There seem to be apps for everything these days. Need an app to help you track your sleep cycle? You’ve got it. One to help you save money? The list is endless. There’s even an app that does nothing… literally nothing. Weird, right?
When it comes to our four-legged friends, the list is no less impressive. There are apps to help you choose your companion, for online emergency veterinary advice and even to help you train your pooch. Probably not surprising then, that there are also some great apps out there to help owners find walking routes and dog walkers to help exercise their dog.
What’s the best dog walking app to find nice dog walks near me?
Walking the same route each day can be boring for both you and your dog. Dog’s thrive on sensory stimulation during walks and really benefit from exploring new smells and spaces whenever possible, but it can be hard to feel inspired when it comes to choosing new walks. Luckily for us owners, there are apps out there that have done some of the work already, gathering ideas your dogs will love.
Go Jauntly
Go Jauntly is an award-winning walking and nature connections app, helping walkers discover the greenest and least polluted walks in the local area. Having selected a region, the app offers two choices, from nearby routes, to the best walks out there. All you need to do is put on your walking shoes, grab a dog lead and get out there with your furry friend.
If you live with an active, high energy dog who needs a proper adventure, why not try the Go Jauntly “Walking Challenges” feature. These are fun micro adventures, put together for all levels of walkers.
Category of app: Walking routes & Outdoor Fun
Age of app: 4+ years old
Cost of app: £1.99 per month or £19.99 per year
Coverage of app: UK customers. Walks are separated by region.
Dog Walks
Dog Walks is a UK dog walking app, gathering 500 of England’s best dog walks. The routes are tested before being uploaded, and there are both map views and written instructions available to users. Every care has been taken to stop you and your dog from getting lost!
The app covers routes all over England, selected based on the region and the kind of dog walk you’re looking for. The level of the walk is rated, from easy to hard, and details of the distance and time the walk takes, are provided. The app even includes parking and refreshment options. We're not sure a walker could ask for anything more, it seems guys at Dog Walks have thought of it all.
Category of app: Health & Fitness
Age of app: 4+ years old
Cost of app: £5.99 per year to unlock all walks available
Coverage of app: UK customers. Walks are separated by region.
What’s the best dog walking app to meet new dog owners?
If you’re the proud new owner of a canine companion, you may be feeling the need to meet with fellow owners. It can be helpful to share experiences of having a dog, chat about training and any other dog related issue on your mind, all the while letting your dog run and play with a new friend.
Meet Up: Dog Walks
The Meet Up app was founded in 2002, offering the option to join groups and interact with new people. The idea behind the app is that you can sign up to join a group to meet people, make new friends or find support. Whatever your interest is, there will be a group for you. Happily for us owners, this extends into the world of dog walking, and there are numerous meet ups to join if you’re a new owner looking to connect.
On visiting the app simply search dog walks in the “groups” search, and a world of possibility will open up in seconds. You’ll find meet up groups for areas all across the UK, groups for dog walking weekends, walks by water, sighthound Sundays, and even training groups for owners and dogs. We’re sure you’ll find a way to connect with new owners here, but if you don’t find quite what you’re looking for, do remember you can create your own group and people will join.
Category of app: Meeting People & Social Networking
Age of app: 12+ years old
Cost of app: The organiser subscription costs 23.99 USD per year.
Coverage of app: UK customers.
What’s the best app to find nice dog walkers near me?
Lack of exercise and time outdoors can lead to destructive behaviour at home, accidents indoors and a hyperactive dog who finds it hard to settle. Walks should form a part of every dog’s day, and if you aren't able to get out with your dog, there are apps out there to help.
Rover
Currently taking the dog walking world by storm is Rover, an app that offers dog walking, sitting and even boarding, by vetted people. Rover takes each dog carer through a verification process, making sure your beloved companion is in capable hands. To use the app, just sign up, log in and enter your postcode. You’ll be shown a list of all walkers in your area, with their rate, experience and any reviews they have. Contact them by message to hear more about their availability and to arrange a meet up.
Category of app: Pets & Dog Sitting
Age of app: 4+ years old
Cost of app: Rover charges a service fee. This applies to all bookings.
Coverage of app: Across the UK.
BorrowMyDoggy
If you’re looking for a friend for your dog, BorrowMyDoggy is a great place to start. The app connects dog owners with local, trusted people, who love dogs and want to spend time with them. Local borrowers may offer walks, playtime, or even overnight stays in some cases.
Sign up, select the walking option and arrange to meet with the borrower. Your dog will get time outdoors to run and play, and the borrower in return gets the company of a dog in their life.
Category of app: Lifestyle
Age of app: 4+ years old
Cost of app: Basic membership is free. For premium membership, which is required to contact and respond to messages, a charge of £12.99 per year applies to borrowers, £44.99 to owners.
Coverage of app: Across the UK.
The apps available can make dog walking more fun for both dog and owner, and can help with getting your dog outside for the time they need.
Connecting with fellow dog lovers can be rewarding, and having other people to love your dog is never going to be a bad thing... they'll get more attention, affection and lovely walks.
