# Scout Collections

> Help center for Scout

## Welcome to Scout Support

- [How to Contact Us](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/431191-how-to-contact-us.md): We're here to help. Please follow the following guide lines to the extent possible when submitting a support ticket.
- [🖥️ 📱 System Requirements](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/431204-system-requirements.md): What you'll need to use Scout

## Pricing

- [Pricing FAQ](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/2386248-pricing-faq.md): Have questions about our pricing? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions.

## Your Scout Account

- [Add or Edit a Payment Method](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/2602841-add-or-edit-a-payment-method.md): A valid payment method is required to keep an account active. We accept all major credit cards.
- [Migrate from Braintree to Stripe](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/7182690-migrate-from-braintree-to-stripe.md)
- [Cancel an Account](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/2602819-cancel-an-account.md): You can cancel your Scout account at any time.
- [Reactivate an Account](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/2602826-reactivate-an-account.md): We're excited to have you back. Follow these steps to reactivate your account.

## Initial Scout Setup

- [Setting Up Your Account](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/1959421-setting-up-your-account.md): Initial Business Setup
- [Can you import existing data?](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/2950375-can-you-import-existing-data.md): Moving from another pet sitting software or have data in a spreadsheet? We can help you import it into Scout.

## Using the Scout System

- [Understanding and Using Smartcharges](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/10388454-understanding-and-using-smartcharges.md): Smartcharges are a customizable feature in Scout that helps pet care businesses apply additional fees automatically for specific conditions.
- [How to Use the "Sticky Note" Feature](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/10406931-how-to-use-the-sticky-note-feature.md): The "Sticky Note" feature is a convenient way to leave important notes on a client’s profile that you or your team can easily see and access.
- [Staff Availability](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/10509107-staff-availability.md): The "Staff Availability" feature is designed to streamline the management of your team's working hours.
- [Bulk Approval Feature](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/13638415-bulk-approval-feature.md): The Bulk Approval feature helps you quickly approve or deny multiple appointment requests at once instead of handling them one by one. This is especially useful for busy businesses that receive a h...
- [Custom Fields: How to Collect Additional Customer & Pet Information](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/14114395-custom-fields-how-to-collect-additional-customer-pet-information.md): The Custom Fields feature allows you to collect extra information from your clients directly within their profiles. You can create fields for both customers and pets, making it easier to store impo...
- [Automatically Apply a Surcharge to Every Appointment](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/15537456-automatically-apply-a-surcharge-to-every-appointment.md): You can now automatically add a surcharge to every new appointment—no need to add it manually each time. When enabled, Scout adds the surcharge as a separate line item on the customer's invoice.
- [Dashboard](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/1952441-dashboard.md): A live report of what's going on during the day. Scout's dashboard displays the current status of every appointment throughout the day.
- [Calendar Views](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/1948324-calendar-views.md): Staff View for drag and drop. Day and Week view show a list view of appointments. Month View gives you a birds eye view of the business.
- [Schedule, Edit or Cancel a Service](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/431196-schedule-edit-or-cancel-a-service.md): Schedule a new appointment, edit an existing appointment or cancel an appointment.
- [Repeating Appointments](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/431198-repeating-appointments.md): Scout has repeating or series appointments. Leave it open ended \(dog walking\) or add an end date \(vacation care\).
- [Scout's Time Picker](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/754626-scout-s-time-picker.md): We have a cool little time picker. See how it works here.
- [Send Targeted Emails](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/2201725-send-targeted-emails.md): Use the Messages feature to send relevant emails to pet owners. The audience filters help you use data to send targeted emails.
- [Schedule Messages to Send in the Future](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/4109795-schedule-messages-to-send-in-the-future.md): Emails sent through Messages can be sent up to 3 days in advance.
