The 11 Best Dog Apps for Pet Parents

• This review contains affiliate links. Read more here.
• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

We have a partnership with Woofz which may benefit from increased exposure through this post. Read more here.

From checking the weather to finding the fastest driving route, we use apps every day to help us navigate our lives. So it makes sense to also use them to provide the best care for our pups—it takes a village, after all!

When it comes to keeping our dogs happy and healthy, there are some pretty clever gadgets and apps that do everything from finding pup playdates to tracking vaccinations and vet visits. But with so many choices, which dog apps are the best and which aren’t worth the download?

To help you out, we sifted through countless pet parent reviews, scoured Reddit, and tested some of these dog apps ourselves. Here are our top picks.

Training & Behavior

Pet training isn’t easy. Whether you have a puppy or adult dog, these training and behavior apps provide personalized support and community to help you build good habits and a stronger bond with your canine.

Woofz

Among the many dog training apps out there, Woofz stands out for its appealing user interface and emphasis on positive reinforcement. Pet parents complete an entrance survey, then receive a customized training plan based on their pup’s age, breed, and goals. Lessons are bite-size—just 10 to 15 minutes each—and can be taken at your own pace. Getting stuck? Chat a dog expert available 24/7, or schedule a one-on-one video appointment with a trainer.

Key Features:

• Training plan with 10-15 minute lessons and videos
• 24/7 chat support with dog experts
• A wellness tracker with health insights and alerts
• The option for one-on-one video sessions with a dog trainer
• Subscription plan required
• Available on iOS and Android

Dogo

Dogo is a positive reinforcement pet training app that comes with a built-in clicker to help with training. When you first sign-up for the app, you take a quick survey that will create a training program designed for your dog.

After the quiz, you’ll have access to the support of a global community of pet parents and step-by-step videos and articles on everything from potty training and biting to basic obedience and trick training.

You can even record videos of your dog and get feedback from a professional trainer. Plus, you can track your dog’s size and weight and vaccine records, making it a convenient way to keep track of your pup’s overall development.

Key Features:

• Paid subscription required; weekly, monthly, or quarterly plans offered
• App includes a digital clicker and puppy whistle
• Able to get direct feedback from trainers
• Interactive community that also has fun weekly photo challenges
• Ability to log health appointments and reminders and daily training and potty schedules
• Available on iOS and Android

Puppr

If you and your pup are serious about learning fun tricks, Puppr may be the app for you. With over 100 lessons for new and advanced dog owners, the app provides step-by-step videos for everything from basic obedience and potty training to advanced trick training (think circus tricks) with celebrity trick trainer Sara Carson and The Super Collies.

In addition to training, you can also chat live with training experts if you’re stuck or have questions.

Key Features:

• Includes built-in digital clicker
• Allows you to track training progress
• Ability to set reminders for training and potty schedules
• Photo challenges to show off tricks
• Puppr Shop within app provides hand-picked product recommendations from Sara Carson
• Paid monthly or yearly subscriptions available after 7 day free trial
• Available on iOS and Android

Zigzag

This app is all about puppies. You can find everything from information on basic puppy behavior and what to do when you first bring a puppy home to breed specific behavior and age appropriate training. It offers over 250 short “bitesize” video tutorials and step-by-step training guides that help puppy owners with house training, socializing, basic commands, and more.

Plus, it provides tailored content for your puppy’s breed and age, making an even more individualized experience to fit your pup’s needs and personality.

Key Features:

• Offers daily lessons based on your pup’s breed and age
• Access to chat with professional dog trainers and behavior experts 7 days a week
• Provides help with life skills, including barking, being alone, body language, and what to know about adolescence
• Full access requires paid subscription
• Available on iOS and Android

Tracking Health & Safety

From tracking apps that work in over 150 countries to on-demand virtual vet appointments, these are our favorite apps for tracking your pet’s health and safety.

Tractive App (Verified Review)

This handy app accompanies a wearable GPS device with real-time tracking, “safe zone” alerts, and health monitoring. Unlike other apps, Tractive services extend beyond North America, with GPS tracking available in over 150 countries via an iOS and Android app or browser. The device and subscription are also more affordable.

In our Tractive testing, we found the device and app to offer comparable location tracking. 

