How to Build a Pet Care App Like Tractive GPS?

Adopting a pet is easy, but taking care of it is a huge responsibility. In present times, taking care of a pet and ensuring its well-being can be extremely challenging. With busy schedules and rising financial costs, monitoring pet activities and ensuring 24/7 care is becoming harder than ever. Many times, pets wander off. They may succumb to disease or attacks by humans and other animals. How can people protect and take care of their pets then? Relax, a pet care app like Tractive GPS can solve the problem.

The pet care app market value is projected to increase from USD $3.23 billion in 2025 to USD $6 billion by 2033. These statistics are proof that there is an increasing demand for pet care apps, which is not going to die anytime soon. Pet care apps can do way more than tracking an animal’s location. From booking vet appointments, tracking a pet's whereabouts, or monitoring its health, a pet care app can accomplish several tasks with ease.

On the business side, pet care app development presents an excellent opportunity for businesses to capitalize on the growing demand. Having said that, pet care app development is not a straightforward process. App development companies must anticipate pet owners' needs and design apps with the right features. This blog will discuss various aspects related to pet care app development, including features, benefits, cost, and more.

Why Build a Pet Care App like Tractive GPS?

Business owners must understand the objective of building a pet care app like Tractive GPS. Only if they know the reason can they convince investors. Pet care app development is not a temporary trend. With increasing urbanization, adopting pets is quite common. The demand for pet care apps is only going to increase with time. Below are some of the top reasons why companies should consider pet care app development.

Increasing Pet Ownership and Spending

More and more people around the world are adopting pets. They are open to spending on pet food, medical care, smart collars, and other needs.

Pet Safety and Tracking

Millions of pets go missing each year. Pet owners want to ensure the safety of their pets while tracking their location. Advanced pet care apps like Tractive GPS alert owners when their pets leave a particular area.

Smart IoT Integration

The latest collars available on the market integrate seamlessly with wearables. This makes it easier to track the pet’s location while monitoring its activities along with vitals like heart rate and temperature. Pet care apps that integrate with IoT devices have an edge over others in the market.

Recurring Revenue

Besides meeting pet owners' needs, state-of-the-art pet care apps like Tractive GPS have premium subscription models. Depending on the features, the pet owner can choose the appropriate plan. This ensures that the pet care app makes money over time and stays relevant.

Community Engagement

An app with community features such as lost pet alerts, finding shelters and potential adopters, or social sharing boosts app engagement. Additional features, such as a social layer with pet profiles or leaderboards, boost user retention.

App Differentiation

Combining location tracking, health insights, and vet integration ensures a seamless experience for pet owners. This creates a satisfactory experience for users and cultivates brand loyalty.

Scalability

Pet care apps can start with support for animals such as dogs and cats. Later, they can add more features to include birds and other animals. Thanks to GPS and IoT features, companies can create scalable apps that can cater to different types of pets and diverse markets.

Data Analytics

Pet care apps monitor pet movement and collect behavioral data. Based on this data, the apps can suggest the best times to feed the pet, take them out for walks, or send alerts. These alerts improve app functioning over time while boosting user engagement.

Partnership Opportunities

Launching a pet care app opens up collaboration opportunities. Tie-ups with vets, pet insurance companies, or pet food brands can add new revenue streams while boosting social media visibility.

Considering pet care app development? If you lack the time or resources to build such an app, partner with a top app development company.

8 Types of Pet Care Apps

From pet location tracking to health monitoring, the market is full of pet care apps. Pet owners can choose the app that is best suited to their needs. Below are some of the most popular types of pet care apps.

1) Vet and Health Management Apps

Vet and health management apps help pet owners manage valuable medical orders and vaccinations. Users can also schedule vet consultations when required. Key features include the following:

• Virtual vet consultations via call/chat
• Digital health records and reminders
• Emergency vet locators
• Prescription tracking.

2) Pet Nutrition and Diet Apps

These apps help users manage feeding schedules, track their diet, and create custom meal plans. Key features include the following:

• Develops tailored diets based on the pet’s breed, age, weight, and other factors.
• Food recalls and ingredient analysis
• Calculates calories and portion sizes
• Manage pet food delivery subscriptions

3) Pet Walking Apps

Pet walking apps enable users to connect with reputable walkers, sitters, and boarding services. Key features of pet walking apps include the following:

• GPS-monitored pet walks
• Booking and payment features
• Sitters with full-proof background checks
• Real-time updates/images.

4) Pet Adoption and Rescue Apps

The main objective of this is to help users find pets to adopt, put them up for adoption, or rescue them from bad situations. Key features of pet adoption and rescue apps are as follows.

