> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.botdog.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Zapier App Authentication

> Connect the Botdog Zapier app using your API key.

Authenticate your Zap with Botdog using a personal API key from the Botdog dashboard.

To use the Botdog Zapier integration, each user must provide their own API key when setting up a Zap. The key identifies your workspace and authorizes the Zap to access your Botdog account. Follow the steps below to obtain and use your key securely.

## Overview

The Botdog Zapier app uses user-specific API keys for authentication. Every Zap that interacts with Botdog needs a valid key. Requests without a valid key, or with a revoked or mistyped key, return an authentication error.

Zapier uses the same API key model as the HTTP API: send the key as the **`x-api-key`** header on API calls. For full REST authentication details, see [Authentication](/authentication).

## How to get your API key

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Botdog on Zapier">
    Go to [Botdog on Zapier](https://zapier.com/apps/botdog/integrations) and sign in to Zapier (they offer a free
    trial).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create an API key in Botdog">
    In the Botdog app, open [API settings](https://app.botdog.co/settings/integrations/api) and create or copy an API
    key. Keys are prefixed with `bd_live_`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect Botdog in your Zap">
    When Zapier prompts you to connect Botdog, paste your API key. Complete the connection test, then finish configuring
    your Zap.
  </Step>
</Steps>

After connecting, you can pick templates or build Zaps from scratch from the Botdog integration page.

## Security best practices for API keys

* Treat keys like passwords. Do not share them in chat, tickets, or public repos.
* Do not embed keys in browser-side code or mobile apps shipped to customers.
* Rotate keys from the dashboard if they may have been exposed.
* Prefer a dedicated key for Zapier so you can rotate it without affecting other integrations.

Zapier stores connection credentials according to their security model; you still control issuance and rotation in Botdog.

For HTTP error semantics and auth failures, see [Errors](/errors). For throughput limits, see [Rate limiting](/rate-limiting).