Last updated: March 23, 2025
These Pet-Sitting Terms of Service, together with any documents incorporated by reference herein (collectively, the “Terms”), constitute a legally binding agreement between you (hereinafter referred to as “you,” “your,” or the “User”) and Zeros Group OÜ, a company incorporated under the laws of Estonia with its registered office at Harju maakond, Tallinn, Kesklinna linnaosa, Ahtri tn 12, 10151 (hereinafter referred to as “Petme,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), governing your access to and use of the pet-sitting services provided through the Petme mobile application (the “App”), the website located at https://petme.social/ (the “Website”), and any related functionalities or services offered in connection therewith (collectively, the “Platform”) for the purpose of facilitating pet-sitting arrangements (the “Pet-Sitting Services”). By accessing or using the Platform, or by indicating your acceptance of these Terms through the creation of an account or otherwise, you acknowledge and agree to be bound by these Terms in their entirety. If you do not agree with these Terms, you must not accept them, and in such case, you are not entitled to use the Pet-Sitting Services. If you are entering into these Terms on behalf of a corporation, partnership, or other legal entity, you represent and warrant that you possess the requisite authority to bind such entity, and references to “you” or “User” shall be construed as references to that entity. Petme reserves the right to amend, modify, or update these Terms at its sole discretion from time to time. Any such amendments shall not have retroactive effect unless expressly required by applicable law, and the most current version of these Terms shall be accessible at https://petme.social/pet-sitting-terms/. Notice of material changes will generally be provided via email or within the App, although Petme may implement immediate changes without prior notification where necessary to comply with legal obligations, address security concerns, or protect the integrity of the Platform. Your continued use of the Pet-Sitting Services following any amendment constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms. Should you not agree to the amended Terms, you must cease using the Pet-Sitting Services and may terminate your account as provided herein.
1. Nature and Scope of Pet-Sitting Services
The Pet-Sitting Services consist of an online platform designed to facilitate connections between individuals seeking pet care services (hereinafter “Pet Owners”) and individuals offering pet care services (hereinafter “Sitters”). Petme does not itself provide pet-sitting or pet care services, nor does it act as a pet care provider. The Platform serves solely as a technological intermediary to enable Pet Owners and Sitters to enter into arrangements for pet-sitting services, including the scheduling of bookings and the processing of associated payments. Petme is not a party to any agreement formed between a Pet Owner and a Sitter for the provision of pet-sitting services, and all such services are performed exclusively by Sitters acting in their capacity as independent third-party providers.
2. Eligibility Requirements
Access to and use of the Pet-Sitting Services is restricted to individuals who are at least 18 years of age at the time of account creation. By establishing an account or utilizing the Pet-Sitting Services, you represent and warrant that you meet this age requirement. Petme reserves the right to suspend or terminate any account, without prior notice, upon reasonable suspicion that a User does not satisfy this eligibility criterion, subject to the User’s right to appeal such action by contacting Petme at support@petme.social.
3. Account Registration and Security
To utilize the Pet-Sitting Services, you are required to create an account on the Platform, providing accurate, current, and complete information as requested during the registration process. You shall maintain the accuracy of such information and promptly update it as necessary. You are solely responsible for safeguarding the confidentiality of your account credentials, including your password, and for all activities conducted under your account. In the event of any suspected unauthorized access to or use of your account, you shall notify Petme immediately at support@petme.social. Petme shall not be liable for any loss, damage, or expense arising from your failure to maintain the security of your account credentials.
4. Independent Contractor Status of Sitters
Sitters providing pet-sitting services through the Platform are independent contractors and are not employees, agents, partners, joint venturers, or representatives of Petme. Petme does not supervise, direct, or control the manner or means by which Sitters perform pet-sitting services, nor does it establish the terms under which such services are provided beyond facilitating the connection between Pet Owners and Sitters. Each Sitter independently determines their availability, service rates, and cancellation policies, which are disclosed to Pet Owners during the booking process. Petme’s role is limited to providing the technological infrastructure to enable these arrangements, and it does not assume responsibility for the performance or non-performance of pet-sitting services by Sitters.
