The 5 best life-saving apps for dog owners

While it's true that dogs are man's best friend, they're also a pretty big responsibility. We want to give our dogs the best lives, but with busy schedules that's not always easy. Luckily, though, there are a bunch of quality apps out there that help you manage everything from walks, to vacations, to your pup's health.

All you need is a smart phone and all of your dog-related worries can be put at ease. Here are five essential apps if you have a dog in your family. 

Wag! is essentially Uber for dogs. Become a member, and you'll have access to a host of qualified dog walkers. You can use the app to track walks as they happen in real time, and your walker will even leave an adorable little report card at the end of the outing to let you know how Fido behaved. 

If you're going further afield, DogVacay is an excellent option. This app puts you in touch with dozens of trusted pet sitters in your area. Sitters can come to your home for drop-in care or send your dog to theirs for your puppy's very own get away. 

PetCoach is an invaluable resource for dog lovers, whether your new to raising a pup or a veteran. This app puts you in touch with veterinarians and other trained professionals who are available to offer up quick advice on your dog's health, behavior, and more. 

This dog-walking/sitting service hires only the best. Rover's intense vetting process means that your dog is getting only the best care. Rover is similar to Wag! in that it sets you up with a professional walker or pet-sitter that can meet your needs. 

Training a puppy is something of an art form. There are entire books and courses dedicated to raising the perfect dog. Pooch packs all of that knowledge into one great little app. Pooch will account for the tricks and commands your dog already knows, before recommending the next set of skills that your pup needs to learn. Pooch puts an emphasis on posititve reinforcement, and you can keep notes to see how your dog is progressing.