1. Acceptance of Terms
By downloading, installing, or using the Pawtastic Pals mobile application ("App") or website ("Site"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree, please do not use the App or Site.
These Terms constitute a binding legal agreement between you and Pawtastic Pals ("we," "us," or "our"). We may update these Terms at any time; continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.
2. Eligibility
- You must be at least 13 years old to use the App.
- Users between 13–17 must have parental or guardian consent.
- You must not have been previously banned from the App.
- By using the App, you represent that you meet these requirements.
3. Your Account
You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account credentials. You must notify us immediately at support@pawtaticpals.com if you suspect unauthorized access. We are not liable for losses from unauthorized use of your account.
You agree to provide accurate, current information when creating your account. You may not impersonate another person or create an account on behalf of someone else without authorization.
4. Acceptable Use
You agree NOT to:
- Use the App for any unlawful purpose or in violation of these Terms
- Harass, abuse, threaten, or harm other users or shelter staff
- Post false, misleading, or fraudulent adoption applications
- Attempt to access unauthorized areas of our systems
- Reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the App
- Scrape, crawl, or use automated tools to access our services
- Use the App to facilitate animal abuse, neglect, or illegal breeding
- Upload any content that is illegal, harmful, defamatory, or infringes third-party rights
5. User Content
By submitting content (profile photos, messages, adoption application answers) through the App, you grant Pawtastic Pals a limited, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and process that content solely to provide the service. We do not claim ownership of your content.
You are solely responsible for the content you submit. You represent that you have all rights necessary to submit such content and that it does not violate any third-party rights.
6. Adoption Disclaimer
⚠️ Important: Pawtastic Pals is a platform to connect users with shelters — we are not a shelter, rescue, or adoption agency. All adoption decisions are made solely by our partner shelters. We do not guarantee that any specific pet will be available for adoption or that your application will be approved.
We are not responsible for the health, temperament, or behavior of any animal listed on our platform. We encourage all adopters to conduct their own due diligence, visit the shelter in person, and consult with veterinary professionals as appropriate.
7. Intellectual Property
All content, features, and functionality of the App — including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, icons, the "Pawtastic Pals" name, and software — are owned by or licensed to Pawtastic Pals and are protected by intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our express written permission.
8. Third-Party Links & Services
The App may contain links to third-party websites or integrate third-party services (e.g., shelter websites, map providers). We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or terms of these third parties. Links do not imply endorsement.
9. Disclaimers & Limitation of Liability
THE APP AND SITE ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. WE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, PAWTASTIC PALS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE APP, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
OUR TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIM SHALL NOT EXCEED $100 USD OR THE AMOUNT YOU PAID US IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS, WHICHEVER IS GREATER.
10. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Pawtastic Pals and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from your use of the App, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any third-party rights.
11. Termination
We may suspend or terminate your account at any time for violation of these Terms, with or without notice. You may delete your account at any time per our Account Deletion page. Upon termination, your right to use the App ceases immediately.
12. Governing Law & Disputes
These Terms are governed by the laws of the United States. Any disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration under the American Arbitration Association rules, except you may bring small claims court actions and seek injunctive relief in any court of competent jurisdiction. You waive the right to participate in class action lawsuits.
13. Contact
Questions about these Terms? Contact us at legal@pawtaticpals.com or visit our Contact page.