FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How do I Join PetsPartnersAndPals?

Joining PetsPartnersAndPals is simple and fun. All you have to do is click on “Join us Now” and start filling out your profile and, if you have a pet, his or hers too!  Look for the "How alike are You and Your Pet?" test on the way!

2. Do I have to pay anything to join?

No, joining PetsPartnersAndPals is TOTALLY FREE with NO OBLIGATION.  

This is our Special Introductory Offer. All facilities are totally free until Autumn 2010 (that's 30th October 2010).  And don't worry - when you join us you will not be asked for any payment details whatsoever ... no card details, no bank details, no payment details. Full Stop.  

3. At the end of the free introductory period, will I have to become a paying member?

No.  When your free introductory offer finishes, you can stay on as a free member or a paying member (which we call a subscriber).  A free member can search all members' profiles on the website and can even send expressions of interest by sending Friendship Smiles or Dating Winks.  You will have to be a subscriber if you want to send messages to other members.  Our prices are excellent (just £10, £25 or £45 for one, three or six months respectively) and if you sign up for three months we'll give you another free.  If you sign up for six months, we'll give you two months extra free ... that's eight months for just £45!  And when your subscription runs out, it continues only if you want it to because we do not repeat bill our members.

4. If I take up my free introductory offer, will you ask me for my bank details?

No.  We ask for no payment details from you whatsoever and you are under no obligation to make any payment to PetsPartnersAndPals.  Our offer really is FREE and WITHOUT OBLIGATION.  When your free offer expires on 30th September 2010 you are under no obligation to make any payment.  If you want to stay on as a member of PetsPartnersAndPals you can do so totally free and have access to many facilities, including posting your (and your Pet's) profile on the website, full search facilities and even sending Friendship Smiles and Dating Winks if you see a hopeful date or someone you think you might click with as a friend. You are only asked for a modest fee (one month £10, two £25 and three £45, plus an extra month with our 3 month deal and an extra two months with our 6 month deal) if you want to send messages to other members.

5. How do I cancel my membership? 

Easily.  If you wish to cancel your membership just contact us using the "Get In Touch" button on the Home Page or press here contact@petspartnersandpals.co.uk. Alternatively, your membership will automatically come to an end if you do not use the site for a period of three months (for non-paying members) and (for subscribers) three months after the subscription has ended. 

6. What is PetsPartnersAndPals all about?

PetsPartnersAndPals is all about bringing people together who have a common bond. That special bond is the love of animals and we believe it is the perfect starting point for finding good friends and even your soulmate in life.  If you have a pet, then we have facilities to make pet ownership even more fun - you can add a special profile of your pet and upload pet photos onto the profile; you can take a likeness test to see how similar you are to your pet!  You can even send messages from your pet to someone else's!  And it doesn't even stop there - because your pet is allowed (for once ... at last!) to say what it thinks about you on it's profile!  Don't worry, you can get your own back ... you have a right of reply!

It doesn't matter if you don't own a pet because we are all about the love of animals, not necessarily the ownership or custody of them.  We are all about bringing animal lovers together, not just for dating but also for friendship.  Pets are a wonderful way to break the ice. PetsPartnersAndPals is a great new way to meet new people ... find friends in your area to go dog walking, or locate new people to ride your horse with. Find like-minded people who are into your special kind of pet ... a chicken, a rabbit, a snake, a lizard ... there are no limits and no restrictions. If dating is what you are looking for, why not meet up in a park with your pets for a walk?  You never know, this just might be the perfect opportunity you have been waiting for!

7. How does the website work? 

Using the website is easy.  Many people will find it intuitive to use.  For those who are not as computer-literate as others we have included an 'Online Guide' which you can access from the Home page.

