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Home / TheAnimalAPI / TheAnimalAPI : Frequently Asked Questions

TheAnimalAPI : Frequently Asked Questions

THE BASICS

What is this about?

We’re inviting you to take part in a quick project to help us learn more about pet health, breeds and genealogy. Using our camera app, you’ll take a few photos of your pet from different angles. In return, you’ll receive a personalised digital gift and be entered into our prize draw.

What do I need to do?

Follow the link in this email and take a short series of photos of your pet. The app will guide you through each one.

How long does it take?

About 2 minutes, depending on how cooperative your pet is feeling

 

TAKING THE PHOTOS

What photos do I need to take?

All we need is five quick photos taken on your phone:

Three of your pet:

  • Front view – with your pet sitting, facing the camera
  • Side view – standing, facing side on
  • Top view – camera pointing directly down from above

 

Image of a cocker spaniel dog, front facing, side facing and from the top. Image used as the types of images needed to be taken, as a guide.

Two of their living space:

  • Where your pet sleeps
  • Where your pet plays

 

Two images of the pets' living space: • Where your dog sleeps • Where your dog plays These help us tailor the health insights to your dog’s home environment.

Our app will guide you through each one. You can do them in any order and come back to finish later if your pet needs a break. It takes around 2 minutes.

Once you’re set up, just keep your pet in frame – the camera finds the perfect moment automatically.

Do I need to get all five photos?

Yes – we need all five photos to generate your gifts. The app will guide you through each one and you can skip between poses if you need to.

Any tips for getting good photos?

  • Get down to your pet’s level – your camera should be at roughly the same height as your pet, not looking down from above
  • Remove any coats, harnesses or blankets so we can see their natural body shape
  • Make sure no other people are in the photo – just your pet
  • Good lighting helps – natural light is best
  • Have a treat or toy nearby in case they get distracted

The camera won’t capture the photo if:

  • Something is covering your dog’s body – please remove anything covering their body (collars are fine)
  • Your dog is sitting when it should be standing or standing when it should be sitting
  • The camera isn’t directly facing your dog’s front, back, or side.

Images showing three cats in different positions, as a guide on how to take the best photos of them. Just the cat, no obstructions Avoid: people in the photo Avoid: blanket covering body

Do I need to do it all in one go?

No – you can come back to the app and pick up where you left off. The link in the email will take you straight to the next photo you need.

What if my pet won’t sit still?

That’s completely normal. The app will automatically capture what it can after 15 seconds per pose, so you won’t get stuck. You can also skip between poses and come back to any you missed.

 

WHY WE’RE ASKING

Why do you need photos of my pet?

We’re always looking for ways to learn more about pet health, breeds and genealogy so we can keep improving what we offer pet owners. The photos you take will help us with that.

Why do you need photos of where my pet sleeps and plays?

Each photo gives us a different piece of the picture. The environment shots help us understand your pet’s day-to-day life alongside the physical photos.

 

WHAT YOU’LL GET

What do I get in return?

A personalised digital gift – including a portrait, health indication report and photo-based breed heritage report– plus automatic entry into our prize draw.

Can I choose my portrait style?

Yes – you’ll receive a link to a page where you can view and download three portrait styles: studio photo, watercolour, and pencil sketch.

When will I receive my gift?

You’ll receive your gift by email within 3 days of completing your photos.

How does the prize draw work?

A draw takes place every Friday for the duration of the promotion. One winner is selected at random from everyone who has completed the process, receiving a £500 e-voucher. If you complete your photos before the next Friday draw, you’ll be included in that week’s draw. The promotion will close once all customers have been emailed. 

 

MULTIPLE PETS

Can I do this for more than one pet?

To keep things fair for everyone, entry is limited to one dog per customer. Even if you have multiple dogs registered with us, you’ll receive one unique link to choose which pet you’d like.

 

ELIGIBILITY

Who can take part?

Pet Database members with a registered dog, aged 18 and over, residing in the United Kingdom.

 

PRIVACY AND SUPPORT

Who is The Animal API? The Animal API is our technology partner. They built the camera app to allow us to capture your pet’s photos and generate your gifts.

What happens to my photos?

Your photos will be processed by Pet Database and our third-party service providers for the purposes of this project and providing your gift. All personal data is handled in line with our privacy policy: https://www.petdatabase.com/privacy

Who do I contact if I have a problem?
You can reach out to us via email info@petdatabase.com if you have any questions or need support.

May 6, 2026

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