Safety first: keeping you and your doggy friend safe
Meeting new dogs is exciting, but you should always be cautious when interacting with someone (and dogs) you don’t know. Use your best judgment and put your safety first, whether you are exchanging initial messages or meeting in person. While you can’t control the actions of others, there are things you can do to help you stay safe during your Doggy Day experience.
Online Safety
- Never Send Money or Share Financial Information
Never send money, especially over wire transfer, even if the person claims to be in an emergency. Wiring money is like sending cash — it’s nearly impossible to reverse the transaction or trace where the money went. Never share information that could be used to access your financial accounts. If another user asks you for money, report it to us immediately.
For tips on avoiding romance scams, check out some advice from the U.S Federal Trade Commission on the FTC website.
- Protect Your Personal Information
Never share personal information, such as your social security number, home or work address, or details about your daily routine (e.g., that you go to a certain gym every Monday) with people you don’t know.
- Stay on the Platform
Keep conversations on the Tinder platform while you’re getting to know someone. Users with bad intentions often try to move the conversation to text, messaging apps, email, or phone right away.
- Be Wary of Long Distance and Overseas Relationships
Be wary of anyone who will not meet in person or talk on a phone/video call—they may not be who they say they are. If someone is avoiding your questions or pushing for a serious relationship without meeting or getting to know you first — that’s a red flag.
- Report All Suspicious and Offensive Behavior
You know when someone’s crossed the line and when they do, we want to know about it. Block and report anyone that violates our terms. Here are some examples of violations:
- Requests for money or donations
- Harassment, threats, and offensive messages
- Inappropriate or harmful behavior during or after meeting in person
- Fraudulent profiles
- Spam or solicitation including links to commercial websites or attempts to sell products or services
Please report any concerns about suspicious behavior from any profile page or messaging window to us immediately.
- Protect Your Account
Be sure to pick a strong password, and always be careful when logging into your account from a public or shared computer. Doggy Day will never send you an email asking for your username and password information — if you receive an email asking for account information, report it immediately.
Meeting in Person
- Don’t Be afraid to ask questions
Take your time and get to know the other person/dog before agreeing to meet or chat off Doggy Day. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to screen for any red flags or past and sometimes uncomfortable history of the dog. A phone or video call can be a useful screening tool before meeting
- Look for signs of (in)compatibility
Not all dogs and people are a good match for each other and knowing your own personality and dealbreakers is a good starting point. Take activity level for example – are you generally laid back? Then an active, large dog that always pull on the leash may not be for you. Or are you generally confident and assertive? If not, then a dog with a mind of its own may end up very exhausting to you. Take note of not just the physical traits of your potential doggy friend, but also its personality and habits.
- Have someone go on a home visit with you
It is inevitable to visit someone’s place to see where the dog is. Do a video call ahead of time so you are sure it is worth an in-person home visit. Have a friend go with you if you feel uncomfortable. DO NOT be afraid to get up and leave at any point – you are not obligated to do anything.
- Tell Friends and Family About Your Plans
Tell a friend or family member of your plans, including when and where you’re going. Have your cell phone charged and with you at all times.
- Be in Control of Your Transportation
We want you to be in control of how you get to and from your meet-up point so that you can leave whenever you want. If you’re driving yourself, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan such as a ride-share app or a friend to pick you up.
- If You Feel Uncomfortable, Leave
It’s okay to end the meet-and-greet early if you’re feeling it or anything makes you uncomfortable. In fact, it’s encouraged. And if your instincts are telling you something is off or you feel unsafe, get up and go.