4.1. Petme Does Not Provide Pet-Sitting Services.
Petme operates exclusively as a neutral technological platform facilitating connections between Sitters and Pet Owners and does not itself provide pet-sitting services. Except for limited support features expressly identified within the Platform (such as customer assistance channels), Petme is not a provider of pet care services and does not engage in the provision of pet-sitting, pet walking, boarding, house sitting, or any related services (collectively, “Pet-Sitting Services”). Petme makes no representations, warranties, or guarantees regarding the quality, safety, or suitability of Pet-Sitting Services offered by Sitters, nor does it assume responsibility for the nature of interactions or transactions between Users. Sitters listed on the Platform are not subject to Petme’s direction or control with respect to the manner or method of performing Pet-Sitting Services, and each Sitter exercises independent discretion in determining how such services are provided. While Petme may offer general guidance through the Platform or Website concerning safety practices, pet care standards, or considerations for selecting Sitters, Petme does not employ, recommend, or endorse Sitters or Pet Owners. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Petme shall not be liable for the acts, omissions, performance, or conduct of Sitters or Pet Owners, whether occurring online through the Platform or offline during the provision of Pet-Sitting Services. Petme conducts an initial review of Sitter profiles and may facilitate third-party background checks or identity verifications as described elsewhere in these Terms; however, unless explicitly stated within the Pet-Sitting Services (and then only to the extent specified), Petme does not undertake additional screening or vetting of Sitters or Pet Owners beyond such initial measures. Users are solely responsible for exercising due diligence, caution, and independent judgment when selecting a Sitter, offering Pet-Sitting Services, or engaging with other Users through the Platform. Both Pet Owners and Sitters bear full responsibility for decisions affecting their own interests and those of their pets, including, without limitation, ensuring that pet vaccinations are current. Petme shall have no liability for any User’s failure to maintain up-to-date vaccinations or for any other decisions made in connection with the Pet-Sitting Services.
4.2 Background Checks and Identity Verifications.
As part of the application process for Sitters seeking to offer Pet-Sitting Services through the Platform, Petme performs an initial identity verification to confirm the authenticity of the Sitter’s submitted personal information, which may include validation of government-issued identification or other credentials provided during registration. In addition, Petme may, at its sole discretion, engage third-party service providers to conduct further background checks or identity verifications, which could encompass criminal record searches, reference validations, or other inquiries deemed relevant to assess a Sitter’s suitability for participation on the Platform. These verification and checking processes are intended to enhance the reliability of Sitter profiles; however, Petme does not represent, warrant, or guarantee that such processes are comprehensive, accurate, current, or conclusive in determining a Sitter’s qualifications, trustworthiness, or fitness to provide Pet-Sitting Services. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Petme shall not be liable for any errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or deficiencies in the identity verifications or background checks conducted, whether performed by Petme or third-party providers, nor for any acts, omissions, or conduct of Sitters arising from or related to their participation on the Platform, irrespective of the outcomes of such checks. Pet Owners are solely responsible for exercising due caution and employing their independent judgment when selecting a Sitter, and Petme strongly recommends that Pet Owners undertake additional diligence as they deem necessary to evaluate a Sitter’s suitability prior to engaging their services. The provision of identity verification and optional background checks by Petme does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or assumption of responsibility for any Sitter’s performance or behavior, and Pet Owners engage Sitters at their own risk, as further outlined in Section 4.1.
4.3 Release.
Subject to the provisions of Section 14 below, Petme shall bear no liability for any claims, injuries, losses, harms, or damages arising from or in any manner related to your interactions or transactions with other Users, including the acts or omissions of Sitters or Pet Owners, whether such interactions or transactions occur through the Platform or in the physical world. By utilizing the Pet-Sitting Services, you acknowledge and agree that, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, your engagement in or provision of Pet-Sitting Services is undertaken at your sole risk. Any financial obligations Petme may incur toward Users in connection with User conduct shall be strictly limited to those refund obligations expressly delineated in Section 7 of these Terms.
4.4 Transactions Solely Between Pet Owners and Sitters.
The Platform serves as a mechanism for Pet Owners to locate Sitters offering Pet-Sitting Services and for Sitters to offer such services, as well as to facilitate the processing of payments associated therewith; however, all transactions conducted through the Pet-Sitting Services are exclusively between Pet Owners and Sitters. Except as expressly provided with respect to limited refunds under Section 7 and any emergency support explicitly specified elsewhere in these Terms, Petme assumes no liability for damages arising from Pet-Sitting Services, including but not limited to bodily injury to or death of a pet, or from any other dealings between Users of the Platform.
5. Booking Procedures
Pet Owners may request pet-sitting services from Sitters through the Platform by submitting a booking request, which includes acceptance of the Sitter’s specified rates and terms, including any applicable cancellation policy. A booking is deemed confirmed upon successful processing of the associated payment as described in Section 6 below. Petme retains the authority, exercisable at its sole discretion, to cancel, modify, or decline any booking request where such action is deemed necessary to ensure compliance with these Terms, applicable laws, or the safety and integrity of the Platform or its Users, provided that reasonable efforts are made to notify affected parties of such actions.
