Terms of Service

1. Introduction

Welcome to HomeForPaws (“we”, “us”, “our”). HomeForPaws 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. Definitions

• “Platform” means the HomeForPaws website, app, and services.
• “Shelter” means an animal shelter or organisation using the Platform.
• “User” means any person who accesses or uses the Platform.
• “Shelter Records” means adopter applications, adoption agreements, cruelty/inspectorate cases, evidence, and related records.
• “Adoption Agreement” means an agreement between a shelter and adopter recorded on the Platform.
• “Operator” and “Responsible Party” have the meanings set out in POPIA.

3. Roles

• Each shelter controls and is responsible for Shelter Records (including adopter applications, adoption agreements, cruelty/inspectorate cases, and evidence) and determines why and how that information is processed.
• The Platform processes Shelter Records on behalf of shelters to provide the service.

4. 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.

5. Platform Role & Disclaimer

HomeForPaws:

• 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

6. Shelter responsibilities

Shelters represent and warrant that:

• they have a lawful basis to collect and process personal information captured in Shelter Records;
• they have provided appropriate notices to data subjects where required;
• they are authorised to upload and manage evidence and documents; and
• they will comply with applicable recordkeeping obligations.

7. User Accounts

7.1 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.

7.2 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.

8. 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.

9. User content and evidence

• You confirm that you have the rights and permissions to upload content, photos, videos, and documents.
• We may store, process, and disclose such content to the relevant shelter and lawful authorities where required.

10. Fees and payments

• Payments are processed by Paystack.
• We store payment references, status, and plan/subscription metadata.
• We do not store card details.

11. 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

12. Intellectual Property

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

13. Account deletion and retention

• Users may request deletion of their Platform account.
• Deletion removes access and deletes non-legal Platform data associated with the account.
• Adoption agreements and related adoption records are retained for five (5) years from the date the agreement is signed.
• Cruelty/inspectorate case records and related evidence/documents are retained for five (5) years from the case closure date (or relevant legal closure/recordkeeping trigger).
• These retained records remain available to the shelter for lawful recordkeeping and may remain enforceable/usable for legal and compliance purposes during the retention period.

14. 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.

15. Availability and limitation of liability

• The service is provided “as is”.
• We do not guarantee uninterrupted access to the Platform.
• Our total liability is capped at the fees paid in the last three (3) months.
• We are not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

16. Indemnity

• Shelters indemnify us for unlawful uploads, defamation, improper handling, or non-compliance.
• Users indemnify us for misuse of the Platform.

17. Privacy policy

Your use of the Platform is subject to the Privacy Policy. Read it here: Privacy Policy.

18. Governing law and jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by South African law, and the courts in Gauteng will have jurisdiction.

19. Contact

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