Pet Safety & Welfare Guidelines

Effective date: 01/02/2025 · Last updated: 01/02/2025

PawTrack is built on a simple principle: every animal deserves safe, species-appropriate care. These guidelines are intended to help Pet Parents and Pet Professionals work together to protect the wellbeing of animals during every appointment.

These guidelines apply to all species cared for on PawTrack, including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, small mammals, fish, and exotic animals.

1. General Welfare Principles

All users agree to follow the core safety principles below:

  • Take reasonable steps to avoid causing harm, stress, or unnecessary discomfort to an animal.
  • Use only humane and species-appropriate handling methods.
  • Ensure pets have access to safe environments during appointments.
  • Pause or stop the service if an animal shows signs of distress, illness, or injury.
  • Follow all relevant local animal welfare regulations.

PawTrack does not provide medical oversight; decisions about pet health remain with the Pet Parent and veterinarian.

2. Responsibilities of Pet Professionals

Professionals offering services on PawTrack must ensure safe and competent care for the species they work with.

  • Accept appointments only for species you are trained, experienced, and comfortable handling.
  • Follow species-specific safety practices (e.g., secure reptile handling, bird-proof spaces).
  • Use appropriate tools and equipment for the service and species.
  • Monitor behaviour and body language throughout the appointment.
  • Communicate immediately if a pet appears unwell or unsafe to handle.
  • Do not force an animal to participate in an activity they actively resist.

Professionals may decline or stop an appointment for safety or welfare reasons.

3. Responsibilities of Pet Parents

Pet Parents play a crucial role in ensuring their pet’s safety by providing accurate information and preparing for appointments properly.

  • Provide complete and accurate medical, behavioural, and species-specific information to the best of your knowledge.
  • Ensure the pet is accessible, secure, and ready for the appointment.
  • Provide any required items (leads, carriers, food, dosing tools, etc.).
  • Inform the Professional of risks such as aggression, escape behaviour, or allergies.
  • Ensure the environment is safe for the Professional and the pet.

Withholding important information may result in appointment cancellation or a safety-based no-show designation, in line with platform policies.

4. Species-Specific Considerations

Every species has unique safety needs. Below are general guidelines; Pet Parents must supplement these with accurate details in their pet profile.

Dogs & Cats
  • Ensure appropriate restraint (lead/harness/carrier).
  • Disclose reactivity, anxiety, or bite histories.
  • Provide feeding and medication instructions clearly.
Birds
  • Ensure doors and windows are secure to prevent escapes.
  • Provide species-specific handling instructions.
Reptiles
  • Provide safe handling instructions to avoid stress or injury.
  • Ensure heat sources, humidity, and enclosures are ready if needed.
Small Mammals & Exotics
  • Provide escape-proof environments.
  • Disclose any special care or sensitivities.

PawTrack does not determine suitability for care of rare or high-risk species; the Professional must assess and accept or decline responsibly.

5. Emergencies & Unexpected Issues

In the unlikely event of an emergency during an appointment, both parties are expected to prioritise the pet’s wellbeing.

  • Professionals must contact the Pet Parent immediately.
  • Pet Parents must ensure emergency contact details and vet information are correct.
  • Professionals should not administer medication unless explicitly authorised.
  • If a pet becomes ill or distressed, the appointment should be paused or stopped.

PawTrack does not provide emergency veterinary care or guarantee medical outcomes.

6. Welfare Violations

PawTrack may take action if we receive credible reports of welfare concerns, including:

  • Unsafe handling of animals
  • Neglect or preventable harm
  • Repeated failure to disclose behavioural risks
  • Providing false or misleading medical information
  • Grossly unsafe environments

Actions may include warnings, temporary suspension, or removal from the platform in line with PawTrack policies.

7. Reporting Safety Concerns

If you witness or experience a safety or welfare concern, you may report it to PawTrack Support:

While PawTrack reviews reports for policy compliance, we do not replace veterinary, legal, or regulatory authorities.

These guidelines exist to support safe, species-appropriate, and humane care on PawTrack. The latest version of this document will always be available on this page.