- [How do I update my bank account?](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/4000728-how-do-i-update-my-bank-account.md): Update the bank account to which Braintree disburses your funds.
- [Automated Billing](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/1940549-automated-billing.md): Save time and improve your cash flow. Set up Smart Charges and Integrate with Stripe for completely hands-free billing.
- [How to Invoice Pet Parents](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/3370511-how-to-invoice-pet-parents.md): Scout's automated billing and invoicing system prioritizes organization and financial health
- [How to Edit an Invoice](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/3377656-how-to-edit-an-invoice.md): Learn how to make adjustments to open invoices.
- [How to Add Credit to a Pet Parent's Account](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/3377593-how-to-add-credit-to-a-pet-parent-s-account.md): Account credits can be used to reward customers or issue cash-free refunds.
- [How to Accept Prepayment](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/3370328-how-to-accept-prepayment.md): Do you bill your customers in advance of services being performed?
- [How to Add Sales Tax to an Invoice](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/3546310-how-to-add-sales-tax-to-an-invoice.md): You can add a global sales tax rate or override it for specific customers.
- [How to Add, Update or Remove an Electronic Payment Method](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/3546204-how-to-add-update-or-remove-an-electronic-payment-method.md): This article explains how administrators can add, update or remove a customer's payment method.
- [Cash Check or Other Payment Types](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/1940820-cash-check-or-other-payment-types.md): Scout allows you the flexibility to take Cash, Check or other non-integrated payment methods. Here's how it works.
- [Manually Create a New Invoice](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/3772974-manually-create-a-new-invoice.md): If no open invoice exists for a client, you can create a new one manually.
- [Manually Close an Open Invoice](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/3772965-manually-close-an-open-invoice.md): Scout allows administrators to manually close open invoices.
- [Permissions](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/4482570-permissions.md): Learn how to limit staff member access to perform certain functions in Scout.
- [Add / Edit Staff Members](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/431201-add-edit-staff-members.md): Adding Pet Sitters to Scout
- [Add a Staff Profile Photo](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/2468834-add-a-staff-profile-photo.md): Staff profiles add a personal touch by letting your customers put a face to the name of the person caring for their pet.
- [Setting Custom Staff Pay Rates](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/1935097-setting-custom-staff-pay-rates.md): Set a custom pay rate for a staff member.
- [Staff Availability Calendar](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/1935123-staff-availability-calendar.md): Keep track of your staffs' schedules in Scout.
- [File Vault \(Upload Documents\)](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/2070056-file-vault-upload-documents.md): Upload and securely store vaccination records, employee documents and more!
- [Interactive Payroll Report](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/431199-interactive-payroll-report.md): Generate pay stubs for you dog walkers and pet sitters
- [Downloadable Reports](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/2916179-downloadable-reports.md): Select a date range and download various financial and performance related reports
- [Add / Edit Customers](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/431200-add-edit-customers.md): How to add and edit customers in Scout
- [Add / Edit Pets](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/1943814-add-edit-pets.md): How to add and edit a customer's pet from your browser.
- [Add a Pet Profile Photo](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/2468803-add-a-pet-profile-photo.md): Adding a pet profile photo to the Scout for Pet Owners app helps pet sitters identify pets in multi-pet households.
- [Activate a customer](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/2164363-activate-a-customer.md): To activate and onboard a new customer click a button and Scout takes care of the rest.
- [Customer Billing Information](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/1943831-customer-billing-information.md): Easily view a customers billing history and approve them to pay with cash or check.
- [Custom Pricing and Discounts](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/1943817-custom-pricing-and-discounts.md): Give a customer special pricing or a discount on services add-ons or surcharges.
- [Managing your leads](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/857256-managing-your-leads.md): How to view leads and convert them to customers