5.1 Booking Mechanics.
Pet Owners and Sitters enter into transactions through the Platform by mutually agreeing to a booking (a “Booking”), which specifies the Sitter’s fees, the duration of the pet-sitting service, the applicable cancellation policy selected by the Sitter, and any additional terms agreed upon, all facilitated through the booking functionality provided on the Platform. A Booking may be initiated by a Pet Owner by selecting the desired Pet-Sitting Services and following the prompts displayed on the Platform. If you are a Pet Owner initiating a Booking, you agree to pay the total amount specified for the Pet-Sitting Services, including Petme’s commission and any applicable taxes, upon clicking “Book.” All Booking requests are subject to acceptance by the Sitter, who retains the discretion to decline any request for any reason without obligation. Upon completion of a Booking, you agree to abide by the price and terms confirmed therein, as evidenced by the Booking confirmation issued through the Platform.
5.2 Pet Owner Responsibility for Sitter Evaluation.
Pet Owners bear sole responsibility for assessing the suitability of Sitters for the Pet-Sitting Services they propose to provide. Petme may offer guidance through the Platform or its support resources at support@petme.social regarding the selection and engagement of Sitters; however, such guidance is provided for informational purposes only. While Petme performs an initial review of Sitter profiles and may facilitate third-party background checks or identity verifications as outlined elsewhere in these Terms, such reviews and verifications are limited in scope, and Petme does not warrant their accuracy, completeness, reliability, or currency. Similarly, Petme does not endorse or verify the accuracy or legitimacy of reviews of Sitters submitted by other Pet Owners that may appear on the Platform. Pet Owners are urged to exercise independent judgment and caution when selecting a Sitter for Pet-Sitting Services.
5.3 Abandoned Pets and Alternative Care Arrangements.
In the event that a Pet Owner arranges Pet-Sitting Services through the Platform and fails to retrieve their pet following the service period specified in the Booking, the Pet Owner acknowledges and agrees that Petme or the Sitter may, at their respective sole discretion, take such actions as placing the pet in foster care, transferring custody to animal control or other governmental authorities, or arranging alternative care as deemed appropriate under the circumstances. The Pet Owner shall be liable for and agrees to reimburse Petme and/or the Sitter for all costs and expenses incurred in connection with such actions as provided in Section 6.5. Additionally, Petme reserves the right, exercisable at its sole discretion, to remove a pet from a Sitter’s care if Petme determines such removal is necessary for the safety of the pet, the Sitter, or any individuals residing with the Sitter. Prior to effecting such removal, Petme shall make reasonable efforts during its standard operating hours to contact the Pet Owner and/or the Pet Owner’s designated emergency contact (if provided) to arrange alternative care. Should Petme be unable to reach the Pet Owner or emergency contact, Petme shall exercise its reasonable judgment to secure alternative care until the Pet Owner retrieves the pet. Pet Owners authorize their pet’s veterinarian(s) to release veterinary records to Petme in connection with any such relocation or re-homing efforts. Pet Owners shall be responsible for and agree to pay all costs and expenses incurred by Petme in effecting such transfers.
5.4 Emergency Situations.
Petme advises Pet Owners to provide Sitters with contact information where they may be reached in the event that medical care for a pet becomes necessary during the service period. Sitters shall undertake to contact the Pet Owner immediately should such care be required, and if the Pet Owner is unavailable, Sitters shall contact Petme at the support contact details provided at the conclusion of these Terms. Pet Owners hereby authorize their designated Sitter and Petme to obtain and authorize veterinary care for their pet in emergency situations where the Pet Owner cannot be contacted to provide such authorization, and further authorize their pet’s veterinarian(s) to release veterinary records to Petme in connection therewith. In instances where a Sitter successfully contacts a Pet Owner to request authorization for medical care and the Pet Owner declines to authorize such care, the Pet Owner releases both the Sitter and Petme from any liability, injury, damage, or claim arising from the failure to obtain such care. Pet Owners shall be solely responsible for all costs associated with emergency medical treatment for their pets, and hereby authorize Petme to charge their credit card or other payment method on file for such costs. Petme recommends that all Users maintain adequate pet insurance to cover potential veterinary expenses.
5.5 Integration of Google Maps Features.
The functionality of the Pet-Sitting Services relies upon the incorporation of Google Maps features and content, which are governed by the following terms as updated from time to time: (1) the Google Maps/Google Earth Additional Terms of Service, accessible at https://maps.google.com/help/terms_maps.html, including the Acceptable Use Policy located at https://cloud.google.com/maps-platform/terms/aup/; and (2) the Google Privacy Policy, available at https://www.google.com/policies/privacy/ (collectively, the “Google Terms”). By accessing or utilizing the Pet-Sitting Services, you acknowledge and agree to comply with the Google Terms as applicable to you in your capacity as an end user of such features and content. Any use of the Google Maps features and content in a manner not authorized by the Google Terms may result in the suspension or termination of your access to the Pet-Sitting Services, as determined by Petme in its sole discretion.
