When we started helping a client launch their dog walking app, our main challenge was deciding what to build first. It’s tempting to dream about advanced features like GPS heatmaps, pet activity logs, and AI-powered scheduling — but for an MVP, focus is everything.
Here’s what we learned about choosing must-have features:
- Separate profiles for owners, walkers, and pets help build trust and personalization from day one.
- On-demand & recurring bookings let owners schedule easily, while walkers manage availability via a calendar.
- Secure payments (Stripe or PayPal) keep transactions smooth and automated.
- Ratings & reviews create accountability and quality assurance.
- In-app messaging reduces miscommunication and keeps everything in one place.
- Emergency support (like an SOS button) might be small, but it’s huge for user trust.
For the tech stack, we used a staged approach:
- Start with a responsive web app (fast launch, works on all devices).
- Move to a React Native mobile app once the idea is validated.
- Backend with Laravel or Node.js, PostgreSQL/MySQL for structured data, Firebase for real-time updates, and Google Maps API for location features.
This approach helped us launch quickly, test the idea, and keep development costs under control while leaving room for future upgrades.
We’ve put together a full guide that goes deeper into feature prioritization, tech decisions, and cost planning for anyone thinking about launching a marketplace-style app. Read here: Dog walking app development
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