## Settings

- [Allow Customers to Add Prepaid Credit](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/4109630-allow-customers-to-add-prepaid-credit.md): Allow customers to add prepaid credit to their account without your intervention.
- [Auto-Gratuity Feature Support Guide](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/10126942-auto-gratuity-feature-support-guide.md): The Auto-Gratuity feature simplifies the process of adding tips for pet parents, enhancing their convenience, and ensuring your team is rewarded for their excellent service.
- [Service Visibility](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/10134623-service-visibility.md): The visibility feature empowers business owners to customize service availability, ensuring that only specific services are accessible to individual clients.
- [Connect Scout to Your AI Assistant](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/15537752-connect-scout-to-your-ai-assistant.md): The Scout MCP tool lets you connect your Scout business account to a supported AI assistant, allowing you to manage your business using natural language.
- [Profile](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/1936101-profile.md): Add or edit your basic business information.
- [Add Your Logo to Scout](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/2792032-add-your-logo-to-scout.md): Add your logo and color scheme to various parts of the Scout platform to make it your own.
- [FAQ: Fully-branded Pet Parent App](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/3291150-faq-fully-branded-pet-parent-app.md): Get ready to wow pet parents with your very own pet sitting app 🤩. Fully brand the Scout for Pet Parents app with your own colors and logo.
- [FAQ: Apple Developer Account \(Fully Branded App\)](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/3329492-faq-apple-developer-account-fully-branded-app.md)
- [Adding Business Hours](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/1952460-adding-business-hours.md): Add your business hours to make scheduling even simpler.
- [Holiday Availability](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/1952468-holiday-availability.md): Setup holidays for which you'll charge additional fees.
- [Scheduling Preferences](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/1607069-scheduling-preferences.md): How to set up time block scheduling.
- [Scheduling Restrictions](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/4108619-scheduling-restrictions.md): Prevent customers from requesting or changing appointments based on a cut-off time or a specified number of hours in advance of the service.
- [View Pet Name or Human Name in the Schedule and Dashboard](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/3702726-view-pet-name-or-human-name-in-the-schedule-and-dashboard.md): Display either the pet name or the human name in the schedule and dashboard.
- [Backup](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/752343-backup.md): What to do in the event of a zombie apocalypse or other internet outages.
- [Adding Services](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/1952486-adding-services.md): Learn how to set up your services in Scout.
- [Adding Additional Services](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/1952487-adding-additional-services.md): Learn how to add additional services such as feeding or medication to Scout.
- [Automate Fees with Smart Charges](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/1955090-automate-fees-with-smart-charges.md): Avoid missing out on lost revenue and save time with Smart Charges.
- [Adding Surcharges](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/1955121-adding-surcharges.md): Need to add your own surcharges? Look no further.
- [Billing Preferences](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/1939026-billing-preferences.md): Automate your billing and collections on a weekly bi-weekly or every 4 weeks schedule. Connect with Braintree for 100% hands-free billing.
- [Accepting Credit Cards](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/1955261-accepting-credit-cards.md): Learn how to use Scout to accept electronic payments via Credit Card and PayPal.
- [Sending Invoices](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/1959676-sending-invoices.md): Learn more about invoicing for customers using cash, check or other off-system payment methods.
- [Automated Billing FAQ](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/2641200-automated-billing-faq.md): Answers to questions about Scout's Automated Billing.
- [Export Your Data](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/4690563-export-your-data.md): How to export customer, staff and pet data.
- [Adding a Service Agreement](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/2046419-adding-a-service-agreement.md): Scrap the paper! Learn how you can use Scout to enable your customers to e-sign your service agreement.
- [Gratuity](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/1380139-gratuity.md): When enabled, Gratuity for Pet Sitters includes a simple, unobtrusive call-to-action in the pet owner’s appointment summary email.
- [Mobile App Settings](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/1936085-mobile-app-settings.md): Configure the mobile app settings
- [Notification Settings](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/1936089-notification-settings.md): Control administrative notifications
- [Leads Form](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/1936092-leads-form.md): Choose the best installation method for Leads

## The Scout for Pet Sitters Mobile App

- [Confirm Your Account](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/431205-confirm-your-account.md)
- [How to Enable Background Location on iOS](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/3390043-how-to-enable-background-location-on-ios.md): iOS now requires a second step to enable background location tracking.
- [Appointment List](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/431208-appointment-list.md)
- [Start a Walk](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/431211-start-a-walk.md)
- [Report Card](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/431212-report-card.md)
- [Add Your Own Photos to the Report Card](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/2813003-add-your-own-photos-to-the-report-card.md): Scout allows you to attach photos from your phone's photo gallery to the report card.
- [Sync Scout to your Personal Calendar](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/2981291-sync-scout-to-your-personal-calendar.md): Scout allows pet sitters to sync appointments assigned to them to their personal calendar.
- [Sync Scout to your Personal Calendar](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/2965808-sync-scout-to-your-personal-calendar.md): Scout allows pet sitters to sync appointments assigned to them to their personal calendar.
- [Offline Check-In](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/2812743-offline-check-in.md): Offline check-in makes it possible to check in and out of appointments when your internet connection is degraded or completely unavailable.

