Template Not Found Errors #

Template errors occur when PetMatchPro can’t locate or access the template file needed to display your search or detail page. There are two main causes: license tier mismatches and actually missing files.

License Tier Mismatch #

Symptom: An upgrade message appears instead of your animal listings, with a link to petmatchpro.com/my-account/.

Cause: You selected a non-default template that requires a higher license tier. PetMatchPro checks your license before looking for the template file. If you’re on the Basic tier and select anything other than a default template, you’ll see this message.

Fix:

• Option 1: Switch to a default template in General Options. Default templates (containing “default” in the name) work on all tiers.
• Option 2: Upgrade to Junior or Preferred to unlock all templates.
• Option 3: If using a shortcode template parameter, remove it to use the admin default: [pmp-search]

Template File Missing #

Symptom: Error message saying “Search/Detail template file not found: [filename]”.

Cause: The template file referenced in your settings or shortcode doesn’t exist on disk.

Fix:

1. Check the template name — Go to General Options and verify the template selection for your method type. Make sure it matches an available template for your partner.
2. Check shortcode override — If using template="..." in a shortcode, verify the template name is spelled correctly and exists for your partner.
3. Check for plugin updates — An older version of PetMatchPro may not include newer templates. Update to the latest version.

Theme Template Issues #

Symptom: A template with “(theme)” suffix doesn’t display correctly or shows an error.

Cause: You selected a theme template override, but the template file doesn’t exist in your theme’s override directory.

Fix:

1. Verify the file exists at:
   wp-content/themes/your-theme/petmatchpro/templates/{partner}/
   where {partner} is pp, af, or rg.
2. Make sure the file name matches exactly (case-sensitive on Linux servers).
3. If you haven’t set up theme overrides yet, switch back to a plugin template (one without “(theme)” suffix).

See Theme Template Overrides for setup instructions.

How Template Resolution Works #

When PetMatchPro loads a template, it follows this order:

1. License check — Is your tier high enough for this template? If not, show upgrade message.
2. Theme check — If the template has a “(theme)” suffix, look in your theme directory first.
3. Plugin check — Look for the template in the plugin’s template directory.
4. Error — If not found anywhere, display a “template not found” error.

Quick Fix: Reset to Default #

If you’re stuck, the fastest fix is to reset to default templates:

1. Go to General Options.
2. For each method type, select the template containing “default” in the name.
3. Click Apply Changes.
4. Remove any template="..." parameters from your shortcodes.

Next Steps #

• Search Templates Gallery — See all available templates
• Detail Templates Gallery — Browse detail templates
• Understanding License Tiers — Which templates each tier includes