Animaat Safety Guide

Please Read This Guide in Full

Before you create or respond to any pet-related announcements, we encourage you to read this entire guide. It covers vital steps to protect yourself and your personal information, recognize potential scams, and safely reconnect pets with their rightful owners.

The safety guide covers best practices for:

1. Meeting someone who claims they have found your lost pet

    • A. If you are the owner meeting the person who found your pet
    • B. If you are the finder meeting the potential owner of the pet

2. Creating an announcement on the Animaat app

    • A. How to create a Missing Pet announcement
    • B. How to create a Found Pet announcement

  1. When Meeting Someone Who Claims to Have Found Your Lost Pet

  • A.If You Are the Owner Meeting the Person Who Found Your Pet
  1. Choose a Safe Meeting Place
    • Arrange to meet in a well-lit, public space (e.g., a police station lobby, pet-friendly café, or veterinary clinic).
    • Bring a friend or family member for additional safety and support.
  2. Verify the Pet’s Identity
    • Request the finder share recent photos or describe unique features (e.g., markings, scars, or behaviors) before meeting.
    • If your pet is microchipped, confirm the microchip number at a veterinarian’s office or shelter scanner.
  3. Limit Personal Information
    • Avoid giving out your full home address, financial info, or other sensitive details.
    • If there’s any uncertainty about ownership, suggest a vet’s office or shelter where official records (microchip, vaccinations) can confirm rightful ownership.
  4. Be Cautious with Rewards
    • It’s not forbidden to offer a reward but remember that it can attract scammers.
    • Never hand over money until you are certain this is truly your pet.
  5. Trust Your Instincts
    • If the person’s story changes, they resist showing proof, or they ask for unusual personal information, be cautious.
    • Consider involving friends, family, or local law enforcement if you feel unsafe or suspect malicious intent.
  • B.If You Are the Finder Meeting the Potential Owner of the Pet
  1. Arrange a Safe & Neutral Location
    • Choose a public, well-monitored space (e.g., outside a police station, veterinary clinic, or busy café).
    • Bring a friend along if you’re uncomfortable meeting alone.
  2. Verify Ownership
    • Ask the person claiming ownership for details: photos of the pet from before it went missing, descriptions of unique markings, or medical records.
    • If available, confirm microchip details at a vet’s office or shelter to avoid returning the pet to the wrong person.
  3. Respect Privacy
    • Understand that the owner may be cautious about disclosing personal information.
    • Similarly, protect your own privacy (e.g., do not share your full address if you don’t feel safe).
  4. Avoid Demanding a Reward
    • If the owner wishes to offer one, that’s their choice.
    • Pressuring or demanding a reward can look suspicious and may deter a legitimate owner from retrieving their pet.
  5. Coordinate with Local Shelters or Vets
    • In case of doubt or dispute, suggest verifying microchip or medical history at a trusted facility.
    • This helps ensure the pet goes to the rightful owner.

2.Creating an Announcement on the Animaat App

  • A.How to Create a Missing Pet Announcement
  1. Upload the Most Recent Pictures
    • Choose clear, up-to-date photos of your pet from multiple angles.
  2. Add Pet Details
    • Type: Dog, cat, bird, etc.
    • Breed: If known.
    • Name: If the pet has a known name.
    • Colors: Distinctive markings or color patterns.
    • Missing Date: The date your pet was last seen.
    • Last Seen at Location: Use a general area or landmark (avoid posting your exact home address).
    • Description: Highlight unique traits, medical conditions, or behaviors.
  3. Share the Announcement on Animaat Social Media
    • Use Animaat’s option to share directly to their social platforms so your followers are notified.
    • Maximizing visibility can boost the chances of finding your pet quickly.
  4. Consider Rewards Carefully
    • You may mention a reward but be aware it can attract scammers.
    • Keep reward details vague or confirm the finder’s legitimacy before offering payment.
    •  
  • B.How to Create a Found Pet Announcement
  1. Upload Pictures of the Found Pet
    • Clear, well-lit photos to help the potential owner identify their missing pet.
  2. Add Pet Details
    • Found Date: When you rescued or discovered the pet.
    • Found Location: The general area or landmark where the pet was found.
    • Pet Type: Dog, cat, bird, etc.
    • Pet Breed (if known): Or your best guess if unsure.
    • Colors: Notable color patterns or markings.
    • Description: Collar color, approximate age, behavior, or health condition.
  3. Discourage Asking for a Reward
    • If a rightful owner wishes to offer a reward, let them do so.
    • Requesting payment upfront can discourage genuine owners from stepping forward.

 

Additional Tips & Reminders

  1. Microchip & ID Tags
    • Keep your pet’s microchip info and registration up to date.
    • Use collars with current ID tags to increase the chance of a quick reunion if lost.
  2. Involve Local Authorities & Shelters
    • If you feel unsafe or suspect a scam, contact the police.
    • Local shelters and vet clinics often keep logs of missing and found animals and can help scan for microchips.
  3. Stay Alert for Scams
    • Be wary of people demanding money without providing legitimate proof they have your pet.
    • Ask for a recent photo or video (with a current date marker) if you’re unsure.
  4. Use Common Sense & Community Support
    • Trust your instincts—if something feels off, proceed cautiously.
    • Friends, neighbors, and Animaat’s social media can help spread the word quickly.
  1. Beware of Fraudulent Ownership Claims
  • Some individuals may try to claim a pet is theirs with the intention of selling or breeding it for profit.
  • Always verify ownership (through photos, vet records, or microchip scans) before turning over a found animal.

Conclusion

By following these guidelines, both owners and finders can foster a safer environment, reduce scam risks, and ensure that pets find their way back to the correct homes. Whether you’re creating a missing or found announcement, or arranging to meet someone about a lost pet, stay vigilant, use public meeting locations, and rely on trusted resources like Animaat, local shelters, and veterinary clinics.