In terms of its functions, in a nutshell you can post your profile on the website which includes a 'Quick Stats' (or mini-profile) section and another, more detailed (full profile), section which you can fill out at your leisure. There are similar profile sections available for your pet if you have one.  Photos can easily be uploaded onto profiles.  You can search other members' profiles.  If you find someone who fits the bill for friendship, send a Friendship Smile direct from their profile.  If you fancy a date, send a Dating Wink! The lucky recipient of these expressions of interest can see who they are from and then respond in the same manner, or message you through the secure internal messaging system which does not reveal your (or their) private email address or any other confidential information about you!   If you want, you can message them back, or perhaps add them as a Favourite to think on for a while!  

We don't take ourselves too seriously here ... neither do our pets (at least when it's not feeding time!) so just as this site is about finding real friends and partners, it is also about having a great time in the process.  We believe they go hand-in-hand. That's why, with us, your pet can contact another member's pet if he or she so chooses ... perhaps with just a little help from you!  If the pets make progress, you never know, their owners just might tag along!  Let your pets check out the other pet profiles in detail to see if they find a possible match?

We hope, above all, that everyone here makes good friends and companions in life ... and enjoys every single bit of it!

8. I am a technophobe - is the website easy to use?

Yes.  At least we think so ... and we have tried to set up this site from the perspective of those who do not necessarily find computers easy or intuitive to use.  We have included an 'Online Guide' to literally guide our users through the process of joining us, entering profiles and uploading photos and then using the site once they have joined.  We also have a 'Help' panel available on the site to provide added assistance.  We believe that good design has simplicity at its heart.  For this reason, PetsPartnersAndPals is a place for people of all levels of computer skills and abilities.  If you do have a problem, we are here to help.  Just email us at contact@petspartnersandpals.co.uk and we will do everything we can to help. 

9. Will I get lost amongst millions of members?

No. We are not a website which sets out to attract millions of members and then imposes a myriad of hyper-advanced search terms in the hope of discovering a match somewhere between them. PetsPartnersAndPals instead works on the simple basis that, chances are, people who love animals are good people.  That, we think, is a great starting point.

Our profiles are designed to give you a good idea about the person, their interests and sense of humour.  It is unlikely you will receive expressions of interest from the other side of the globe (but good luck if you do!) - geographically we simply cover the UK.   We are also a new website and are right at the start of what we hope will be a long and enjoyable journey with you.  We want to know about your experiences of using the website.  We want to hear about friendships made and relationships taking off. Please keep us informed. Just go to 'Get In Touch' on the Home Page or send your message here: contact@petspartnersandpals.co.uk.

10. How long does it take to Join? 

Not long at all. We have kept the process to the bare essentials and have tried to make it as painless as possible!  Should you experience any difficulty, just follow our 'Online Guide' or check out our 'Help' panel.  And remember, joining PetsPartnersAndPals is totally free.  We do not take any payment details from you whatsoever when you join us and you are uner no obligation to make any payment t us.  Not only does this give you thee peace of mind you deserve, it also speeds up the joining process!

Once you are through our simple join us/log in process, there is a very straightforward 'Quick Stats' profile to fill in (including your first name, age, gender, whether you are looking for friendship, dating or both etc.).  Once submitted this will be online very quickly indeed.  When you fill out the more detailed profile secions (including adding photographs) these are approved by us before being posted on your profile for viewing by others.  We do this to try to ensure that inappropriate material is kept off the site - this way it is always pleasant for you to use.  We also check to prevent confidential information (home or business addresses, private email addresses etc.) being inadvertently placed on our members' profiles.  Our team aims to approve photos and major profile entries/edits within 24 hours if made during the week or 48 hours if made at weekends or public holidays.  

11. Do I need to add a photo?

No, the choice is yours but we do recommend adding a photograph.  We believe that your chances of meeting people are increased significantly if you add a photo. If you're worried how to add a photo, stop worrying now!  Below we take you through the process in a straightforward and pain–free way!

If you're worried because you simply think you are not photogenic, put your worries away! You are just like so many others who feel the same, just as 99% of people hate hearing their own voice.  It's just one of those things and we bet you've got a photo somewhere that you feel hits the spot.  Give it a go!  And if you're putting up a Pet Profile, spare a thought for your poor old pet who probably won't understand (at least for a while ... until he or she is messaged by another pet!) why you have been laughing in front of the computer for an hour as you put up the silliest pet photos you can find!

