Can’t foster? You can still help.
Howlback is an app launching in the Rio Grande Valley, where an estimated 750,000 to 1 million stray animals live on the streets. Fosters get paid back for what they spend on street dogs, and neighbors chip in to help.
Get first word at launch
How it will work
A neighbor fosters a dog
Someone finds a dog on the street and takes them in. They make a profile for the dog with photos and their story: where they were found, what shape they were in, and what they need.
Fosters verify their ID once. Every few days they take a quick live photo check-in in the app, so everyone knows the dog is still in their care.
They add their receipts
Every time the foster pays for something, they snap the receipt: vet visits, vaccines, flea and heartworm meds, food, a crate, a leash.
Each receipt is checked before it counts, and only receipts from businesses qualify. Bigger vet bills are confirmed directly with the vet clinic. The dog’s total is only what’s already been spent, never a guess or a wish list.
Neighbors chip in
Anyone can follow a dog, cheer them on, and chip in any amount toward their verified costs. You see exactly which receipts your help covers.
The foster gets paid back for what they spent, and you get a note when the dog finds a home.
Every dollar tied to a receipt
Fosters upload receipts from vets, clinics, and pet stores. Each one is checked before it shows on the dog’s profile, so you can see exactly what your help covers.
- Only verified business receipts get paid back
- Bigger vet bills are confirmed with the vet clinic
- Store items need a photo of the item next to its receipt
- Fosters verify their ID before their first payback
- Live photo check-ins every few days show the dog is still in their care
Proof they bought it
For food, meds, and supplies, fosters snap the receipt and one photo of the items sitting next to it. The app reads the store, date, and total. Bigger vet bills are confirmed directly with the vet clinic.
Proof the dog is still in their care
Every few days, fosters take a live photo check-in inside the app. It’s stamped with the date, time, and place, and it can’t be an old photo from their camera roll. Miss check-ins and the dog’s profile pauses.
Chip in for a dog you care about
Pick a dog, pick an amount, and it goes toward their verified costs. You’ll get their updates, and a note when they find a home.
Chipping in opens when the app launches
See dogs near you
Find foster dogs in your part of the Valley, get an alert when a local dog finds a home, and lend a hand on the help board with rides and supplies.
Screens are an early preview. Names and amounts are examples.
Stay in the loop
Local stories, upcoming clinics, and first word when the Howlback app launches. By email or text, your pick.
You’re on the list! We’ll text you when the app is out.
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