5.6 Authorization for Location Access.
The Pet-Sitting Services incorporate functionality requiring access to your device’s location data to enable features such as identifying Sitters in proximity to your location, facilitating bookings based on geographic availability, and enhancing the user experience through location-specific content or services within the Platform. By accessing or utilizing the Pet-Sitting Services through the App, you expressly consent to Petme collecting, processing, and utilizing your location data, including but not limited to your device’s GPS coordinates, as necessary to provide these features. This authorization extends to the sharing of such location data with third-party service providers, including but not limited to Google Maps as governed by the Google Terms referenced in Section 5.5, solely for the purpose of delivering the Pet-Sitting Services. You may be prompted to grant location permissions upon initial use of the App or during specific actions requiring location data; denying such permissions may limit or prevent access to certain functionalities of the Pet-Sitting Services, including the ability to locate nearby Sitters, though other non-location-dependent features may remain available at Petme’s discretion. Location data collected shall be handled in accordance with Petme’s Privacy Policy, accessible at https://petme.social/privacy-policy/, and Petme shall implement reasonable measures to safeguard such data from unauthorized access or disclosure. You acknowledge that the accuracy and availability of location-based features depend on factors outside Petme’s control, such as device settings, network connectivity, and third-party service performance, and Petme shall not be liable for any inaccuracies, interruptions, or unavailability of such features resulting from these factors.
6. Payment Terms and Conditions
The payment framework governing transactions facilitated through the Pet-Sitting Services is delineated as follows:
6.1 Currency of Transactions.
All monetary amounts referenced within the Platform, including fees, commissions, and payments processed through the Pet-Sitting Services, shall be denominated and payable in the local currency of the jurisdiction in which the Pet Owner is located at the time of booking, as determined by the billing address associated with the payment method provided. For clarity, payments from Pet Owners in the European Union shall be processed in Euros (€) or the local currency, while payments from Pet Owners in the United States shall be processed in United States Dollars ($), unless otherwise specified during the booking process. Petme reserves the right to adjust the currency applied based on operational requirements or payment processor capabilities, with such adjustments reflected in the Booking confirmation.
6.2 Payment Collection and Processing.
When a Pet Owner secures a Sitter’s services through the Platform by completing a Booking as outlined in Section 5.1, the Pet Owner shall remit payment for the total transaction amount at the time of booking confirmation. This total amount comprises: (i) the Sitter’s fee for the provision of Pet-Sitting Services, as established by the Sitter; (ii) a commission payable to Petme by the Pet Owner for facilitating the arrangement; and (iii) a commission payable to Petme by the Sitter, deducted from the Sitter’s fee prior to disbursement. For Pet Owners located within the European Union, Petme shall apply Value Added Tax (VAT) under applicable law to its commission, incorporated into the total amount charged. For Pet Owners and Sitters in jurisdictions where applicable law mandates additional taxes, such as sales tax in certain U.S. states or other indirect taxes elsewhere, the relevant tax shall be included in the respective commissions charged, unless a Sitter provides a valid indirect tax identification number (e.g., VAT number), in which case the Sitter’s commission shall be exclusive of such taxes. Payments are captured in full upon booking confirmation and processed via Stripe, a third-party payment processor, as further detailed in Section 6.4. The Sitter, not Petme, remains solely responsible for the execution of the Pet-Sitting Services agreed upon in the Booking.
6.3 Limited Payment Collection Agent Role.
Petme functions as a limited payment collection agent on behalf of Sitters with respect to the receipt and handling of payments from Pet Owners. The portion of the total payment attributable to the Sitter’s fee, net of Petme’s commission and any applicable taxes, is deemed to constitute direct payment to the Sitter for their Pet-Sitting Services, and Petme is duly authorized by Sitters to collect and manage such funds on their behalf. Petme shall deduct its commissions—comprising both the Pet Owner commission and the Sitter commission (inclusive of VAT or other taxes where required)—from the total payment prior to transferring the remaining Sitter’s fee to the Sitter’s Stripe Connected Account.
6.4 Payment Processing Services.
The Pet-Sitting Services utilize third-party payment processing services, primarily provided by Stripe, Inc. (“Stripe”), to facilitate the receipt, holding, and disbursement of payments related to bookings. Payment processing through Stripe is subject to the Stripe Services Agreement, available at https://stripe.com/legal, and, for Sitters receiving payments via the Platform, the Stripe Connected Account Agreement, accessible at https://stripe.com/connect-account/legal (collectively, the “Stripe Terms”). To receive payments for Pet-Sitting Services offered through the Platform, Sitters may be required to establish a Stripe Connected Account and accept the Stripe Terms as a condition of participation. By utilizing the Pet-Sitting Services, you authorize Petme to secure all necessary access to your Stripe Connected Account and to perform all requisite actions thereon, including but not limited to initiating transfers to Sitters two (2) days following service completion and processing refunds in accordance with the cancellation policies set forth in Section 7, in order to facilitate payments associated with Pet-Sitting Services you procure or provide. You further agree to furnish Petme with accurate and complete information regarding your identity and, if applicable, your business, and you authorize Petme to transmit such information, along with transaction details, to Stripe for the purpose of enabling the payment processing services rendered by Stripe. Petme retains the discretion to modify its payment processing provider, engage alternative vendors, or employ backup processors as it deems necessary to ensure the continuity and integrity of the Pet-Sitting Services, without prior notice to Users.
