Community Guidelines

Our Core Values

• Respect for people and dogs: Treat every user and every dog with kindness, courtesy, and consideration.

• Safety first: Prioritize the physical and emotional well-being of yourself, your dog, and others.

• Honesty: Keep profiles accurate and intentions genuine.

• Positive community: Help make SwiPaws a welcoming space for responsible dog owners.

Zero Tolerance Policies

We have zero tolerance for the following. Violations will result in immediate content removal and/or permanent account termination:

• Harassment, bullying, threats, or intimidation of any kind (online or when arranging meetings).

• Racism, discrimination, hate speech, or derogatory comments based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

• Inappropriate, illegal, or harmful content — including anything sexual, violent, abusive, or that promotes illegal activity.

• Animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect — any content or behavior that harms or endangers dogs or other animals.

• Spam, scams, or commercial solicitation without prior approval (this includes using the app to advertise breeding, sales, or services).

We take these rules very seriously to keep our community safe and welcoming.

Profile and Content Rules

• Your profile (including photos of you and your dog(s), bio, and dog details) must be accurate and up-to-date.

• Use only photos that clearly show you and your dog(s) and that you have the right to share.

• Do not post misleading information about your dog’s breed, age, temperament, training, or health.

• Profiles should reflect genuine interest in dog playdates and socializing — not dating, business, or other purposes.

Behavior and Communication

• Be respectful and kind in all interactions, including in-app messages.

• We strongly encourage keeping initial conversations in the in-app chat (text only). This helps maintain a record and supports our moderation efforts.

• Do not pressure others to move conversations off the app or share personal contact information too quickly.

• When arranging or attending meetups, follow the safety recommendations in our Terms of Service (public places first, tell someone your plans, start short and supervised, watch dog body language, trust your instincts, etc.).

• Respect boundaries. If someone is not interested or wants to end a conversation or meeting, accept it gracefully.

Reporting, Blocking and Moderation

If you see behavior or content that violates these Guidelines or makes you uncomfortable:

• On a matched profile, swipe left in the Matches screen to report, block or un-match with the user.

• You can also report or block a user by clicking on their profile in the discovery page.

• Blocking a user prevents you or them from viewing each other.

• In your report, include as much detail as possible so we can review it promptly.

All reports are reviewed by the SwiPaws operator. We investigate in good faith and take appropriate action, which may include warnings, content removal, temporary restrictions, or permanent account bans.

False or abusive reports may also result in action against the reporting account.

Consequences

Violating these Community Guidelines, the Terms of Service, or applicable law can result in:

• Removal of content

• Temporary or permanent suspension of your account

• Loss of Premium features without refund

We reserve the right to take action at our discretion to protect the community.

Safety Reminders

While SwiPaws helps you connect with other dog owners, all in-person meetings are arranged and attended at your own risk. Please review the full safety recommendations and assumption of risk section in our Terms of Service before meeting anyone.

Some quick tips:

• Meet in public, well-populated places first (especially busy dog parks during daylight).

• Tell a trusted friend or family member your plans.

• Keep first meetings short and supervised.

• Prioritize your dog’s comfort and safety — and your own.

Training Mode

Some members use Training Mode to let others know their dog is still building social skills — whether they're shy, nervous, reactive, or simply new to socializing. Training Mode is about creating a judgment-free space where every dog can make friends at their own pace.

If you connect with a dog in Training Mode, we ask that you:

• Be patient and kind. Approach meetups slowly and respect the owner's guidance about what their dog is comfortable with.

• Follow the owner's lead. They know their dog best. If they want to go slow, keep distance, or end a meetup early, honor that.

• Never shame or judge. Mocking, criticizing, or pressuring an owner or dog in Training Mode has no place on SwiPaws.

And for everyone using Training Mode:

• Be honest about your dog's needs. Training Mode is a tool for safe, supportive connections — use it in good faith.

• Prioritize safety. Training Mode doesn't replace responsible handling. Always manage your dog appropriately during meetups, and don't put any dog or person in a situation they're not ready for.

SwiPaws supports positive, force-free socialization. Treat every member — two-legged and four-legged — with respect.

Questions or Concerns?

If you have questions about these Guidelines, want to report an issue, or need support, please contact us at:

support@swipaws.com

We’re here to help keep SwiPaws a safe, fun, and respectful place for dogs and their people.

Thank you for being part of the community and for helping us make great playdates happen!