Toronto man develops app that acts as 'Tinder' for dogs
A Toronto man says that an app he created to connect people's furry friends with other playmates has been so successful, he is looking at expanding.
The free app, called "Pawmates," is "very similar to Tinder" creator Colin Jarvis-Gaum told CTV News Toronto. Users can swipe right or swipe left and find dogs in their area who are looking for a friend.
"So if you swipe right on a person, and they've swiped right on you, then it starts a chat," Jarvis-Gaum said.
Users are then free to schedule a meet up.
Jarvis-Guam said he started the app when he saw a need in his own life.
"It actually started with my own dog, he was getting a little bit older," he said.
Jarvis-Gaum's golden retriever named Pal didn't have the same energy as before and couldn't keep up with the young dogs at the park.
"I though to myself it would be great if we could find him some other playmates that were sort of more his speed," he says.
The 27-year-old didn't know the first thing about creating an app. He learned to code by watching YouTube and after some trial and error, Pawmates was born. As oc Oct. 27, they've grown to about 10,000 users, along with a strong presence on social media.
At a Toronto park, many dog owners, like Dayan Servantez, said it's a great idea.
"(Dogs) can have their own socialization, you can have your own exercise, and the dogs exercise too," she said.
Dog walker Anna Koran says she will tell all her clients about this app.
"I think it such a fantastic way, number one for the dogs to get together but also for people to exchange ideas," she said.
As the effectiveness of the Pawmates app has been taking off, the team is now thinking of expanding into other pet related services.
Beyond finding other dogs, users can currently find doggy daycare, walkers, groomers, vets and stores, but Jarvis-Gaum has two new ideas,
"One is lost pet alerts," he said. He got the idea after seeing some Facebook groups spring into action after one of their members lost a pet.
"Another one would be adoptions," he said. The hope is to streamline the process for pets to find there forever home.
While the dogs have been matching, there have been users who have matches too.
"Some people have actually used it to meet significant others," Jarvis-Gaum said. He recently learned through a review on the App Store that two users met using Pawmates and now they are a couple.
So, like many dog owners at the park, you never know where your furry friends may lead you.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.