Did you get a new furry friend over the Holidays? Or perhaps you have a New Year’s resolution to do more with your pets in 2025? Or maybe you’re just curious about what life would be like should you take the plunge to become a pet owner. Whatever your relationship with animals, there’s a digital world ready and waiting to help you experience your love of pets in new ways.
Below, we have picked out some of the best apps, games, and podcasts that can breathe new life into your relationship with your beloved pets this year. Regardless if you are an experienced owner or wondering what a life with pets would be like, these will have you covered:
Apps
A new app just launched before the holiday season is gaining a bit of traction. LifePlus Pets is aimed at building wellness for both you and your pooch. The app works on physical and mental health with a range of activities for you and your dog, strengthening the bond between you both. Another we love is Rover, which aims to match your pet with the perfect sitter should you be heading on vacation. It puts a lot of effort into pairing up, giving you peace of mind before you head away.
Conversely, if you want to take your pet away with you, BringFido is a smart app for finding pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, trails, beaches, and everything in between. If the worst should ever happen, Pet First Aid by the American Red Cross gives crucial advice of what to do in emergency situations. Finally, TractiveGPS is a favorite of ours, letting you know where your pet is – and what they get up to – at all times.
Games
There are thousands and thousands of quality pet-themed games on app stores and gaming platforms, ranging from expansive simulations like The Sims 4: Cats & Dogs to pooch-themed slots like the Dog House Megaways. We are big fans of WobbleDogs, which is available on PC and Nintendo platforms. It is a quirky sim game where you design and raise your own ‘hive’ of mutating dogs. It’s endless fun.
Stray is an interesting exploration game, perfect for those who have wondered what life is like as a prowling cat. It has elements of cyberpunk and puzzling-solving, but there is a rich and unique storyline that captivates players. Pets Hotel is a fun option that you can play on your mobile, allowing you to manage a hotel catering for all kinds of pets. Finally, we’ll pick one that doesn’t have traditional pets but gets a mention as it’s so enchanting – Pikmin Bloom. It’s a walking-based game where you’ll care for little creatures (Pikmins), giving you a chance for some exercise and digital fun.
Podcasts
Getting a new puppy can be a surprising experience for many of us, and sometimes an overwhelming one. Your New Puppy podcast is an easily digestible guide for new dog owners with easy-to-follow advice. For something more in-depth and heartwarming, The Long Leash provides real-life tales of how pets have changed lives. For more casual listening, We Don’t Deserve Dogs invites celebrities and other interesting folk to chat about the weird and wonderful world of our canine friends.
For serious pet owners, there’s Pet Life Radio. It offers a laid-back news service covering all aspects of the pet industry, giving indispensable advice on everything from basic care to new trends. Talking Animals is a little broader, diving into the news but also philosophical discussions about animal ethics. Lastly, The Pet Loss Companion is a podcast that helps owners deal with the death of beloved pets.