The Coffee Dog Company mobile app connects dog owners with dog-friendly cafes across the UK, featuring interactive maps, user reviews, and a unique rewards programme.
What We Did
- iOS and Android app development
- Interactive map-based cafe discovery with geolocation
- Custom CMS integration with Expression Engine
- Apple and Google subscription management
- User-generated review and rating system
- Gamified rewards programme (Paws)
- Shopify e-commerce integration
- REST API development for real-time data
- OAuth authentication and push notifications
About the Project
Coffee Dog Company approached Tinderhouse to build a mobile solution that would help dog owners discover welcoming venues for their four-legged companions. The vision was simple: create a trusted platform where the dog-loving community could share experiences and find cafes that genuinely welcome dogs, not just tolerate them.
We built a comprehensive mobile app for iOS and Android that combines location-based discovery with community-driven content. The app features an interactive map interface similar to Google Maps, allowing users to explore dog-friendly cafes nearby or search specific locations. Each cafe profile includes detailed information, photos, reviews, and ratings provided by fellow dog owners.
Beyond discovery, we implemented a unique rewards system called Paws, where users earn points for contributing reviews. These points can be redeemed against Coffee Dog Company's range of premium dog biscuits, creating a engaging loop that encourages community participation whilst driving product sales through integrated Shopify checkout.
The Challenge
Creating a Trusted Community Platform
- Dog owners lacked a reliable, dedicated resource for finding genuinely dog-friendly cafes
- Existing solutions provided limited information and often included outdated or unverified venue details
- No incentive system existed to encourage users to contribute quality reviews and ratings
- The platform needed to serve both the community and support Coffee Dog Company's product business
- Complex subscription management across both Apple and Google ecosystems
- Balancing map functionality with detailed venue profiles and user-generated content
Our Solution
Location-Based Discovery with MapLibre
We built the core navigation experience around an interactive map powered by MapLibre, providing familiar Google Maps-style functionality. Users can browse cafes visually, apply filters based on their preferences, and use geolocation to instantly find nearby dog-friendly venues. The map interface displays cafe markers with real-time data, making discovery intuitive and immediate.
Expression Engine CMS Backend
To give Coffee Dog Company complete control over content, we developed the admin system using Expression Engine, our preferred CMS for bespoke applications. Admin staff can create and manage cafe profiles, moderate user reviews, and update venue information through a streamlined dashboard. The CMS integrates seamlessly with the mobile app via a custom REST API, ensuring content updates appear instantly across both platforms.
Phased Feature Rollout
We took an MVP approach to development, launching initially with core cafe discovery and review functionality. This allowed Coffee Dog Company to validate user engagement and gather feedback before investing in the rewards programme and e-commerce integration. The phased strategy reduced initial development costs whilst ensuring each feature met real user needs.
Community-Driven Content
Comprehensive cafe profiles showcase everything dog owners need to know: multiple photos, full address details, opening hours, facilities, and crucially, authentic reviews from other dog owners. The rating system provides quick visual feedback, whilst detailed reviews offer nuanced insights about each venue's dog-friendliness.
Gamified Rewards System
The Paws rewards programme transforms passive users into active contributors. Each review earns Paws points, which accumulate in users' accounts. These points unlock discounts on Coffee Dog Company's dog biscuit range, creating tangible value for community participation. The system tracks earning history and redemption status, providing clear motivation for continued engagement.
Subscription Management and Shopify Integration
We implemented native subscription handling for both Apple App Store and Google Play Store, managing the complex authentication flows and payment processing. For product sales, we created a seamless handoff to Shopify: users browse Coffee Dog Company's biscuit range within the app, but checkout occurs through the established e-commerce platform, maintaining secure payment processing whilst keeping the app experience cohesive.
OAuth and Push Notifications
User accounts are secured with OAuth authentication, providing reliable identity management whilst enabling social features like review histories and reward tracking. Push notifications keep users informed about new cafes in their area, responses to their reviews, and Paws milestone achievements, maintaining engagement between app visits.
The Results
A Thriving Community Platform
- Successfully launched on both iOS and Android in 2025
- Created trusted resource for UK dog owners seeking welcoming venues
- Active user-generated content with authentic reviews and ratings
- Engaged community participating in Paws rewards programme
- Seamless integration between app discovery and product sales
- Admin team empowered with comprehensive CMS control
- Sustainable subscription revenue model across both platforms
- Enhanced brand loyalty through rewards gamification
Technical Highlights
- Frontend: Framework7 for cross-platform mobile interface
- Backend: PHP with Expression Engine CMS
- Database: MySQL for scalable data management
- Mapping: MapLibre for interactive location features
- API: Custom REST API connecting app to CMS
- Authentication: OAuth for secure user management
- Payments: Apple App Store and Google Play subscriptions
- E-commerce: Shopify integration for product sales
- Notifications: Push notification system for user engagement
Need a location-based mobile app for your business?
Whether you're building a discovery platform, community app, or location-based service, Tinderhouse can help. Our team specialises in creating mobile apps that combine mapping technology, user-generated content, and e-commerce integration. Get in touch to discuss your project.