Your questions about PetNFO
Short, honest answers. Where something is not decided, we say so.
The basics
What is PetNFO?
PetNFO is a planned free pet health logbook for owners that keeps a pet's history together, with a clear note of who added each entry. It also has a separate planned local directory for finding pet-care businesses. It is part of NFO Collective.
Is PetNFO available now?
No. It is in early development. There is no public app, sign-up, download or waiting list. See the progress page for what exists today.
Where will PetNFO be available?
South Africa comes first, in a web browser. A mobile app and other countries are planned for later, after country-specific reviews.
Is PetNFO free?
The complete experience is planned to be free for ordinary households. Prices and limits are not set. Owners with unusually many pets, such as breeders, may later be asked to pay for extra capacity. You will never need to buy a tag, a listing or a vet plan to use the app or retrieve a record.
Who is PetNFO for?
Pet owners and families first. Breeders can use ordinary owner accounts to hand over histories. Veterinary practices can take part when an owner invites them. Pet-care businesses can appear in the separate directory.
Records, sharing and vets
Do I need my vet to use PetNFO?
No. You can create pets, add history and documents, set reminders, share with family and download a record without your vet taking part.
Can I tell which records came from a vet?
Yes. Records you add are labelled owner-reported. Records written by a vet are labelled vet-authored and name the practice and the individual. The two are never mixed up.
Who can see my pet's records?
Only you and the people you approve. Family members have roles from viewer to family member. A vet practice can see shared history only after an owner or family member approves, for a set period, and you can end it sooner.
What happens when I end a vet's access?
Further access stops straight away, even in sessions that were already open. Information they already received cannot be recalled, and PetNFO tells you so.
Can I correct a mistake?
You can correct entries you made as owner-reported, and the original stays visible with the correction and who made it. Entries written by a vet are corrected only by an eligible vet, with the original kept.
What files can I upload?
PDF, JPEG and PNG files. Each is checked before it can be viewed or downloaded. Other formats are not accepted in the first version.
Can I move a pet to a new owner?
Yes, that is planned. The primary owner sends an offer that lasts seven days. The new owner must accept it, and you can cancel before then. Your private notes and appointments are not handed over automatically.
Does PetNFO replace my vet's own records?
No. It is an owner-held record that vets can contribute to. It is not an official health certificate, and it does not replace documents required for travel or by law.
Privacy and trust
Is my pet's information secure?
We are designing it to be, with owner-controlled sharing, checked uploads, audited changes and stronger sign-in for staff. We do not claim "100% secure", we hold no certifications and no independent assessment has been done. Read what we claim and what we do not.
Will you sell my data?
Selling identifiable private records is not part of the plan. Anything involving research or aggregated information would need a separate design, clear notice and a voluntary choice, and nothing like that is built or approved.
Does this website track me?
No. This site sets no cookies, runs no analytics and loads nothing from other websites. See the site notice.
The directory and funding
What is the PetNFO directory?
A planned, separate service for finding local vets, groomers, boarding and other pet services. Businesses may have a free profile and can choose clearly labelled paid visibility. It is a concept and has no listings yet.
Does a directory listing give a business access to my pet's records?
Never. A listing and record access are separate. Only you, inside the app, decide which eligible vet gets access, and for how long.
Can a business pay to be verified or ranked as the best?
No. Paid visibility is always labelled "Sponsored". Payment never buys a professional verification, a "best vet" label or the removal of fair criticism.
How will PetNFO pay for itself?
Through optional services rather than by charging ordinary households: labelled directory listings, optional services for veterinary practices, optional extras and voluntary supporter contributions. We hope to share part of the commercial income with animal-welfare causes, but that is an ambition without a set share. See how we plan to sustain PetNFO.
Is PetNFO practice-management software?
No, and it will not become it. There is no billing, stock control or staff scheduling. It is an owner-centred record that vets can contribute to.
How can I get involved or contact PetNFO?
There is no staffed contact channel or sign-up yet. The Get involved page explains why, and will list the channel when it exists.
Follow PetNFO as it takes shape
We are building in the open and describing only what exists. There is no sign-up form yet; read how to take part when we are ready for you.