How to Build a Pet Care App Like Rover?

How to Build a Pet Care App Like Rover?

Walk the fluffy – done!
Vet appointment – check!
Grooming session – nailed it!
Feeding supplies – oops…forgot.

But wait… Who’s Fluffy? Of course, your pet—the one who thinks you’re their entire universe.

But we get it. Life is busy. And pet parenting is a full-time role in itself. That’s why smart solutions matter.

Enter Petcare Apps.

Pet care apps keep everything in one place—feeding reminders, vet bookings, walk schedules, and more. 

And guess what? The pet care industry is booming.

The global pet care market hit $246.66 billion in 2023, and it’s only growing.
Source: Precedence Research

Thinking about petcare app development? 

It can be challenging, but with the right team, building a successful app like Rover is within reach. 

In this blog:

  • Discover what features a great petcare app must have
  • Learn how to build an app like Rover, step by step.

Let’s get your paws on this opportunity. 

What Is a Petcare App?

A pet care app is a mobile application that enables pet owners to manage their pets’ health and needs using their smartphones. These apps let you schedule vet appointments, access your pet’s medical records, and get reminders for things like vaccinations and medications.

Some pet care apps also allow you to track your pet’s health, including their weight and activity levels. You can even talk to veterinarians through the app for advice or to request prescription refills.

These apps bring everything you need for pet care in one place. They make it easier for you to care for your pet and ensure they get the care they need.

Why Invest in Pet Care App Development Like Rover?

Here are several Advantages of developing a Rover-like app:

1. Growing Market Demand

Pet ownership is rising fast. Pet lovers spend significantly more money on their pets’ care. A pet care app enables businesses to capitalize on market growth by providing valuable services to customers.

2. More Convenience for Pet Owners

Pet care applications simplify the daily tasks of owning a pet for users. Pet owners benefit from the app because it consolidates veterinary booking and vaccination alerts, as well as local grooming services.  This saves time and builds loyalty.

3. Many Ways to Earn Money

Applications provide various revenue streams to earn profits. Your pet care app generates revenue through subscription fees, product sales, advertising, and service booking fees. The available options enable your business to expand consistently.

4. Better Pet Health Tracking

Apps can help owners keep track of their pets’ health, including vaccinations, medications, food, and exercise. This keeps pets healthier and makes the app a go-to tool for pet care.

5. Build a Pet-Loving Community

Adding social features enables pet owners to connect, share stories, and support one another. This fosters strong user engagement and encourages people to return.

6. Use Smart Technology

Using AI, your app can suggest diets, training tips, or services tailored to each pet’s specific needs. This makes the app smarter and more personal for users.

7. Stay Ahead of Competitors

A well-designed app with special features, like dog walking or expert vet advice, can help your brand stand out. It gives you a significant competitive advantage in the market.

What Are the Types of Pet Care Apps?

Here are the main types of pet care apps.

Types of Pet Care Apps

1) Pet Health & Medical Records Apps: 

These apps help pet owners track their pets’ health, medical history, and vaccinations. They also offer reminders for medication and help schedule vet appointments.

2) Pet Training Apps: 

These apps help pet owners train their pets. The apps deliver instructional videos as well as visual behavioral guides with multiple interactive exercises that track behavioral development.

3) Pet Grooming & Salon Booking Apps: 

Users can schedule various grooming services, such as baths, nail trims, and haircuts, through this app platform. Built-in features enable users to discover local salons, as well as book and assess services.

4) Pet Sitting & Walking Service Apps: 

These apps connect pet owners with professional pet sitters and dog walkers. Mobile users can book services instantly on these apps, which incorporate profiles, GPS tracking features, and real-time status updates.

5) Pet Food & Product Delivery Apps:

These apps enable pet owners to order food, toys, and accessories. The apps provide subscription-based deliveries and personalized recommendation services for their customers.

6) Pet Social Networking Apps: 

Through their platform, users can create profiles of their pets. Users can utilize this platform to view media content and interact with community groups, connecting with fellow pet enthusiasts.

What Are the Key Features of a Successful Pet Care App?

Here are the main features of a pet care app.

Key Features of a Successful Pet Care App

1. User Registration and Pet Profiles

Users must create accounts after adding details about their pets, including name, breed, age, and information about important health records and dietary requirements. This helps personalize services and advice for each pet.

2. Appointment Booking and Reminders

Users access the application to book vet and trainer appointments instantaneously. The app provides reminder notifications that prevent users from missing their vital visits.

