Comparison
The Best TheDogAPI & TheCatAPI Alternative
If you're tired of juggling two separate APIs — one for dogs, one for cats — or need richer data, commercial SLAs, and advanced filtering, Smart Pet API was built for you.
Why developers switch to Smart Pet API
One API, all pets
TheDogAPI and TheCatAPI are separate products with different keys, different endpoints, and different data models. Smart Pet API unifies dogs and cats under a single subscription and consistent schema.
Richer breed data
Beyond basic traits, Smart Pet API includes health predispositions, lifespan ranges, exercise needs, grooming requirements, and coat attributes — the data your users actually need.
Advanced filtering
Filter by 20+ attributes in a single request: hypoallergenic, shedding level, family-friendly, size, energy level, and more. Not available on TheDogAPI or TheCatAPI.
Commercial-grade reliability
Free-tier alternatives offer no uptime guarantees. Smart Pet API provides SLAs from 99.5% to 99.99% — with a formal SLA contract available on Business Gold.
Multiple response formats
JSON is just the start. Business plans also deliver CSV and XML, letting you pipe data directly into spreadsheets, data pipelines, and legacy systems.
Try for almost nothing
Your first month is heavily discounted — from $7 on the Developer plan — giving you a full billing cycle to test with real data before committing.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Smart Pet API | TheDogAPI | TheCatAPI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog breeds covered | 400+ | ~340 | |
| Cat breeds covered | 70+ | ~67 | |
| Single API for both | Yes | ||
| Traits & temperament data | Full | Partial | Partial |
| Health & lifespan data | Yes | Limited | Limited |
| High-quality images | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced filtering | Yes (20+ attributes) | Basic | Basic |
| Response formats | JSON, CSV, XML | JSON only | JSON only |
| Uptime SLA | Up to 99.99% | None | None |
| Webhooks | Yes (Business+) | ||
| Commercial use | Yes | Paid plans only | Paid plans only |
| First-month discount | Yes |
Data accurate as of April 2025. Feature sets may change — verify with each provider.
Who should switch?
Smart Pet API is particularly valuable for these use cases where TheDogAPI and TheCatAPI fall short.
Pet adoption platforms
Display comprehensive breed profiles — temperament, exercise needs, child-friendliness — to help users find their perfect match. One API call covers dogs and cats.
Veterinary apps & practice management software
Accurate health predispositions and common conditions per breed help vets and owners understand breed-specific risks. Only available through Smart Pet API.
E-commerce pet stores
Automatically populate breed-specific product recommendations based on size, coat type, and activity level — all filterable attributes in Smart Pet API.
Breed selector tools & quizzes
Advanced filtering on 20+ attributes — hypoallergenic, shedding, energy level, family-friendly — lets you build a comprehensive breed-matching quiz with a single query.
Ready to switch?
Start with our Developer plan for just $7 your first month — full data access, no commitment.
Get started today