Dogster
 | |
| Type | Corporation |
|---|---|
| Industry | Internet |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder(s) |
Ted Rheingold Steven J. Reading John Vars |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California |
| Key people | Ted Rheingold (Top Dog) |
| Employees | 19 |
| Website | www.dogster.com |
Dogster is a dog-themed social networking and forums-based website. Its sister site is Catster, a cat-oriented website with a similar format.
Users of the site create a pet page which is a customizable web page for which they can give treats or purchase virtual items using what are called zealies. This virtual currency can be given to the users after engaging in some of the website activities, using PayPal or by purchasing a Plus subscription.
Dogster won the 2005 Webby category for best community site.[1] It was acquired by SAY Media in 2011.[2] On January 16, 2014, SAY Media declared that all the social networking and forums would be removed from Dogster and Catster.[3][4]
Special events
Dogster holds various special events during the year, ranging from face to face events or the World's Coolest Dog and Cat Show which happens on-line. During the events, users take part in a photo contest which consists of uploading a photo and photo for different photos in different categories.
Forums
Forums are public message boards that users use for everything ranging from regular conversation to role play and in-depth discussions concerning dog health, nutrition, training, and grooming. Most users talk in the voice of their dog.
Groups
Dogster users can form groups, which are clubs specially devoted to certain topics. These include hangout groups, role playing groups and groups for a particular dog breed.
Gifts
Members of Dogster receive a gift in the form of a blue star when they sign up. Dogster has three types of gifts: stars, rosettes, and special gifts.Stars last forever and can be given for 5 zealies. Rosettes expire after a month, and cost 1 zealie.Special Gifts also last a month, and are either 5 or 20 zealies. All these are displayed on a dogs page.