For single dog people looking for love, a new dating app launching in Chicago this weekend wants to help you find a soulmate that loves dogs just as much as you do.
Dig Dates, which helps to connect dog lovers and owners with other dog people in their area, was founded by sisters Casey and Leigh Isaacson in February. It first launched in New York, but now operates in several cities, including New Orleans, Los Angeles and Orlando, and after Chicago, plans to launch in Boston in July. So far, more than 6,500 people have downloaded the app.
The app collects basic personal information like other dating apps, such as Tinder or Bumble, but also allows users to specify what kind of dog person they're looking for. They can specify whether they want someone who already owns a dog, or if they'd prefer someone who doesn't but is interested in becoming pals with theirs.
Users can also request to only see potential matches based on people who don't own dogs, but want to adopt one in the future with a significant other. Additionally, users can filter by dog size.
When two users match or “dig” each other, the app helps them find a dog-friendly date idea, like going to a dog-friendly cafe or dog park. Besides date ideas, the app also features daily pet advice from vets and trainers.
The founders say they saw a need for the app after hearing stories of people breaking up because one of the two parties didn’t like the other’s dog.
“If you don’t get along with my dog, it’s not going to work,” Leigh Isaacson said. “There’s no other way around it.”
On Saturday, Dig is hosting a launch party at the SoFo Tap in Andersonville, where it hopes new and interested users will come to mingle. To enter the bar, guests will have to show that they’ve downloaded the app onto their smartphone.
The bar is, of course, dog friendly, and it will feature professional pet photographers, dog treats and even spa services for pets. Isaacson says she expects about 150 people to attend.
“Chicago is just constantly listed across everything for dog-friendliness,” Isaacson said. "There are dog people everywhere.”
