Megan Ellis, a seasoned pet owner, found herself on a quest to locate an ideal app to manage various aspects of caring for her two beloved cats, Black Velvet and Loxi. Frustrated by the limitations of available pet apps, which either lacked essential features or were plagued by bugs, Ellis turned to a less conventional solution—Notion. Originally designed as a productivity tool, Notion became the cornerstone of her pet management strategy.
Customizing for Pet Care
Ellis began her journey by selecting Notion's Pet Care Planner template, which she tailored to suit her specific needs. By stripping away unnecessary sections like food menus and walking routes, she crafted individualized profiles for Black Velvet and Loxi. Each profile was rich with details, including photographs, medications, dosages, and vet notes, ensuring that every aspect of their care was meticulously documented.
Recognizing the importance of financial oversight in pet care, Ellis enhanced her Notion setup with a monthly expenses database. This feature replaced her reliance on a previously used Google Sheet, simplifying her management of pet-related expenditures.
Effective Task Management and Reminders
One of the most valuable aspects of Ellis's Notion-based system was its robust reminder functionality. She skillfully configured alerts for upcoming vaccinations and veterinary appointments, providing her with views that delineated near-term and long-term medical events. This feature offered peace of mind and ensured she never missed critical appointments.
Challenges and Future Enhancements
Despite its versatility, Notion presents some challenges. Users on the free plan face limitations such as restricted automations and charting capabilities. Furthermore, the interface can be cumbersome on smaller mobile devices, particularly when navigating complex tables.
Nevertheless, Ellis was undeterred. Her adept use of filters, customized currency settings, and the inherent flexibility of Notion's design allowed her to overcome these hurdles. She plans to further expand her template to include recurring pet chores and additional features over time.
For individuals struggling to find a dedicated app catering specifically to their needs, Ellis advocates for exploring Notion's capabilities. Its customizable
