Vetting & Personal Safety

IBB Authorized Archive v1.0

In the International Barking Brigade, safety is not a suggestion—it is a requirement. Vetting is the formal process of verifying a person's identity and community standing before engaging in physical play or sharing private information.

Digital OpSec (Operational Security)

Before meeting in person, protect your digital footprint. Your safety begins with the information you choose not to share.

  • Use the IBB Directory: Always cross-reference a new contact with the IBB Member Registry to check for verified status and standing.
  • Alias Consistency: Use your pup name or a consistent alias until a high level of trust is established.
  • Controlled Media: Be cautious when sending photos that contain identifiable backgrounds (street signs, home interiors) or metadata (GPS tags).

1. The Three-Stage Vetting Process

The Brigade recommends a tiered approach to building trust with new pack members:

Stage 1: The Digital Handshake

Discuss boundaries, interests, and experience levels over a secure chat platform. Ask for "Vouches"—references from other known members who can speak to their behavior at events.

Stage 2: The Public Meet (The "Vibe Check")

Always meet in a high-traffic, neutral location first. Requirements:

  • Meet during daylight hours.
  • Do not consume alcohol or substances during a first meet.
  • Focus on "Human" conversation to assess their reliability and respect for boundaries.
Stage 3: The First Play Session

Only move to a private space once the Public Meet has been successful. Even at this stage, ensure your Safety Contact is active and aware of your location.

2. Identifying Behavioral "Red Flags"

Technical indicators that a contact may be unsafe or a "boundary-pusher":

  • The "Urgency" Tactic: Attempting to bypass the vetting stages by claiming a "special circumstance" or pressuring for an immediate meeting.
  • Ignoring the "Red" Signal: If a person tests your boundaries during chat (e.g., ignoring a request to change the subject), they will likely ignore your "Red" collar in person.
  • Inconsistent Identity: Large discrepancies between their online persona and their real-world presence.

3. The Safety Contact Protocol

Never attend a meeting—public or private—without a designated Safety Contact. Provide them with a "Safety Briefing" containing:

  1. The name and contact info of the person you are meeting.
  2. The exact address of the venue.
  3. A "Check-In" time and a "Hard Stop" time (when you will call them to confirm you are safe).
Trust Your Instincts

If at any point during vetting you feel "off," you have the absolute right to terminate the interaction without explanation. The IBB supports your right to prioritize your safety over social politeness.