About Pod Rancher
The first app built specifically for isopod keepers. Built by hobbyists, for hobbyists.
How It Started
It started the way most isopod collections do — with a small container of "cleanup crew" for a bioactive terrarium. Then came the Dairy Cows. Then the Rubber Duckies. Then the realization that a spreadsheet wasn't going to cut it anymore.
We looked for an app to track our growing collection. Something to remind us when to mist, help us remember which bin was which, maybe even track breeding pairs. There are apps for fish. Apps for reptiles. Apps for houseplants. But for isopods? Nothing.
So we decided to build it ourselves.
The Problem We're Solving
The isopod hobby has exploded in popularity. What was once a niche corner of the invertebrate world is now a thriving community of collectors, breeders, and enthusiasts spanning every continent.
But the tools haven't kept up.
Spreadsheet Chaos
Most keepers track their collections in Google Sheets or Excel — if they track them at all.
Forgotten Care
Without reminders, it's easy to forget which bins need attention. Colonies suffer.
Lost History
Photos scattered across phone albums. Notes lost in random apps. No unified record.
Breeding Blind
Serious breeders need lineage tracking. Current tools make this nearly impossible.
The Solution
Pod Rancher is designed from the ground up for how isopod keepers actually work.
We think in bins, not individual animals. We identify by morph names like "Dairy Cow" and "Rubber Ducky," not just scientific names. We need to track populations that grow and change, not static headcounts.
Whether you're a beginner with your first cleanup crew or a breeder managing hundreds of colonies, Pod Rancher meets you where you are — and grows with you.
What We Believe
Community First
We're building this in public, listening to keepers, and making decisions based on what the community actually needs.
Accessible to All
From 12-year-olds with their first bin to retirees running breeding operations — everyone deserves great tools.
Joy Matters
This is a hobby. It should be fun. We're building something that sparks joy, not another boring spreadsheet.
Your Data, Your Control
We don't sell your data. We don't show ads. Your collection info stays yours.
Why "Pod Rancher"?
Isopods are sometimes called "pods" in the hobby. And when you're managing dozens (or hundreds) of bins, you're not just keeping pets — you're running a ranch.
The western ranch aesthetic runs through everything we do. Our tagline, "Herd Smart," captures the spirit: whether you have a small herd or a massive operation, we help you manage it with care and intention.
Plus, let's be honest — "Isopod Collection Management Application" just doesn't have the same ring to it. 🤠
Where We're Headed
2025
Research, design, and planning. Talking to keepers. Understanding the community.
2026
Building the app. Beta testing with early supporters. Refining based on feedback.
2027
Kickstarter launch. Public release on iOS and Android. Growing the herd.
Join the Herd
Be the first to know when Pod Rancher launches. Early supporters get exclusive perks, beta access, and the chance to shape the app.
Join the Waitlist