Paw Partner 4+

It’s a Start in the Right Direction

I work for a dog trainer who has tried many other platforms over her time in business. We started using Paw Partner last summer and overall it’s a great system. As with many other platforms, there are some limitations that can be frustrating. However, the team is always responsive to our inquiries and needs, and are willing to add new things when possible or be at the ready with a workaround solution.

I’m a confused consumer regarding pricing

Apparently the boarding place I’ve used in the past now uses this app. I went to download and it says there are in-app purchases of $3.99/mo, but when I looked at pricing within the app it sounds like the business is paying monthly fees and not the customer. So now I’m confused about who has to pay to use the app - the business or the customer? As a consumer I don’t want to have to pay a monthly fee to make a daycare or boarding appointment. That’s a real turn-off, and it should be more clear on who bears the burden of cost so customers can make a more informed decision.

Update: the developer clarified that portions of the app are free to use and additional features can be unlocked for a monthly fee of $3.99. The free features don’t include the ability to check occupancy for your preferred dates/times. Instead you have to send a request to the facility and then wait for their confirmation. I would personally rather just call to confirm availability and make my appointments. Though I do see the benefit of this app for the business in helping to organize, I am saddened that the developer is charging clients for a critical feature that really should be free — especially considering that the business is already paying a sizable monthly fee.

Developer Response ,

Thank you for your feedback. We are sorry for any confusion. The app itself is free to download and use for making reservations, updating vaccines, and seeing posts of your pet at your Preferred Pet Facility. There is an upgraded premium feature which adds occupancy checking and alerts for services. This premium feature is available for 3 months free trial and $3.99/month after that. This premium feature service is not a required purchase to use this app.

Locked into using one business

I downloaded this app so I could view local grooming businesses and see their available schedules without having to call each business individually. I selected the first business, let’s just call it “Doggy Resort”, and checked their schedule. There wasn’t any availability so I backed out; however now whenever I go to search local businesses, the only options I’m presented with is booking a reservation with Doggy Resort. This business has been set as my “Preferred” option and now I can’t search anything new, can’t unselect it as preferred, can’t do anything besides book an appointment with that specific business. I even go to the app’s “Contact Us” link for support, and it’s only letting me contact the Doggy Resort! There are other businesses in my area, but I can’t even view them anymore because the app is bugged out! Even completely closing the app didn’t fix this issue. I have no idea how to fix this and can’t find a way to contact the app’s support besides writing a review right here.