How mother and son launched a community app bringing dog owners together

For many dog owners, a walk in the park can be a solitary experience. 

You might see the same faces and exchange a nod or a quick chat, but forming lasting connections with fellow dog lovers isn’t always easy. 

That’s exactly what Ry Webster and his mum Diane realised when they welcomed their new puppy, Betty, into their lives. Betty was shy, clinging to Diane on walks and struggling to socialise. But it wasn’t just Betty who found it difficult. Diane also found it hard to meet other dog owners. 

That got Ry thinking. Why wasn’t there an easy way to connect with fellow dog owners, set up playdates, or even just find someone to join you on a walk?

That question led to the birth of MorePaws, a Manchester-based community-driven app designed to help dog owners connect, share advice, and build friendships.

MorePaws

“I’d just got back from travelling in Australia when my mum got Betty,” Ry recalled. “We realised there was no easy way to meet other dog owners, even though we were all in the same parks every day. It made me think, what if there was a way to bring people together through their dogs?”

With Diane’s 30 years of experience in the dog industry and Ry’s entrepreneurial drive, the duo set out to create something special. They wanted MorePaws to be more than just another app; they wanted it to be a real community.

“We all share these spaces, but most of the time, we only know the dogs’ names, not the owners,” Ry said. “MorePaws bridges that gap, making it easier for dog owners to chat, arrange walks, and support each other when in need. There are a large number of people out there who would like dog walking buddies but don’t know where to look”

Since launching, MorePaws has quickly gained traction, especially in Manchester. The app already has over 1,500 users across the UK, and its influence is growing by the day.

Bringing people (and dogs) together

One of the key ways MorePaws builds community is through regular group walks. What started as a simple idea has now become a fixture in Manchester’s dog walking community. With MorePaws, users can effortlessly organise group walks through the app and see who’s joining, whether it’s an exciting adventure to a new destination or a relaxed local stroll.

“We host monthly group walks, and we’ve had about six or seven so far,” Ry explained. “Our most recent one had around 20 attendees, which was amazing. People genuinely love getting together, not just for the dogs but for the social aspect as well.” 

These walks, often held in popular green spaces like Alderley Edge, have become much more than casual meetups. They’re about community, companionship, and shared experiences.

“It’s been great seeing friendships form,” Ry said. “Some people have even told us that MorePaws has helped them combat loneliness. It’s not just about dogs; it’s about people, too.”

The social benefits extend beyond the app’s walks. The community newsfeed allows users to post cute pictures, ask for advice, or arrange meetups. MorePaws provides an open and welcoming space for dog lovers.

Supporting dogs with different needs

For some dog owners, socialisation isn’t always easy. Dogs with anxieties, reactivity, or unique personalities may struggle in busy environments. MorePaws offers a solution by helping owners find compatible walking buddies for controlled, stress-free introductions.

“Some dogs get overwhelmed in big groups, but they still need socialisation,” Ry explained. “Through the app, owners can find someone local with a calm dog who can help with confidence-building. That kind of peer support is invaluable.”

This kind of matchmaking is crucial. Not just for the dogs but for their owners, too. While professional training is useful, nothing beats real-world exposure with trusted companions.

“There’s only so much a trainer can do in one-on-one sessions,” Ry said. “Socialisation is key, and MorePaws helps owners facilitate it in a way that feels natural.”

A welcoming and friendly space for walks

Safety is another big concern for dog owners, especially in the winter months when early evenings mean walking alone in the dark. MorePaws helps people feel safer walking in groups with people they know. The app allows users to arrange walks with others nearby. 

“Walking your dog in winter can feel daunting, especially for those who don’t feel comfortable venturing out alone,” Ry said. “With one in two women feeling unsafe walking alone after dark in a quiet street near their home, compared to one in seven men, MorePaws offers a reassuring solution. Now, people can check the app, see who’s nearby, and walk together. Connecting with fellow dog owners has never been easier.”

It’s a simple but powerful idea: strength in numbers. MorePaws ensures that no one has to walk alone and that support is just a bark away. That’s why they say, MorePaws the merrier.

The go-to app for dog owners

Beyond the walks and meetups, MorePaws is packed with features designed to support dog owners in every way possible. A particular highlight is the interactive map, which helps users find groomers, trainers, pet shops, dog-friendly hospitality venues and group walks.

“It’s like Google Maps but for dog owners,” Ry laughed. “Where can you grab a pint and bring your dog? Where should you take your puppy for its first groom? MorePaws helps answer those questions.”

There’s also a Perks section, where users can access discounts and deals from brands offering everything from dog food to accessories and health and wellbeing products.

“We’ve partnered with both up-and-coming and well-established brands which offer discounts to our users, which will help them save money or have easy access to try something new,” Ry added. 

Community events and giving back

MorePaws isn’t just about personal benefits, it’s also about giving back. The app regularly collaborates with Manchester and Cheshire Dogs Home, collecting donations and raising awareness for dogs in need.

You can find out more about Manchester & Cheshire Dogs home by clicking here

At their most recent events and walks, attendees were encouraged to bring unused dog products and clothing for donation. And this spring, they’re doing it again.

“On the 21st April, Easter Monday, we’re hosting a big event at The Metropolitan in West Didsbury,” Ry said. 

“We’ll have a dog trainer, a mini agility course, a photo booth, and a teach-your-dog-a-trick competition. Manchester and Cheshire Dogs Home will also be there, running a tombola and taking unused product donations.” 

You can find more information and get involved by clicking here

Events like these solidify MorePaws’ mission beyond the app. It’s also about strengthening the community, supporting good causes, and making dog ownership that little bit easier and more fun.

What’s next for MorePaws?

With over 1,500 users nationwide and a recent round of investment, MorePaws is on track for continued growth. Ry and his team are dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive community, with long-term aspirations to establish MorePaws as the go-to platform for dog owners across the UK. The app is currently free to download and use, making now a perfect time to see if it offers what you’re looking for.

“We want to be the first place dog owners go when they need anything, whether it’s meeting compatible dogs and their owners, finding group walks and pet-friendly places, or even just sharing stories and advice,” Ry said.

He continued, “Pet care is becoming ridiculously expensive, with MorePaws you can build a trusted support network of local dog owners who will help as a favour, you save money and your dog is socialising with familiar faces”

For Manchester’s dog-loving community, MorePaws is already making a big impact. And with every walk, every meetup, and every connection made, it’s proving one thing:

Life is better when shared with dogs, and with each other.

You can find out more on the MorePaws website by clicking here