Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction and Platform Description

RavPaw is an online platform that connects pet owners ("Owners") with independent pet caregivers, including pet sitters, dog walkers, and other pet care providers ("Caregivers," and together with Owners, "Users" or "you"). The Platform serves as a marketplace where Owners can discover, evaluate, and engage Caregivers for pet care services.

We do not provide pet care services ourselves. We are not a pet care company, employer, staffing agency, or insurance provider. We are solely a technology platform that facilitates connections between independent parties.

2. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Platform, creating an account, or submitting any information through the Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions ("Terms"), our Privacy Policy, and all applicable laws and regulations. If you do not agree with these Terms, you must immediately discontinue use of the Platform.

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated to Users via email or through prominent notices on the Platform. Your continued use of the Platform following any modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

3. User Eligibility and Registration

3.1 Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years of age to create an account, use the Platform, or provide or receive services through the Platform. By registering, you represent and warrant that you are at least 18 years old and have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts.

3.2 Account Registration

To access certain features of the Platform, you must create an account. You agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and maintain the accuracy of such information;
• Maintain the security of your account credentials and not share them with any third party;
• Promptly notify us of any unauthorized access to or use of your account;
• Accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your account.

3.3 Identity Verification

All Caregivers must complete our identity verification process before being permitted to offer services on the Platform. This process includes, but is not limited to, submission of government-issued photographic identification, a live facial scan, and verification of the submitted documents. Owners may also be required to complete identity verification at our discretion.

4. Pet Owner Responsibilities

As a Pet Owner using the Platform, you agree to the following responsibilities:

• Provide accurate and complete information about your pet(s), including but not limited to breed, age, weight, temperament, medical conditions, allergies, medications, and behavioral issues;
• Ensure your pet(s) are up-to-date on all legally required vaccinations and maintain appropriate parasite prevention;
• Provide clear, written care instructions, feeding schedules, emergency contact information, and veterinarian contact details to the Caregiver;
• Ensure your home environment is safe for the Caregiver and disclose any potential hazards;
• Provide necessary supplies including food, treats, leashes, waste bags, medications, and any other items required for your pet's care;
• Communicate promptly with the Caregiver regarding any changes in your pet's condition or care requirements;
• Pay the agreed-upon fees for services rendered in a timely manner through the payment method agreed upon with the Caregiver;
• Inform the Caregiver of any aggressive, reactive, or special-needs behaviors your pet may exhibit;
• Obtain and maintain appropriate pet liability insurance if required by your jurisdiction.

5. Pet Caregiver Responsibilities

As a Caregiver using the Platform, you agree to the following responsibilities:

• Provide pet care services with reasonable skill, care, and diligence;
• Follow all care instructions provided by the Owner precisely and completely;
• Administer medications only as directed by the Owner and with proper authorization;
• Maintain the safety and well-being of all pets in your care at all times;
• Communicate regularly with the Owner, including daily updates during extended care periods;
• Notify the Owner immediately of any emergency, illness, injury, or concerning behavior observed in any pet;
• Contact the designated emergency veterinarian if the pet requires immediate medical attention and the Owner cannot be reached;
• Maintain the security of the Owner's home and property during house-sitting or in-home care assignments;
• Not disclose any private information about the Owner or their property to third parties;
• Not engage in any illegal activities, substance abuse, or bring unauthorized persons into the Owner's home;
• Not accept bookings for pets or services you are not qualified or comfortable handling;
• Comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, including business licensing and tax requirements.

6. Identity Verification Requirements

RavPaw takes platform safety seriously. All Caregivers must complete our multi-step identity verification process, which includes:

• Submission of a valid, government-issued photo identification (driver's license, passport, or state ID);
• A live facial scan using our platform's video verification technology;
• Automated comparison of the submitted ID photograph against the live facial scan;
• Review of all submitted materials by our verification team.

Verification typically takes 1-3 business days. We reserve the right to reject any application where the identity cannot be sufficiently verified or where fraudulent documents are suspected. Submission of fraudulent identification is a crime and will be reported to appropriate law enforcement authorities.

7. Safety and Security Measures

While we implement reasonable safety measures including identity verification, user reviews, and reporting systems, we cannot guarantee the safety, quality, or suitability of any User or the services provided. Users are strongly encouraged to:

• Conduct an initial meet-and-greet before any booking;
• Verify credentials, references, and reviews independently;
• Trust their instincts and decline any arrangement that feels uncomfortable;
• Report any concerning behavior, safety issues, or violations of these Terms immediately.

