Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before posting an alert or watching over your neighbourhood.
- Is Pista really free?
- Yes. Posting an alert, reporting a sighting, contacting an owner or offering pet sitting is completely free. Pista is a neighbourhood mutual-aid platform: no payment is ever required to get a pet back.
- How do I post a lost or found pet alert?
- Create an account, then click "Post an alert": a photo, an approximate location on the map, a description and the date are enough. Posting takes less than 2 minutes and your alert is immediately visible.
- Are my contact details shown publicly?
- No. Your phone number and email are never published. Conversations happen through Pista's internal messaging: you decide when — and if — to share contact details.
- What is the role of I-CAD and Filalapat?
- Pista does not replace the official declaration. If your pet is identified (microchip or tattoo), also declare the loss on filalapat.fr: it is the national registry used by pounds and vets. Pista rallies the neighbourhood, I-CAD secures the official identification.
- How do I protect myself from scams?
- Never pay to get a pet back — no ransom, no "transport fees". Pista never asks for money. Verify identity with a photo or at a vet, and report any money request with the "Report" button.
- What is a watch zone?
- A watch zone notifies you when an alert is posted within 1 to 20 km around a point you choose. Perfect to keep an eye on your neighbourhood. Create or remove it in one click from "My account".
- How long does my alert stay online?
- An alert stays active for 30 days. You get a reminder 3 days before expiry and can renew it in one click. When the pet is found, mark the alert "Reunited": it joins the reunion wall.
- Can I offer or request pet sitting?
- Yes, the "Pet sitting" section connects neighbours for volunteer sitting and mutual help — no online payment. Sitter profiles are reviewed by our team before going public.
- What are the "My pets" records?
- Register your pets ahead of time (name, species, photos, microchip number) in "My account". If one goes missing, its alert is pre-filled in seconds. These records are strictly private.
- How is my personal data handled?
- Rounded positions, contact details never public, full export and deletion from "My account". Pista complies with GDPR: your data belongs to you and is never resold.
Another question? Reach us via the contact page.