INTRODUCTION

1. DEFINITIONS

• "Account" means a registered account on our Platform.
• "Content" means any information, text, graphics, photos, videos, or other materials uploaded, downloaded, or appearing on the Platform.
• "Exotic Pets" means any non-native animal species requiring special permits or certification under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, CITES, or other applicable Indian laws.
• "Platform Fee" means the fee charged by the Company for using the Platform.
• "Services" means the pet mating/matchmaking service, buy/sell marketplace, and training service facilitation available through the Platform.
• "User," "you," or "your" means any individual who accesses or uses the Platform.
• "Applicable Law" means all applicable laws, statutes, ordinances, regulations, rules, and other government authority.
• "Intellectual Property Rights" means all patent rights, copyright rights, mask work rights, moral rights, rights of publicity, trademark, trade dress and service mark rights, goodwill, trade secret rights and other intellectual property rights as may now exist or hereafter come into existence, and all applications therefore and registrations, renewals and extensions thereof, under the laws of any state, country, territory or other jurisdiction.

2. ELIGIBILITY AND REGISTRATION

2.1 Age Requirements

You must be at least 18 years old to use the pet mating service on the Platform. Users must be at least 13 years old to use the buy/sell and training services, provided that users under 18 years old may only use the Platform under parental or legal guardian supervision.

2.2 Registration Process

• Your valid mobile number (for OTP verification)
• Your full legal name
• A valid email address
• Your date of birth
• Your location

2.3 Verification Requirements

For Sellers and Trainers:

• Valid phone number (mandatory)
• Selfie picture taken during registration (mandatory)
• GST number (if applicable)

For Trainers:

• Valid certification documents (if applicable)

For Exotic Pet Sellers:

• Valid registration certificate from the PARIVESH government portal (mandatory)

2.4 Account Accuracy

You represent and warrant that all information provided during registration is accurate, complete, and current at all times. Failure to maintain accurate, complete, and current account information may result in your inability to access or use the Platform or termination of these Terms.

2.5 Right to Refuse Registration

The Company reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to refuse registration or suspend or terminate your account if you do not meet our eligibility criteria or if we have reason to believe that the information provided is inaccurate, incomplete, or fraudulent.

3. PLATFORM SERVICES

3.1 Pet Mating/Matchmaking

The Platform provides a service to connect pet owners looking for suitable mating partners for their pets. By using this service:

1. You acknowledge that the Platform only facilitates connections between pet owners and does not guarantee successful mating outcomes.
2. You agree to provide accurate information about your pet, including health records, breed information, temperament, and all other requested details.
3. You understand that arranging meetings and ensuring the safety of your pet during the mating process is entirely your responsibility.
4. You acknowledge that mating services are only available for dogs and cats.

3.2 Buy/Sell Marketplace

The Platform provides a marketplace for buying and selling pets. By using this service:

1. You acknowledge that the Platform serves only as an intermediary connecting buyers and sellers, and is not a party to any transaction between users except for the collection of applicable Platform Fees.
2. If you are a seller, you agree to:
• Provide accurate and complete information about the pets you list
• Comply with all applicable laws regarding the sale of animals
• Obtain and maintain all necessary licenses, registrations, and permits
• Pay applicable hosting fees to list your pets on the Platform
• For exotic pets, upload valid registration certificates from the PARIVESH government portal
3. If you are a buyer, you agree to:
• Verify all information about the pet before purchase
• Understand that the Company makes no warranties regarding the pets listed on the Platform
• Pay applicable platform fees to utilize the services on the App
4. You understand that the Platform offers a "Gift Now" option for direct delivery of pets.

3.3 Training Services

The Platform provides a marketplace connecting pet owners with certified trainers. By using this service:

1. You acknowledge that the Platform only connects trainers and pet owners, and does not guarantee training outcomes.
2. If you are a trainer, you agree to:
• Provide accurate information about your qualifications and services
• Maintain professional standards during all interactions with clients and their pets
• Pay applicable hosting fees to list your services on the Platform
3. If you are seeking training services, you agree to:
• Verify trainer credentials before engaging services
• Understand that the Company is not responsible for the quality of training services provided

3.4 "Gift Now" Option

1. The "Gift Now" option is only available in Bangalore.
2. The seller is responsible for delivering the pet directly to the customer's address.
3. All payments for the "Gift Now" option will be conducted outside the Platform, except for the Platform fee.
4. The Company cannot guarantee the pet's health or breed quality for pets delivered through the "Gift Now" option.

