Five apps that'll help dog lovers care for their four-legged friends
It's new pet season for the staff at TUAW with both Editor-In-Chief Victor Agreda, Jr. and fellow editor Steve Sande both welcoming new kittens into their homes. Lest the dog-friendly folk be worried about us being overrun with cats, I am happy to say that we have balanced the scale with a new 9-week-old yellow labrador retriever, Remington. Being a techie pet owner, I just had to search the App Store for the best apps for new puppy and adult dog owners alike.
Dog Park Finder Plus [iOS Universal; $1.99]
One of the hardest parts about having a dog, especially in an urban area, is finding a spot to safely take Fido outside for a walk. Dog Park Finder Plus is an app for North American dog owners that lists over 6,000 dog-friendly parks and beaches as well as 12,000 dog-friendly restaurants for those necessary post-frisbee snacks.
Pet First Aid by American Red Cross [iPhone; $0.99]
After my 9-week-old puppy grabbed a scrunchy and gobbled it down in under a minute, I realized then that I needed to have a First Aid app on my phone for pets. Though not a replacement for a veterinarian, the American Red Cross Pet First Aid app provides quick access to easy-to-follow advice for those everyday emergencies that need attention, but are not life-threatening. The app also includes pet profiles that allow you to store important health details and veterinarian contact information for your pets.
Peterest - Pet Photo Gallery [iOS Universal; Free]
What pet owner doesn't absolutely love pictures of pets, especially when they are adorable? If you can't get enough cute animal photos, then your must download Peterest, a free social image gallery for pet pictures.
BringFido - Pet Friendly Hotels [iPhone; Free]
Traveling with a pet can be challenging as not every establishments is accepting of our furry, four-legged friends. If you plan to bring Fido along with you, then you should consult the BringFido app to find the best hotels, attractions, and restaurants that welcome pets.
DogVacay [iPhone; Free]
Sometimes taking your pet on vacation is impossible. For those moments, you can check out DogVacay, a US-based service that helps you find a loving sitter instead of a kennel for your animal best friends.