Customer Reviews (500)

crossfire3636 • 2025-03-28T08:37:06-07:00

This was a great, really fun app, with an actual legit impact on dogs. I was obsessed. I bought many extra rolls as IAPs, but because of a technical glitch they made me aware of, I never got any rolls. They said they credited back 70 rolls, which actually never happened. And then I reached out to them, asking where all the other rules were, I paid about $55 in total, and they never responded UPDATE: I got all my rolls, but after some more iap glitches, support never got back to me again… so basically their customer support is horrible

Mrsaed2007 • 2025-03-27T09:20:10-07:00

This game is so super simple and only takes a few minutes a day to keep up! The more you play the more you can send real treats and real food to the dog rescue of your choice. You get to choose dogs and sponsor them and you get food and treats sent tothat rescue. The more points you get they release info about the dog you sponsor! They even tell you when your dog gets adopted! You can even meet,foster, or adopt the pups you sponsor! I love it !

fhgfhsgh • 2025-03-26T19:21:31-07:00

I LOVE THIS GAME SO MUCH!!! I love the fact that you are helping feed real dogs and that they only give you ads if you choose to!!!

Summary of Key Insights

The TREAT app has a strong, positive core concept that resonates with users: helping real shelter dogs through gameplay. This is reflected in the high percentage of 5-star reviews (66.8%). However, significant technical issues, particularly app crashes and connectivity problems, are detracting from the user experience. Concerns about transparency and customer support responsiveness also exist. Many users desire additional features, particularly the inclusion of cats and other animals, and more interactive gameplay. While the app's core value proposition is well-received, addressing the technical issues and expanding features is crucial for its continued success and user satisfaction.

Key Strengths:

  • Meaningful purpose: Helping real shelter dogs.
  • Simple and easy gameplay.
  • The feeling of making a difference.
  • Free to play (basic functionality).

Key Weaknesses:

  • App crashes and connectivity issues.
  • Customer support responsiveness.
  • Limited animal variety (dogs only).
  • Repetitive gameplay.
  • Concerns about transparency (e.g., delivery tracking, accuracy of dog status).

Overall Sentiment: Positive, but tempered by technical issues and customer service concerns.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: Approximately 4.4 stars (based on the distribution).
  • Score Distribution: 1-star: 9%, 2-star: 5.2%, 3-star: 7.4%, 4-star: 11.6%, 5-star: 66.8%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but the reviews appear to span from the app's launch to late 2024 (based on review dates and mentions of updates).
  • Analysis Methods: Manual review and thematic analysis of user reviews, keyword extraction to identify recurring themes and pain points. Sentiment was inferred from star ratings and review content.

Key User Pain Points

  • App Crashes and Freezing: This is the most frequently reported issue, leading to frustration, lost progress, and the potential loss of virtual dogs. (High Impact)
  • Connectivity Issues: Many users report persistent "no internet connection" errors, even when their internet connection is stable, preventing them from playing. (High Impact)
  • Customer Support Responsiveness: Lack of response from customer support regarding technical issues, subscription problems, and lost accounts is a recurring complaint. (High Impact)
  • In-App Purchase Issues: Users report not receiving purchased rolls or subscriptions, and difficulty canceling subscriptions. (High Impact)
  • Losing Dogs: The mechanic of losing dogs due to inactivity or inability to provide meals is seen as punitive and discouraging, especially for users who cannot afford subscriptions. (Medium Impact)
  • Glitches when Selecting New Dogs: The app frequently crashes when users try to add new dogs, leading to frustration and lost progress. (Medium Impact)
  • Kibble/Treat Imbalance: Some users find the kibble earning rate too slow, making it difficult to send food without paying for a subscription. (Medium Impact)
  • Lack of Shelter Choice: Users are sometimes limited to shelters outside their geographic area, reducing their sense of connection. (Medium Impact)
  • Bugs with the Game: Bugs with the pet your dog mini game when the dog blocks the healthier treat. (Low Impact)

