Three Swiss launch Facebook-like app for pets
The free app «MyPetShare» is a social network for pets where users can exchange and share photos, videos, and information. The focus is on the service section, where app users can offer or search for services—such as a pet sitter—related to their four-legged friends.
Former SRF producer Astrid von Stockar (including "Aeschbacher" and "Club"), together with her two Swiss friends Paz Müller-R. Zarauz and Patrick Müller the idea for "MyPetShare". "As a TV journalist, documentary filmmaker and entrepreneur, I'm constantly on the go and torn between my projects, family and pets. Finding a good place for my two dogs while filming abroad usually takes a lot of time and nerves. Finding a nearby dog-sitting service via app or online or exchanging other dog-related services makes my life extremely easy," says von Stockar.
What started as an idea for a "pet-sharing" app soon expanded to a social media app for pets, sharing pictures, videos, information and services. In 2015, Astrid von Stockar co-founded the company with Patrick Müller and his wife Paz Müller-R. Zarauz (who are also dog owners) founded the company Petshare AG in Zurich, with the aim of developing the app "myPetShare" and the website MyPetShare.com to develop.
A year ago, the Zurich trio launched the free app "MyPetShare" in the App Store. Since then, the number of users has been growing steadily, according to a statement. Similar to Facebook, pet profiles with photos and videos are created for one's own animal favorites. As with Facebook and Instagram, other users can follow the profiles, "like" the pictures, comment on them and share them. Even if you don't have your own pet, you can join in and simply surf the gallery's pictures or videos.
"MyPetShare" knows where the nearest pet shop is
The practical value of "myPetShare" lies in the service section. There, app users can offer or search for a pet-related service - such as pet sitting. Each user sees the offers near his location worldwide. Those traveling with their four-legged darling can search specifically for a veterinarian or pet shop in the area. As the network grows, new services or search queries are added daily.
In principle, advertising on "MyPetShare" is free of charge. Those who want to place a somewhat larger ad with a picture can do so for one dollar a month via "Service Pro". Companies and charitable animal foundations now have the option of booking their own video channel on "myPetShare".
Currently the app for iOS available, a version for Android is in development.
