HappyCow is a comprehensive online platform and mobile app designed to help users discover and connect with vegan and vegan-friendly businesses around the world.
What HappyCow Does
HappyCow serves as a global guide for finding vegan restaurants, cafes, bakeries, juice bars, food trucks, catering services, health food stores, and other businesses that offer vegan options. Founded in 1999 by Eric Brent, it has evolved into the largest online platform of its kind, specializing in vegan food discovery.
Key Features
Business Listings
- HappyCow hosts over 220,000 listings of businesses in more than 180 countries, including restaurants, cafes, and health food stores. These listings are categorized based on whether they are fully vegan or offer significant vegan options.
Search and Navigation
- Users can search for businesses using map search, list search, or by categories. The app utilizes GPS or network location services to find nearby vegan-friendly establishments, and users can also enter an address and a radius to search within.
User Reviews and Ratings
- The platform allows users to leave reviews and ratings for the businesses they visit, providing valuable feedback for other users. With over 1.5 million reviews and more than 2 million photos, users can make informed decisions about where to dine or shop.
Community Engagement
- HappyCow fosters a community of over one million vegan-focused members. Users can share photos, recipes, and tips, and connect with other vegans and vegetarians worldwide through the app’s forum and social features.
Customization and Favorites
- Users can add businesses to their Favorites and Trip lists, making it easier to plan and organize their dining and shopping experiences. Active members can also apply to become HappyCow Ambassadors, which comes with exclusive perks.
Business Owner Tools
- Business owners can claim their listings on HappyCow, gaining access to an Owner’s Dashboard where they can edit their business information, respond to reviews, and upgrade to a paid plan for additional features.
Additional Resources
- The platform includes additional resources such as recipes, blog posts about veganism, and information on health food stores and markets, making it a one-stop resource for vegans and those interested in plant-based living.
Functionality
User Interface and Navigation
- HappyCow features a visually appealing and intuitive user interface with responsive design for mobile devices, ensuring easy navigation and use on various platforms.
Social Media Integration
- The app integrates with social media, allowing users to share their experiences and connect with others through multiple channels.
Analytics and Notifications
- The platform includes custom analytics to track user engagement and push notifications to keep users informed about events, discounts, and other relevant updates near their location.
Security and Privacy
- HappyCow prioritizes user privacy and security, with measures in place to protect against data misuse and unauthorized access. Users are encouraged to keep their personal information secure by not sharing their login credentials.
In summary, HappyCow is an indispensable tool for anyone seeking vegan and vegan-friendly options, offering a robust set of features that facilitate discovery, community engagement, and personalized experiences.