3.5 Phone Number Display and Usage

PetMeZone may display phone numbers of other users within the app for the purpose of facilitating communication related to pet mating services. By using our Platform, you agree to the following:

1. Phone numbers displayed in the app are intended solely for communication related to pet mating purposes.
2. You will not use phone numbers obtained through our Platform for any purpose other than legitimate communication about pet mating services.
3. PetMeZone does not provide an in-app calling feature. Any calls made to displayed phone numbers will be conducted through your device's standard calling function, outside of our app.
4. You are responsible for any communication you initiate using phone numbers displayed on our Platform. PetMeZone is not liable for the content, nature, or consequences of these communications.
5. Misuse of phone numbers obtained through our Platform, including but not limited to harassment, spam, or any illegal activities, is strictly prohibited and may result in account termination and potential legal action.
6. PetMeZone reserves the right to remove or hide phone numbers from user profiles at our discretion, particularly in cases of reported misuse or violation of our terms.

4. PLATFORM FEES AND PAYMENTS

4.1 Fee Structure

1. The Platform may charge fees for various services, including but not limited to:
   • Platform fees for sellers and trainers for listing their services
   • Convenience fees for facilitation of transactions
   • Premium features (including enhanced visibility options)
2. All applicable fees will be clearly disclosed before you complete any transaction or use any premium service.
3. The Company reserves the right to modify fee structures with appropriate notice.

4.2 Payment Processing

1. All payments between users are processed outside the Platform, and the Company bears no responsibility for these transactions.
2. Platform Fees and other charges payable to the Company are processed through the Razorpay payment gateway.
3. Supported payment methods include:
   • PhonePe
   • Google Pay
   • Other UPI services
   • Debit cards
   • Credit cards

4.3 Refunds

1. Refunds for failed transactions or payment issues due to internet connectivity will be processed within seven (7) working days.
2. No refunds will be provided for Platform Fees once services have been rendered.
3. Disputes between users regarding payments made outside the Platform are not the responsibility of the Company.

4.4 Taxes

You are solely responsible for paying all taxes and government charges related to your use of the Platform and any transactions conducted through it. The Company is not responsible for collecting, reporting, paying, or remitting to you any such taxes or charges, except as required by Applicable Law.

5. USER RESPONSIBILITIES AND CONDUCT

5.1 General Responsibilities

You agree to:

1. Comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
2. Provide truthful and accurate information about yourself and your pets.
3. Use the Platform only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms.
4. Respect the privacy and rights of other users.
5. Not use the Platform for any commercial solicitation purposes without prior written consent from the Company.

5.2 Prohibited Activities

You agree not to:

1. Impersonate any person or entity or falsely state or misrepresent your affiliation with a person or entity.
2. Post false, inaccurate, misleading, defamatory, or offensive content.
3. Harass, abuse, or harm another person or animal.
4. Exploit the Platform for any illegal purpose.
5. Upload viruses or other malicious code.
6. Attempt to circumvent any security feature of the Platform.
7. Sell banned species or breeds as defined by Indian law.
8. Post content that depicts animal cruelty or mistreatment.
9. Violate any animal welfare standards.
10. Create multiple accounts for deceptive purposes.

5.3 Compliance with Animal Welfare Laws

Users agree to comply with all applicable animal welfare laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and any state-specific animal welfare legislation.

6. USER SAFETY AND RESPONSIBILITY

6.1 Information Disclosure

Users should not disclose private information to other users unless they feel it is valid and safe. The Company and its employees take no responsibility for any consequences resulting from such disclosures.

6.2 Service Provider Verification

Users are strongly advised to re-verify the identity and credentials of service providers before engaging their services. This includes cross-checking documentation provided by the service provider with that submitted in the app.

6.3 Pet Safety and Responsibility

1. The Company, its employees, and service providers are not responsible for any injuries, escape, loss, or other incidents involving pets during the provision of services. Pet owners assume all risks associated with using the services.
2. In the event of a pet escaping, running away, or getting lost during a service, the pet owner must report the incident to the Company within 24 hours. While the Company may make efforts to assist in locating the pet, it bears no responsibility for such occurrences.
3. Service providers have the right to leave a pet at a nearby shelter or adoption centre if the pet owner cannot be reached within 6 hours. The Company will not be held responsible in such situations.

6.4 External Transactions

The Company will not be held responsible for anything that happens outside of the app. Users are solely responsible for their actions and decisions when interacting with other users or service providers outside the Platform.

7. SAFETY POLICIES

7.1 General Safety Guidelines

1. Exercise caution when interacting with other users.
2. Meet in public places for initial meetings.
3. Inform someone you trust about your meeting details.
4. Arrange your own transportation.
5. Always keep your personal belongings secure.
6. Remove yourself from any situation that makes you uncomfortable.
7. Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviour immediately.

