GoWoofer Dog Walker Terms of Service

Entity: GoWoofer Inc., a Delaware corporation

Effective Date: November 10, 2025

Last Updated: November 10, 2025

1. Agreement & Acceptance

By signing up for, accessing, or using the GoWoofer Platform, you acknowledge that you (“Walker”) have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Dog Walker Terms of Service, as they may be amended from time to time. If you do not agree, you may not access or use the Platform. Continued use of the Platform after notice of changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms.

2. Relationship; Independent Contractor Status

You are an independent contractor, not an employee, agent, or representative of GoWoofer Inc. You control your schedule, acceptance of walks, and method of performance. You are responsible for your own taxes, insurance, and business expenses. Nothing in these Terms shall be construed to create an employment or agency relationship.

3. Use of the Platform; Acceptance of Walks

Accepting a walk request forms a direct contract between you and the Pet Parent ("Pet Parent"). You agree to complete each walk safely, professionally, and according to the confirmed schedule. You may set your own availability (subject to GoWoofer guidelines). Off-platform arrangements with Pet Parents are prohibited without written approval. You shall not solicit or accept work from any Pet Parent outside the Platform during your engagement and for twelve (12) months thereafter. Breach may result in immediate deactivation and legal remedies.

4. Background Checks & Compliance

GoWoofer may conduct identity and criminal background checks before and during participation. You authorize GoWoofer to conduct repeat eligibility or safety screenings as necessary. You must comply with all applicable laws, including leash, licensing, and animal control laws, and notify GoWoofer promptly of any event that could affect your eligibility.

5. Safety, Care Standards & Conduct

You must handle all dogs safely and humanely, maintain leash control, and follow Pet Parent instructions. You shall promptly report any incident (injury, escape, bite, property damage) to both the Pet Parent and GoWoofer. You may not leave dogs unattended or walk multiple unrelated dogs without approval. You must comply with all local laws regarding dog handling and safety.

6. Payments & Taxes

Payment for completed walks is processed through GoWoofer's payment processor and remitted after deductions for applicable Platform fees. You are solely responsible for income, self-employment, and business taxes. GoWoofer will issue IRS Form 1099 when required.

In the event of a customer dispute, refund, or chargeback, GoWoofer may debit, offset, or withhold equivalent amounts from future payouts. You authorize GoWoofer and its payment processor to recover such funds automatically. Direct payments from Pet Parents outside the Platform are prohibited.

7. Equipment & Expenses

You must provide your own smartphone, data plan, leash equipment, and supplies. GoWoofer does not reimburse expenses unless agreed in writing. You are solely responsible for loss, theft, or damage to your personal equipment (phones, leashes, vehicles) used to perform Services.

8. Insurance & Risk Allocation

Dog walking involves inherent risks, including bites, accidents, and injuries. You assume full responsibility for such risks. GoWoofer is not liable for injuries or damages to you, Pet Parents, dogs, or third parties arising from your performance of Services.

While GoWoofer does not provide insurance coverage for Walkers, you are strongly encouraged to maintain personal, homeowner's, renter's, or professional liability insurance appropriate to your activities. GoWoofer may, in its discretion, make available optional or supplemental coverage programs, the details of which will be provided within the Platform. Nothing in these Terms shall be construed to create an employment relationship or require any specific insurance policy as a condition of participation.

If a dog is injured due to your negligence or misconduct, you shall be responsible for all related veterinary and associated costs.

9. Limitation of Liability & Indemnification

To the maximum extent permitted by law, GoWoofer's total liability to you for any claim shall not exceed the greater of (a) fees paid to you for the specific walk at issue or (b) USD $100. You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless GoWoofer, its affiliates, officers, employees, and agents from any claims, losses, or expenses arising from your negligence, breach, or violation of law.

10. GPS & Data Use

You must enable GPS tracking during each active walk ("Start Walk" to "End Walk"). GoWoofer may collect and use this data for verification, safety, and transparency. Data collected is handled under GoWoofer's Privacy Policy. California users have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

11. Dispute Resolution; Arbitration; Class Waiver

Before initiating arbitration, the parties shall attempt to resolve disputes informally through written notice and a 30-day cure period. Any unresolved dispute shall be resolved by binding individual arbitration before JAMS in New York County, New York. You and GoWoofer waive any right to jury trial or class action participation. Judgment on the arbitration award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.

12. Termination & Deactivation

GoWoofer may deactivate or suspend your account immediately for safety issues, policy violations, fraud, or customer complaints. You may request written notice of the reason within 10 days. You may stop using the Platform at any time. Sections 7–10, 12, and 14 shall survive termination.

13. Confidentiality, Intellectual Property & Likeness

All GoWoofer software, data, and business information are proprietary. You may not disclose or reverse-engineer any part of the Platform. You grant GoWoofer a perpetual, royalty-free license to use your name, likeness, and profile information for operational or promotional purposes related to the Platform.

14. Force Majeure

GoWoofer shall not be liable for any delay or failure due to events beyond its reasonable control, including weather, outages, natural disasters, strikes, or governmental actions.

15. Governing Law & Compliance

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of New York, except for California residents whose rights are protected under California labor and consumer laws. This Agreement is intended to comply with applicable exemptions for bona fide independent contractors. Venue for disputes shall be New York County, New York.

16. Electronic Acceptance & Cross-References

By electronically accepting these Terms, you acknowledge and agree to be bound by the GoWoofer Independent Contractor Agreement, which is incorporated herein by reference. Your electronic acceptance constitutes a legally binding signature under applicable e-signature laws (E-SIGN and UETA).

17. Miscellaneous

These Terms along with your Dog Walker Agreement constitute the entire agreement between you and GoWoofer. In the event of conflict between this Terms and your Dog Walker Agreement, the provisions in the Dog Walker Agreement prevails. If any provision is held invalid, the remainder remains enforceable. GoWoofer may assign this Agreement without notice. Failure to enforce any term does not waive future enforcement rights. Notices to GoWoofer must be sent to the address above or to finance@gowoofer.com.