Once upon a time, two friends Mitch “Top Dog” Allen, and David “Hot Dog” Goldwasser were chatting on the phone as they have in the past, discussing business ideas, life, and other cosmic events, when David relayed his current situation with his 2 month old pup, Beanie, a yellow active lab. Apparently, Beanie was an insatiably energetic consuming buddy with no bounds and driving David literally “craycray and contemplating how long he could survive the family's new adorable addition”. Even as far as contemplating a LABOTOMY. “Wouldn’t it be great if there was an app that I could use to find other dog owners in my area to meet up with for a play date just like parents do for their kids?”, David pronounced. And thus the idea for PlayDates4Dogs was born.

As in all business, hard work, a great idea, and optimism isn’t enough. The company needs to have a great marketing strategy. Enter Andrew “Chili Dog” Cohen, marketing guru. Who better to help launch the company then an associate of Mitch’s who also had been barking about “doing something” together.

Together, these 3 dogeteers, are looking to change the world, “One playdate at a time!”

Business Perspective

At this year’s Global Pet Expo, American Pet Products Association president, Bob Vetere, announced that pet industry spending in 2016 rose to a record high of $66.75 billion. The pet industry has experienced continuous, unprecedented growth: According to the APPA, there are 84.6 million pet-owning households in the US, which puts pet ownership at about 68 percent of total households.

There are plenty of mobile apps coming to market today which allow users to search for pet services such as grooming, dog walkers, dog sitters, and the like. However, there are only a few apps which will allow dog owners to select and set play dates for their animals. PD4D will use its innovative and cutting edge technology to capture the heart of dog lovers across the country. Not only will dog lovers come to use the mobile app and website to communicate with other like-minded dog owners, but they will see it as a source of current news, new exciting products, and really cool applications.

The Market

According to the 2017-2018 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, there are approximately 60.2 million US Households that own a dog, and there are 89.7 million dogs owned in the US. Monthly spend estimates for this market ranges from $150-$200 per month. Dog owners are always on the lookout for new innovative tools and products to enhance the experience with their pet and to be able to pamper their furry friends. PD4D will become the “go to” app to not only set up play dates for their dogs and socialize with the dog lovers community, but to find the latest and greatest products and resources to better serve their animal relationship.

The Product

The vision of PlayDates4Dogs is to allow dog owners to enter a community where setting play dates for their furry friends is as easy as tapping our application icon on their mobile device. Users will be able to filter their selection of play dates by breed, age, weight, temperament, and other factors deemed to be valuable to the selection process. In addition to our mobile app, users will also be able to access our platform via a rich website as well.

A directory will be available to allow users to search for dog friendly parks, eateries, hotels, animal hospitals, vets, and other dog specific venues. Google Maps technology will be deployed to offer detailed locations of needed services or resources, as well as, convenient play date meeting spots.

An online marketplace will allow shoppers to review and purchase unique gifts for their one and only pals! Both via mobile and website. Products will be specifically selected for creating fun playful memories. We will look to provide unique, innovative, exciting new products from both newer and more established companies.

Socialization features like posting pictures and chatting with other dog lovers will be available. Rich content surrounding our Blog and FAQ sections will provide in the moment answers to pressing questions. Partnerships with veterinarians will provide much needed insight into the health and well-being of our furry friends as well.

It is truly is a “Dog meets Dog world!” So start exploring today……..

Meet the Team

Mitch “Top Dog” Allen, Co-Founder & President

Results driven senior accounting and financial management executive with more than 30 years of progressive experience in finance and operations management within starts ups and mid-market companies. Expertise in ecommerce and retail. Loves animals and currently boards 5 rescued cats. Only a matter of time before a bull dog enters the family. Wife’s grandfather bred champion bull dogs back in the day.

Andrew “Chili Dog” Cohen, Co-Founder & CMO

Entrepreneurial driven with a strong background in start-ups and a love for marketing. Worked with companies at all levels of growth and market share with a knack for “getting things done.” Expertise in ecommerce, retail, business development and marketing. Avid dog lover and rescuer.

David “Hot Dog” Goldwasser, Co-Founder & Director of Events/Customer Service

In addition to his devotion and love for his many dogs, David spent 20 years as a supervisor and advocate for The Department of Health and Human Services and health care specialist in Elder Care Law. A defender of the rights of the elderly and disabled, and consummate customer service expert. Beanie, a beautiful Labrador, was the inspiration for the concept.

How We’re Going to Spend the Contributions

The great news is the website and mobile app are almost complete! PD4D has teamed up with OSI Technology to build out a rich, technological advanced application for users. At least 75% of the requested $50,000 in Contributions will go towards our marketing efforts supporting our forthcoming National launch. So the back bone work will be complete. Your contributions will help fuel our intensive guerrilla like marketing tactics. We are excited about having your join our team!