The 15 Best Apps for Dog Owners: Tools Every Dog Lover Needs
Caring for a dog takes more than feeding and the occasional walk. There’s a lot to manage, and luckily, technology has made it easier for us dog owners. With the right apps, you can track your dog’s health, teach them new tricks, find a sitter, and so much more. Here’s a roundup of some top apps every dog lover should have, from health trackers to dog-friendly travel guides.
1. WoofConnect Dog Boarding
Best for: Free, cage-free dog boarding with other local dog owners
When you need to leave town but want your dog to feel right at home, WoofConnect can help. This app connects you with dog owners in your area who offer to host dogs for free. You can see each dog owner’s profile, including their own dog’s breed and personality, so you’ll find a great match. It’s an easy way to make sure your pup stays happy, cozy, and cage-free with someone who really cares.
2. Pet First Aid by American Red Cross
Best for: Quick pet care info in emergencies
Sometimes, accidents happen. The Pet First Aid app by the Red Cross helps you stay calm and know exactly what to do if your dog gets hurt. It covers basics like treating cuts, bites, and even what to do in case of poisoning. With videos, step-by-step guides, and even a pet hospital locator, you’ll be ready for anything. Knowing you’re prepared can make a huge difference in an emergency.
3. Puppr – Dog Training Made Simple
Best for: Teaching your dog new tricks with ease
Want to teach your dog some new tricks? Puppr is a training app that offers easy-to-follow videos led by professional trainers. It’s perfect for puppies learning the basics or even older dogs ready for something new. Plus, it comes with a clicker to help with positive reinforcement. You’ll find that training is not only fun but also a great way to bond with your furry friend.
4. BringFido – Traveling with Your Dog
Best for: Finding dog-friendly spots wherever you go
Taking your dog with you on vacation? Or just looking for a new park or beach to visit together? BringFido shows you all the pet-friendly places nearby, from hotels to restaurants and beaches. It’s a must-have for anyone who loves including their dog in every adventure. BringFido makes it easy to find places that welcome your pup, so you’ll never have to leave them behind.
5. Tractive GPS for Cats & Dogs
Best for: Real-time location tracking
If you worry about your dog wandering off, Tractive GPS has you covered. This app uses a GPS device on your dog’s collar, so you can track their exact location on your phone. You can even set up “safe zones” and get alerts if your pup leaves the area. It’s perfect for dogs who love to explore and gives you peace of mind when they do.
6. Whistle – Health & Activity Tracker
Best for: Monitoring your dog’s health and daily activity
Whistle does more than track steps; it monitors your dog’s entire day, including rest time, activity levels, and even calories burned. Attach it to your dog’s collar, and you’ll get updates about their health and habits. The app even sends weekly and monthly reports, which can help you spot any changes over time. It’s great for keeping tabs on your dog’s overall well-being.
7. Dog Monitor – Stay in Touch
Best for: Checking in on your dog when you’re not home
When you’re away, Dog Monitor makes it easy to check on your dog. Just set up two devices—one stays with your dog, and the other works as a monitor. You can watch live video, listen in, and even talk to your pup. It’s a comforting way to keep an eye on them and make sure they’re safe and happy until you’re back.
8. Chewy – Shop for All Your Dog’s Needs
Best for: Buying dog supplies in one place
Chewy is like a one-stop shop for pet supplies, from food and treats to toys and grooming tools. The app lets you order what you need and even set up automatic deliveries, so you’ll never run out of essentials. Chewy is known for its huge selection and fast delivery, making it a favorite for dog owners who want quality products right to their door.
9. 11pets – Organize Your Dog’s Health Records
Best for: Keeping all vet and health info in one place
With 11pets, you can track everything about your dog’s health—vaccinations, vet appointments, medications, and more. It lets you set reminders, so you’ll never miss a grooming or a dose of meds. If you’re someone who likes to stay organized, this app makes managing your dog’s care simple and stress-free.
10. PetDesk – Health & Appointment Tracker
Best for: Scheduling vet appointments and health reminders
Similar to 11pets, PetDesk helps you organize all things health-related. Link it to your vet for easy access to appointment scheduling, health updates, and prescription reminders. With PetDesk, you’ll have everything you need to keep your dog’s health in check without any hassle.
11. Wag! – Dog Walking and Sitting Services
Best for: Reliable dog walking and pet sitting
Need a trusted dog walker or sitter? Wag! connects you with local dog walkers and sitters who come highly recommended. You can read reviews, choose someone you trust, and even track each walk with GPS to see where your dog goes. If your schedule gets busy, Wag! is there to make sure your dog still gets the care they need.
12. Dog Identifier & Dog Scanner – Identify Breeds
Best for: Discovering the breeds of dogs you meet
Curious about a dog’s breed? Or want to learn more about your own dog’s ancestry? Dog Identifier and Dog Scanner use photos to identify a dog’s breed and give details on their personality and health needs. They’re fun apps for learning more about every dog you meet.
13. GoodPup – Virtual Dog Training
Best for: Training sessions with real trainers from home
With GoodPup, you can train your dog right from home with help from professional trainers. It offers live video sessions, feedback, and weekly plans to help you work on behavior and commands. If you’d rather train from home than go to a class, this app is perfect for you.
14. FitBark – Track Health & Activity
Best for: Tracking your dog’s exercise and sleep
FitBark attaches to your dog’s collar to monitor activity levels, sleep, and overall health. The data it collects helps you understand your dog’s daily habits and can even alert you to any sudden changes. You can connect FitBark to your fitness tracker too, so you and your dog can work on fitness goals together!
15. My Talking Pet – For a Laugh
Best for: Making funny animations of your dog
Need a laugh? My Talking Pet lets you animate a photo of your dog to “talk.” Just upload a picture, choose a voice, and share a funny video of your dog chatting to friends. It’s a silly, lighthearted app that adds a little humor to your day.
Wrapping It Up
These apps can make dog ownership easier and more enjoyable, covering everything from health to boarding to just plain fun. Whether you’re looking for help with training, health tracking, or finding dog-friendly spots, there’s an app for it. Give a few of these a try, and see how they can improve life for both you and your furry friend!