## The Scout for Pet Parents Mobile App

- [Getting Started](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/449370-getting-started.md): Welcome to Scout's Mobile App for Pet Owners
- [New Pet Parent App: How to Schedule Appointments](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/12141892-new-pet-parent-app-how-to-schedule-appointments.md): Learn how to schedule single or recurring pet care appointments in the Pet Parent App.
- [Add and Edit Your Pets' Profile](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/2259397-add-and-edit-your-pets-profile.md): Using the Scout for Pet Owners App to edit your pet profile information
- [How to Add a Payment Method From the Pet Parent's Mobile App](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/3702422-how-to-add-a-payment-method-from-the-pet-parent-s-mobile-app.md): Did you know pet parent's can add a payment method directly from the mobile app?
- [Pet Parent App: Auto-Gratuity Feature Support Guide](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/12293396-pet-parent-app-auto-gratuity-feature-support-guide.md): Scout for Pet Owners offers an Auto-Gratuity feature that allows pet parents to set a default tip percentage for all appointments. This feature streamlines the tipping process, ensuring your pet ca...
- [Purchasing Credit](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/4109549-purchasing-credit.md): Pre-pay for services directly from within the app.
- [Viewing Your Credit](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/4109454-viewing-your-credit.md): Check the balance of your current account credit directly from within the app.
- [Enabling Push Notifications](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/4106670-enabling-push-notifications.md): Receive push notifications instead of emails.

## Media Kit

- [Overview](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/726609-overview.md): A brief overview of the Scout Media Kit
- [Adding HTML code snippets to your website](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/724031-adding-html-code-snippets-to-your-website.md): Some advice on how to use HTML code snippets to embed the Scout logo or screenshots into your website.
- [Adding the Scout logo to your website](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/723899-adding-the-scout-logo-to-your-website.md): Learn how to add the Scout logo to your website or marketing emails
- [Adding screenshots from the Scout mobile apps to your website](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/724478-adding-screenshots-from-the-scout-mobile-apps-to-your-website.md): HTML Code Snippets for embedding app screenshots into your website
- [Linking to the Scout Mobile Apps for iOS and Android](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/724196-linking-to-the-scout-mobile-apps-for-ios-and-android.md): HTML Code snippets for linking to the Scout for Pet Sitters mobile app
- [Infographic: 15 Toxic Plants to Avoid if You Have Pets](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/3133124-infographic-15-toxic-plants-to-avoid-if-you-have-pets.md): Share this infographic on your pet sitting website. Great for education and improving traffic to your dog walking websites.

## Generate Leads from Your Website

- [Collecting leads from your website](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/856360-collecting-leads-from-your-website.md): Use the Scout lead form to collect leads directly from your website
- [Installing the plugin](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/857169-installing-the-plugin.md): Details on installing the Scout lead form plugin on your Wordpress site
- [Configuring the plugin](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/857202-configuring-the-plugin.md): Configure the plugin to integrate with Scout
- [Embedding the lead form](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/857222-embedding-the-lead-form.md): Learn how to embed the lead form into your site using short codes
- [Installing on Wix](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/866192-installing-on-wix.md): A guide to installing the lead form on your Wix website
- [Manually embedding the lead form](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/857239-manually-embedding-the-lead-form.md): Learn how to manually embed the lead form into your website
- [Customize the Lead Form Using CSS](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/2117357-customize-the-lead-form-using-css.md): The following CSS code can be added to a website and altered to match the Scout Leads Form to your company branding.

## Cookbook

- [How do I add images to emails sent through Messages?](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/2580826-how-do-i-add-images-to-emails-sent-through-messages.md): Add a photo or image to a Messages email.
- [Scheduling an Overnight](https://docs.scoutforpets.com/en/articles/2165039-scheduling-an-overnight.md): There is more than 1 way to schedule overnight services. Here's how I schedule overnights in Scout