If you search “Tinder for dogs,” there are more results than you may have expected, including websites and apps like AllPaws, Tindog, and BarkBuddy, just to name a few.
But one website is taking it a step farther — instead of Tinder for dogs, PawsLikeMe wants to be the “eHarmony for pet adoption," with help from a quiz that matches humans and furry companions based on personality traits, including physical and mental energy, level of independence and need for affection, ability to focus on tasks and commands, and confidence in new situations.
After a nearly 40-question quiz, owners are given their own profile and told what kind of pet they should consider. They’re also matched based on compatibility with adoptable dogs in their area.
“The human quiz is designed to assess a person's lifestyle, environment, and personality as it pertains to dog ownership,” CEO and co-founder Elizabeth Holmes tells Tech Insider. “After running a rescue group for eight years, I knew how much people struggled with identifying the right pet for their family, and unfortunately, there isn’t much guidance available beyond traditional breed characteristics.”
Because 75% of dogs in US shelters are mixed breeds, it can be hard to determine their traits based on breeding alone. That’s why the co-founders designed the algorithm with a clinical social worker as well as a veterinarian to better match human with their doggie soulmates.
They claims the quiz is over 90% accurate. When I tested it, the quiz was really easy. You’re asked a variety of questions to gauge your lifestyle, such as if you prefer to be constantly doing something or how often you have people over to your home.
It probably took less than two minutes, and by the time I was done, it told me my ideal dog was also a coach potato (guilty) and would give me the constant attention and affection I craved (also guilty).
I ended up being matched with 46 dogs that were available] in my area. Some were in shelters and others were in foster home. By clicking on a dog’s profile, I could see pictures, learn its history, and gauge compatibility.
“The premise is the same [as human dating sites],” Holmes says. “It's about matching based on compatibility, and every animal, regardless of species, has very individual personality traits (especially those we cohabitate with).”
Since it launched in 2015, PawsLikeMe has helped over 500,000 people connect with adoptable dogs. They hope to launch a cat section and are actively seeking funding on Indiegogo.
“We have had a tremendous demand for cats,” Holmes said about the new initiative. “And we have had very positive feedback on the dog matching system. People thank us all the time for helping them connect with their new best friend.”
You can check out the Indiegogo campaign here or go to PawsLikeMe and discover your dog soul mate — they’re all cuter than the people you would meet on Tinder, guaranteed.