6.5 Pet Owner Fees and Obligations.
Pet Owners enter into a transaction with a Sitter by confirming a Booking as described in Section 5.1, obligating the Pet Owner to pay the total amount specified therein, which includes the Sitter’s fee and Petme’s commission, augmented by applicable taxes such as VAT for EU Pet Owners, Sales Tax for US Pet Owners, or other local taxes where required by law. The total amount payable shall be disclosed during the booking process and captured in full upon confirmation. Should a Pet Owner fail to retrieve their pet by the conclusion of the service period specified in the Booking, the Pet Owner shall incur additional charges for extended service time, calculated on a pro-rata basis at the daily rate established by the Sitter in the Booking for each partial or full day of delay. Furthermore, the Pet Owner shall indemnify Petme and the Sitter for any additional costs or expenses arising from such failure to retrieve the pet, including but not limited to costs associated with alternative care arrangements as provided in Section 5.3, and Petme is authorized to charge the Pet Owner’s credit card or other payment method on file to recover such amounts.
6.6 Pet Sitter Fees and Obligations.
Sitters agree to provide Pet-Sitting Services to a Pet Owner by confirming a Booking as delineated in Section 5.1. Upon initiation of a Booking by a Pet Owner, the Sitter must accept the Booking within the timeframe specified on the Platform, failing which the Booking request shall expire, releasing the Pet Owner from any obligation to proceed with the transaction. Upon mutual confirmation of the Booking by both parties, the Sitter undertakes to honor the fee specified therein for the Pet-Sitting Services, net of Petme’s commission and any applicable taxes. Petme shall collect the total payment from the Pet Owner at the time of Booking confirmation and, subject to the disbursement timeline in Section 6.3, transfer the Sitter’s fee—reduced by Petme’s commission (inclusive of taxes such as VAT where applicable, unless a valid tax identification number is provided)—to the Sitter’s Stripe Connected Account two (2) days following the completion of the service period specified in the Booking. Petme’s commission for Sitters is calculated as a percentage of the Sitter’s fee, as disclosed during the Sitter onboarding process or within the Platform, and is deducted from each Booking payment. Additionally, upon registering as a Sitter, you may be charged a non-refundable fee for the initial review and setup of your pet-sitting profile, the amount of which shall be specified during registration.
6.7 User Responsibility for Taxes.
Unless expressly provided otherwise in these Terms, you, as a Pet Owner or Sitter, shall bear sole responsibility for identifying, calculating, reporting, and remitting any and all taxes, duties, levies, or similar governmental assessments (collectively, “Taxes”) that may arise as a result of your purchase, provision, or use of the Pet-Sitting Services through the Platform, including but not limited to income taxes on earnings derived from Pet-Sitting Services, sales taxes, use taxes, or other indirect taxes applicable in your jurisdiction. This obligation applies irrespective of whether such Taxes are imposed by local, regional, national, or international authorities and encompasses any tax liabilities triggered by the transactions facilitated by the Platform, except to the extent that Petme is required by applicable law to collect and remit specific Taxes on your behalf. For clarity, Petme shall collect and remit Taxes only where it is legally obligated to do so, such as the VAT imposed under Estonian and European Union law on Petme’s commission charged to Pet Owners within the European Union, as specified in Section 6.2, or other taxes explicitly included in the total amount charged where mandated by law in other jurisdictions. Petme does not provide tax advice, and you are solely responsible for consulting with a qualified tax professional to ensure compliance with all applicable tax obligations arising from your use of the Pet-Sitting Services. Petme shall not be liable for any penalties, interest, or additional costs incurred by you due to your failure to fulfill your tax responsibilities as outlined herein.
7. Cancellations and Refund Procedures
The policies governing cancellations and refunds for the Pet-Sitting Services are as follows:
7.1 Sitter-Selected Cancellation Policies.
Each Sitter shall select a cancellation policy (e.g., full refund if canceled more than 24 hours prior to the service start date, partial refund thereafter, or no refund within a specified period) prior to accepting any booking request, and such policy shall be disclosed to the Pet Owner during the booking process. In the event of a cancellation by a Pet Owner, Petme shall execute a refund of the payment, or a portion thereof, in accordance with the Sitter’s designated cancellation policy, provided the cancellation is initiated through the Platform’s designated mechanisms.
