# PetScanner vs Dog Scan

The clearest difference is rating: Dog Scan at 4.5 against PetScanner's 1.2. Dog Scan also leads on ratings volume (1.5K vs 51) and device support (4 vs 1). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PetScanner sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 3 months and Dog Scan sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Dog Scan holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 1.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Dog Scan has 1.5K ratings behind it against 51, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 4% of PetScanner's written reviews are positive against 6% of Dog Scan's.

PetScanner ships an update every 10 days, Dog Scan weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PetScanner | Dog Scan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.2 (51 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/petscanner/id1447633547/reviews) | **[4.5 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dog-scan-breed-identifier/id1552382561/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 51 | **1.5K** |
| Positive reviews | 3.5% of reviews | **6.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 6 MB | 222 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Petscanner](https://appshunter.io/developer/1447633546) | [Arthur Eduardo Skaetta Alvarez Desenvolvimento de Software LTDA.](https://appshunter.io/developer/867175889) |

## What reviewers say

### PetScanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/petscanner/id1447633547)

This app facilitates pet microchip registration and identification for owners and professionals. It helps reunite lost pets quickly by scanning microchips and providing contact information for registered pets. It also guides users on next steps for unregistered or externally registered pets.

**Highlights:** Microchip registration, Contact detail updates, Smart microchip scanner pairing, FDX-B microchip reading, Lost pet reunification support, Database identification

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Quarterly subscription, 1 pet | $2.99 | per 3 months |
| Quarterly subscription, 2 pets | $5.99 | per 3 months |
| Quarterly subscription, 3 pets | $8.49 | per 3 months |
| Quarterly subscription, 5 pets | $12.49 | per 3 months |
| Quarterly subscription, 6 pets | $14.49 | per 3 months |
| Quarterly subscription 12 pets | $26.49 | per 3 months |
| Quarterly subscription 17 pets | $33.99 | per 3 months |
| Quarterly subscription 18 pets | $34.99 | per 3 months |
| Quarterly subscription 19 pets | $35.99 | per 3 months |
| Quarterly subscription 20 pets | $36.99 | per 3 months |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Massive improvement since update
- 👍 Scanners can be used multiple times
- 👍 Customer service from Kieran was helpful

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App keeps stopping working
- 🐛 App keeps freezing
- 🐛 Barcode scanner does not work
- 🐛 Entering chip number manually closes app
- 🐛 Cannot log into account

**Reported bugs**

- App keeps stopping/freezing
- Barcode scanner not working
- App closes when entering chip number manually
- Login issues
- Subscription automatically added

**Requested features**

- Add dark mode option
- Improve scanning functionality
- Allow manual entry of chip number without crashing
- Fix website login issues
- Provide clear information about scanner requirement upfront


### Dog Scan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dog-scan-breed-identifier/id1552382561)

Instantly identify dog breeds by pointing your phone at a dog or by scanning photos from your gallery. This app utilizes advanced AI for real-time identification and works completely offline to protect your privacy. It also includes a fun attention-grabbing whistle feature for pet photos.

**Highlights:** Real-time breed identification, Scan photos from gallery, Offline functionality, AI-powered recognition, Attention whistle for pets

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dog Scanner Premium | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💰 Lifetime purchase

**What reviewers complain about**

- ❌ Inaccurate breed identification
- 💰 Paywall for additional scans
- 🤖 Unreliable and inconsistent results
- 🤷‍♀️ Unable to correct incorrect breed identifications

**Reported bugs**

- Camera issues when trying to take photos
- Inability to scan more than one photo without paying

**Requested features**

- Allow users to correct breed identifications
- Improve accuracy of breed identification


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PetScanner free?

PetScanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Dog Scan free?

Dog Scan is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, PetScanner or Dog Scan?

Dog Scan is rated higher. PetScanner averages 1.2 out of 5 from 51 ratings, while Dog Scan averages 4.5 from 1.5K ratings.

### Do PetScanner or Dog Scan have ads?

Neither PetScanner nor Dog Scan shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PetScanner or Dog Scan?

PetScanner ships an update every 10 days, and Dog Scan weekly. Most recently, PetScanner was updated on November 2, 2026 and Dog Scan on November 3, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*