This Acceptable Use Policy (“AUP”) reflects the core values of Paws Nearby — being Real, Caring, Connecting, and Enriching Lives. It applies to all use of our Platform, Website, and Services, as defined in the Terms of Service.
In this document, the terms “Paws Nearby Inc.,” “Paws Nearby,” “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” refer to Paws Nearby Inc., an Ontario corporation, including its affiliates and subsidiaries. The terms “you” and “Member” refer to users of the Platform.
This AUP is a legally binding agreement and must be read in conjunction with our Terms of Service, Member Code of Conduct, and Privacy Policy. By accessing or using the Platform, you agree to be bound by this AUP.
- Purpose and Scope
The purpose of this AUP is to define the rules and responsibilities that apply to all users of the Platform, including Members, and to ensure that use of the Website, Services, and related tools remains safe, respectful, and compliant with applicable laws and community standards.
This AUP forms part of a broader framework of policies intended to preserve the integrity of the Paws Nearby community, support our values of mutual trust and care, and protect individuals from misuse of the Platform, including online abuse, harassment, and misuse of personal or sensitive information.
Specifically, this AUP is intended to:
- Set out clear standards for acceptable conduct and content across all areas of Platform use, including messaging, profile creation, content uploads, and interactions between Members;
- Safeguard Members from discriminatory, offensive, or unlawful behaviour;
- Prevent misuse of the Platform for commercial, fraudulent, or harmful purposes;
- Encourage clear, courteous, and appropriate communication between Members;
- Ensure that all user-generated content respects intellectual property, privacy,
confidentiality, and reputational rights protected under Canadian federal and Ontario provincial laws; - Maintain compliance with applicable legal obligations, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), Canadian Human Rights Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, and relevant provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada and Consumer Protection Act, 2002 (Ontario).
This policy applies to all users of the Platform, regardless of whether they are actively arranging or participating in a Sit. It covers:
- The creation, posting, sharing, or uploading of content to the Platform;
- Direct communication between Members via the Platform;
- Use of links, images, files, or external content shared within or through the Platform;
- Any public or private interactions conducted via the Platform’s tools or systems;
- Access to and use of the Platform from any device or location.
This AUP is to be read in conjunction with, and is supplemental to, our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Member Code of Conduct. In the event of any inconsistency between this AUP and another policy, the more restrictive or protective provision shall apply, unless expressly stated otherwise.
By continuing to use the Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to abide by this AUP. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action, including account suspension, removal of content, or permanent deactivation of Membership.
- Responsible Content Standards
To maintain a safe, respectful, and lawful environment, all Members must ensure that any content shared on the Platform—whether through Profiles, Listings, messages, or other features—is accurate, appropriate, and compliant with Canadian and Ontario laws. Content must reflect our values of care, trust, and inclusivity, and must not infringe on the rights, privacy, or dignity of others.
You are solely responsible for any content you post, share, or upload to the Platform. All content must be:
- Fair, balanced, and accurate;
- Based on genuinely held beliefs;
- General in nature (e.g., reference nearby major towns, not precise street names);
- Devoid of personal identifiers (e.g., surname, employer name, or precise job title);
- Uploaded with the informed, written consent of any identifiable individuals;
- Compliant with applicable laws and our Terms of Service.
You must not upload content that:
- Includes identifiable personal data, such as full names, home addresses, employer names, or contact details;
- Identifies your home location with specificity (e.g., “next to Starbucks” or providing directions);
- Discloses security-related details, such as alarm codes, Wi-Fi credentials, or key storage locations;
- Features images, videos, or information involving children;
- Shows or describes other identifiable individuals without their explicit prior consent;
- Promotes or references political affiliations, Trade Union memberships, or religious ideologies;
- Discloses confidential, contractual, or sensitive information (e.g., internal communications, billing data);
- Contains discriminatory or hateful material based on protected grounds under the Canadian Human Rights Act or Ontario Human Rights Code, including race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or family status, disability, or pardoned convictions;
- Is threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, sexually explicit, violent, obscene, or otherwise objectionable;
- Promotes deception, fraud, illegal activity, or the sale or advertising of third-party services or businesses;
- Breaches any legal duty (e.g., confidentiality, privacy, intellectual property) or includes protected third-party content without authorization;
- Transmits malware, spyware, phishing schemes, or harmful code intended to interfere with or damage any system.
Note: Any information you share in the Pet Care Guide is visible only to the Pet Owner and the confirmed Sitter. However, we strongly encourage Members to keep personal and sensitive details private until a Sit is confirmed and always use the Platform’s secure messaging system.
- Platform Use
The Platform is intended solely for personal, non-commercial use by Members arranging pet Sits through Paws Nearby. All use of the Platform must be lawful, respectful, and consistent with our Terms of Service. Members are expected to interact in good faith and must not engage in any activity that disrupts the Platform, harms others, or undermines the trust and safety of the community.
You may not use the Platform:
- In violation of any federal, provincial, or municipal law, including privacy and consumer protection statutes;
- For any fraudulent, illegal, harmful, or deceptive purpose;
- To exploit, harm, or attempt to harm minors;
- To submit, send, or store content that violates this AUP or other applicable terms;
- To distribute spam, unsolicited advertisements, or mass promotions;
- To misrepresent yourself or impersonate another person, business, or brand;
- To imply or state that your content is endorsed by Paws Nearby without our express written consent;
- To gain unauthorized access to any system, account, or network;
- To interfere with, damage, or disrupt the integrity or performance of the Platform or any associated systems.
- Monitoring and Enforcement
We reserve the right, in our sole discretion and without obligation, to monitor content and interactions on the Platform. Where we reasonably believe that content or behaviour violates this AUP or any applicable law, we may:
- Remove, block, or disable access to the content without prior notice;
- Suspend, restrict, or terminate Member access to the Platform;
- Report unlawful activity to relevant legal authorities or regulators.
We are not required to provide an explanation or advance notice for actions taken under this AUP.
- Questions and Contact
If you are uncertain whether your use or content complies with this AUP, or if you wish to report a potential violation, please contact our support team at [email protected] or through the customer support form on our website.