In an era where pets even have their own digital presence, a group of students from Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ) has introduced PatiWe, an innovative application designed to facilitate the socialization and matchmaking of pets. Conceived by computer science and educational technology students, the app aims not only to connect furry friends but also their caregivers.
PatiWe, the brainchild of Ömer Çakır, a student who gained inspiration during his stay in Serbia, where he made a living by walking dogs, has quickly gained traction. Upon returning to Turkey, Çakır shared his vision for the app with friends, attracting early-stage investors to bring his dream to life. Despite being in its early stages, PatiWe has already garnered thousands of users.
Explaining the application’s features, Ömer Çakır highlighted, “Through artificial intelligence integration, users can instantly access a wealth of information about their pets through Pati-AI. To ensure the safety of our furry family members, we’ve placed strict limitations on dog walkers and caregivers during registration. With GPS tracking, you can monitor your dog’s whereabouts and activities while you’re traveling or working in the office. Notifications about bathroom breaks keep you informed about your dog’s routine. Additionally, users can receive 24/7 online support from the platform’s in-house veterinarians. The AI chat integration also allows users to learn about pet-related topics. Users can earn PatiCoins through the app’s step counter to redeem rewards like pet food.”
Çakır further stated that the app will soon provide a unique space for pet owners to connect and build communities. He added, “In the near future, the application will evolve into a communication platform for pets, incorporating features that enable pet matchmaking and socialization.”