Is your service safe?

Yes, provided basic common sense is followed. Mind My Pet is as safe as we can make it. Members need to use common sense when dealing and interacting with others just as you would in any situation, online or offline.

NEVER put your personal details such as address, phone number or email address in your profile. We suggest that if you are seeking a pet minder that you do not disclose your exact address to the other party, as your address is not required. Of course you will need to disclose your address if you are willing to mind a pet but only disclose this when you are ready to do so and only to the other member whose pet you are willing to mind.

You need to try to know that the person you are entrusting your pet to is trustworthy and will take good care of your pet. It would be a very good idea to meet any potential pet minder in person, perhaps visit their home in advance if that's agreeable between both parties. See the environment in which your pet could be staying. If you both have dogs you could always meet for a walk. It may be a good idea to leave your pet with any potential pet minder for a few hours or overnight to see how your pet adapts to his/her new environment. Much of this information relates moreso to dogs and cats than to other pets (the tropical fish won't mind so much!) It is all basic common sense which folks will already know but we felt the need to reiterate it just incase.

So take your time, try to get to know the other member, Mind My Pet offers an Instant Messenger application and an onsite message (email) service - take advantage of them, they are for your benefit. If you have any questions at any time feel free to simply contact us.

Please note that a member's IP address is logged on the system upon registering and in the event of any illegal activity can be passed to the relevant authorities including the Gardai in Ireland or the police in the UK.   

How do I search?

Once you have logged in simply click on the "Profile Search" option in your member control panel. You need to be registered to use the search feature. 

What video formats can be uploaded?

Currently the only acceptable video format is .flv, you can find free video converters on the net (these converters enable you to convert .avi or .mpg and so on to .flv format)  

How does my profile become a Featured Profile?

Members are chosen at random to be listed as a Featured Member on the homepage. At a minimum a member must have loaded a main profile photo and have a relatively informative "About Myself and/or My Pets" description.

How do I change my email address or password?

You can change your email address on the "edit your profile" page. Here you can change some other information including search preferences, address and other preferences about your daily routines, habits, hobbies etc.

After you've made your changes, click "Save" at the bottom of the page to save.

I forgot my username and/or password

You can retreive a forgotten username or reset a forgotten password at the following page by providing the email you used during registration.

What is the purpose behind Instant Messenger, how do I benefit from it?

This application is a faster way of communicating with other members of the site who are online. It lists all the members who are online. When you send a message, the recipient will receive the message and would hopefully reply. If unfortunately the recipient doesn't receive the message for some reason, then that message will be sent to their onsite message Inbox.

How does "My Matches" work?

My Matches works according to the basic profile and "search preferences" at the bottom of the "edit profile" page.

When someone emails me, where does the email go and how do I respond?

When a member sends you a message, it goes straight into your onsite message inbox. We then send an email to your personal email address to let you know that it's there.

To read the message, simply login to the site and go to your inbox. If you decide to write back, simply click "reply", write your own message and send it. Your message will go straight into the member's onsite inbox, and we'll let them know it's there with an email to their personal email address.

All communications with other members stay onsite so that you never have to give out any personal information until you feel completely ready. Then when you are ready you can exchange phone numbers etc.

How do I edit my profile? How do I hide my online status?

To update your profile, click "Edit Profile" in Members Panel menu. Be sure to save your changes at the bottom of the screen when you're done.

To hide your online status, select "No" for the option "Other members can see when I'm online?" on the "Edit Profile" page.