Frequently Asked Questions

What is WhiskerWatch?

WhiskerWatch is an AI-powered pet recovery platform that uses facial recognition technology to help reunite lost pets with their families. We create biometric profiles of pets so anyone with a smartphone can photograph a found pet and match it against our database.

How does the facial recognition work?

We use specialized AI models for cats, and dogs that analyze unique facial features like whisker patterns, eye shape, and snout structure. Each pet gets a 128-dimensional biometric profile that's compared against photos of found pets to identify potential matches.

Is WhiskerWatch free?

It depends on how you use it:

• Finder accounts (free forever): Report found pets, help reunite families
• Guardian accounts (paid): Register your own pets, receive match alerts - starting at $4.99/month

What's the difference between Guardian and Finder?

Guardians are pet owners who register their pets with biometric profiles and can mark them as missing. Finders are community helpers who report sightings of found pets. Finders help for free, while Guardians need a subscription to protect their pets.

How do I register my pet?

After creating a Guardian account and subscribing:

1. Go to your dashboard and click "Add Pet"
2. Upload 3-5 clear, front-facing photos of your pet's face
3. Fill in basic details (name, species, breed, microchip info)
4. Our AI creates a biometric profile in seconds

What kind of photos should I upload?

For best results:

• Take photos in good lighting (natural light works best)
• Capture your pet's face straight-on, not from the side
• Make sure the face is in focus and clearly visible
• Include photos from slightly different angles
• Avoid photos with hats, costumes, or obstructions

How do I mark my pet as missing?

From your dashboard, click on your pet's profile and select "Mark as Missing." Add the last known location and any additional details. Our AI will immediately start scanning all new sightings for potential matches.

How will I be notified if my pet is found?

You'll receive instant notifications via:

• Push notifications (mobile app)
• Email alerts
• In-app notifications

Each notification includes the match confidence score, location, and contact information for the finder.

Can I register multiple pets?

Yes! Guardian plans support multiple pets. Check your subscription tier for limits, or upgrade to a higher tier for unlimited pet registrations.

What if my pet's appearance changes?

You can update your pet's photos anytime from their profile. We recommend updating photos annually or if your pet undergoes significant changes (grooming, injury, aging).

How do I report a found pet?

Simply:

1. Open the WhiskerWatch app or website
2. Click "Report Found Pet"
3. Take or upload a clear photo of the pet's face
4. Add the location where you found them
5. Our AI searches for matches automatically

What if there's no match?

If there's no match in our database, we'll suggest:

• Contacting local animal shelters
• Posting on community social media groups
• Checking for a microchip at a vet clinic

Your report stays in our system in case the owner registers later.

Do I need an account to report found pets?

No! You can search and report anonymously. However, creating a free Finder account lets you track your reports and receive updates when pets are reunited.

Is my data secure?

Yes. We use industry-standard encryption for data storage and transmission, OAuth 2.0 authentication, and strict access controls. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

Can I delete my account and data?

Absolutely. Go to Settings → Account → Delete Account. All your data (photos, biometric profiles, account info) will be permanently deleted within 30 days.

Do you share my information with third parties?

No. We never sell your data. We only share information with:

• Other users when there's a pet match (name, contact info)
• Payment processors (Stripe) for billing only
• Email services (AWS SES) for transactional emails only

How accurate is the AI matching?

Our model for cats achieves 96.2% accuracy, and custom model for dogs performs similarly. However, accuracy depends on photo quality, lighting, and how much the pet's appearance has changed. Always verify matches in person.

What devices are supported?

WhiskerWatch works on:

• iOS (iPhone/iPad) via our mobile app
• Android phones and tablets via our mobile app
• Any modern web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge)

Does it work offline?

The mobile app can queue reports offline, which will upload when you reconnect to the internet. However, AI matching requires an active internet connection.

What are the subscription tiers?

Finder Free: $0/month - Report found pets only

Guardian Basic: Starting at $4.99/month - Register pets, receive alerts

Check the pricing page for current tier details and features.

How do I cancel my subscription?

Go to Settings → Subscription → Cancel. Your access continues until the end of your billing period, then your account converts to a free Finder account. Your pet profiles are archived but not deleted.

Can I get a refund?

Subscriptions are generally non-refundable. However, if you experience technical issues or billing errors, contact support@whiskerwatch.ai and we'll work with you.