Terms and Conditions

Introduction

Welcome to College Canine

Welcome to College Canine, the premier platform connecting dog owners with trusted dog walkers. Our service is designed to make it easy for pet owners to find reliable walkers for their dogs and for walkers to find dog walking opportunities that fit their schedules.

Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using College Canine, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). These Terms apply to all users of the service, including owners and walkers. If you do not agree with these Terms, you must not use our services.

Modifications to Terms

College Canine reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will provide notice of any changes by posting the updated Terms on our website and updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of these Terms. Your continued use of the service after any such changes constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms. If you do not agree to any of these changes, you must stop using the service.

Definitions

"Service"

"Service" refers to the dog walking services provided by College Canine, including the online platform that facilitates the connection between dog owners and dog walkers, the booking and scheduling of walks, and the payment processing for these services.

"User"

"User" refers to any individual who uses the College Canine platform, whether as a dog owner or a dog walker.

"Owner"

"Owner" refers to users who create profiles for their pets on the College Canine platform and request dog walking services.

"Walker"

"Walker" refers to users who provide dog walking services through the College Canine platform. Walkers create profiles, accept walking requests, and receive payment for their services.

"Stripe Connect"

"Stripe Connect" refers to the payment processing service used by College Canine to handle all transactions. Stripe Connect ensures secure and efficient payment transfers between owners and walkers.

"Account"

"Account" refers to the individual user account created on the College Canine platform, which includes personal information, pet profiles, and financial details.

"Booking"

"Booking" refers to the arrangement made by an owner through the College Canine platform to have their dog walked by a walker at a specified time and date.

"Service Fees"

"Service Fees" refer to the charges imposed by College Canine for using the platform, which may include a percentage of the transaction amount paid by owners for each booking.

"Payout"

"Payout" refers to the payment made to walkers for the services provided, after the deduction of any applicable service fees, processed through Stripe Connect.

"Terms"

"Terms" refers to these Terms of Service, which govern the use of the College Canine platform and services by all users.

Eligibility

Age Requirement

To use College Canine, you must be at least 18 years old. By registering for an account, you confirm that you are 18 years of age or older. Users under the age of 18 are not permitted to use our services.

Legal Capacity to Enter into Agreement

You must have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement in order to use the College Canine platform. By using our services, you represent and warrant that you have the full right, power, and authority to enter into and abide by these Terms of Service.

Compliance with Laws

All users must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations when using the College Canine platform. This includes, but is not limited to, laws regarding pet care, animal welfare, and business operations. Users are responsible for understanding and adhering to these laws as they apply to their activities on the platform.

User Accounts

Account Registration

To use College Canine, all users must register for an account. During the registration process, you will be required to provide accurate and complete information, including your name, email address, and other necessary details. You agree to keep your account information up-to-date at all times.

Profile Creation for Pets (Owners)

Owners must create a profile for each pet they wish to have walked through the College Canine platform. This profile should include detailed information about the pet, such as name, breed, age, size, health conditions, and any special instructions or behavioral notes. Accurate and thorough profiles help ensure the safety and well-being of the pets during walks.

Banking Information and Verification (Walkers)

Walkers are required to provide valid banking information, including Social Security Number (SSN) and Automated Clearing House (ACH) details, for payment processing purposes. This information is necessary to verify your identity and ensure secure and timely payouts through Stripe Connect. Walkers must ensure that all provided banking information is accurate and up-to-date.

Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account login information and for all activities that occur under your account. You agree to notify College Canine immediately of any unauthorized use of your account or any other security breach. College Canine will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to protect your account information.

Services Provided

Description of Services

College Canine provides an online platform that connects dog owners with experienced dog walkers. Our services include facilitating the booking and scheduling of dog walks, ensuring secure communication between owners and walkers, and handling payment transactions through Stripe Connect.

College Canine uses Stripe to make payouts to Walkers. The Stripe Recipient Agreement applies to your receipt of such Payouts. To receive payouts from College Canine, you must provide College Canine accurate and complete information about you and your business, and you authorize College Canine to share it and transaction information related to your payout with Stripe.

Booking Walks (Owners)

Owners can book walks for their dogs through the College Canine platform. To book a walk, owners need to:

• Create a profile for their dog(s) with detailed information.
• Select a date and time for the walk.
• Choose a preferred walker from the available options.
• Confirm the booking and make the necessary payment through the platform.

Owners will receive confirmation of the booking and can communicate with the walker to provide any specific instructions or details about their dog.

Accepting Walks (Walkers)

Walkers can browse available walk requests and accept those that fit their schedule and preferences. To accept a walk, walkers need to:

• Review the details of the walk request, including date, time, and dog profile.
• Confirm their availability and willingness to perform the walk.
• Communicate with the owner to confirm the booking and discuss any necessary details.

