Dog owners can now access detailed weather forecasts that consider how different surfaces and conditions affect their pets’ paws and heads, helping them plan safer walks year-round.
- App measures temperature at dog nose and paw level.
- Includes surface-specific temps: asphalt, grass, concrete.
- Customizes forecasts by breed, size, and coat length.
What happened
An entrepreneur and dog lover named Clay Bartlett, along with a team of veterinarians, nurses, and dog trainers, created Weather.pet's Pawcast to offer weather forecasts designed especially for dogs. The app generates tens of thousands of reports monthly, providing details on temperatures specific to a dog’s head and paws. These readings include the temperature of common walking surfaces such as asphalt, grass, and concrete, which can vary widely from the ambient air temperature.
Bartlett explained that in direct measurements taken at a pet conference, ground temperatures like asphalt reached 131°F, significantly hotter than the 98°F air temperature. Such heat can cause burns to dogs’ paws within a short walk. This motivated the creation of the Pawcast, which calculates a “Dog Feel°” temperature, adjusted for each dog’s breed, body size, coat length, and the specific route conditions.
Why it feels good
This app fills a crucial gap in pet care information by updating outdated knowledge about ground temperatures and how dogs experience heat and cold on their walks. It offers a practical and science-backed way for pet owners to protect their dogs from dangers like paw burns or discomfort due to unsuitable weather conditions.
With more than 2,000 users nationwide and 28,000 alerts issued in just a few weeks from late September through October, the service already demonstrates high demand and trust within the dog-owning community. The involvement of veterinary professionals gives users confidence in the accuracy and relevance of the forecasts.
What to enjoy or watch next
Dog parents interested in optimizing outdoor activities for their pets can download the Weather.pet app from the App Store or Google Play. They can enjoy personalized guidance tailored to their dog’s unique characteristics and walking routes, ensuring safer and more comfortable experiences in all kinds of weather.
Looking ahead, this approach could inspire more pet-focused innovations in tech and healthcare. Users can share this helpful tool on social media to support safer pet walks and stay tuned for future enhancements as new data and climate insights become integrated.