Terms of Service

1. Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using Hoofs & Paws ("the Platform," "we," "us," or "our"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you disagree with any part of these terms, you may not access the service. These Terms apply to all visitors, users, and others who access or use the service.

2. Description of Service

Hoofs & Paws is a marketplace platform that connects pet owners with pet care service providers. We facilitate bookings, payments, and communications between users but are not a party to any service agreement between pet owners and providers.

We are not:

• A pet care service provider
• An employer of service providers
• An insurer of services provided
• Responsible for the quality, safety, or legality of services provided

3. User Accounts

3.1 Account Registration

To use our service, you must create an account. You agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintain and update your information to keep it accurate
• Maintain the security of your password
• Accept responsibility for all activities under your account
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use

3.2 Account Types

Pet Owners: Users who book services for their pets. You must be at least 18 years old and have the legal authority to make bookings.

Providers: Users who offer pet care services. You must be at least 18 years old, have the necessary qualifications, licenses, and insurance (where required), and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

4. Service Bookings

4.1 Booking Process

When you create a booking:

• You enter into a direct contract with the service provider
• The provider sets their own prices and terms
• We facilitate the booking and payment processing
• You agree to pay the total amount including our platform fee

4.2 Booking Cancellations

Cancellation policies vary by provider and service type. You are responsible for reviewing and understanding the cancellation policy before booking. Cancellation fees and refunds are determined by the provider's policy and our platform terms.

4.3 Service Modifications

Any modifications to a booking must be agreed upon by both parties. We are not responsible for disputes arising from service modifications.

5. Payments and Fees

5.1 Payment Processing

Payments are processed through secure third-party payment processors. By making a payment, you agree to the payment processor's terms and conditions.

5.2 Platform Fees

We charge a platform fee on each completed booking. The fee percentage varies based on the provider's subscription tier. Fees are clearly displayed before booking confirmation.

5.3 Refunds

Refund eligibility is determined by the provider's cancellation policy and the circumstances of the cancellation. We will process refunds in accordance with our refund policy and applicable law.

5.4 Provider Payouts

Providers receive payment after service completion, minus our platform fee. Payout timing and methods are subject to our provider agreement and payment processor terms.

6. User Conduct

You agree not to:

• Use the service for any illegal purpose or in violation of any laws
• Violate any third-party rights, including intellectual property rights
• Transmit any harmful code, viruses, or malicious software
• Harass, abuse, or harm other users
• Impersonate any person or entity
• Interfere with or disrupt the service
• Collect or store personal data about other users without permission
• Use automated systems to access the service without authorization
• Circumvent payment processing or fees
• Post false, misleading, or fraudulent information

7. Provider Responsibilities

Providers agree to:

• Provide accurate information about their services, qualifications, and experience
• Maintain all required licenses, certifications, and insurance
• Provide services in a professional and safe manner
• Respond to booking requests in a timely manner
• Honor confirmed bookings or provide appropriate notice of cancellation
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
• Maintain appropriate insurance coverage
• Treat pets and pet owners with respect and care

8. Owner Responsibilities

Pet owners agree to:

• Provide accurate information about their pets, including medical conditions and behavioral issues
• Ensure pets are properly vaccinated and healthy
• Provide necessary supplies and access for service providers
• Pay for services as agreed
• Respect service providers and their time
• Cancel bookings in accordance with cancellation policies
• Report any issues or concerns promptly

9. Reviews and Ratings

Users may leave reviews and ratings after completed bookings. Reviews must be:

• Honest and based on actual experience
• Free from defamatory, abusive, or offensive content
• Compliant with our community guidelines

We reserve the right to remove reviews that violate these terms or our community guidelines.

10. Intellectual Property

The service and its original content, features, and functionality are owned by Hoofs & Paws and are protected by international copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, and other intellectual property laws.

You retain ownership of content you post, but grant us a license to use, modify, and display such content on our platform.

11. Disclaimers

THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. We do not warrant that:

• The service will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free
• Results obtained from using the service will be accurate or reliable
• Defects will be corrected

We are not responsible for the quality, safety, or legality of services provided by third-party providers, nor are we responsible for disputes between users.

12. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, HOOFS & PAWS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, OR USE, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO YOUR USE OF THE SERVICE.

Our total liability for any claims arising from or related to the service shall not exceed the amount you paid us in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim.

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Hoofs & Paws and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising out of or relating to your use of the service, violation of these Terms, or infringement of any rights of another.

14. Dispute Resolution

14.1 User Disputes

We encourage users to resolve disputes directly. If you cannot resolve a dispute, please contact our support team. We may, but are not obligated to, assist in dispute resolution.

14.2 Binding Arbitration

Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or the service shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association, except where prohibited by law.

14.3 Class Action Waiver

You agree that any dispute will be resolved individually and not as part of a class action.

15. Termination

We may terminate or suspend your account and access to the service immediately, without prior notice, for conduct that we believe violates these Terms or is harmful to other users, us, or third parties.

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us. Upon termination, your right to use the service will cease immediately.

16. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of material changes by posting the updated Terms on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. Your continued use of the service after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

17. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any legal action or proceeding arising under these Terms will be brought exclusively in the federal or state courts located in the United States.

18. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us: