iPawd: Apps for Your Purrfect Pets

March 21, 2012

Pets don’t have much need for smart devices (though a Roomba makes a pretty great playmate, or so we’re told), but that doesn’t mean that tech doesn’t have a place in a modern animal’s life. We’ve taken a look at the best apps for offer in the iTunes store for cats, dogs, and the other furry friends who keep us as pets. Read on for some great apps worth checking out.

Petfinder (Free) – First things, first. If you don’t have a pet, or it’s been awhile since you lost a pet you loved, Petfinder has a few hundred thousand animals to introduce you to. Similar to their popular website, this free service lets you search through their massive database of local shelters based on breed, age, gender and size to see who is up for adoption nearby. Photos and details for each adoptable pet will help you make a decision on which critter is right for you, and if you need a second opinion you can use the Petfinder app to share potential new housemates with your friends and family for feedback.

Dog-A-Log ($.99) – Which dog is right for you? Dog-A-Log has synthesized Wikipedia’s vast knowledge of existing dog breeds into a simple-to-navigate app that contains info on all the various types of dogs in existence. From historical background to common characteristics, find exactly the right breed to adopt, or perhaps teach a friend a thing or two they never knew about their own faithful companion.

Pet First Aid: for Your Dog, Cat, Puppy, or Kitten ($3.99) – Once your heart strings have been tugged by a cute cat or dog, the last thing you want to do is think about losing them. Still, it’s important to be prepared. Pet First Aid contains valuable information about all of the symptoms and scenarios that can affect your pet, from illness to injury, with photos and videos to walk you through the care they might need in a pinch.

MyPetED ($1.99) – Wherever you go with your pet, you probably take your phone too. MyPetED will let you build a pet profile with all of the vital information you need to take care of your pet or be ready in an emergency. From your ferret’s health history and your veterinarian’s contact info to notes about what your dog’s favorite food is and which catnip makes your cat the craziest, you’ll always have a wide range of helpful information together in one place.

PetSnap ($1.99) – If you’re feeling confident that your pooch is the prettiest on the block (or your cat is the cutest on the…catwalk) then you’re going to want to show them off. PetSnap differs from the built in iOS camera app by adding a handful of features specific to pet photography; the app will beep, bark and meow to grab your model’s attention, plus add a handful of fun frames to the photo once you’ve gotten it just right.

iKibble ($.99) – Another handy app for the mindful pet owner, iKibble will help you identify what people-food is safe for feeding to your pet. With hundreds of foods to search through, feel safe sharing off your plate once you know that your dinner won’t have any adverse effects on your dog.

Dog Translator (free) – Call it the Rosetta Bone; Dog Translator will listen to your canine’s woofs and bow-wows and turn them into real human English! Time to hit the park? Looking to get your chew on? Down for some frisbee catching action? Find out exactly what’s on Fido’s mind by letting him bark into your phone. Sure.. it might all be a ruse, but their guess is as good as ours, right?

 

Alexei Bochenek is a lifelong tech nerd & film buff based in Los Angeles. When he’s not playing with his phone, it’s because the movie has started. Shhhhh!