An app that allows people who do not have time to take their dog for a walk on a certain day to connect with people in the area who are going for a hike or a walk and would like to take a dog with them.
There are a number of instances in which users could benefit from such a pairing:
Security reasons - Elderly people or anyone that is afraid of walking alone will enjoy the security provided by having a dog accompany them.
Goodwill - Young, able-bodied people could help out older people or people who are not physically capable of walking their dogs.
Animal lovers - There are many animal lovers who are not able to keep pets for whatever reason who would jump at the opportunity to spend some time with a dog.
Motivation - Walkers/runners might feel a sense of obligation after arranging a walk to show up, this could be good motivation for them to get in their necessary exercise.
This would be free, as opposed to hiring a dog walker, as the walkers are from the same area as the dog and would be going for a walk anyway.
Ideally, such a service would be free, as it is built on the idea that both parties benefit from the arrangement. Dog owners would indicate the amount of exercise their dog needs, what they are comfortable with and what they enjoy, walkers would be able to browse through all the dogs waiting to go on a walk, and the app would suggest dogs whose exercise requirements best match the level of the hike/run that the walker wants to do.
Dog owners would have to sign a release form that protects the walkers/runners if anything were to happen accidentally.
Both dogs and walkers would build a rating over time, indicating to potential users whether the dog was well behaved and whether the walker was punctual and gentle with the dog.
Users would have to be vetted by the app thoroughly and would need to provide enough of their personal details to give dog owners a sense of security when leaving their pets in their care. Similarly, dogs displaying any aggressive behaviour will be banned from the app.
As an added safety precaution, the app could even track the walkers.
The dog's owners will be responsible for providing the leash, poo bag and any additional snacks or gear that might be required.
Spook Louw Jul 18, 2022