Please remember, the main photograph should be a clear head or head & shoulders picture of you which shows your face in reasonable lighting conditions.  You secondary photos can show other people if you wish (but please ensure you have their permission to use them).  Photographs of under 18s must not be included on any of the photographs.

12. How Do I Add a Photo?

For some of us, uploading photos from our computers will be totally intuitive. For others it's a technical nightmare! This part is for those who could do with helping hand!

First of all, you must be logged in to add photos.  Go to your membership area called 'My Page'.

a) From 'My Page' there are two ways to enter the ‘My Photos' section (which is the part of the website where you can enter photographs onto your and your pet's profiles):

(i) Click on the ‘My Photos' button in the right-hand panel;

or

(ii) Click on the orange ‘Enter/Edit' button underneath the photograph section in Your Profile.

b) Clicking on either opens the ‘My Images' page where you will see two squares, one with ‘You' and one with ‘Your Pet' written inside.

c) To enter your photographs click on ‘You'. Another page opens.

d) To enter your Main Image click on the ‘Browse' button next to ‘1st Image' (for Mac users there is a 'Choose File‘ button). This will open another window to access the files where your photographs are held. Images are files which are kept in folders inside your computer. Photographs are usually located inside a directory called ‘Pictures'. Press on ‘Pictures' and it will open to reveal the images.

If you cannot see the images do the following:

If you are using Windows 7 just press on the "Change your view" icon in the top right-hand corner of your screen (this is situated to the left of the ? icon and the words "Change your view" appear when you place your cursor over it).  Keep pressing until your pictures appear.  Choose which image you want and double click on it.

If you are using Windows Vista just press on the "Views" button in the top left corner of your screen.  Press this button until you can see the images appear.  Then choose which image you want and double click on it.

If you are using Windows XP, press "View" in the title bar (towards the top left corner of your screen), then choose "Thumbnails" from the dropdown menu which appears.  Your piuctures will appear.  Double click on the one you want to select.

If you are using a Mac, click on "View" in the title menu, then press "as icons" from the dropdown menu which appears.  This is the best view of your pictures.  Double click on the image you wish to select.

If you cannot find your photos in the ‘Pictures' directory then they will be on another directory in the computer such as ‘Documents' or ‘Desktop'. Just click on these and keep searching. If your images are on an external drive like a USB drive, to access it just insert the USB drive into your computer, then (if using Windows) click on the "Start" menu, then press "Computer" - a window will then appear - click on ‘Removable Disk' in the list below and this will reveal the files.  Remember to click on the "View" button or icon if you cannot see the images.  If using an external device attached to a Mac, press "Finder" - a window will then appear showing the external device (which will be listed as, for example, "8GB Drive") - press on this to reveal the files inside - again press "View" followed by "as icons" to see these files clearly.

THEN ...

e) ONCE YOU HAVE DOUBLE CLICKED ON YOUR CHOSEN IMAGE this will take you back to the ‘My Images' page on the website. The name of your photo will appear in the box. Click on ‘Upload' and, after a few moments, your image start uploading. The page may jump to the top. Don't worry! Just scroll down and you will see your photo.

f) To see the photo in greater detail just click on it and it will enlarge. If you are happy then you are done - you can add more photos of you and/or your pet. If you are unhappy with the photo just click on delete and try again.

g) Photographs should be no larger than 1MB (100kb) each and no bigger than 800px width and 800px height - this is to ensure they show properly when enlarged on the screen.  The format should be JPEG.

IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE PUTTING PHOTOS ONTO YOUR PROFILE, LET US HELP by:

(i) Contacting us with your problem at contact@petspartnersandpals.co.uk or

(ii) Emailing your photos to us at contact@petspartnersandpals.co.uk  Please make sure you include your name and the username you used when you registered on the site.

