Play Date Safety Tips

Even high-scoring AI matches can have a rocky first meeting if the introduction isn't managed well. Follow these steps for a safe, positive experience.

Before the play date

• Confirm vaccinations — Both pets should be current on core vaccines. Check the other pet's profile before confirming the meetup.
• Choose neutral ground — A park or open outdoor space is better than either pet's home for a first meeting. Neither pet will feel territorial.
• Agree on a time limit — 30–45 minutes is enough for a first meetup. Overstimulation causes incidents.
• Bring water and waste bags — Basic courtesy and safety.

The first 5 minutes

The initial introduction sets the tone for the entire session.

1. Keep both dogs on lead and approach each other from a slight angle — not head-on.
2. Allow them to sniff briefly (5–10 seconds), then walk parallel.
3. Watch for relaxed body language: loose posture, wagging tail, soft eyes.
4. Watch for tension signals: stiff body, raised hackles, hard stare, low growl.

If you see tension, calmly increase distance. Do not panic or yank the lead sharply — this escalates stress.

Green lights — safe to proceed

• Loose, wiggly body posture
• Play bow (front legs down, rear up)
• Taking turns chasing
• Brief sniffing followed by disengagement

Red flags — intervene or end the session

• Hard staring with a stiff body
• Mounting with a tense posture
• Repeated pinning or body-blocking
• Persistent growling or snapping
• Either pet trying to leave repeatedly

Do not wait to see if it resolves. Calmly separate, give both pets a rest, and if tension persists, end the session.

After the play date

• Rate the experience in the Pawgloo app — this improves future matches for you and other users.
• If the play date went well, you can save the other pet as a Favourite for easier re-booking.
• If there was conflict, report it through the app so the matching system can account for the incompatibility.

Cats specifically

Cat-to-cat meetings should always start through a barrier (a door or baby gate) and progress slowly over 2–3 meetings before allowing direct contact. Cats show stress more subtly — flattened ears, tucked tail, and dilated pupils are signs to end the session.