Dating App for Dog Lovers, Frolly, To Launch In The U.S.

A new dating app tailored explicitly for dog lovers is set to debut this fall in the United States. The Charlotte-based platform, called Frolly, aims to match singles by leveraging a shared passion for dogs as a foundational compatibility indicator.

Founded by entrepreneur Cindy Himmel and her daughter, the native dog-owner community in Charlotte will serve as the initial test market. Himmel says the app’s design emerged from personal experience: her daughter found that many potential partners were mismatched when they didn’t share a “dog person” identity. Himmel explained the concept by stating, “The qualities of dog lovers, as far as trustworthiness and responsibility and authenticity … can be carried over into our relationship with people.”

Frolly allows users to set up profiles that include pet-specific details – such as dog temperament, whether the dog is allowed on furniture or around children, and compatibilities with other animals. While ownership of a dog is not required, users must identify as “dog people.” The company has also pledged to donate a portion of its revenue to local animal rescue organizations, and has partnered with Forgotten Now Family Rescue to help dogs in Charlotte find new homes.

The business model for Frolly includes a free usage period – reported as the first six months free for users after launch. Afterward, a subscription fee is expected, with regional variations starting at approximately US $12 per month. The focus on a niche market – singles who care about pets – places the app in a broader trend where dating tools go beyond generic matching and incorporate lifestyle or interest-based filters, similar to dating apps focused on particular hobbies.

Frolly’s launch arrives amid a crowded dating-app field, but its unique positioning – focusing on dog lovers, many of whom are very invested in their pets and want to find partners that feel the same way – may help it stand out.