Public Applications

When application forms are enabled on your public profile, visitors can submit adoption, foster, and volunteer applications directly; no account required.

How It Works

Each application type has its own public URL:

These links are also accessible via the action buttons on your public profile page and on individual pet profiles.

Pet-Specific Applications

When a visitor clicks "Adopt" or "Foster" from a specific pet's profile, the application form opens with that pet pre-selected:

https://pawplacer.com/adopter/[your-organization-id]?petId=[pet-id]

This saves the applicant time and makes it clear which animal they're interested in.

The Application Forms

Public applications use the same form templates you've configured in Settings > Application Forms. Any custom fields, sections, or questions you've added to your adoption, foster, or volunteer forms will appear in the public version.

What Happens After Submission

1. The application is created with a Pending status
2. Your team receives a notification (if email notifications are configured)
3. The applicant sees a confirmation message
4. The application appears in your adopters, fosters, or volunteers list with a Pending badge

From there, your team can review the application, contact the applicant, and update their status as needed.

Enabling and Disabling Applications

Toggle each application type independently in Settings > Profile Visibility:

• Enable Adoption Applications: shows the "Adopt" button and form
• Enable Foster Applications: shows the "Foster" button and form
• Enable Volunteer Applications: shows the "Volunteer" button and form

You can accept applications for some types while keeping others closed. For example, you might accept volunteer applications year-round but only open foster applications during kitten season.