About Urban Dog Project
Hi! I'm building Urban Dog Project with Alfie, my 9-month-old mini Golden Mountain Bernedoodle who's still figuring out what "heel" means and why pigeons won't play with him.
This project started after Alfie ate eye drops and we spent a very expensive night at the emergency vet. The insurance research process was exhausting—endless comparison tables, conflicting reviews, and policy language that made my eyes glaze over. I realized most city dog owners face the same problem: too much information, not enough clarity.
So we're building something better. A platform that helps urban dog owners find the right insurance, discover trusted local services, and connect with their community—without the overwhelm.
What we're building
Starting with insurance (because it matters when things go wrong):
- A 60-second quiz that shows you 3 clear options based on your dog's risk profile
- Plain-English guides that explain what actually matters in a policy
- Real cost breakdowns so you know what you'd pay in an emergency
Then expanding to discovery and community:
- Neighborhood Dog Map – Find vets, groomers, trainers, and dog-friendly spots with real reviews from city dog owners
- Local meetups – Neighborhood walks, training pop-ups, and community events
- Honest product guides – Reviews on food, gear, and services that work for urban dogs (Alfie's sensitive stomach has taught me a lot about ingredients)
About Alfie
Alfie is the reason this exists and the unofficial quality control officer. He's:
- A 20 lb ball of energy who's learning "place," "leave it," and "maybe don't chase every jogger"
- On a grain-inclusive, no-chicken diet (lamb and beef only—his stomach is picky)
- Still recovering from September surgery but back to his usual routine of investigating every scent and vibrating with pride when he nails a sit-stay
- The best argument for having good pet insurance I've ever met
You'll see him on the blog, in example scenarios, and probably in most of our future content. He's the dog we're building this for.
How this works (transparency stuff)
Urban Dog Project makes money through:
- Affiliate commissions – If you get a quote or purchase insurance through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
- Featured listings (coming soon) – Local businesses can pay to be featured on the neighborhood map
- Sponsored content (eventually) – We'll work with brands we trust, always clearly disclosed
We don't sell your data. We don't spam you. We just try to build useful tools and make enough to keep the lights on.
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