Any pet owner knows caring for a furry friend can be the most rewarding experience and at times the most expensive. From surprise vet visits to everyday costs such as food, toys and grooming, having a pet can be ruff on the bank account. In order to avoid economic cat-astrophes local pet owner and veteran Katie Aleckson created the free mobile app, RECS 4 PETS, which helps owners save money while supporting small businesses.
The app works as a pet care savings guide, offering exclusive discounts at local pet-focused businesses that have been vetted by Aleckson herself. The app also includes a pet-friendly calendar, business profiles and a searchable map. Available on the Apple Store and Google Play, the app continues to grow to support pet par- ents in the San Marcos, New Braunfels and I-35 corridor area.
The idea started when Aleckson was living in California and received a $400 vet bill for a simple checkup. Even with no coding background she knew she wanted to come up with a project that could help pet parents like herself. Growing up in a small town in Wisconsin, she remembered having coupon books for school fundraisers which would save you hundreds of dollars at local businesses.
“I took that concept and I put it into an app, targeting millennials like myself and Gen Z and of course the more savvy older generations,” Aleckson said.
She dove right in and found a program called App Sheet which made it easier to get started without prior app-making experience. The hardest part was getting the app itself into app stores since new apps have to have a minimum user base and multiple weeks of testing and even a background check. Once the app was up and running the next task was to get users, both pet parents and businesses specializing in animal care and products.
Aleckson started talking to pet owners at dog parks and even shelters. The boots on the ground approach has proven to be one of the most effective ways to launch an app. She looked at the success of Facebook and Tinder, which got their first users through word of mouth at college campuses. As she explores local businesses she’ll talk to the owners to see if they want to connect as a “Deal Spot” on the app. Most businesses in the Central Texas area have been receptive and open to participating in the app. This pursuit allowed her to explore smaller businesses compared to big box stores.
“When you go to the small locally owned businesses who have people who have 20-plus years experience working within the pet industry, I’ve learned what to look for with food, how even those expensive brands actually aren’t good quality,” Aleckson said “I just wanted to make a genuine platform for people who love their pet.”
What surprised her the most was the variety of businesses she’s discovering for pet owners such as chiropractors for dogs. She vets each business, even walking out of businesses she felt didn’t follow regulations.
The app connects to a website where she can upload even more photos and write longer articles about the businesses and general tips she’s learned as a pet parent.
One can download the app on most mobile devices or visit the website at www.recs4pets.com for more information and recommendations to save money and support local businesses while caring for pets of all shapes and sizes.
