Care About Animals? There's an App for That.

by Stephanie Feldstein · 2010-04-09 17:15:00 UTC
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With Apple's introduction of the iPad, people are once again looking at all of the things iPhone (and now iPad) applications can do. Whether you're a pet lover, a wildlife enthusiast, or a dedicated veg, there are apps for you.

The latest buzz is about the Vegetarian Scanner, which scans food product ingredients in search of animal-based additives. Aim your iPhone 3GS camera at an ingredient label and Vegetarian Scanner will let you know if the product is completely vegetarian, or if there are animal products hidden under names like "ambergris" (a flavoring that comes from whale intestines) and "rennet" (an enzyme from calves' stomachs often used in cheeses). If you're looking for a particular additive, or if you're using an iPad, iPod Touch, or older iPhone, the app also has a searchable database.

If you're eating out, there are several apps to help you find vegetarian or vegan restaurant options, like VegOut (powered by HappyCow.net) and Vegan Xpress. When traveling overseas, the Veggie Passport can translate your compassionate dietary preferences into 33 languages.

There are a number of apps designed for pet owners, too, from streaming pet news and tips via apps like All Pets Radio, to off leash dog park locators. You can also use Pet Notebook or Pet Phone to keep track of all of your pet's info, including photos, microchip number, and veterinary history. Animal Awareness offers tips and tools for holistic dog and horse care.

Looking for wildlife apps? Check out MyNature Animal Tracks, the only app that can help you identify animal tracks, and then provide photos, range maps, vocalizations, and other information on the species whose path you crossed. The Peterson Field Guide to Backyard Birds is also available for iProducts. Like most apps, the Field Guide is highly interactive with birdsong recordings, quizzes, and a personal checklist that you can use to log your bird watching.

When you want to shop cruelty-free, check out PETA's Be Nice to Bunnies app. You can search all kinds of products for the latest information on what was tested on animals and what's a humane purchase.

Last (for this post ... no doubt I've missed a few animal-friendly apps among the thousands that are out there!), but definitely not least, there are a couple of apps that support animal welfare organizations. PawTrotter is a comprehensive directory of pet-related businesses to help you find whatever you and your four-legged family member might need whether you're at home or on the road. The animal-loving developers of the app are donating 5 percent of the profits to the American Humane Association.

If all you want is charitable and cute, then Rescue Cleaner is the app for you. Videos of six dogs, two cats and a ferret — all rescues — lick your screen clean and 25 percent of the proceeds for this "service" are donated to rescue organizations.

And now I officially have iPhone envy. If you have an iPhone and have used these, or other animal apps that I missed, let us know in the comments.

Photo credit: William Hook

Stephanie Feldstein is a Change.org Editor who has been part of the animal welfare and rescue community for over a decade, and most recently worked for an environmental organization.
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