It all begins with that first whiff of love.
On a bright Saturday, a spirited Bernedoodle named Callie was off to a date at the Soho Grand Dog Park.
Her English Cocker Spaniel pals were quick to join in the fun.
Before long, they were racing across the artificial grass, sharing a slobbery tennis ball and splashing around in the park’s stone dog bath, grinning with tongues out after a solid hour of energetic play.
The two dogs had never met; their owners brought them together through a new app called Afternoon Dog Date, which operates as a matchmaking service for dogs and their humans.
“They hit it off immediately and played until they were wiped out,” said Erika Wasser, the app’s creator, who lives in New York.
Without their “afternoon dog date,” these two pups might have just walked past each other on a hectic Manhattan sidewalk and missed meeting altogether.
In a bustling city where dog owners often rush through crowds, pulling leashes to dodge other pedestrians or feeling overwhelmed in the many packed dog parks, Dog Date Afternoon aims to create more intentional interactions among dogs.
For many owners, whose pups have essentially become family—acting as stand-ins for kids—dog social apps don’t seem so outlandish.
The $4.99-a-month app, launched in late May, allows owners to make profiles for their dogs, detailing their age, size, temperament, and play style.
Dog Date Afternoon features include pairing with nearby compatible dogs for one-on-one playdates or group events dubbed “puppy parties,” messaging matched pups, and a New York map pinning favorite dog-friendly spots like shops and eateries.
Plus, it helps keep track of social outings, including vaccination records and schedules, all in the quest for a perfect canine match.
But it’s more than just fun for an active dog. Experts suggest that thoughtfully matched interactions might be healthier than the often chaotic atmosphere of crowded dog parks.
In New York City, many dogs are usually restricted to small apartments, with their owners busy keeping traditional work hours.
However, what dogs truly require is quality stimulation as soon as they step outside, confronted by the sounds of sirens, crowds, and unfamiliar scents.
“One-on-one playdates let owners prioritize compatibility over convenience,” Ivan Petersell from the CPDT-KA dog training company shared. “We can match dogs by their temperament, play style, and communication.”
Petersell noted that carefully arranged interactions are generally more beneficial for many dogs than being in a large group at a dog park.
Wasser shared a story about a user who joined the app and had two dogs—one friendly and the other not so much. It’s comforting for him to find a match where he can explain that his dog can be a little difficult at times, she quipped.
Sometimes, dog parks can even end up being deserted at strange hours, a situation Wasser has encountered herself.
“We used to frequent dog parks, but often we were just the two of us, and she would be running around chasing after us,” Wasser remembered. “She’s selective about her playmates and tends to get anxious around bigger dogs… going on structured playdates worked well, especially since she was matched with a dog of a similar size and energy level.”
For Ozzie, a 16-year-old rescue Lab mix, engaging with Dog Date Afternoon felt organic after a casual encounter with Wasser and her dog Curry on Spring Street.
Lily Koppel, Ozzie’s owner, mentioned that she’s noticed people in New York are less inclined to socialize their dogs as they used to. It seems like many folks prefer to keep to their own company, hindering their dogs’ socialization.
“I live in Hudson Square, and it seems like people are settling into their own bubbles and glued to their phones, which isn’t fair to the dogs,” she said.
Shortly after their meeting, Koppel arranged a playdate for Ozzie with Wasser and Curry.
“Ozzie was eager to explore the park; it was a lovely first meeting place. It was enjoyable for me too. Erika and I just relaxed on a bench, watching the dogs,” she recounted.
According to Koppel, the app is a fun experiment for dog owners, promoting social interactions.
This was a big motivation behind Wasser’s creation of the app.
After returning to New York from LA and finding herself in a different life stage than many friends, she looked to establish a space where dog owners could meet and foster community.
“I don’t have kids; my dogs are my family,” she stated. “There should be similar services for dogs as there are for kids.”
Grace Feld, 22, who has a dog member through the app, appreciates how it cultivates human connections beyond just the dog playdates.
“This app connects dog owners across the city, fostering new relationships for both dogs and people,” Feld said.
Melissa Boris, the owner of a chocolate lab named Mickey Ray, wants to befriend every dog in NYC but acknowledges the app simplifies finding suitable playmates that fit her dog’s energetic vibe.
“For city dogs and their owners, this offers a fun way to build real connections and transform walks into genuine friendships,” remarked the 45-year-old dog lover.
The concept for the app emerged quickly and was launched shortly thereafter. Wasser, with her tech industry background, was surprised something like this had not existed before.
In just two months, Dog Date Afternoon has become a side project that’s already seen a growing list of dog-loving owners interested.
“The first version was released in mid-May, but I’m really proud of the beta version,” she explained.
“Once it was live, we shared it with our neighbors, and their instant response was, ‘We need this!’—they started signing up right away,” she added. “It’s been a blast. I’m meeting people I would otherwise not have met. Plus, Callie is making new dog friends.”
At the end of Callie and Crew’s playdate, Wasser happily noted that the Barndoodle seemed content. That’s a win for everyone.
“How was his mood after the playdate? Well, he’s usually serious, a bit of a gentleman, but he was prancing around with a wagging tail after spending time with Callie,” Koppel shared with a laugh, mentioning she prepped him before a crucial playdate with a CEO.
The essence of the app transcends just finding canine friends; it more broadly reflects what socialization means for pet owners.
“What does it mean to be both a dog and a human in today’s New York?” Koppel pondered.
This app allows strangers to connect, all thanks to their dogs wanting to play—resulting in happier moments for both sides.
