Direct Line's 'walkies' app now available on Apple app store

• GPS-enabled app will allow dog owners to record and share their favourite walking routes via social media as well as monitor calories burnt and average speeds
• 41 per cent of dog owners change walking routes regularly because they are worried about dog boredom
• 58 per cent of dog owners would use a smartphone app to help them discover new routes and track their walks 
   

Direct Line Pet Insurance today announced the launch of its new Walkies1 app on the Apple App Store. The GPS-enabled app has been created especially for dog owners, enabling them to record and share their favourite walking routes online and via social media channels.

New research conducted by Direct Line2 reveals that one in five (20 per cent) dog owners have a limited number of routes where they walk their dog and one in seven (13 per cent) would like to learn more about local routes for dog walkers. Of those that change their walking routes regularly, 41 per cent do so because they believe their dog gets bored and 38 per cent do so because they personally like the variety. 

With the Walkies app, owners can add any number of dogs to a ‘pack’, with the option to record each dog’s walks separately as well as group walks. Once recorded, users can post maps of their walks to Facebook and Twitter, or share PDF reports of their ‘Top Walks’ via email and print. The app also features a list of Top Walks from across the UK, providing users with a near limitless bank of routes to choose from.

The research further revealed that more than half (58 per cent) of dog owners would use a smartphone app to help them discover new walks or to monitor / track their walks.

Whilst out walking, the Walkies app’s in-built GPS functionality automatically calculates the distance travelled, calories burnt and average and top speed for each pet.  Other features include a handy stats screen to keep track of each pack member’s progress, and a ‘Dog Breeds’ tab, containing information on the most popular breeds in the UK, with details about their dietary and exercise requirements.

The Walkies app is available for free on the Apple App Store for all iOS 8-enabled iPhone and iPod touch devices. To download, please visit: http://store.apple.com/uk.

Prit Powar, head of pet insurance at Direct Line said: “Our research shows that there is a real appetite amongst dog owners to learn about new walking routes and be able to monitor their walks and progress. The Walkies app provides a simple and social way for owners to share their walks with friends and track their dogs’ fitness over time.

“At Direct Line, we are committed to helping owners keep their pets healthy and we believe the Walkies app will appeal to dog lovers across the country. We look forward to hearing from users about their favourite routes and will continue to add functionality based on their experiences and feedback.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors
(1) Screenshots of the Walkies app are available upon request
(2) Research carried out amongst 1,499 dog owners  in January and February 2015 via K9 Magazine panel 

For further information please contact:
Claire Foster 
Direct Line 
claire.foster@directlinegroup.co.uk  
0165 183 1672

Timi Merriman-Johnson
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
timi.merriman-johnson@citigatedr.co.uk 
0207 282 1021

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line. 
Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. 
Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.
Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0845 300 7838 or visiting www.directline.com