Must-Have Pet Apps (and How to Keep Your Privacy Safe)

If you're like most pet parents, your furry friend isn’t just a pet — they’re family. From vet visits to walks in the park, we do everything we can to keep them happy, healthy, and safe.

Thanks to modern tech, there are now amazing apps that help us take even better care of our pets. Whether it’s tracking vet appointments, monitoring activity, or finding them if they get lost — there’s an app for that.

But here's something many people don’t think about: are these apps safe to use on public Wi-Fi? Can someone actually access your pet camera or data? Let’s talk about the top pet apps every U.S. pet owner should know, and how to use them without putting your privacy at risk.

Keep Track of Your Pet’s Health — Right from Your Phone

Staying on top of vaccines, medications, and appointments can get overwhelming. These apps make it simple:

• PetDesk – A favorite among vets in the U.S., PetDesk lets you schedule appointments, track vaccines and meds, and even message your vet through the app.
• 11pets – Ideal for multi-pet households. You can manage each pet’s medical history — from allergies to grooming — and set reminders for upcoming care tasks.
• Pet First Aid (American Red Cross) – Not a record keeper, but a lifesaver in emergencies. This app offers step-by-step first aid instructions and helps you locate the nearest emergency vet clinic.

Find Your Pet Fast: GPS Trackers That Work

Losing sight of your dog or cat — even for a few minutes — is terrifying. These GPS trackers can help you act fast:

• Whistle GO Explore – Clips right onto your dog’s collar. Track their real-time location, monitor health and fitness, and even check how well they’re sleeping.
• Tractive GPS Dog Tracker – Set up safe zones, like your backyard, and get alerts if your pet steps outside them. You can switch between battery-saving mode or real-time tracking.
• Fi Smart Dog Collar – This smart collar combines tracking and activity monitoring, so you know where your dog is and how active they’ve been. Bonus: it’s waterproof and great for dogs who love water.

But Wait — Are These Apps Safe on Public Wi-Fi?

You’re at the coffee shop, checking your dog’s camera or GPS tracker from your phone. No big deal, right?

Actually… it might be. Public Wi-Fi (like in airports or cafes) is often unsecured. That means someone could intercept your data, watch your pet cam, or even steal your login info. It’s called a “man-in-the-middle” attack — and it happens more than you’d think.

How to Stay Safe:

Use a VPN

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) protects your connection by encrypting your data. It’s like a private tunnel between your phone and the internet. Even on public Wi-Fi, hackers won’t be able to see what you’re doing.

Many free and paid VPNs are available on the App Store. Just be sure to check reviews and privacy policies before installing.

Strong Passwords Matter

• Use long, unique passwords for each pet app.
• Consider a password manager — it keeps your logins safe and helps generate strong passwords.

Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

If an app offers it, enable 2FA. That way, even if someone gets your password, they can’t log in without the extra code sent to your phone or email.

Review App Permissions

Some apps ask for access they don’t need. Does a pet tracker really need your microphone or contacts? Probably not. Go into your settings and turn off anything unnecessary.

Read also: Affordable Telehealth for Pets: How to Access Quality Vet Care on a Budget  

Final Thoughts: Love Your Pet, Protect Your Data

Technology makes it easier than ever to care for our pets — and that’s amazing. But while these tools bring convenience and peace of mind, they also come with responsibilities.

Take a few minutes to secure your apps and connections, especially when you’re on public Wi-Fi. A VPN, strong passwords, and smart settings go a long way in keeping both you and your furry companion safe.

Because your dog or cat deserves the best — and so do you.