Terms of Service

1. Introduction

Welcome to Home for Paws (“we”, “us”, “our”). Home for Paws is a platform that connects animal shelters with members of the public looking to adopt pets.

By accessing or using our website, mobile application, or services (collectively, the “Platform”), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service (“Terms”). If you do not agree, do not use the Platform.

2. Who May Use the Platform

You must be at least 18 years old to:

• Create an account
• Save pets
• Like pets
• Register a shelter

By using the Platform, you confirm that you meet this requirement.

3. Platform Role & Disclaimer

Home for Paws:

• Does not own, sell, foster, or adopt out pets
• Does not act as a shelter, rescue organisation, or intermediary
• Does not guarantee availability, health, behaviour, or suitability of any pet

All adoption decisions, vetting, and agreements are handled directly between the adopter and the shelter.

We are not responsible for:

• Adoption outcomes
• Interactions between users and shelters
• Accuracy of pet listings provided by shelters

4. User Accounts

4.1 Public Users

You may browse pets without an account. An account is required to:

• Save pets
• Like pets
• Receive updates

You are responsible for keeping your account credentials secure.

4.2 Shelter Accounts

Shelters are responsible for:

• Ensuring listings are accurate and up to date
• Removing pets that are no longer available
• Responding to enquiries in a timely manner
• Complying with applicable animal welfare laws

We reserve the right to suspend or remove shelter accounts that misuse the Platform or provide misleading information.

5. Pet Listings

All pet information, images, and descriptions are provided by shelters or imported with their permission.

We do not guarantee:

• Completeness
• Accuracy
• Timeliness

Pet data may be moderated, approved, rejected, or removed at our discretion.

6. Prohibited Use

You may not:

• Use the Platform for unlawful purposes
• Harass, abuse, or impersonate others
• Scrape or resell data without permission
• Post false or misleading information
• Attempt to interfere with Platform functionality

7. Intellectual Property

All Platform content (excluding shelter-provided content), including branding, design, code, and logos, is owned by or licensed to Home for Paws. You may not copy or reuse it without written permission.

8. Termination

We may suspend or terminate access:

• If these Terms are violated
• If required by law
• To protect users or the Platform

Termination may occur without notice.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• Home for Paws is provided “as is”
• We are not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
• Our total liability will not exceed the amount paid to us (if any)

10. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of South Africa.

11. Contact

For questions regarding these Terms: sam@homeforpaws.co.za