Getting started

Welcome to ShelterSync. This guide explains how to use the web app, one page at a time, in plain language.

Signing in

1. Go to your shelter's ShelterSync web address and enter your email and password.
2. If prompted, enter the verification code sent to your phone.
3. The first time you sign in (or if your role requires it) you'll set up two-factor authentication — see Profile & security.

If you were invited by an administrator, follow the link in your invitation email to set your password before signing in.

Setting or resetting your password

When you open a password-reset (or invitation) link, the Set a new password page shows your shelter's password requirements — for example a minimum length, and whether a letter or number is required — directly beneath the password field, so you know what's expected before you submit. Requirements vary by shelter, so the list reflects your organisation's policy.

If the password you choose doesn't meet the policy, the page lists the specific rules it didn't meet (for example "Password must be at least 16 characters."), not just a generic rejection. Correct the password and submit again using the same link — a rejected password does not invalidate your reset, so you don't need to request a new email.

You only need a fresh reset email if the link itself has expired; the page tells you when that's the case.

Finding your way around

The screen is split into a sidebar on the left (your main menu) and the page you're working on. What appears in the sidebar depends on your role.

At the bottom of the sidebar you'll always find:

• Help — opens quick help for the page you're on, with a link into this guide.
• Send feedback — report a problem or suggest an idea at any time.
• Light / dark mode — switch the colour theme to your preference.

Next steps

• New to your role? Read Roles & access to understand what you can do.
• Ready to work with animals? Start with the Animals page.
• Onboarding a group of people? See Imports.

TIP

Every page in this guide matches a screen in the app. Use the search box at the top to jump straight to what you need.