Add a Field in Custom Fields

Modified on Wed, 9 Nov, 2022 at 6:01 PM

Fields are the actual data input areas for the database. A Field is where information such as Client First Name, Client Last Name, Address and Phone Number are input and stored. Fields are added to Sections and can be moved around within a page.

Custom Fields enables you to add your own data requirements to pages and sections, for example, you may need a "pet sitting" page with some fields for Home Care Items such as "Watering plants" and "Bringing in the mail." In addition to creating new data fields you need, you can modify the existing fields in the template to remove some or change how they are labeled.

Once you create new Pages, Sections and Fields, you can reorganize the layout of the data.

Tip: Custom Fields helps you organize your database so Pages/Sections/Fields mirror the paper Client Information forms new clients fill out. Your clients can enter information in the Client Portal, eliminating paper forms, and providing easy access to data for Administrators and Staff. See How to Create Custom Fields with Admin Only Access to restrict access to certain fields.

Note: A few fields are "system" fields and these cannot be changed or removed.

What are Custom Fields?

Custom Fields give you the power to design a custom database, with whatever data fields you need in a client account, a pet record, a staff record and Service Reports, and this is also reflected in a customized Client Portal. Not only can you maintain the data your business needs, you can set permissions on a field-by-field basis to allow different access and editing rights to only those groups you permit: Staff and Clients.

Your data consists of separate Pages of information, and each page has Sections and each Section has Fields where data is input. Additionally, the data is dynamic, meaning you can control the input options or questions, depending on the answer to a previous question. For example, if a client is completing a pet record for a cat, you can ask a different set of questions than for a dog. Learn more: Custom Fields Display Conditions.

What does the Field status panel mean?

Each field now has a "status" panel describing what you can – and cannot – do to customize it in custom fields. Below are two examples of a "system" field that cannot be customized, and a custom field that can.

Note: fields that cannot be deleted are ones that have already been populated in client, pet or staff accounts.

How Do I Add a "Required" Field to a Section in a Client Account?

Navigation: Admin > Custom Fields > Choose database area

Step 1

On the submenu that opens up under "Custom Fields", select which area of the system you want to work in: Clients, Pets, Staff, or Service Reports (Vets area is not customizable.)
Select the Page you want the Field to appear on.
Select the Section you want the Field to appear on.
Once Page and Section are selected, click the "+" next to "Fields" header at the top of the last column.

Tip: Arrange the order of a Field using the arrows to the right of the word "Fields." Highlight the Field name, then use "Up" or "Down" arrow to move the Field up or down the list. Add the proper permissions to the Field if you want to restrict access in any way.

Note: The content of each Field is dependent upon its Field Type.

add a field to a section on a page in custom fields in dog walking software

Step 2

Name the new Field. You can create as many fields as you like in a Section.
Choose the parameters in "Field Type" for what type of field you need.
Click "Create Field."
Your new Field will now appear on the Client Account.

add a field to a section on a page in custom fields in dog walker software

Step 3

Once created, you can then set the parameters for when and where you want the field to display.

Tip: Pages, Sections & Fields can be dynamic, meaning they appear if certain conditions are met, such as "Walking, Collar & Leash" only appears when "Pet Type" = dog, not cat, etc. Learn more: Custom Fields Display Conditions.

Note:
Pages added to the Pets area will appear under each Pet.
Pages added to the Staff area will appear under each Staff person.
Sections/Fields added to the Service Report will appear to your staff when filling out a Service Report that will be sent to a client.