(iii) Sending your photos to us (with your name, address and email address on the back) and we will put them on your profile for you. Send to:

PetsPartnersAndPals
13 Paterson Drive
Woodhouse Eaves
Leicestershire LE12 8RL

Please note: Given the risks involved in sending items through the post please only send copies of your photos. We would hate you to lose the originals. We cannot accept responsibility for items lost in the post. Please send SAE if you would like your photographs to be returned.

Congratulations! Your profiles are now complete.

We endeavour to approve your photographs within 24 hours of submission during weekdays and within 48 hours of submission on weekends/public holidays.

13. How do I Enter or Edit My Profile? 

There are two sections to your profile:

 

(1) Your Mini-Profile containing ‘Quick Stats' about you (Age, Personality Keywords, where you live etc.). This is the initial basic profile people will view before accessing further details about you. Once your information is entered, this part of your profile appears immediately on the website because it does not require prior approval by the PetsPartnersAndPals team.

(2) the second part is Your Full Profile containing more detailed information about you, your views and interests - if you have a pet, he or she also has the opportunity here to express their thoughts about you!!! You will be able to see this section develop as you fill it in by pressing the ‘My Profile' button in the right-hand panel on ‘My Page'. It will become openly viewable once approved by our team.

a) To set up your mini-profile click on ‘Start Now' in the ‘My Profile' box on ‘My Page.' A new page opens. Fill in the relevant boxes.

Click on ‘Save and Submit.'  Remember if you forget to press ‘Save and Submit’ and you leave the page, your information will be lost.

b) Your Profile Page will then appear which should now have your mini-profile details on display.

c) If any information is incorrect, simply click on the orange ‘Enter/Edit' button (which is below ‘Second Location'), make the necessary amendments and click on ‘Save and Submit' again.

Changes can also be made from ‘My Page' by clicking on ‘Edit Now' in the ‘My Profile' box.

YOUR PET'S MINI-PROFILE

Your Pet's Profile works just like your own. It is broken into two parts (a Mini and Full Profile) and entering and editing information works in exactly the same way as it does on your own.

a) To set up your pet's mini-profile click on ‘Start Now' in the ‘Pet's Profile' box on ‘My Page.' A new page opens. Fill in the relevant boxes.

Click on ‘Save and Submit.'

b) Your Pet's Profile Page will then appear which should now have your pet's mini-profile details on display.

c) If any information is incorrect, simply click on the orange ‘Enter/Edit' button (at the bottom of the Pet's ‘Quick Stats' rectangle), make the necessary amendments and click on ‘Save and Submit'again.

Changes can also be made from ‘My Page' by clicking on ‘Edit Now' in the ‘Pet's Profile' box.

YOUR FULL PROFILE

a) To enter more information about yourself and your pet click on ‘My Profile' in the right hand side panel. This will reveal both your and your pet's profiles. Scroll down to the bottom two blue rectangles and click on the orange ‘Enter/Edit' buttons. Alternatively, you can click on ‘About Me,' in the right hand side panel.

Any information entered in these sections has to be approved by ourselves before being available for viewing by other members. This is to ensure that inappropriate material is not entered on the website and to check that members have not inadvertently entered any private details on their profiles. However, you will be able to view your information whilst it is awaiting approval. We endeavour to approve your information within 24 hours of submission during weekdays and within 48 hours of submission on weekends/public holidays.

b) This ‘Me in Detail' area of your profile is divided into various sections for you to fill in. You do not have to fill in every section, it is completely up to you! Feel free to fill out some and come back later to fill in others. The choice is yours.

c) Fill out a section by clicking on it. The question marks tell you what each section is looking for. When you click a box appears for you to type in. When you have finished typing, scroll down and press ‘Update and Save.' This finished section will then appear in your own personal profile for you to view and be sent direct to us for approval. Once approved it can be viewed by other members.

d) Continue with each box in the same way. Remember if you do not press ‘Update and Save' you will lose your information if you click away from the box.