Walkers are expected to arrive on time and provide the agreed-upon service in a professional and caring manner.

Service Fees and Payment Structure

College Canine charges a service fee for facilitating the connection between owners and walkers and for handling payment processing. The service fee is a percentage of the total transaction amount for each booking. This fee is automatically deducted from the payment made by the owner before the remaining amount is transferred to the walker. The current service fee percentage is specified on a per-walk basis to facilitate the best prices for both walkers and owners.

Payment and Stripe Connect

Payment Processing through Stripe Connect

Payment processing services for Walkers on College Canine are provided by Stripe and are subject to the Stripe Connected Account Agreement, which includes the Stripe Terms of Service (collectively, the “Stripe Services Agreement”). By agreeing to these Terms or continuing to operate as a Walker on College Canine, you agree to be bound by the Stripe Services Agreement, as the same may be modified by Stripe from time to time. As a condition of College Canine enabling payment processing services through Stripe, you agree to provide College Canine accurate and complete information about you and your business, and you authorize College Canine to share it and transaction information related to your use of the payment processing services provided by Stripe.

Walkers’ Banking Information (SSN, ACH, etc.)

Walkers must provide valid banking information, including their Social Security Number (SSN) and Automated Clearing House (ACH) details, to facilitate payment processing. This information is required for identity verification and to ensure secure and accurate payouts. All provided banking information is processed and stored securely by Stripe Connect.

Payout Schedule

Walkers will receive payouts on a regular schedule, as determined by College Canine. Payouts are typically processed on a [weekly/bi-weekly/monthly] basis, subject to completion of the walks and confirmation by the owners. Walkers will be notified of any changes to the payout schedule.

Fees and Charges

College Canine charges a service fee for using the platform, which is a percentage of the transaction amount paid by owners for each booking. This service fee is deducted from the total amount before payouts are made to the walkers. The specific percentage of the service fee is outlined on the College Canine website and is subject to change with prior notice.

Authorization for Stripe Connect to Process Payments

By using College Canine, you authorize Stripe Connect to process all payments related to your use of the platform. This includes charging owners for bookings, deducting service fees, and transferring payouts to walkers. You agree to provide accurate and complete banking information to enable Stripe Connect to facilitate these transactions.

User Conduct and Responsibilities

Accurate Information

All users must provide accurate, complete, and up-to-date information when creating accounts, profiles, and during any interactions on the College Canine platform. This includes information about themselves, their pets, and any other relevant details. Providing false or misleading information may result in account suspension or termination.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations

Users are responsible for ensuring that their use of the College Canine platform complies with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations. This includes, but is not limited to, laws related to pet care, animal welfare, business operations, and tax obligations. Users agree to abide by these laws while using our services.

Respectful Communication

All interactions on the College Canine platform should be conducted respectfully and professionally. Users are expected to communicate courteously with each other, whether through messaging, reviews, or other forms of interaction. Harassment, abuse, discrimination, or any form of inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and may result in account suspension or termination.

No Circumvention of the Platform

Prohibition on Direct Contact for Services Outside the Platform

Users agree not to engage in any activity that circumvents the College Canine platform. This includes, but is not limited to, making private arrangements for dog walking services outside of the platform, sharing contact information for the purpose of bypassing the platform, or conducting transactions independently of College Canine. All bookings and payments must be made through the College Canine platform to ensure safety, security, and proper service fee collection.

Penalties for Circumvention

Circumventing the platform undermines the integrity of College Canine and its services. Users found to be engaging in such activities will face penalties, which may include:

• Immediate suspension or termination of their account.
• Forfeiture of any pending payments.
• Legal action to recover any lost fees or damages resulting from the circumvention.
• Any other measures deemed necessary by College Canine to enforce these Terms of Service.

Dispute Resolution

Dispute Between Owners and Walkers

In the event of a dispute between an owner and a walker, both parties are encouraged to first attempt to resolve the issue through direct communication. If the dispute cannot be resolved through mutual agreement, College Canine provides a structured dispute resolution process to help address the conflict.

Mediation Process

If a dispute arises that cannot be resolved through direct communication, either party may request mediation through College Canine. The mediation process involves the following steps:

• Submission of Dispute: Both parties must submit a detailed description of the dispute, including relevant dates, communications, and any supporting evidence.
• Mediation Review: College Canine will review the submissions and may request additional information or clarification from either party.
• Mediation Session: A mediation session will be arranged, during which a neutral mediator from College Canine will facilitate a discussion between the parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable resolution.
• Resolution Agreement: If an agreement is reached, the terms will be documented and both parties will be required to adhere to the agreed-upon resolution.