• Browse animals by breed/location
• Option to contact animal shelters directly
• Pet matching and compatibility tools
• Access donations and volunteer options

5) Pet Training and Behavior Apps

These apps guide pet owners in training their pets. Additionally, they also provide tips on making pets obey the owner’s instructions. In case the pet exhibits rebellious/aggressive behavior, the apps also teach how to correct such behavior. Key features of pet training apps include the following:

• Detailed training videos
• Clicker training tools
• Progress tracking
• Access to experts who offer behavioral advice

6) Pet Activity and Fitness Trackers

These apps help users monitor their pet's activity and health metrics, along with managing their daily exercise routines. If the app observes any changes, it alerts users who can take appropriate actions. Key features of pet activity and fitness trackers include the following:

• Wearable collar sync (smart devices)
• GPS tracking and safety zones
• Generates reports related to sleep, physical activity, and health.

7) Pet Care and Grooming Service Apps

Helps users handle pet care and grooming service needs. These needs include bathing, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, dental care, and more. In short, these services ensure the overall health, comfort, and well-being. Key features of pet care apps include the following:

• Appointment scheduling
• Service reviews and ratings
• In-home service options
• Loyalty programs

8) Pet E-Commerce and Subscription Box Apps

Pet e-commerce and subscriptions sell/deliver pet food, toys, and accessories. Key features of pet e-commerce and subscription box apps include the following:

• Personalized recommendations
• Subscription boxes for toys/treats
• Loyalty points and discounts

Do you want a specific type of pet care app? Hire dedicated developers to develop a custom pet care app like Tractive GPS.

Top Features of an App Like Tractive GPS

When a company embarks on a mission to build an app like Tractive GPS, it must aim to stand out from the crowd. App development companies understand that an app like Tractive GPS is more than just pet tracking. They go the extra mile to make it engaging, user-friendly while solving real-world problems. Below are some must-have and differentiating features of a pet care app.

Core Features of a Pet Care App

• Pet profile management
• GPS and real-time location tracking
• Activity and health monitoring
• Reminders and notifications
• Emergency and safety features
• User-friendly and intuitive UI/UX

We won’t go into the details of these core features because they are commonly found in pet care apps. Also, people know what these features do. One can’t imagine a pet care app without the above features.

Differentiating Features in a Pet Care App

Different apps separate the regular apps from the premium ones. When a company wants to compete with industry bigwigs, it must consider including cutting-edge features. Below are the differentiating features that pet apps must include to become engaging and provide value to users.

• Integration with Wearables/Collar Tracker

A pet care app must sync with hardware such as collar tags and GPS units. Also, it should provide data related to the pet’s location, activity, and battery status.

The app does not just store data. It provides real-time data to users to assist informed decision-making.

• Diet and Wellness Planner

An advanced pet care app has features to ensure a nutritious diet and optimal health of the animal.

Before creating a diet or wellness plan for a pet, the app will consider various factors. These factors include breed, age, and health. Based on these factors, the app will suggest an appropriate feeding schedule, portion sizes, or exercise routines.

Tracks the physical growth of pets continuously. It also highlights new trends and alerts pet owners in case of any anomalies.

This feature provides a holistic approach to pet care.

• Social and Community Sharing

Allows pet owners to share key updates and images. This includes pet learning, milestone memories, and more.

Users can connect with fellow pet owners. This boosts app engagement and community spirit.

The app goes beyond conventional app tracking. It gives users the motivation to return and engage with the app.

• Store Location/Service Locator

This feature helps users find vets, groomers, pet stores, and book services.

Many pet care apps have an in-built app store to help users shop for pet supplies. They may also integrate with popular e-commerce service providers.

Besides fulfilling the above needs, the app builds an entire ecosystem. This creates monetization opportunities.

• Subscription and Premium Features

Pet care apps can offer premium features to boost engagement and earn revenue. While the basic features meet the needs of most users, the premium features will attract users who want more than the ordinary. Examples of premium features include the following-

• Advanced and custom reports
• Multi-pet support
• Extended geofencing
• Historical activity analysis
• Device battery alerts
• Premium content
• Personalized recommendations

Analytics and Insights

Thanks to analytics, users can get information related to a pet’s health, physical activity, and other metrics. Raw data converted into easy-to-understand insights helps users understand problems and address them.

Do you want to build a personalized app for your target audience? Consider partnering with a reputable pet care app development company.

10 Benefits of Building a Pet Care App Like Tractive GPS

Below are ten benefits of building a pet care app like Tractive GPS.

