Adoption Staff Script: Introducing DocuPet Registration to Adopters

Overview

This guide provides adoption staff with a consistent way to introduce DocuPet Registration to new pet owners. While every conversation will be different, these talking points help ensure adopters understand the value of creating their free DocuPet account and activating their pet's HomeSafe® ID tag before leaving the shelter.

Key Talking Points

When discussing DocuPet Registration, be sure to highlight that:

• Registration is completely free.

• Every registered pet receives one complimentary HomeSafe® ID tag.

• The tag links to a secure online pet profile that helps reunite lost pets with their families.

• Pet owners can report their pet as lost online and receive support from the HomeSafe® team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Pet owners control what personal information is shared with someone who finds their pet.

• Registration is valuable whether or not pet licensing is required where they live.

Short Script 

"Before you head home, make sure you activate your free DocuPet account. Registration is completely free and includes a complimentary HomeSafe® ID tag linked to your pet's secure online profile. If your pet is ever lost, you can report them missing through your account and receive 24/7 HomeSafe support to help get them home quickly".

Full Adoption Script

"One of the resources included with your adoption is free DocuPet Registration. It creates a secure online profile for your pet and includes a complimentary HomeSafe® ID tag. If your pet ever becomes lost, anyone who finds them can use the tag to help identify your pet and contact you, or, if you've chosen to keep your information private, DocuPet's HomeSafe® team can help coordinate the reunion.

You can also report your pet as lost directly through your DocuPet account. Lost pet reports can be shared with Petco Love Lost to expand visibility and help more people recognize your pet using photo-matching technology. Even if your pet is microchipped, we recommend keeping both a microchip and a visible ID tag. The tag can be read immediately without a scanner, helping reunite pets much faster. Remember to keep your contact information up to date so we can always help get your pet home safely". 

Explaining HomeSafe® Lost Pet Recovery

If an adopter asks what happens if their pet goes missing, explain that they can:

• Log in to their DocuPet account and report their pet as lost.

• Update photos and information about where the pet was last seen.

• Receive assistance from the HomeSafe® team.

• Be contacted if someone submits a Found Pet Report or reports the HomeSafe® tag.

Explaining the Petco Love Lost Integration

DocuPet partners with Petco Love Lost to expand lost pet recovery efforts. When a pet owner reports their pet as lost, they can choose to share their report with Petco Love Lost, where facial recognition technology helps match lost and found pets across a nationwide network of shelters, animal organizations, and community partners. Participation is completely optional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DocuPet Registration?

DocuPet Registration creates a secure online profile for a pet and provides access to HomeSafe® lost pet recovery services, including one complimentary HomeSafe® ID tag.

Is registration free?

Yes. Creating a DocuPet account and registering a pet is completely free.

Is registration the same as pet licensing?

No. Registration creates your pet's permanent digital profile and includes lost pet recovery tools. Licensing is a municipal requirement in participating communities and may require a licence fee.

Do I have to create a DocuPet account?

Yes. A DocuPet account is required to register your pet, manage your profile, report a lost pet, and purchase a licence where applicable.

What is included with registration?

Every registered pet receives:

• A secure digital pet profile.

• One complimentary HomeSafe® ID tag.

• Access to 24/7 HomeSafe® support.

• Online lost pet reporting.

Why should I register if my community doesn't require licensing?

Registration gives your pet access to lost pet recovery services regardless of where you live, including HomeSafe®, a secure pet profile, and a complimentary ID tag.

Is the HomeSafe® tag really free?

Yes. Every registered pet receives one complimentary HomeSafe® ID tag. Additional personalized or designer tags are available for purchase.

What happens if my pet gets lost?

Owners can report their pet as lost through their DocuPet account. If someone finds the pet, they can enter the HomeSafe® code or contact the HomeSafe® team using the information printed on the tag to begin the reunification process.

Can someone see my personal information?

Only if you choose to share it. Pet owners control their privacy settings and can decide whether their contact information is displayed publicly or kept private through the HomeSafe® team.

My pet already has a microchip. Why do I need a DocuPet tag?

A microchip is an excellent permanent form of identification, but it requires a scanner. A visible HomeSafe® ID tag can be read immediately by anyone who finds the pet, helping reunite pets much faster. Using both provides the best protection.

Can I add my pet's microchip number?

Yes. Owners can store their pet's microchip information in their DocuPet profile as an additional identifier.

What if I move or change my phone number?

Owners can update their address, phone number, email address, emergency contacts, and pet information at any time by logging into their DocuPet account. Keeping this information current is one of the best ways to ensure a fast reunion if a pet is ever lost.

Can shelter staff complete the registration for adopters?

Staff are encouraged to guide adopters through the process and answer questions, but adopters should create their own account using their personal email address and contact information.

Best Practices

• Introduce DocuPet before the adopter leaves with their pet.

• Encourage adopters to activate their account as soon as possible.

• Explain the difference between registration and licensing.

• Recommend using both a microchip and the complimentary HomeSafe® tag.

• Remind adopters to keep their contact information up to date.

• Mention the optional Petco Love Lost integration as an additional recovery tool.