Park Hill Vet: There’s an App for That
Take Care Of Your Pet While Having Fun With Technology
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By Dr. Margot K. Vahrenwald, DVM, CVJ
Everyone, with very few exceptions, is toting around a smartphone in their hand, pocket or purse – meaning literally there’s an app for everything. We are at the intersection of useful apps for pets/pet care and completely mindless fun.
Here’s a 2023 collection of pet care and interaction apps out there.
To keep an eye on things at home
Petcube: This a combination of physical product at home and mobile app for pets and pet parents. The product side of Petcube consists of a variety of options of in-home cameras combined with treat dispensers. The camera/dispenser is remotely controlled by the downloaded app to allow owners to check in on and treat their pet to snacks when not home.
Whistle: An app you link to a GPS tracker on your pet’s collar to find them when they wander, as well as to monitor your pet’s health, fitness and more.
Social benefits
PetParent: A social media app that allows you to share, comment and like pictures of pets. It maintains a calendar of events regarding your pet with reminders; allows instant access to pet’s immunization records, medication lists and health history; and keeps to-do and shopping lists, emergency contacts and other notes. (14-day free trial, then $9.99 per month subscription fee.
Petamiko: Think of Petamiko as a dating app for finding furry friends for your furry friend. There’s also matching component for prospective pet parents to find their perfect pet, veterinarian, pet insurance and more.
GoodPup: A personal training app that lets you book video sessions with a vetted and certified dog trainer.
Puppr: Guides you through step-by-step photo instructions and a built-in clicker to help train your dog from simple obedience to advanced tricks.
For the felines
Cat Fishing 2: Entice and engage your kitten’s fishing skills and silly antics. The game gets harder with each fish caught.
Paint for Cats: As entertaining for you to watch as is for kitty as they chase a mouse over the screen to paint a masterpiece.
For the canines
Pup to Date: Have a new puppy? This handy app will help you organize your training and more for the new pup. It allows recurring reminders to keep you on the strict schedule that every new pup needs to become a healthy, well-behaved member of your family.
MapMyDogWalk: Track your dog’s (and your own) fitness level.
Dog Translator: What exactly does that bark mean? This app records and analyzes what your dog is really trying to say and lets you bark back.
BringFido: Find specifics and reviews on dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, parks, etc. as well as dog events in the U.S. and Canada.
Dog Park Finder Plus: Travel with your dog just got a little easier with this app that lets you find nearby dog parks and more.
For all pet family members
PetSnap – just when you got everyone to look perfect for their picture, the animals get distracted. Not any more with this camera function with 32 sounds to keep them looking as you snap away.
Red Cross Pet First Aid App – clear instructions for care in a variety of pet emergencies, the ability to store information in the app about each pet and an animal hospital locator.
Enjoy, but remember to regularly spend some quality non-screen time with your pets and that an app cannot replace the experienced advice of your veterinarian.
Dr. Margot Vahrenwald is the owner of Park Hill Veterinary Medical Center at 2255 Oneida St. For more information, visit www.parkhillvet.com.