7.2 Cancellations by Sitters.
Should a Sitter cancel a confirmed booking prior to or during the scheduled service period, Petme shall refund to the Pet Owner the full amount paid for the pet-sitting services not rendered, including both the Sitter’s fee and Petme’s commission (inclusive of any applicable VAT or taxes), unless the Pet Owner elects to rebook with another Sitter.
7.3 Discretionary Action by Petme.
In circumstances where Petme determines, in its reasonable discretion, that a Sitter has failed to perform the agreed-upon pet-sitting services or has otherwise materially breached these Terms, Petme reserves the right to cancel the booking and issue a full or partial refund to the Pet Owner, irrespective of the Sitter’s cancellation policy.
7.4 Timing and Dispute Resolution.
Refunds, where applicable, shall be processed by Petme within a commercially reasonable period following the cancellation request. Payments to Sitters shall be initiated two (2) days following the completion of the pet-sitting service. Once such funds have been disbursed to a Sitter, any subsequent disputes regarding the quality, performance, or completion of the services shall be resolved directly between the Pet Owner and the Sitter, and Petme shall have no obligation to intervene, mediate, or facilitate resolution of such disputes.
7.5 Non-Refundable Nature of Fees.
Except as expressly provided in this Section 7, all payments captured through the Platform are non-refundable once processed, unless otherwise required by applicable law.
8. User Conduct and Responsibilities
Users shall utilize the Pet-Sitting Services solely for the purpose of arranging or providing pet-sitting services in a lawful, safe, and responsible manner. Any use of the Platform for activities that are illegal, harmful, harassing, discriminatory, or otherwise inconsistent with these Terms is strictly prohibited. Users shall report any observed violations of this provision, including safety concerns or inappropriate behavior, to Petme at support@petme.social, and Petme shall endeavor to investigate and respond to such reports within twenty-four (24) hours through a combination of automated systems and human review processes. Sitters shall ensure that any weapons present at the location where pet-sitting services are provided are stored securely and shall disclose the presence of such weapons to Pet Owners through the Platform’s messaging system prior to the confirmation of a booking.
9. Social Profiles and Content Ownership
All Users of the Pet-Sitting Services, whether Pet Owners or Sitters, shall maintain a social profile on the Platform, consistent with the features provided at https://petme.social/. Sitters shall have an integrated pet-sitting profile linked to their social profile, detailing their availability, rates, and cancellation policies. Any content submitted by Users to the Platform, including but not limited to photographs, reviews, messages, or profile information (collectively, “User Content”), shall remain the property of the submitting User. By submitting User Content, you grant Petme a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, transferable, and sublicensable license to use, reproduce, modify, distribute, and display such User Content as necessary to operate, maintain, and promote the Platform, subject to the terms of our Privacy Policy located at https://petme.social/privacy-policy/. All intellectual property rights in the Platform itself, including its design, text, logos, and software (collectively, “Petme Content”), are owned by Petme or its licensors, and Users are prohibited from reproducing, distributing, or otherwise utilizing Petme Content without prior written consent, except as expressly permitted for the purpose of using the Pet-Sitting Services.
10. Intellectual Property Protections
Users shall not submit User Content that infringes upon the intellectual property rights of any third party, including copyrights, trademarks, or trade secrets. Petme reserves the right to remove any User Content suspected of such infringement and to terminate the account of the responsible User without prior notice. Suspected violations may be reported to support@petme.social, and Petme shall address such reports in accordance with its established procedures for trademark and copyright complaints, which may include removal of the offending content pending resolution.
11. Termination of Access
Petme may, at its sole discretion, suspend or terminate your access to the Pet-Sitting Services, in whole or in part, with or without notice, in the event of a breach of these Terms, engagement in conduct deemed unsafe, illegal, or detrimental to other Users or the Platform, or for any other reason Petme deems necessary to protect its interests or those of its Users. Users may terminate their account and cease using the Pet-Sitting Services at any time by following the account closure procedures provided within the Platform. Upon termination, whether by Petme or the User, any outstanding payment obligations shall remain enforceable, and provisions of these Terms intended to survive termination (e.g., dispute resolution, limitation of liability) shall continue in effect.
12. Dispute Resolution
The following provisions govern the resolution of disputes arising in connection with these Terms or the use of the Pet-Sitting Services:
12.1 Informal Resolution with Petme.
Should any dispute arise between you and Petme concerning these Terms or the operation of the Pet-Sitting Services (a “Terms Dispute”), you are urged to first seek resolution by contacting Petme at support@petme.social, providing a comprehensive explanation of the issue. Petme shall make reasonable efforts to address such Terms Disputes within a commercially reasonable period, acting in good faith, though it retains no obligation to resolve the matter through this informal mechanism.