7.2 Pet Mating Safety

1. Verify the health status of both pets before arranging meetings (vaccination certificates, medical history).
2. Ensure that females are of appropriate age (at least one year old and one complete heat cycle).
3. Ensure males are physically and mentally mature enough for mating.
4. Consider temperament compatibility before arranging meetings.
5. Consult with a veterinarian before breeding plans.

7.3 Buy/Sell Safety

1. Verify the legitimacy of the seller/buyer before proceeding with transactions.
2. Inspect pets thoroughly before purchase.
3. Request and verify all relevant documentation, especially for exotic pets.
4. Complete transactions in safe, public locations when possible.
5. For the "Gift Now" delivery option, verify the identity of the delivery personnel.

7.4 Training Safety

1. Verify trainer credentials before engaging services.
2. Communicate clear expectations regarding training methods.
3. Be present during initial training sessions when possible.
4. Report any concerns about training methods that may be harmful to your pet.

7.5 Online Security

1. Never share financial information with other users.
2. Keep personal information private, including your address and government identity details.
3. Report fraudulent behaviour immediately.
4. Be wary of users requesting financial assistance or attempting to move conversations off the Platform.
5. Report any requests for gifts or funds from other users.

8. CONTENT POLICIES

8.1 User-Generated Content

• You are solely responsible for all Content that you upload, post, or otherwise make available via the Platform.
• You grant the Company a non-exclusive, transferable, sub-licensable, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, modify, publicly display, publicly perform, and distribute your Content solely for the purposes of operating and providing our Services.
• You represent and warrant that you own or have all necessary rights to the Content you post, and that your Content does not violate the rights of any third party.

8.2 Content Restrictions

The following Content is prohibited:

• False or misleading information about pets or services.
• Content depicting animal cruelty or mistreatment.
• Content promoting illegal breeding practices.
• Content promoting the sale of banned species.
• Content that is defamatory, obscene, or offensive.
• Content that violates any applicable law or regulation.

8.3 Content Moderation

• The Company reserves the right to review, remove, or disable access to any Content that violates these Terms or is otherwise objectionable.
• The Company does not guarantee that it will review all Content and is not responsible for any Content posted by users.
• The Company reserves the right to remove any reviews written by customers within the app for any reason or without providing a reason.

8.4 License to User Content

By submitting, posting, or displaying Content on or through the Platform, you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license (with the right to sublicense) to use, copy, reproduce, process, adapt, modify, publish, transmit, display, and distribute such Content in any and all media or distribution methods (now known or later developed) for the purposes of providing and promoting the Platform and our services.

9. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

9.1 Company Intellectual Property

The Platform, including all content, features, and functionality, is owned by the Company and is protected by Indian and international copyright, trademark, patent, and other intellectual property or proprietary rights laws.

9.2 User Intellectual Property

Users retain the rights to their Content posted on the Platform, subject to the license granted to the Company under Section 8.1.

9.3 Feedback

Any feedback, suggestions, ideas, or other information provided by users regarding the Platform ("Feedback") may be used by the Company without any obligation to compensate users for such Feedback.

9.4 Trademarks

1. The PetMeZone name, logo, and all related names, logos, product and service names, designs, and slogans are trademarks of the Company or its affiliates or licensors. You must not use such marks without the prior written permission of the Company.
2. Sellers or trainers are strictly prohibited from using the Company's name or any related branding to sell their services outside the app.

10. PRIVACY

10.1 Privacy Policy

Your privacy is important to us. Our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference, explains how we collect, use, and disclose information about you and your use of the Platform.

10.2 Data Collection and Usage

The Company collects and uses the following data:

1. Phone numbers and email addresses: To provide services and send communications about deals and advertisements.
2. Date of birth: To verify age eligibility for using the Platform.
3. Location information: To provide nearby services and improve user experience.
4. The Company is not responsible for any misuse of data by third parties who may receive information in accordance with the Company's privacy policy.

11. DISCLAIMERS AND LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY

11.1 Disclaimers

1. THE PLATFORM AND ALL CONTENT ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON- INFRINGEMENT.
2. THE COMPANY DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE PLATFORM WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR- FREE, THAT DEFECTS WILL BE CORRECTED, OR THAT THE PLATFORM OR THE SERVERS THAT MAKE IT AVAILABLE ARE FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS.
3. THE COMPANY DOES NOT WARRANT OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE USE OR THE RESULTS OF THE USE OF THE PLATFORM IN TERMS OF CORRECTNESS, ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE.
4. THE COMPANY IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONDUCT OF ANY USER, WHETHER ONLINE OR OFFLINE.
5. THE COMPANY DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE QUALITY OR OUTCOME OF ANY PET MATING, PURCHASE/SALE, OR TRAINING ARRANGEMENT FACILITATED THROUGH THE PLATFORM.