• Real-time GPS tracking ensures pet safety and quick retrieval when/if they go missing.
• Real-time activity monitoring and valuable insights foster deep and long-lasting connections between pets and owners.
• Increase customer engagement through bespoke alerts and recommendations.
• Premium subscriptions, device sales, and monetization models create recurring revenue streams.
• Innovative features and reliable services build brand trust and goodwill.
• Data-powered insights create opportunities to partner with vets and pet insurance companies.
• Community features and pet-sharing options boost user growth and retention.
• Syncs and supports diverse devices for effective data sync and sharing.
• Allows companies to target tech-savvy pet owners wanting exciting features.
• Integrates seamlessly with smart collars and IoT devices.

8 Steps to build a pet care app like Tractive GPS

Developing an advanced pet care app like Tractive GPS requires app development companies to combine state-of-the-art technologies with tried and tested techniques. Commonly used technologies in pet care app development include GPS and IoT integration. Mobile app development and cloud infrastructure further improve the outcomes. Below are the steps to build a pet care app like Tractive GPS.

1) Market Research

The objective of conducting market research is to understand the existing apps in the market. Additionally, it also helps determine whether there will be a demand for such an app. This step involves the following aspects.

The first and foremost task is to study competitors. Tractive GPS is one of the biggest plays in the industry. Analyze the reasons for their popularity, widespread use, and success.

• Who is the target audience? - Depending on the app type, the target audience may include pet owners, vets, shelters, or pet walkers.
• What are the users’ major points? - Understand the target audience’s pain points and address them. Examples of pain points include poor tracking, excessive battery usage, poor navigation, or sluggish performance
• Business Models - Choose between different business models. Options may include subscription, device sales, freemium, or a one-time purchase.

2) Validating the Idea

The second stage is where a company must validate its app idea. Do customers want such an app? Are they ready to pay for it? App development companies can accomplish this by talking to users in real life (pet owners in this case).

This will help them understand their problems and requirements. Conducting surveys or polls may help. Alternatively, companies can consider building a simple prototype to check user responses. Analyzing the latest pet care app trends will also deliver robust insights that companies can use.

3) Choose the Right Features

What are the features to include in the app? Merely copying a competitor won’t help. The idea is to launch an app that solves real-life problems of pet owners. If unsure, it would make sense to consult one of the top app development companies to know more. Most importantly, the features should help users. Solving a genuine problem and implementing the right features based on market research will go a long way in creating the ideal app. Below are some features to consider to stand out from competitors.

• Hybrid tracking systems
• AI-powered behavioral insights
• Smart notifications
• Health and vet integrations
• Augmented reality pet finder
• Companion mode (for multiple pets)
• Smart collar integration
• Voice and gesture commands

4) UI/UX Design

Using a combination of attractive colors and relevant icons will do the job. Now it is time to breathe life into the designs. Companies must transform the design into an interactive prototype. Tools such as Figma/Adobe XD are great for accomplishing such tasks.

A pet care app must be engaging and user-friendly. At the same time, it must be easy for people to use, regardless of their tech skills. App development companies must start by mapping out customer journeys. Secondly, they must create sketches of different screens to know how the app will appear to end users. No matter how good the features are, they are of no use if the aesthetics are a mood dampener.

Using attractive colors and relevant icons will resonate with users. Next, companies must cover the design into an interactive prototype. To accomplish this goal, tools such as Figma/Adobe XD are ideal. Last but not least, let a limited number of users (pet owners) test the app. Since they are the target market, their opinions will determine how the app will perform after launch. Listen to their feedback and note it down. Make changes to the app if required.

5) Choose the Right Tech Stack

Choosing the right technology stack matters when building a pet care business. This is true, especially for high-end apps like Tractive GPS. Performance is not the only aspect. A pet care app must be secure and ready to handle increased business demands. Below are the tech stacks for the mobile app, backend, and hardware.

Mobile App

• Frontend - Flutter (for cross-platform apps), Swift (iOS), and Kotlin (Android).
• Mapping SDK - Options include Google Maps, Mapbox, and OpenStreetMap.
• Notifications - Firebase Cloud Messaging/ One Signal.

Backend

• Server - Node.js/Python (FastAPI/Django)
• Database - PostgreSQL or MongoDB
• Real-time updates - MQTT or WebSockets
• Cloud - AWS/ Google Cloud/ Azure

IoT and Hardware

• Device - GPS, GSM, BLE, and Accelerometer
• Firmware - C/C++ (ESP32 or ARM-based microcontroller)
• Communication protocol - MQTT or HTTPS with token-based authentication

Lastly, develop the app.

