Dogging safety: plan, protect and stay private
Tell someone where you are going, stay sober, keep your phone charged, keep your details private and leave if anything feels wrong. Get a clear yes from everyone, use condoms, and talk to people before you meet them.
Before you go
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Tell someone | Share where you are going and when you will be back. If you can, go with someone you trust. |
| Stay sober | Skip alcohol and drugs. They make you easier to rob and worse at deciding. |
| Charge your phone | Keep it charged and keep your location sharing on with your contact. |
| Plan your lift home | Check your last train or book a taxi. Away from towns, signal can drop. |
| Check the weather and daylight | Use the sunrise and sunset table in your area guide. |
| Keep your details back | No home address, workplace or full name. Use the site messaging until you are comfortable. |
In your car
Fill the tank. Park facing out so you can leave quickly. Keep your keys in reach, and keep wallets, phones and bags out of sight. Lock the doors when you are not actively meeting someone. If you feel unsafe, drive away. You don't owe anyone an explanation.
Away from towns, lanes can be narrow, unlit and winding. Take it slowly, watch for animals and farm vehicles, and don't pull onto verges or soft ground you can't see.
Consent
Consent is not a one-off. It is a clear yes from everyone, every time, and any of them can change their mind. Stop when anyone says stop. Staying quiet is not a yes. If someone is drunk, high or afraid, the answer is no.
Watching is not joining. Don't touch, join in or move closer unless you have been clearly invited. Never film or photograph anyone.
Robbery, scams and pressure
| Warning sign | What to do |
|---|---|
| Someone asks for money before you meet | Don't pay. Real members don't ask. |
| A group appears when you expected one person | Leave. |
| Someone asks you to move somewhere more isolated | Say no. Stay where you are, or leave. |
| Someone asks for your address, workplace or other personal details | Say no and stop talking to them. |
| Someone threatens to expose you | Don't pay and don't reply. Save the messages and report the account to us. If you feel in danger, call 999. |
Your health
Use condoms and use a new one with each partner. Regular testing and PrEP are worth talking to a sexual health professional about. If you have any symptoms, get checked before you meet anyone.
The law, in short
England and Wales: sex outdoors is not automatically an offence. It can become one if members of the public are likely to see it. This is general information, not legal advice. Scottish and Northern Irish law differs, and we have not yet published a legal summary for either.
Keep out of sight of anyone who hasn't agreed to see you. Don't go onto private land without permission. Never film anyone. If someone tells you to leave, leave.
If something goes wrong
If you are in danger, call 999. If you have been robbed, threatened or assaulted, get somewhere safe, then tell someone you trust. You can also report a member to us from inside your account. We don't ask why you were there.
Questions people ask
What is the biggest safety risk?
Going alone, with nobody knowing where you are, and meeting strangers without talking first. Tell someone, stay sober and agree what is on the table before you meet.
Should I go alone?
If you can, don't. A friend or partner who knows your plan and can reach you matters more than any other step.
What should I do if someone won't take no for an answer?
Leave. Get into your car, lock the doors and drive away. If you feel in danger, call 999.
How do I protect my sexual health?
Use condoms and use a new one with each partner. Regular testing and PrEP are worth discussing with a sexual health professional.
How do I stay private?
Don't share your home address, workplace, full name or social media with someone you've just met. Use the messaging on the site until you are comfortable.
Talk before you meet
Join free and agree what you are both happy with before anyone goes anywhere.
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