Terms of Service
Last updated: 1 February 2025
These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of The Pet Sitter platform, operated by The Pet Sitter BV, a company registered in Belgium ("we", "us", or "our"). The Pet Sitter is an online marketplace that connects pet owners with local pet sitters. By accessing or using our website at thepetsitter.co and any related services (the "Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms.
1. Acceptance of Terms
By creating an account or using the Service, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old and have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement. If you are using the Service on behalf of a business or organisation, you represent that you have the authority to bind that entity to these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use the Service.
We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated Terms on our website and, where appropriate, by email. Your continued use of the Service after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms. If you do not agree to the updated Terms, you should stop using the Service.
2. Description of the Service
The Pet Sitter provides an online platform that allows pet owners to discover and connect with local pet sitters. We facilitate the introduction between pet owners and sitters through search, profiles, messaging, and reviews. We are a marketplace platform and not a party to any agreement between pet owners and sitters.
We do not employ pet sitters, nor do we supervise, direct, or control their services. Pet sitters are independent service providers who set their own rates, availability, and terms of service. We do not guarantee the quality, safety, or legality of any pet care services offered through the platform. We are not responsible for the actions, omissions, or conduct of any user.
3. User Accounts
To use certain features of the Service, you must create an account. You agree to provide accurate, complete, and current information during registration and to keep your account information updated. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for all activities that occur under your account.
You must not share your account credentials with others, create multiple accounts, or use another person's account without permission. You agree to notify us immediately at [email protected] if you suspect any unauthorised use of your account. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms.
4. Pet Sitter Obligations
If you register as a pet sitter, you agree to provide accurate information in your profile, including your experience, qualifications, services, rates, and availability. You agree to provide pet care services with reasonable skill and care, to maintain a safe and appropriate environment for pets in your care, and to follow any specific instructions provided by pet owners.
You are responsible for ensuring that you comply with all applicable local laws and regulations, including any licensing, insurance, or registration requirements for pet care services in your jurisdiction. You agree to communicate honestly with pet owners, respond to enquiries in a timely manner, and honour confirmed bookings. You are solely responsible for your own tax obligations arising from your pet sitting income.
5. Pet Owner Obligations
If you use the Service as a pet owner, you agree to provide accurate information about your pet, including breed, size, temperament, medical conditions, medications, and any behavioural issues. You agree to provide the sitter with your veterinarian's contact information and emergency authorisation for veterinary care.
You are responsible for ensuring your pet is up to date on vaccinations, is free from contagious diseases, and is safe to be around other people and animals. You agree to provide necessary supplies including food, medications, and comfort items. You agree to pay the sitter directly for their services as agreed between you, and to treat sitters with respect and communicate honestly.
6. Payments and Fees
The Pet Sitter is free for pet owners. We do not charge booking fees, service charges, or platform fees to pet owners. Pet owners pay sitters directly for their services at the rate agreed between them. The Pet Sitter does not process, facilitate, or intermediate payments between owners and sitters.
Pet sitters pay a flat monthly subscription to use the platform. Subscription fees are billed monthly via Stripe. You may cancel your subscription at any time, and your profile will remain active until the end of your current billing period. Early adopters who sign up during our free tier will have their pricing locked in. We reserve the right to change subscription pricing with at least 30 days' notice.
7. Intellectual Property
The Service, including its design, text, graphics, logos, icons, images, software, and code, is owned by The Pet Sitter BV and is protected by Belgian and international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute, sell, or lease any part of the Service without our prior written consent.
By posting content on the Service (including profile text, photos, and reviews), you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to use, display, reproduce, and distribute that content in connection with operating and promoting the Service. You retain ownership of your content and may remove it at any time by deleting it from your profile or account.
8. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by Belgian law, The Pet Sitter BV shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, or use, arising out of or in connection with your use of the Service, any pet care services arranged through the Service, or any interactions between users.
The Pet Sitter is a marketplace platform that facilitates connections between pet owners and sitters. We are not liable for any injury, illness, death, or damage to any pet, person, or property arising from pet care services. Our total liability for any claims arising under these Terms shall not exceed the amount you have paid to us in the twelve months preceding the claim. Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for fraud, wilful misconduct, or any liability that cannot be excluded under Belgian law.
9. Termination
You may terminate your account at any time by deleting your account through your account settings or by contacting us at [email protected]. Upon termination, your profile will be removed from the Service and your personal data will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at any time, with or without notice, for violation of these Terms, fraudulent or illegal activity, or any conduct that we determine is harmful to other users or the Service. If we terminate your account, any active subscription will be cancelled and no refund will be issued for the remaining billing period.
10. Changes to Terms
We may modify these Terms at any time by posting the revised Terms on our website. We will provide notice of material changes through the Service or by email at least 30 days before the changes take effect. Your continued use of the Service after the effective date of any changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.
If you do not agree to the revised Terms, you must stop using the Service and delete your account before the changes take effect. It is your responsibility to review these Terms periodically. The most current version is always available at thepetsitter.co/terms.
11. Contact and Governing Law
These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Belgium. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the Service shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Belgium. If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at [email protected]. The Pet Sitter BV is registered in Belgium. For formal legal correspondence, please write to us at our registered address. These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and The Pet Sitter BV regarding your use of the Service.