6) Testing and QA

After developing the pet care app, stringent testing is necessary. Testing ensures that the app is bug-free and does not cause performance issues in the future. Ensuring regulatory compliance is also crucial as the app handles sensitive user data. Below are the main types of testing that companies must conduct after completing app development.

• Unit testing - For APIs, firmware, and mobile functions.
• Integration Testing - Proper integration testing for smooth data flow from the GPS-enabled smart dog collar to the server and the app. Everything happens in real-time, ensuring zero delays.
• Field Testing - Conduct field testing with different pets, in multiple environments, and network conditions.
• Beta testing - A small group of pet owners must be invited to use the app. Collect their feedback. If there is room for improvement, make the necessary changes.

7) Deployment and Launch

After testing, it is time to launch and deploy the app. The goal is to make the pet care app available for public download. This is the best time to gain as many users as possible.

• Backend deployment - Use AWS EC2 or Kubernetes for scalability.
• Release the app - Make the app live on App Store and Play Store.
• Monitor analytics - Note the number of new users, the time they spend on the app, and if they return after the first use.
• Customer support - Set up a chatbot or helpdesk to assist customers.

8) Post-Launch Maintenance and Growth

Launching the app is not the end. Ensure proper maintenance to ensure that it works optimally and meets user expectations. Below are some tips for post-launch maintenance.

• Performance monitoring - Includes uptime, GPS latency, and app crashes.
• User feedback - Collect user reviews and suggestions.
• Feature updates - Consider adding features such as health tracking and AI-powered recommendations.
• Security audits - Conduct regular vulnerability scans.
• Partnerships - Collaborate with vets, pet stores, and other related businesses.

Does creating a pet care app like Tractive GPS sound like too much hard work? Partner with a professional pet care app development company for the best results.

Factors Affecting the Cost to Build a Pet Care App like Tractive GPS

There are many factors affecting the costs to develop a pet care app like Tractive GPS. We will list out those factors. However, we won’t go into the details because it's a complex topic that requires a separate blog. Below are some of the factors that affect pet care app development costs.

1. Project scope and features
2. Chosen platform
3. Hardware and device integrations
4. Real-time infrastructure
5. Maps and third-party APIs
6. Battery and background location
7. Data storage and analytics
8. Security and privacy
9. Testing and QA
10. Maintenance and scalability needs
11. Team location and hourly rates
12. Regulatory and legal compliance

Watch out for hidden costs such as marketing expenses, store listings, ASO, and paid ads. Map and API recurring plus payment gateway fees can also add to the cost. Companies new to pet care app development must consult an experienced partner before embarking on such projects.

5 Tips to Control Pet Care App Development Costs

Pet care app development can be an expensive affair. If not properly planned, the costs could get out of control. Typically, the cost to build a pet care app like Tractive GPS can range from a few thousand to millions of dollars.

• Software-Only MVP - $60,000 - $220,000
• Apps with third-party integrations - $90,000 - $300,000
• Advanced pet care app - $300,000 - $1M+

Note that these figures are just to give readers an approximate idea. A professional pet care app development company can provide the exact number. Below are some tips to control pet care app development costs.

Start with an MVP, preferably a mobile app, plus a stimulated device or third-party trackers. This will help avoid sky-high hardware costs.

Build an app that works on Android and iOS platforms. This will control costs. App development companies don’t have to spend on advanced features or hardware.

The app should save data for only a few weeks or days initially. Older data must be deleted automatically. This will save money.

Leverage managed cloud services to cut down on DevOps overheads.

Outsource pet care app development to an agency or freelancers. Once the MVP is ready, the in-house team can add more features. This can help control costs.

Are you considering custom pet care app development? Partner with a leading pet care app development company to get the best results.

Concluding Remarks

Pet care app development is not a fad or a passing trend. In the future, we will see an increased demand for such apps. Pet care apps like Tracking GPS do more than just track a pet's location. They can help pet owners monitor their pet's health, diet, and problems that animals face. Furthermore, using AI in pet care app development can ensure personalized experiences for pet owners.

Not only that, AI-powered apps also monitor pet health and behavior patterns to identify ailments in nascent stages. Predictive algorithms can further enhance specific features in pet care apps, such as location tracking, battery optimization, and geofencing capabilities.

By using the right technologies, strategies, and partnering with the right pet care app development company, one can create the perfect app. Want to develop a high-quality pet care app but are unsure about how to go about it? Partner with Hyperlink InfoSystem and develop a unique app. Speak to one of our experts to see what we can do for you.