Binding Arbitration Clause

If the dispute cannot be resolved through mediation, it will be subject to binding arbitration. By using the College Canine platform, you agree to the following arbitration terms:

• Arbitration Agreement: Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms of Service or the use of the College Canine platform that cannot be resolved through direct communication or mediation shall be resolved through binding arbitration.
• Arbitration Procedure: The arbitration will be conducted by a single arbitrator under the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA). The arbitration will take place in a location mutually agreed upon by the parties, or if no agreement can be reached, in a location designated by the arbitrator.
• Arbitration Decision: The arbitrator's decision will be final and binding on all parties. The arbitrator will have the authority to award any remedies that would be available in a court of law, including damages, injunctive relief, and attorneys' fees.
• Waiver of Jury Trial: By agreeing to binding arbitration, both parties waive their right to a trial by jury or to participate in a class action lawsuit.

Costs of Arbitration

The costs of arbitration, including the arbitrator's fees and administrative expenses, will be shared equally by the parties unless otherwise ordered by the arbitrator as part of the final decision. Each party will be responsible for their own attorneys' fees and other costs unless the arbitrator decides otherwise.

Exceptions to Arbitration

This arbitration agreement does not preclude either party from seeking emergency injunctive relief in a court of law to address immediate threats to safety or security.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Cancellation by Owners

Owners may cancel a booked walk through the College Canine platform under certain conditions. The cancellation policy is as follows:

• Cancellation Period: Owners can cancel a booked walk up to 12 hours before the scheduled start time without incurring any cancellation fees.
• Late Cancellation: If an owner cancels a walk within 12 hours of the scheduled start time, a cancellation fee may apply.
• Cancellation Fees: The amount of the cancellation fee will be specified on the College Canine website and may vary depending on the circumstances of the cancellation.

Cancellation by Walkers

Walkers may need to cancel a confirmed walk due to unforeseen circumstances. The cancellation policy for walkers is as follows:

• Cancellation Period: Walkers can cancel a booked walk up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time without incurring any cancellation fees.
• Late Cancellation: If an walker cancels a walk within 24 hours of the scheduled start time, a cancellation fee may apply.
• Cancellation Fees: The amount of the cancellation fee will be specified on the College Canine website and may vary depending on the circumstances of the cancellation.

Refund Procedures

If a cancellation results in a refund to the owner, the refund will be processed according to the following procedures:

• Automatic Refunds: Refunds for cancellations made within the specified cancellation period will be processed automatically through the College Canine platform.
• Refund Timing: The timing of the refund may vary depending on the payment method used by the owner. Refunds may take 3-5 business days to appear in the owner's account.
• Refund Exceptions: In certain circumstances, such as extenuating circumstances or disputes, College Canine may review refund requests on a case-by-case basis and make a determination accordingly.

Modification of Policy

College Canine reserves the right to modify the cancellation and refund policy at any time. Any changes to the policy will be communicated to users through the College Canine website or other appropriate channels. Users are encouraged to review the policy regularly for updates.

Privacy and Data Security

Collection of Personal Information

College Canine collects personal information from users for the purpose of providing and improving our services. The types of personal information collected may include:

• Name
• Email address
• Contact information
• Pet information (for owners)
• Banking information (for walkers)

Use of Personal Information

Personal information collected by College Canine may be used for various purposes, including but not limited to:

• Facilitating the booking and scheduling of dog walks
• Processing payments through Stripe Connect
• Communicating with users about their accounts and services
• Improving the College Canine platform and user experience
• Complying with legal and regulatory requirements

Data Security Measures

College Canine employs industry-standard security measures to protect the personal information of our users. These measures include:

• Encryption of data transmitted between users and our servers
• Secure storage of sensitive information, such as banking details
• Regular monitoring and testing of our systems for vulnerabilities
• Restricted access to personal information to authorized personnel only

Privacy Policy Reference

For more detailed information about how College Canine collects, uses, and protects personal information, please refer to our Privacy Policy. The Privacy Policy outlines our practices regarding data collection, processing, and sharing, as well as your rights and choices regarding your personal information. By using College Canine, you agree to the terms outlined in the Privacy Policy. You can access the Privacy Policy on our website.

Limitation of Liability

Disclaimer of Warranties

College Canine provides its services on an "as is" and "as available" basis, without any warranties or representations, express or implied. This includes, but is not limited to, warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. College Canine does not warrant that the services will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses or other harmful components. Users acknowledge that their use of the College Canine platform is at their own risk.

