog owners as of 2023.
10. Pet First Aid
Developed by the American Red Cross, the Pet First Aid app aims to help dog (and other pet) owners keep their companions safe. The app will give you step-by-step instructions on how to handle any dog-related emergency. It also locates the nearest animal hospitals to ensure your dog gets the care needed in an emergency. If you’re on the move, you can also use this app to help locate pet-friendly hotels. The app also allows you to track vet visits, create pet profiles, and identify toxic foods for dogs.
9. 11pets
11pets advertises itself as an app with 50+ pet care features. The app is designed for not only dog owners, but animal rescue workers & dog groomers. The app allows you to track healthcare information for multiple animals and communicate with professionals about pet care. This app can categorize everything from your pet’s food brand & amount to scheduling nail trims. The app itself is free, but offers a Premium version with more features.
8. PetCoach
Gone are the days of frantically Googling your pet’s symptoms in an attempt to diagnose them while you wait for a vet appointment. PetCoach connects owners to veterinarians, nutritionists, and other pet professionals in order to answer any questions you have regarding their care. For nervous dog owners who sweat even the smallest sneeze, PetCoach can provide peace of mind.
7. iKibble
iKibble is a quick and easy way to be sure the snack your dog just grabbed off the counter won’t make them sick. (Unfortunately, this free app is only available for iOS users.) iKibble categorizes pretty much any food you could think of and provides an answer as to whether or not it’s safe for your dog to eat. If your dog tends to get into anything you leave unattended, iKibble will save time and keep you from stressing over your dog’s last unplanned meal.
6. Rover
One of the most popular apps for a modern-day dog owner, Rover connects users to local dog walkers. The app is primarily focused on dog walkers, but also offers dog boarding along with a new endeavor – GoodPup dog training. If you’ve got your dog’s walks handled, but you could use the extra cash, Rover allows you to register as a walker.
5. Wag
The Wag app puts dog trainers, boarders, and walkers all at your fingertips. Wag allows you to receive services ranging from a simple visit to let your dog out to a dog training session. You can hire a walker on demand, or pre-schedule a walk. Wag also can connect you with pet insurance providers & veterinarians to keep your dog healthy.
4. Puppr
The Puppr app was developed by trainer Sara Carson, offering 70+ dog training lessons at your fingertips. Dog training can be expensive and hard to fit into a busy schedule. So, the Puppr app allows you to control when you train & what you want to train for free. Puppr offers everything from basic obedience to advanced tricks, so even the most well-behaved canine might have something to learn.
3. DOGO
The perfect cross between a traditional training program and a mobile app, the DOGO app allows you to train your dog through your own direction, but receive feedback from a network of professional dog trainers. You can even upload clips of your dog’s training progress in order to get input from trainers on how you can improve.
2. Dogs ‘n’ Parks
The perfect app for active dogs and cautious owners, Dogs ‘n’ Parks offers a whole new dog park experience. The app locates dog parks near you, allows you to read others’ reviews and post your own feedback, and even connect with other local dog owners for pup playdates.
1. Sniffspot
One of the fastest-rising dog apps is Sniffspot. Sniffspot hosts a network of private properties that you can rent in order to let your dog play somewhere new. This app is perfect for reactive dog owners looking for interesting but safe locations for their dog. You can even sort spots by stimuli present – for example, you can choose a spot where you won’t be able to see any other dogs or people. You can also rent out your own (qualifying) backyard to other dog owners for some side income.
Not sure where to start when downloading dog care apps? Check out our rankings of the best dog-walking apps.
