Get ARM running for your rescue with confidence.
ARM is built to help rescues manage animal records, medical history, scheduling, adoptions, contacts, forms, and rescue operations in one organized place. This guide gives your team a plain-English starting point for setup, linking staff devices, and understanding how authorization works.
Quick start
For most rescues, setup follows a simple flow: install ARM, authorize the admin device, choose your storage mode, and then invite staff or volunteers if you want multi-user access.
1. Install ARM
Download ARM on the admin or owner device first. The admin device controls rescue configuration, module access, and future user-management settings.
2. Authorize your rescue
ARM must be authorized before it can be used. Authorization can happen through a purchase, an approved donated access code, or a successful link to an already-authorized multi-user rescue workspace.
3. Choose how you work
Use Single User for one-device local work, or switch to Multi User if your rescue wants a shared Google Drive workspace for staff devices.
Single User mode
Best for one person or one device. Data is stored locally on that device, and no shared cloud workspace is required.
- Simple setup
- Good for one-device rescue work
- No staff linking required
Multi User mode
Best for rescues with multiple staff members or volunteers. The admin device links Google Drive, then shares the ARM workspace so approved users can connect with their own devices.
- Shared data for staff access
- Admin controls linking and permissions
- Linked devices can work under the authorized rescue workspace
Frequently asked questions
These answers are written around the workflows currently used inside ARM, including admin authorization, settings protection, Google Drive linking, and staff access.
How does ARM become usable?
Downloading ARM alone does not activate it. ARM becomes usable only after valid authorization through one of the currently supported methods: direct purchase, approved donated access, or successful linking to an already-authorized multi-user rescue workspace.
Is there a free version of ARM?
Not in the normal sense. Anyone may be able to download the app, but an unregistered and unlinked install is inactive and cannot be used for rescue work. ARM only becomes functional after authorization or rescue linking is completed.
What does a purchase or donated code do?
A valid purchase or approved donated access code authorizes the rescue workspace so it can run with full module access and protected admin controls, subject to the current app rules and entitlement checks.
How does multi-user linking work?
From the authorized admin device, switch to Multi User mode, link Google Drive, and share the ARM folder with each staff member’s Google account email. After that, staff can sign in and link their device to the rescue workspace using the app’s connection flow.
Do I need a Gmail address to use Multi User mode?
Not necessarily. Your email does need a Google account attached to it for the Google Drive workflow, but it does not have to be a Gmail address.
What modules are in ARM?
ARM currently centers around animal records plus modules for Intake, Medical, Schedule, Forms, Adoption, Contacts, and Settings. Access may vary depending on workspace status, permissions, and whether the device is linked and authorized properly.
How is admin access protected?
Settings and rescue administration use your device’s built-in authentication such as Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode when supported. This adds a layer of protection before entering rescue administration and user-management controls.
What happens if cloud access is unavailable?
In Multi User mode, ARM can allow cached viewing in some offline situations, but write access may be blocked until the shared workspace can sync again. If Google Drive access or sharing changes, the admin may need to relink or restore permissions.
How long can an authorized workspace stay offline?
ARM includes a short offline grace window for purchase verification, designed to support real-world rescue use when internet access is temporarily unavailable. In the current build, that window is approximately three days.
Where should I start inside the app?
Most rescues begin by setting up organization settings, then using the Intake module to create animal records and begin building medical history. Once your rescue is comfortable with the basics, you can add schedule events, forms, contacts, notes, and adoption workflow as needed..
Suggested first-day workflow
For a single admin
- Install ARM on your primary device.
- Authorize the workspace through purchase or approved access.
- Open Settings and confirm rescue basics.
- Add your first animals.
- Create intake and medical records as needed.
For a rescue team
- Complete the admin authorization on the owner device first.
- Switch to Multi User mode.
- Link Google Drive and confirm the shared ARM workspace.
- Share the folder with each staff member’s Google account email.
- Have each staff member link their device and verify access.
Contact Bowman Ranch support if your rescue needs help with authorization, linking, or workspace setup.