Limitation on Liability

In no event shall College Canine, its officers, directors, employees, agents, or affiliates be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to damages for loss of profits, goodwill, use, data, or other intangible losses, arising out of or in connection with:

• The use or inability to use the College Canine platform
• Any conduct or content of other users or third parties on the platform
• Any unauthorized access to or alteration of personal information
• Any other matter relating to the College Canine platform

Indemnification

Users agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless College Canine, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses, including but not limited to attorney's fees, arising out of or in connection with:

• User's use of the College Canine platform
• User's violation of these Terms of Service
• User's violation of any rights of another party
• User's violation of any applicable laws or regulations

Users agree to cooperate fully with College Canine in the defense of any claim and to provide College Canine with such information and assistance as may be reasonably requested. College Canine reserves the right to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter subject to indemnification by users, at their expense, and users shall not settle any matter without the prior written consent of College Canine.

Termination

Termination by Users

Users may choose to terminate their account with College Canine at any time by following the instructions provided on the platform. Upon termination, users will no longer have access to their account and any associated data. Termination of the account does not relieve users of any obligations or liabilities incurred prior to termination, including but not limited to outstanding payment obligations or unresolved disputes.

Termination by College Canine

College Canine reserves the right to terminate or suspend any user's account, with or without cause, at any time and without prior notice. Reasons for termination or suspension may include, but are not limited to, violation of these Terms of Service, fraudulent or illegal activities, abusive conduct, or requests by law enforcement or regulatory authorities. In the event of termination by College Canine, users will be notified of the termination and the reasons for it, if applicable.

Effect of Termination

Upon termination of the user's account, the following provisions will apply:

• All rights and licenses granted to the user under these Terms of Service will immediately cease.
• College Canine reserves the right to delete or retain user data, in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
• Any outstanding payment obligations, disputes, or liabilities will remain valid and enforceable.
• Users will no longer have access to the College Canine platform or any services provided therein.

College Canine shall not be liable to users or any third party for any termination of access to the platform or services. Users acknowledge and agree that College Canine's decision to terminate or suspend their account is final and binding.

Intellectual Property

Ownership of Content

All content provided on the College Canine platform, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, audio clips, video clips, data compilations, and software, is the property of College Canine or its licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. Users agree not to reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works based on such content without the express written consent of College Canine.

License to Use the Service

Subject to compliance with these Terms of Service, College Canine grants users a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, and revocable license to access and use the College Canine platform for the purpose of booking and scheduling dog walks. This license does not include any right to:

• Copy, modify, or distribute the platform or its content
• Use the platform for any commercial purpose other than booking dog walks
• Use the platform in any manner that violates these Terms of Service or applicable laws

Prohibited Uses

Users agree not to use the College Canine platform for any unlawful, fraudulent, or unauthorized purpose, including but not limited to:

• Accessing or attempting to access accounts, data, or systems without authorization
• Impersonating any person or entity, or falsely claiming affiliation with College Canine
• Interfering with the operation of the platform, including by introducing viruses, malware, or other harmful code
• Violating any applicable laws, regulations, or third-party rights

Any use of the College Canine platform that violates these Terms of Service may result in immediate termination of the user's account and may be subject to legal action. College Canine reserves the right to remove any content or suspend any account that violates these provisions.

Miscellaneous

Governing Law

These Terms of Service shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Connecticut, United States, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any dispute arising under these Terms of Service shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Entire Agreement

These Terms of Service constitute the entire agreement between users and College Canine regarding the use of the College Canine platform and supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter herein.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms of Service is determined to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect to the fullest extent permitted by law. Any invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision shall be replaced with a valid, legal, and enforceable provision that most closely reflects the original intent of the parties.

Assignment

Users may not assign or transfer any rights or obligations under these Terms of Service without the prior written consent of College Canine. College Canine may assign or transfer these Terms of Service, in whole or in part, without restriction. Any attempted assignment or transfer in violation of this provision shall be null and void.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback regarding these Terms of Service or the College Canine platform, please contact us at info@collegecanine.com. You may also reach us by mail at 95 Seabright Ave, Bridgeport CT 06605. We strive to respond to all inquiries promptly and thoroughly.

Acceptance of Terms

Agreement to Terms of Service

By accessing or using the College Canine platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and all applicable laws and regulations. If you do not agree with any of these terms, you are prohibited from using or accessing the platform. Your continued use of the platform following any changes to these Terms of Service constitutes acceptance of those changes.

Electronic Signature

Your use of the College Canine platform constitutes your electronic signature and demonstrates your acceptance of these Terms of Service. You acknowledge that your electronic signature has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature. You agree that College Canine may rely on your electronic signature for all purposes relating to these Terms of Service and your use of the platform.