12.2 Governing Law and Jurisdiction for Terms Disputes.
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Estonia, excluding its conflict of law provisions. In respect of any Terms Dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms, you and Petme irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Estonia, and such disputes shall be adjudicated solely by those courts. This governing law and jurisdiction provision applies only to disputes between you and Petme concerning the interpretation, enforcement, or breach of these Terms and does not extend to disputes regarding Pet-Sitting Services as described in Section 12.3.
12.3 Exclusion from Pet-Sitting Service Disputes.
Petme shall not be involved in, responsible for, or liable for any disputes, claims, or controversies arising between Pet Owners and Sitters regarding the Pet-Sitting Services (collectively, “Service Disputes”), including but not limited to issues related to the performance, non-performance, quality, cancellation, or outcomes of Pet-Sitting Services, or any resulting damages, losses, or injuries, whether occurring through the Platform or in the physical world. Service Disputes are solely the responsibility of the involved Pet Owner and Sitter, and Petme shall not mediate, adjudicate, or otherwise participate in their resolution. Pet Owners and Sitters are strongly encouraged to pursue an amicable resolution of Service Disputes directly with each other prior to resorting to external legal remedies. The applicable law and jurisdiction for Service Disputes shall be determined by the legal framework governing the relationship between the Pet Owner and Sitter, independent of these Terms, and Petme’s exclusion from such disputes shall not impose any liability upon it.
12.4 Class Action Waiver.
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, you agree that any Terms Dispute with Petme shall be pursued exclusively on an individual basis and not as part of a class, collective, or representative action. You hereby waive any right to initiate or participate in a class action lawsuit, class arbitration, or any proceeding in which a party acts in a representative capacity against Petme in connection with these Terms or the Pet-Sitting Services. If any portion of this waiver is deemed unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions of this Section 12 shall remain in effect to the extent enforceable. This waiver does not apply to Service Disputes between Pet Owners and Sitters, which are outside Petme’s purview as provided in Section 12.3.
12.5 Exceptions.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Petme reserves the right to seek injunctive or equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to protect its intellectual property rights, confidential information, or proprietary interests, without affecting the exclusive jurisdiction of Estonian courts for Terms Disputes.
13. Disclaimer of Warranties
The Pet-Sitting Services, including the Platform encompassing the App, Website, and all related functionalities, together with all content, materials, data, profiles, reviews, messages, or other information made available thereon (collectively, “Platform Content”), are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis without any warranties or representations of any kind. Platform Content generated or submitted by Users, including but not limited to Sitter profiles, Pet Owner reviews, guidance, opinions, or statements, originates from its respective authors, who bear sole responsibility for its accuracy, completeness, and reliability. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Petme expressly disclaims any and all warranties, whether express, implied, statutory, or otherwise, with respect to the Pet-Sitting Services and Platform Content, including without limitation warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, title, accuracy, or adequacy. Petme does not guarantee or warrant: (i) the correctness, sufficiency, or thoroughness of any Platform Content, including information provided by Users or third parties; (ii) the adoption, endorsement, or accountability for the veracity or dependability of any advice, opinion, or assertion made by any party other than Petme itself; (iii) that the Pet-Sitting Services will operate securely, without interruption, free from errors, viruses, malware, or other harmful components, or that they will meet your expectations or requirements; or (iv) that any defects, deficiencies, or inaccuracies within the Pet-Sitting Services will be rectified or resolved. Furthermore, Petme makes no representations or warranties, whether express or implied, regarding the suitability, competence, safety, or performance of Sitters offering Pet-Sitting Services through the Platform, nor does it assure the quality, timeliness, or appropriateness of such services for any pet or Pet Owner’s needs. The verification processes described in Section 4.2 do not constitute a warranty of a Sitter’s qualifications or conduct. You acknowledge that your use of the Pet-Sitting Services and reliance on Platform Content is at your sole discretion and risk, and Petme shall not be responsible for any consequences arising from such use or reliance, including but not limited to decisions made based on Sitter profiles, reviews, or other User-generated content. Where applicable law limits the exclusion of certain warranties, such exclusions shall apply only to the extent permissible.