YOUR PET'S FULL PROFILE

a) Once you have completed your full profile, why not complete your pet's full profile. It works in exactly the same way as yours as outlined above.

b) There is also another section for your pet at the bottom of the profile page which is where you can say what your pet enjoys! This is completed by clicking on the orange ‘Enter/Edit' button on the profile page; a new page opens and you can click on the various words and phrases in the dropdown menu which you feel best describe your pet. So it's up to you and your pet - do they see themselves as a fireplace hugger, a bed hogger or a pet who just loves rolling in muck!

 

c) After clicking on the relevant words press ‘Save and Submit.'

14. What Does a Completed Profile Look Like? 

Take a look at Cecile's completed example profile below – it might give you a few ideas about filling out your own! ...

 

15. Is Online Dating safe?

Very little in life is 100% safe, so all we can do is seek to minimise risks by taking proper and reasonable precautions.  Using the site will not reveal any of your confidential information (email address, surname, home or business address, telephone numbers) because all messaging takes place on our secure messaging system.  Members should also take care themselves not to divulge personal details while messaging others, or otherwise placing such details on their profile.

When it comes to meeting people for the first time, the key is to take adequate precautions just as you would when meeting someone for the first time anywhere else. To assist we have provided an Online Safety Guide which you can access through our 'Safety First' button on the Home Page.

16. Can I block another member from viewing my profile or from contacting me?

Yes. This can be achieved very easily at the simple push of a button.  When logged in just press ‘Block this Member’ which is situated under the photograph on the profile of the member you wish to block.  You can also hide your profile (from ‘My Page’) if you wish if, for example,you are dating.  If you block a member that member will not be informed of this.

17. Is my personal information safe with you?

Yes.  PetsPartnersAndPals is registered with the Information Commissioner under the Data Protection Act and is committed to preserving your privacy.  Please read our Privacy Policy by pressing 'Your Privacy' from the Home Page or other pages throughout the site.

18. What if I forget my Username or Password?

Not a problem.  Just click on the "Forgotten Username or Password?" link and follow the instructions.  

19. I am concerned about the behaviour of another member?

 

Our goal is to ensure you have an enjoyable time at PetsPartnersAndPals.  If you receive inappropriate messages or you are otherwise concerned about the behaviour of another member, then contact us (via the 'Get In Touch' button on the Home Page or by pressing here: contact@petspartnersandpals.co.uk) and we will deal with the problem. PetsPartnersAndPals expects members to treat one another with courtesy and respect and we take a strict approach towards anyone who behaves in an abusive or otherwise inappropriate manner.

20. How do I Send & Receive Messages?

Sending messages is straightforward.  Here's how:

1.   Log in
2.   Search and locate the profile of the member you wish to contact
3.   Press the 'envelope' message icon on their profile page
4.   This will take you to the "Send a Message ..." box
5.   Type in your message and press "Send ..."
6.   The box will go green - Your message has been sent

To receive messages:

1.   Log In
2.   Go to "My Page" (this is your own membership page)
      NB To get to "My Page" from viewing another member's profile, just look in the
      "Members' Panel" at the top of the page, click on the dropdown menu entitled
      "Members: Quick Access ..." then click on "My Page ..."
3.   On "My Page" look under "My Messages" to see if you have received a message
4.   Press "View" to see your message
5.   You will then see who the message is from and the beginning of the message sent
6.   Press "Read" to see the full message
7.   To reply just enter your text in the "Reply" box and press "Send Reply" - All done!
8.   To view the profile of the PetsPartnersAndPals member who has just messaged you
       or you've just messaged, simply click on their photo.

21. How do I contact you?

We are easily contactable via the 'Get In Touch' button on the Home Page or just click here to email us: contact@petspartnersandpals.co.uk   We look forward to hearing from you whether it be to enquire about any aspect of our website or, best of all, to hear about real people getting together!

 

 

PetsPartnersAndPals.co.uk

 

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