Key Features: 

• No range limitation; works in over 150 countries and utilizes multiple cellular networks & GPS satellites
• Provides live tracking and location history
• Includes health alerts and activity tracking 
• The app is easy to configure and use
• Available on iOS and Android

PetDesk

Staying on top of your dog’s well-being can seem like an endless job, especially if you have a pup that needs extra medical attention. This app makes it easy to keep all your pet’s health info in one place, from your pup’s vet to their groomer.

Track checkups, vaccinations, and lab results, and quickly request prescription refills. You can also set health and appointment reminders via email, text, or the app.

Key Features:

• Manage your pup’s health needs in one place
• Schedule appointments and request medicine refills from the app
• Set reminders for upcoming visits
• Available on iOS and Android

Airvet

The Airvet App for Pet Parents is a telehealth platform that connects pet parents with licensed veterinary professionals and pet experts 24/7. It provides users access to digital appointments and on-demand chats with veterinarians and veterinarian nurses day or night for virtual care to evaluate and help pet parents determine how severe their pet’s symptoms are. It also provides a built-in library of health information for dogs and cats with topics including diet, allergies, and senior care.

Key Features:

• Available to users in all 50 states but prescription services are limited in select US states
• Can help with general care, medical queries, or behavioral advice for dogs, cats and other animals, depending on regional availability
• Provides interactive tools to assess baseline of pet’s health
• No subscription required; flat cost fee per call
• Available on iOS and Android

Pet First Aid from the American Red Cross

Accidents happen; that’s why it pays to be prepared. This free app from the American Red Cross has tons of helpful information about how to respond to pet emergencies. Using text, video, and images, it offers step-by-step instructions for over 25 common scenarios, like if your dog gets in a fight or has an allergic reaction. You can also use it to locate the nearest vet or pet hospital and identify common toxic substances.

Key Features:

• First aid instructions for over 25 common pet situations
• Helpful tips like how to administer meds and identify toxic substances
• Vet and emergency pet hospital locator
• Available on iOS and Android

Travel & Lifestyle

Pets have active socials lives, too. From pet sitters and dog walkers to finding pet-friendly accommodations and restaurants when traveling, these apps make it easy to keep your furry friend with you every step of the way.

The Rover App

We’re not afraid to toot our own horn. There’s a reason the Rover dog walking app has an average rating of 4.9 stars on the App Store with over 460k reviews. In fact, it’s the number one dog-walking app available.

Much as you’d like to, you can’t always take your dog with you on outings or be home for a midday walk. That’s where Rover can help. Our free app gives you access to the nation’s largest network of pet sitters and dog walkers. Read reviews, browse photos, and message the perfect sitter for you, your dog, and your budget. Then, book and pay through Rover’s secure app. Finding the best care for your best friend has never been easier.

Key Features:

• Find and book dog walkers and sitters right from the app
• Make hassle-free and secure payments
• Get messages, pictures, and updates about your dog while on the go
• Available on iOS and Android

BringFido

If your dog is joining you on vacation, there’s a lot of research to do ahead of time. Where are the dog-friendly hotels? How about dog-friendly restaurants? The BringFido app can tell you. Search by location, and use the built-in filters for price, dog size, and more to find the best dog-friendly accommodations for your canine companion.

BringFido is also worth exploring if you’re about to move and want to find the best dog-friendly places in your new neighborhood. You can even sign up to receive alerts for upcoming dog-friendly events.

Key Features:

• Offers free access to pet-friendly information worldwide
• Built-in filters let you customize your search for your dog
• Sign up to receive alerts for events in your area
• Available on iOS and Android

Sniffspot

Finding safe off-leash areas can be ruff, especially if you live in the city with an anxious or reactive dog. That’s where the Sniffspot app comes in handy, connecting you with locals renting out private land for your pup to romp. These spaces feature all types of private “dog parks.” Some are in fenced-in backyards; others have beach access, hiking trails, agility courses—you name it!

And the best part? Only the dogs in your booking will be at the rented spot during your visit, so you don’t have to worry about any surprise encounters.

Key Features:

• Browse the app for nearby private dog parks
• Check out photos and read verified reviews
• Book private spaces directly via the app
• Available on iOS and Android

Pet Parent Resources

While apps are helpful, sometimes you need some in-person assistance. Consider Rover for a helping hand (or sturdy leash arm) when it comes to caring for your pet while you’re away. Looking for a sitter in your neighborhood? Explore Rover’s pet care services, ranging from dog walkers to boarding facilities.