Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using PawRoute ("the Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the Platform. We may update these Terms at any time; continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

2. Platform Role — Marketplace Disclaimer

PawRoute is a technology platform that connects pet owners ("Clients") with independent pet grooming professionals ("Groomers"). PawRoute is not a pet grooming service provider.

• We do not employ, supervise, or control Groomers. Each Groomer operates as an independent business.
• We do not guarantee the quality, safety, legality, or timeliness of any grooming service booked through the Platform.
• We do not inspect, certify, or license Groomers. Clients are responsible for verifying a Groomer's qualifications and suitability.
• Any contract for grooming services is between the Client and the Groomer directly. PawRoute is not a party to that contract.

3. Groomer Responsibilities

By registering as a Groomer on PawRoute, you represent and agree that:

• Independent contractor status — You are an independent business operator, not an employee, agent, or representative of PawRoute.
• Licensing and insurance — You are responsible for obtaining all required local business licenses, permits, and liability insurance for your grooming services.
• Service accuracy — All information on your booking page (services, pricing, availability) must be accurate and up to date.
• Tax obligations — You are solely responsible for reporting and paying all applicable taxes on income earned through the Platform.
• Professional standards — You agree to provide services in a professional, humane, and safe manner consistent with industry standards for pet care.

4. Pet Safety and Liability Disclaimer

• All grooming services are performed by independent Groomers. Liability for pet safety during a grooming session rests solely with the Groomer performing the service.
• Clients assume the inherent risks of pet grooming services, including but not limited to: allergic reactions, stress, nicks, cuts, and pre-existing health conditions aggravated by grooming.
• Clients are responsible for disclosing relevant health conditions, behavioral issues, and special care requirements when booking.
• Groomers are responsible for refusing service when, in their professional judgment, proceeding would be unsafe for the pet.

5. Cancellation and Refund Policy

Cancellation and refund policies are set by each individual Groomer, not by PawRoute. When booking:

• Review the Groomer's cancellation policy before confirming your appointment.
• Cancellation fees, no-show fees, and refund eligibility are determined solely by the Groomer.
• PawRoute may facilitate refund processing through Stripe but makes no guarantee of refund approval. The Groomer has final authority over refund decisions.
• If a Groomer cancels an appointment, the Client is entitled to a full refund of any payment already made for that appointment.

6. Reviews and Ratings

PawRoute may provide a review system for Clients to rate Groomers. By submitting a review, you agree to the following:

• Truthfulness — Reviews must be based on genuine, first-hand experience with the Groomer. Fabricated, misleading, or fraudulent reviews are strictly prohibited.
• Prohibited content — Reviews must not contain hate speech, personal threats, discriminatory language, defamation, or content unrelated to the grooming service.
• No incentivized reviews — Groomers may not offer discounts, free services, or other compensation in exchange for positive reviews.
• Moderation — PawRoute reserves the right to remove reviews that violate these guidelines, but is not obligated to monitor or edit reviews.
• Groomer response — Groomers may respond publicly to reviews. Responses must remain professional and civil.

7. Dispute Resolution

Disputes between Clients and Groomers should be resolved directly between the parties. PawRoute may, at its sole discretion, provide limited mediation assistance but is not obligated to do so.

• Service disputes — For complaints about service quality, contact the Groomer directly. If unresolved, you may report the issue to PawRoute at legal@pawroute.com.
• Payment disputes — Payment disputes are handled through Stripe's dispute resolution process. PawRoute will cooperate with investigations but does not guarantee outcomes.
• Platform disputes — Any dispute between you and PawRoute shall first be addressed through good-faith negotiation. If unresolved within 30 days, disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration Association, conducted in the state of Delaware, USA.
• Class action waiver — You agree to resolve disputes with PawRoute on an individual basis and waive the right to participate in class action lawsuits or class-wide arbitration.

8. User Accounts

• You must provide accurate information when creating an account and keep it updated.
• You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account credentials and for all activity under your account.
• PawRoute reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms, engage in fraudulent activity, or remain inactive for more than 12 months.

9. Intellectual Property

The PawRoute name, logo, website design, and all related content are the intellectual property of PawRoute. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works without our prior written consent. Content you upload (profile photos, service descriptions) remains yours, but you grant PawRoute a non-exclusive, worldwide license to display it on the Platform.

10. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, PAWROUTE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, OR GOODWILL, ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM. PAWROUTE'S TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIM ARISING UNDER THESE TERMS SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO PAWROUTE IN THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless PawRoute and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) arising from your use of the Platform, your violation of these Terms, or your grooming services (if you are a Groomer).

12. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, USA, without regard to conflict of law principles.

13. Termination

You may close your account at any time. PawRoute may suspend or terminate your access to the Platform at any time, with or without notice, for conduct that we determine violates these Terms or is harmful to other users or the Platform. Upon termination, your right to use the Platform ceases immediately. Sections that by their nature should survive termination (liability, indemnification, dispute resolution) will survive.

14. Contact Us

For questions about these Terms, contact us at legal@pawroute.com.