Parents' Guide to

Toca Pet Doctor

App iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Kindle Fire Education
Toca Pet Doctor Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Dana Anderson By Dana Anderson , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 3+

Kids cure and feed animals in cute, empathy-promoting app.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 3+?

Any Positive Content?

  • Toca Pet Doctor App: Screenshot #1
  • Toca Pet Doctor App: Screenshot #2
  • Toca Pet Doctor App: Screenshot #3

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What's It About?

In TOCA PET DOCTOR, kids choose an animal in a waiting room full of 15 sick animals by tapping on it. Then they notice visual clues to see what's bothering the animal and what items they can use or actions they can do to help (usually by swiping, holding, or tapping an object). Kids then watch and listen as the animal gets better and move onto the screen where they can feed it before the animal blissfully falls asleep. Tap the arrow to return to the room and choose another patient.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (2 ):

Toca Pet Doctor begins with a waiting room full of sick animals where cuteness is the most widespread epidemic. From the little guinea pig who has stuff stuck in her teeth (that kids can help by brushing) to the worm who has tied himself into a knot (for kids to undo), this is one highly adorable app. Very young app users likely will catch on quickly to the simple actions required to interact with the animals, medical supplies, and food to help the critters feel better. Like other Toca Boca apps, this app offers complete free play -- there are no rules, points, or items to win.

Since the animals' illnesses and injuries are presented in such a bright, sweet way, and kids are empowered to be the medical helpers for the animals, this app may even help kids feel more comfortable about getting medical assistance themselves when a boo-boo or bellyache needs attention. Kids use cures such as bandages, ointments, and casts, which they may see or experience in real life. The app also reinforces the message that eating healthy helps those who are sick feel better. Toca Pet Doctor is feel-good fun for little ones.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Ask your kids how they think each animal may be feeling when they're sick or hurt and how the animal seems to feel after being helped. This may help your kids express the emotions they experience during illness or injury and help develop empathic vocabulary.

  • Since there are no verbal instructions (only visual clues), if your kid is having trouble deciding what to do with an animal, ask her what she sees and how it might be used.

  • Count the food as your kid is giving it to the animals ("Let's feed the cat some fish. One, two, three, four, five fish. He ate all five fish!").

  • Use specific vocabulary related to the animal's body parts ("That's her beak") or colors you see ("The orange frog's spots are green").

App Details

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