8. Payment Disclaimer

All payments for pet care services are handled directly between Users through their preferred payment methods (Venmo, CashApp, Apple Pay, PayPal, Zelle, or other mutually agreed methods). RavPaw does not process, hold, guarantee, or facilitate any payments between Users.

We do not charge any fees, commissions, or service charges for connecting Owners with Caregivers. The Platform is provided free of charge to all Users. Optional donations to support platform operations are welcomed but entirely voluntary.

RavPaw is not responsible for:

• Any payment disputes between Owners and Caregivers;
• Non-payment for services rendered;
• Fraudulent payment transactions;
• Payment processing errors or delays by third-party payment providers;
• Any taxes, fees, or charges imposed by payment service providers.

It is the sole responsibility of Users to agree upon payment terms, methods, timing, and amounts. We strongly recommend that payment terms be discussed and confirmed before services commence.

9. Privacy and Data Protection

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with any third parties except as required by law or as necessary to operate the Platform (such as sharing limited information between matched Owners and Caregivers).

Information collected is used solely for:

• Creating and managing your account;
• Facilitating connections between Owners and Caregivers;
• Processing identity verification;
• Communicating platform updates, safety alerts, and service-related information;
• Improving Platform functionality and user experience;
• Complying with legal obligations.

Your use of the Platform is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. Please review our Privacy Policy to understand our data practices.

10. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, RAVPAW, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AND AFFILIATES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, RESULTING FROM:

• Your access to or use of or inability to access or use the Platform;
• Any conduct or content of any third party on the Platform;
• Any services obtained through the Platform;
• Unauthorized access, use, or alteration of your transmissions or content;
• Any injury, loss, or damage to persons, pets, or property arising from services provided through the Platform.

IN NO EVENT SHALL OUR TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL CLAIMS EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU HAVE PAID TO RAVPAW IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO LIABILITY, OR ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100.00), WHICHEVER IS GREATER.

11. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless RavPaw, its officers, directors, employees, and agents, from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs or debt, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees) arising from:

• Your use of and access to the Platform;
• Your violation of any term of these Terms;
• Your violation of any third-party right, including without limitation any copyright, property, or privacy right;
• Any claim that your use of the Platform caused damage to a third party, including any pet injury, loss, or property damage;
• Any services you provide or receive through the Platform.

12. Termination

We may terminate or suspend your account immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation if you breach these Terms. Upon termination, your right to use the Platform will immediately cease.

All provisions of these Terms which by their nature should survive termination shall survive termination, including, without limitation, ownership provisions, warranty disclaimers, indemnity, and limitations of liability.

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us at hamid@ravpaw.com. Termination of your account does not relieve you of any obligations to pay for services rendered or to resolve any pending disputes.

13. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to modify or replace these Terms at any time. We will provide notice of any material changes by posting the updated Terms on the Platform and sending an email to the address associated with your account.

Your continued use of the Platform following the posting of revised Terms means that you accept and agree to the changes. You are expected to check this page periodically so you are aware of any changes.

14. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

Any dispute arising from or relating to these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in San Francisco County, California. You consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue of these courts.

15. Prohibited Activities

Users are prohibited from using the Platform to:

• Violate any applicable federal, state, local, or international law or regulation;
• Exploit, harm, or attempt to exploit or harm minors in any way;
• Transmit any material that is defamatory, obscene, indecent, abusive, offensive, harassing, violent, hateful, inflammatory, or otherwise objectionable;
• Impersonate or attempt to impersonate RavPaw, a RavPaw employee, another User, or any other person or entity;
• Engage in any other conduct that restricts or inhibits anyone's use or enjoyment of the Platform;
• Use the Platform for any commercial solicitation purposes without our express written consent;
• Introduce any viruses, trojan horses, worms, logic bombs, or other malicious or technologically harmful material.

16. Intellectual Property

The Platform and its original content, features, and functionality are and will remain the exclusive property of RavPaw and its licensors. The Platform is protected by copyright, trademark, and other laws of both the United States and foreign countries. Our trademarks and trade dress may not be used in connection with any product or service without the prior written consent of RavPaw.

17. Dispute Resolution

Before filing any claim against RavPaw, you agree to try to resolve the dispute informally by contacting us at hamid@ravpaw.com. We'll try to resolve the dispute informally by contacting you via email. If a dispute is not resolved within 30 days of submission, either party may bring a formal proceeding.

18. Contact Information

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

RavPaw Platform, LLC
Email: hamid@ravpaw.com
Website: ravpaw.com