Safety Guidelines

⚠️First Meeting Safety

• Choose public locations: Coffee shops, parks, pet stores, or busy outdoor areas
• Bring a friend or family member to your first meeting
• Meet during daylight hours in well-lit, populated areas
• Trust your instincts- if something feels off, don't proceed
• Share your location with a trusted friend or family member
• Have your phone charged and easily accessible

🐕Dog Safety Guidelines

• Be honest about your dog's temperament - aggression, anxiety, or special needs
• Ensure your dog is properly trained and responds to basic commands
• Keep dogs on leash unless in a designated off-leash area
• Bring necessary supplies: water, treats, waste bags, first aid kit
• Know your dog's limits- don't push them beyond their comfort zone
• Have emergency contact information readily available
• Be aware of local leash laws and park regulations

💬Communication Safety

• Use the platform's messaging system- don't share personal contact info initially
• Be cautious of users who:
  • Ask for money or financial information
  • Pressure you to meet quickly or in private
  • Refuse to meet in public
  • Have incomplete or suspicious profiles
  • Ask for personal information beyond what's necessary
• Take your time getting to know someone before arranging dog interactions
• Ask questions about experience with dogs, availability, and expectations
• Be clear about boundariesand what you're comfortable with

🚩Red Flags to Watch For

• Aggressive or threatening behavior
• Requests for money or financial information
• Refusal to meet in public or during daylight
• Inconsistent or suspicious stories
• Pressure to move communication off the platform
• Inappropriate or sexual comments
• Refusal to provide basic information about themselves or their dogs
• Dogs that show signs of aggression or are not properly controlled

🚨Emergency Procedures

• Call 911 immediately if you feel threatened or in danger
• Contact local animal control if a dog is aggressive or out of control
• Seek medical attention for any injuries to people or animals
• Document everything - take photos, save messages, note details
• Report the incident to ShareSkippy support
• Contact your veterinarian if your dog is injured

✅Best Practices for Success

• Start with short interactions and gradually build trust
• Be patient - good relationships take time to develop
• Communicate clearly about expectations and boundaries
• Be respectfulof other people's time and schedules
• Follow up after interactions to provide feedback
• Leave honest ratings and reviews to help the community
• Be understanding - plans can change, dogs can be unpredictable

📞Important Contacts