Why “Always” Makes a Difference
When a pet goes missing, every minute counts. But just as importantly – every nearby person counts.
That’s what makes Sniff and Found work.
Location isn’t just a feature in the app – it’s what allows local people to come together quickly, turning individuals into a coordinated search network.
You might occasionally see notifications from Apple showing how often Sniff & Found has used your location. Here’s why that matters – and how it helps bring pets home faster.
When a Pet Needs Help, the Right People Are Notified
The moment a pet is reported missing, Sniff & Found identifies people nearby the last known location.
Because they are the ones most likely to:
- Spot the pet
- Be passing through the area
- Help immediately
Those nearby are then notified and invited to help.
No noise. No nationwide alerts. Just the right people, in the right place, at the right time.
A Community That Moves Together
When people join a search, something powerful happens.
They don’t just receive information – they become part of a live, local effort:
- Searchers can see each other on a map
- Areas can be covered more efficiently
- Sightings can be shared instantly
It turns a scattered search into something coordinated, visible, and far more effective.
Your Control, Your Privacy – Always
We’ve designed Sniff & Found so that you’re always in control. Here’s how it works:
✔️ Join only if you want to
When a nearby pet is reported missing, you may receive an invitation to help. It’s completely your choice whether to join the search.
✔️ Your location stays private
Your location is not visible to anyone unless you actively choose to join a search. If you don’t join, you remain completely anonymous.
✔️ No location history stored
Your phone shares your current location (just like it does with mobile networks or maps), but Sniff & Found never stores your location history.
Why “Always Allow” Makes a Real Difference
To make this all work, the app needs to know who is nearby when a pet goes missing.
That’s why we ask users to set location access to “Always Allow.”
Here’s why it matters:
- It ensures you can receive alerts when you’re nearby
- It helps build a stronger local network of responders
- It allows faster, more accurate community coordination
Even when you’re not actively using the app, this setting helps make sure that if a pet needs help near you, you’ll know about it.
Location: Adjusting Your Phone Settings
Our 3 easy steps to setting your phone location
Powered by People
Sniff & Found isn’t just technology.
It’s people – neighbours, passersby, animal lovers – choosing to help when it matters most.
Location simply helps bring those people together.
Because when the right people are in the right place at the right time, lost pets have a much better chance of being found. 🐾