14. Limitation of Liability
The liability of Petme in connection with the Pet-Sitting Services and these Terms is limited as follows:
14.1 Exclusion of Certain Damages.
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Petme, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, and assigns shall not be liable to you or any third party for any indirect, incidental, special, punitive, exemplary, or consequential damages, including but not limited to costs of transportation, veterinary care, property repair, or loss of income, profits, business opportunities, contracts, data, reputation, or goodwill, arising out of or in any way related to your use of or inability to use the Pet-Sitting Services, whether based on contract, tort, negligence, strict liability, or any other legal theory. This exclusion encompasses damages resulting from: (i) reliance on inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading Platform Content; (ii) the removal, alteration, or deletion of your profile, reviews, or other content from the Platform; (iii) any suspension, restriction, or termination of your access to the Pet-Sitting Services; or (iv) any failure, error, omission, delay, interruption, defect, or malfunction in the operation, transmission, or availability of the Platform, including technical disruptions or third-party service failures, even if Petme has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Certain jurisdictions may not permit the exclusion of liability for incidental or consequential damages, in which case this limitation shall apply only to the extent allowed by such laws.
14.2 Cap on Liability.
Except where prohibited by applicable law, the aggregate liability of Petme to you or any third party for any claim, demand, or matter arising from or relating to these Terms or the Pet-Sitting Services shall not exceed the total commissions paid by you to Petme (specifically excluding amounts paid to Sitters) in the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the event giving rise to the claim, or, if you have not paid Petme any commissions during that period, an amount equivalent to €100.00 (Euros). This limitation applies regardless of the nature of the claim, whether in contract, tort, or otherwise, and represents the maximum extent of Petme’s financial responsibility to you under these Terms, excluding any obligations expressly undertaken elsewhere, such as refunds under Section 7.
14.3 Non-Liability for User Conduct.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Petme shall not be liable for any damages, whether direct, indirect, general, special, compensatory, consequential, or otherwise, arising from or connected to the conduct, actions, or omissions of you, Sitters, Pet Owners, or any other individuals in connection with the Pet-Sitting Services, whether such conduct occurs online through the Platform or offline during service provision. This includes, without limitation, damages for property loss, theft, bodily injury, pet injury or death, emotional distress, or other harms resulting from: (i) interactions between Users, whether fraudulent, negligent, or intentional; (ii) reliance on information, content, or representations posted on or transmitted via the Platform; or (iii) failure by a Pet Owner or Sitter to comply with applicable laws, regulations, or standards. If you, as a Pet Owner or Sitter, have a dispute with another User regarding the Pet-Sitting Services, you agree to release Petme, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from all claims, demands, liabilities, and damages of any kind, whether known or unknown, arising out of or in any way related to such disputes, except as expressly provided in these Terms. Petme’s role as a facilitator does not extend to responsibility for the actions or inactions of Users, and you assume all risks associated with engaging or providing Pet-Sitting Services through the Platform.
15. Privacy and Data Protection
Your use of the Pet-Sitting Services is subject to Petme’s Privacy Policy, available at https://petme.social/privacy-policy/, which governs the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information. By accessing or using the Pet-Sitting Services, you consent to the processing of your data as described therein, including the sharing of necessary information with Stripe for payment processing purposes.
16. Miscellaneous Provisions
16.1 No Waiver.
The failure of Petme to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision unless expressly acknowledged in writing by Petme.
16.2 Severability.
If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to render it enforceable, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
16.3 Entire Agreement.
These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and any other documents incorporated by reference, constitute the entire agreement between you and Petme with respect to the Pet-Sitting Services, superseding all prior or contemporaneous agreements, whether written or oral.
16.4 Assignment.
You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without Petme’s prior written consent. Petme may assign these Terms, in whole or in part, to an affiliate or successor in interest without restriction.
16.5 Integration with Petme Terms of Service.
These Pet-Sitting Terms of Service constitute an integral component of the broader Petme Terms of Service, accessible at https://petme.social/terms-of-service/ (the “General Terms”), which govern the use of the Petme Platform, including the App and Website, for all services offered by Petme, encompassing both social functionalities and the Pet-Sitting Services addressed herein. By accessing or utilizing the Platform for the Pet-Sitting Services, you acknowledge and agree that these Pet-Sitting Terms of Service and the General Terms apply concurrently and collectively form the complete legal agreement between you and Petme with respect to your use of the Platform. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between these Pet-Sitting Terms of Service and the General Terms, these Pet-Sitting Terms of Service shall take precedence with respect to matters specifically pertaining to the Pet-Sitting Services, while the General Terms shall govern all other aspects of your use of the Platform not explicitly addressed herein. All provisions, rights, obligations, and remedies set forth in the General Terms, including but not limited to those related to account management, user conduct, intellectual property, and termination, remain fully applicable and enforceable in conjunction with these Pet-Sitting Terms of Service, unless expressly modified or superseded by the terms contained in this document.
16.6 Contact Information.
For inquiries, support, or to exercise your rights under these Terms, contact Petme at support@petme.social or via mail at Harju maakond, Tallinn, Kesklinna linnaosa, Ahtri tn 12, 10151, Estonia.