Frequently Requested Features

  • Inclusion of Cats and Other Animals: A very common request is to expand the app to include cats and other animals in need.
  • More Interactive Gameplay: Users desire more engaging mini-games and activities to reduce the repetitiveness of the core gameplay loop.
  • More Customization/Variety: Users want more dog types/breeds and more customization options for their virtual dogs.
  • Ability to Interact with Shelters: Users want direct way to interact with shelters, e.g., video chats, messaging, more details.
  • Better Roll Accumulation: Allowing rolls to accumulate when the app is not in use.
  • One-Time Donation Option: Allowing users to make one-time donations instead of only offering a monthly subscription.
  • Referral System: A system to refer new shelters to the app.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Meaningful Purpose: The core concept of helping real shelter dogs is highly motivating and emotionally rewarding for users.
  • Simple and Easy Gameplay: The game is easy to learn and play, making it accessible to a wide audience.
  • Feeling of Making a Difference: Users appreciate the sense of contributing to a good cause and receiving updates on adoptions.
  • Free to Play (Basic Functionality): The ability to send treats for free is a key draw for many users.
  • Chewy Partnership: The partnership with Chewy adds credibility and reassurance that the treats are actually being delivered.
  • Updates on Adopted Dogs: Users enjoy receiving notifications when the dogs they've been helping get adopted.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  1. Address App Crashes and Connectivity Issues: This is the most critical issue. Invest in thorough testing and bug fixing to improve app stability and reliability.
  2. Improve Customer Support Responsiveness: Implement a more efficient customer support system with faster response times and clear communication channels.
  3. Fix In-App Purchase Issues: Resolve issues related to missing purchases and subscription cancellations promptly.
  4. Resolve Account Access Issues: Provide users with a way to recover their account if they get a new phone.

Medium Priority:

  1. Re-evaluate "Losing Dogs" Mechanic: Consider alternative mechanics that are less punitive and more encouraging, especially for users who cannot afford subscriptions.
  2. Balance Kibble/Treat Earning: Adjust the kibble earning rate to make it more attainable to send food without a subscription, or provide a way to earn kibble through free play.
  3. Increase Shelter Choice: Expand the number of participating shelters, especially in underserved geographic areas.
  4. Address Gameplay Bugs: Fix bugs with the mini games.

Low Priority:

  1. Add More Dog Types and Customization Options: While desirable, these are less critical than the core functionality and stability of the app.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Expand the "Treat" Model to Other Causes: Create similar apps that allow users to support other charitable causes through simple gameplay.
  • Develop a Platform for Virtual Volunteering: Create a platform that connects users with virtual volunteering opportunities at animal shelters and other organizations.
  • Create a "Virtual Pet Adoption" Game: Develop a game where users can virtually adopt, care for, and train virtual pets, with a portion of the proceeds going to real animal shelters.

Trends and Observations

  • Strong Positive Sentiment Initially: Many users express initial excitement and enthusiasm for the app's core concept.
  • Shift to Negative Sentiment Due to Technical Issues: Over time, negative reviews increase due to persistent technical problems and lack of customer support.
  • Desire for More Content and Features: Users consistently request more animal variety, gameplay options, and ways to interact with shelters.
  • Recurring Mentions of Cats: The overwhelming majority of requests for new animals are for cats.
  • Legitimacy Concerns: Some users express skepticism about whether the app actually delivers on its promises, highlighting the importance of transparency.
  • Subscription Model Concerns: Some users feel that the subscription model is pushed too aggressively and that the free version is too limited.

Conclusion

The TREAT app has a strong foundation and a compelling value proposition that resonates with users. However, significant technical issues and customer service concerns are hindering its potential. Addressing these issues and expanding features, particularly the inclusion of cats and other animals, is crucial for the app's continued success and user satisfaction. By prioritizing stability, responsiveness, and content variety, the TREAT app can solidify its position as a leading platform for supporting animal shelters through gameplay.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/treat-play-impact-real-dogs/id1591591442?uo=2