Did you just get a dog or are you planning to get one soon? These are the apps we keep coming back to, and they make day-to-day life with a dog a lot easier.
Our team has comprehensively reviewed multiple apps in each category and filtered down to these essentials. As dog parents ourselves, we’ve used many of these services ourselves.
Here’s the shortlist, in no particular order.
1) Furbo
Furbo is a brand of dog camera that allows pet owners to monitor their dogs remotely. It typically includes features such as a camera, two-way audio, barking alerts, and treat-tossing capabilities.
The device connects to a smartphone app, allowing users to check in on their pets, interact with them, and even dispense treats while away from home.
Furbo and similar pet cameras are popular with owners who work long days or just want to check that the couch is still in one piece. If your dog struggles when left alone, the barking alerts also show you how long the fuss really lasts.
2) BringFido
BringFido is a must-have app for dog-friendly travel. It helps you find pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, parks, and other attractions.
You can also use it to book accommodations and make reservations at pet-friendly establishments, making it easier to plan trips with your furry friend.
It provides a comprehensive database of hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and bed-and-breakfasts that welcome pets. Users can search for accommodations based on their destination and filter results based on pet policies, price range, amenities, etc.
BringFido allows users to read reviews and ratings from other pet owners who have stayed at or visited pet-friendly establishments.
This helps users decide where to stay and what places suit their pets. In addition to reviews and ratings, it allows users to find pet-friendly activities and attractions at their travel destination.
This includes parks, beaches, hiking trails, restaurants with outdoor seating, and more. It helps provide travel tips and resources for pet owners, including information on pet travel regulations, packing lists, and safety tips.
Overall, BringFido is a handy tool for anyone who travels with a dog. Pet policies change, though, so it’s still worth calling the hotel before you book to confirm size limits and extra fees.
3) WoofyClub
Find a trustworthy neighborhood dog family to trade dog sitting favors with.
Woofyclub is an essential app for those looking to go on vacation without spending a fortune on a place to board your dog.
It is the only app that does peer-to-peer dog boarding and has a regular plan for free!
With the Woofy+ membership being at $49.99 a year, it is less than the cost of a single night of dog boarding anywhere else.
It allows you to select through different dog breeds, weights, the amount of shedding, ages, and locations.
The care is personalized to your dog, and there is less of a risk of your dog acquiring a disease as it would be much higher at a populated boarding.
It’s an excellent tool for keeping in touch with new neighbors and meeting new people in your proximity, as they can take in your dog and lend a hand.
4) Pawp
Pawp is a comprehensive pet care app providing pet owners with various services and resources. It offers virtual veterinary consultations, emergency support, and access to pet insurance, among other features.
It connects pet owners with licensed veterinarians, allowing pet parents to get professional advice and guidance on their pet’s health and wellness without leaving their homes.
When something happens late at night, talking to a vet within minutes helps you decide whether it can wait until morning or needs an emergency clinic right now.
Pawp’s membership has also included an emergency fund to help with unexpected vet bills. Plans and coverage change, so check the current terms on their site before you sign up.
5) Puppr
Puppr is a popular app designed to assist dog owners in training their furry companions. It offers step-by-step training lessons for various commands and tricks, video tutorials, and progress tracking.
Puppr features a community where users can connect with other dog owners, share training tips, and seek advice.
The app provides support from professional dog trainers, allowing users to ask questions and get personalized guidance on their training journey.
Whether you’re teaching your dog basic obedience or advanced tricks, Puppr is a valuable resource.
How to Pick the Right Ones
You don’t need all five. Start with the problem you actually have. If your dog gets anxious alone, a camera like Furbo makes sense. If you travel a lot, BringFido will earn its place on your phone. Puppy owners usually get the most out of a training app like Puppr in the first few months.
Most of these apps have a free version or a trial, so use one for a couple of weeks before paying for anything. If you haven’t opened it by then, you probably don’t need it.
None of these replace a good vet or time spent with your dog, but the right one or two can take a lot of small worries off your plate.