3. GPS Tracking for Walks or Lost Pets

Pet owners can monitor their animal’s position while walking them or when the pet goes missing. Real-time location tracking through the app provides owners with the assurance of checking their pets’ positions.

4. In-App Chat or Video Call with Vets/Trainers

Users can contact vets and trainers through video calls and face-to-face chats to obtain professional advice. Users gain quick clinical consultations and instant answers through this beneficial feature.

5. Pet Health Tracker (Vaccinations, Weight, etc.)

Users can keep track of their pet’s health, including vaccinations, medications, and weight changes. This helps ensure pets are staying healthy and up-to-date on their care.

6. Emergency Contact Options

In the event of an emergency, users can quickly locate nearby veterinarians or emergency services. You can notify friends and family about your pet’s situation through the app’s feature.

7. E-Commerce for Pet Products

The application features an online store that enables users to purchase a variety of pet products, including food, toys, grooming supplies, and pharmaceuticals. Pet buyers experience easier shopping convenience because the platform permits single-location purchases.

8. Push Notifications and Alerts

Users receive notifications for important updates, like upcoming appointments, medication reminders, or new products. This keeps users informed and helps them stay on top of their pet’s care.

9. Multilingual Support

Users from various language backgrounds can access the app through multiple supported languages. This ensures a wide range of users can benefit from the app’s features.

How To Develop an App Like Rover?

Here are the key steps in pet care mobile app development—from idea to launch and beyond.

How To Develop an App Like Rover?

Step 1: Market Research & Idea Validation

Market research of pet care represents the starting point. Research both pet owner specifications and current app functionalities to inform future development. An analysis will reveal the empty spots within your competitor’s mobile apps. Surveys and interviews should evaluate pet parents’ expectations during this research phase.  The market research phase enables you to verify your app concept while determining its unique selling points.

Step 2: Define Features & App Goals

The pet care application needs to include all necessary features. The application features booking appointments, in-app payment processing, profile management, health alerts, and community engagement tools. Your project will stay on track by using well-defined protocols.

Step 3: UI/UX Design for Pet Owners & Service Providers

The interface design should focus exclusively on meeting the needs of pet owners and service providers. Service providers need an interactive interface with simple design elements to perform their duties effectively. The application design requires a friendly color palette paired with basic layouts. Apply your designs to actual users to verify their comfort and user-friendly nature.

Step 4: Choose a Tech Stack (Native or Cross-Platform)

Decide on the development approach. The development process enables you to create native Android and iOS software, as well as combined-platform solutions that work on both Android and iOS systems. Native applications offer superior performance at a higher development cost. Native apps offer better performance but come at a higher cost. Cross-platform apps save time and money, but are slower. Select the method that best suits your budget and target audience.

Step 5: MVP Development & Testing

Develop an MVP that includes essential app features for testing purposes, allowing for the identification of software issues during user feedback collection. MVP testing allows you to identify and resolve issues before releasing the full application.

Step 6: Launch on App Stores

Once your MVP is tested and ready, launch it on Google Play and the Apple App Store. Write a clear app description and use attractive pet-friendly screenshots. Promote the app on social media and within pet-related communities. Consider partnering with pet shops or clinics to increase visibility.

Step 7: Maintenance, Updates & User Feedback

After launch, focus on improving the app. Fix bugs, add new features, and collect user feedback. Track user interactions to identify areas for improvement and optimization. Stay connected with users through in-app surveys or reviews. Regular updates will keep the app fresh and engaging, ensuring it remains up-to-date.

We help you build an on-demand pet care app that pet owners love and trust.

Conclusion- Your App, Their Care, Everywhere!

Developing a pet care app for your startup offers a streamlined way to tap into the growing pet care industry.

The top best Care App Development Company, iCoderz, exists to transform your vision into reality.

With years of experience in building apps, we know what works.

Custom pet care app development provides tailored features, scalability, and brand alignment. 

Stand out in the booming petcare industry with iCoderz by your side. 

Don’t miss this chance!

The pet care market experiences rapid growth. Become part of this market with our expert support from iCoderz.

From start to launch, we’re with you all the way. Contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Petcare App?

Creating a pet care app typically costs between $10,000 and $100,000, depending on the desired features and complexity. Maintenance and marketing expenses also contribute to the overall cost.

About Author

Ankit Rupapara

Ankit Rupapara is an agile project manager and self-taught iOS Developer. As Team Lead at iCoderz, he has led a team of 18 and delivered multiple projects. Ankit also serves as Product Lead for Deonde, managing tech strategy and UI/UX for on-demand solutions. He excels in decision-making, time management, and stakeholder relationships.

Related Posts