11.2 Limitations of Liability

1. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COMPANY, ITS AFFILIATES, OR THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, RESULTING FROM:
   1. YOUR ACCESS TO OR USE OF OR INABILITY TO ACCESS OR USE THE PLATFORM;
   2. ANY CONDUCT OR CONTENT OF ANY THIRD PARTY ON THE PLATFORM;
   3. ANY CONTENT OBTAINED FROM THE PLATFORM;
   4. UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS, USE, OR ALTERATION OF YOUR TRANSMISSIONS OR CONTENT.
2. THE COMPANY'S TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR THE PLATFORM SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT PAID BY YOU, IF ANY, TO THE COMPANY DURING THE SIX (6) MONTH PERIOD PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO THE LIABILITY.

11.3 Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Company, its affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses, including, without limitation, reasonable legal and accounting fees, arising out of or in any way connected with your access to or use of the Platform, your Content, or your violation of these Terms.

11.4 Exclusions

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain warranties or the limitation or exclusion of liability for certain types of damages. Accordingly, some of the above limitations and disclaimers may not apply to you. To the extent that we may not, as a matter of applicable law, disclaim any implied warranty or limit its liabilities, the scope and duration of such warranty and the extent of our liability shall be the minimum permitted under such applicable law.

12. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

12.1 In-App Reporting

1. Users can report concerns, violations, or suspicious activity through the in-app reporting feature.
2. The Company will review reported issues and take appropriate action, which may include warning, suspension, or termination of accounts.

12.2 Customer Support

1. Users can submit inquiries or complaints to the Company's registered email address.
2. The Company will make reasonable efforts to respond to inquiries within a reasonable timeframe.

12.3 Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

12.4 Dispute Resolution Process

1. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms, including any question regarding its existence, validity, or termination, shall be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.
2. The seat of the arbitration shall be Salem, Tamil Nadu, India. The language of the arbitration shall be English.
3. The arbitration tribunal shall consist of a sole arbitrator appointed by mutual agreement of the parties. If the parties fail to agree on the appointment of an arbitrator within 30 days after receipt of a request for arbitration, the arbitrator shall be appointed in accordance with the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.
4. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding on the parties, and may be entered and enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction.

13. TERMINATION

13.1 Termination by the Company

The Company reserves the right to suspend or terminate your access to the Platform at any time, without notice, for any reason, including, without limitation:

1. Your breach of these Terms.
2. The Company's inability to verify or authenticate any information you provide.
3. The Company's belief that your actions may cause legal liability for you, other users, or the Company.
4. If you create or attempt to create multiple accounts with false information.
5. If you are reported by other users for inappropriate behaviour or policy violations.

13.2 Termination by User

You may terminate your account at any time by:

1. Submitting a request through the account deletion option in the app settings; or
2. Contacting customer support with your account deletion request.

13.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

1. Your access to the Platform will be disabled.
2. You will no longer have access to your account or any Content associated with your account.
3. Any pending transactions may be cancelled.

13.4 Survival

All provisions of the Terms which by their nature should survive termination shall survive termination, including, without limitation, ownership provisions, warranty disclaimers, indemnity and limitations of liability.

14. CHANGES TO TERMS AND PLATFORM

14.1 Changes to Terms

1. The Company reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time, even without prior notice.
2. Modified Terms will be effective immediately upon posting on the Platform.
3. Your continued use of the Platform following the posting of modified Terms constitutes your acceptance of such changes.
4. The Company may notify users of significant changes through:
   1. In-app notifications
   2. Email notifications
   3. Pop-up notifications within the Platform

14.2 Changes to Platform

1. The Company reserves the right to modify or discontinue, temporarily or permanently, the Platform or any features or portions thereof without prior notice.
2. You agree that the Company will not be liable for any modification, suspension, or discontinuance of the Platform or any part thereof.

15. GEOGRAPHICAL LIMITATIONS

15.1 Service Areas

1. The Services catered by the Platform is available across India, except ‘’Gift Now’’ option which is limited only to Bangalore, India.

15.2 Regulatory Compliance

1. The Platform complies with applicable Indian laws and regulations.
2. Users must comply with local laws applicable in their jurisdiction when using the Platform.

16. MISCELLANEOUS

16.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and the Company regarding your use of the Platform and supersede any prior agreements.

16.2 Waiver

The failure of the Company to enforce any right or provision of these Terms will not be deemed a waiver of such right or provision.

16.3 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be struck, and the remaining provisions shall be enforced to the fullest extent under law.

16.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms, by operation of law or otherwise, without the Company's prior written consent. The Company may assign these Terms without restriction.

16.5 Notices

Any notices or other communications provided by the Company under these Terms, including those regarding modifications to these Terms, will be given by posting to the Platform or via email to the email address associated with your account.