Wexford student takes ‘Tinder for dogs’ initiative nationwide

A Wexford veterinary student is taking his “Tinder for dogs” initiative to the next level, with the launch of a new website aimed at helping people find dogs that better suit their lifestyle.

Twenty-two-year-old Castlebridge native Adam Murphy founded K-9 Compass after researching why so many dogs are surrendered to shelters.

The initiative is based on the idea that people can sometimes choose a dog based on appearance without fully considering factors such as exercise, grooming, size and temperament.

K-9 Compass aims to help prospective owners understand those requirements before choosing a dog, with the hope of reducing preventable surrenders.

Adam has already secured the support of shelters in Wexford, Wicklow, Laois and Kildare, and his ambition is to eventually work with every dog shelter in Ireland.

The new website includes a detailed survey designed to match people with dogs that are suitable for their circumstances.

Adam says the long-term vision is for K-9 Compass to become a one-stop resource for anyone considering getting a dog, including access to pet products and other information.

He will return to veterinary studies in Warsaw later this month, but plans to continue developing the initiative with the goal of making K-9 Compass a national platform.