Terms of Service

1. Introduction and Platform Description

1.1 About CuddleBridge

CuddleBridge (“Platform,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is an online marketplace that connects individual users (“Borrowers,” “you,” or “your”) with participating animal shelters (“Partner Shelters” or “Shelters”) in Vancouver, British Columbia, for the purpose of temporary dog borrowing and fostering arrangements.

1.2 Platform Role

CuddleBridge operates solely as a marketplace facilitator. We provide the technology platform that enables Borrowers to browse, select, and temporarily borrow dogs from Partner Shelters. We do not own, house, breed, or have custody of any animals listed on the Platform. The contractual relationship for the care of any dog is between you and the Partner Shelter that owns or has custody of the animal.

1.3 C-BARQ Behavioral Assessment

All dogs listed on CuddleBridge have undergone behavioral assessment using the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). Dogs are classified into the following tiers:

• Green Tier: Dogs assessed as suitable for all eligible Borrowers, including first-time dog handlers.
• Amber Tier: Dogs assessed as suitable only for Borrowers with demonstrated dog-handling experience. Additional eligibility requirements apply.
• Red Tier: Dogs that have not passed behavioral thresholds for temporary placement. Red Tier dogs are not available for borrowing.

1.4 Agreement to Terms

By creating an account, accessing, or using CuddleBridge, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use the Platform.

2. User Eligibility and Account Requirements

2.1 Age Requirement

You must be at least nineteen (19) years of age to create an account and use CuddleBridge. Nineteen is the age of majority in British Columbia pursuant to the Age of Majority Act (RSBC 1996, c. 7).

2.2 Location

CuddleBridge services are currently available only within the Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, Canada. You must reside within or be present in this service area to borrow a dog.

2.3 Identification and Verification

To create a Borrower account, you must provide:

• A valid government-issued photo identification (e.g., BC driver’s licence, BC Services Card, or Canadian passport).
• A current residential address within the service area.
• A valid email address and phone number.
• A valid payment method.

2.4 Amber Tier Eligibility

To borrow Amber Tier dogs, you must additionally demonstrate dog-handling experience by providing at least one of the following:

• Proof of previous or current dog ownership.
• A reference from a veterinarian, trainer, or animal welfare organization.
• Completion of a CuddleBridge-approved dog-handling orientation session.

2.5 Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials. You must not share your account with others or allow another person to borrow a dog under your account. You agree to notify CuddleBridge immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.

3. Rental Terms

3.1 Rental Duration

• Minimum rental period: Four (4) hours.
• Maximum rental period: Fourteen (14) days per single rental.
• Extended rentals: Rentals exceeding fourteen days may be arranged by contacting the Partner Shelter directly, subject to the Shelter’s foster care policies.

3.2 Booking and Confirmation

All rentals must be booked through the CuddleBridge Platform. A rental is confirmed only when:

1. The Borrower has submitted a booking request.
2. The Partner Shelter has approved the request.
3. Payment has been successfully processed.
4. The Borrower has electronically signed the Liability Waiver.

3.3 Pickup and Return

Pickup: Dogs must be picked up from the designated Partner Shelter location at the confirmed date and time. Borrowers must present valid photo identification at pickup.

Return: Dogs must be returned to the same Partner Shelter location by the agreed return date and time. Late returns may incur additional fees as described in Section 5. Dogs must be returned in the same general condition of health as at pickup.

3.4 No-Show Policy

If a Borrower fails to pick up a dog within one (1) hour of the confirmed pickup time without prior notice, the booking may be cancelled, and the Borrower may forfeit any deposit paid.

4. Borrower Responsibilities

4.1 Duty of Care

When a dog is in your temporary care, you assume a duty of care. This means you must:

• Provide adequate food, water, shelter, and exercise appropriate to the dog’s needs.
• Keep the dog in a safe, secure environment at all times.
• Ensure the dog is leashed in all public areas in accordance with applicable municipal bylaws.
• Supervise the dog at all times and never leave the dog unattended in a vehicle.
• Follow all care instructions provided by the Partner Shelter.

4.2 Prohibited Activities

While a dog is in your care, you must not:

• Allow the dog to interact unsupervised with children under twelve (12) years of age.
• Take the dog to off-leash areas unless the Partner Shelter has specifically authorized off-leash activity for that dog.
• Administer any medication, supplements, or treatments to the dog without the prior written consent of the Partner Shelter or a licensed veterinarian.
• Use physical punishment, aversive training tools (e.g., choke chains, prong collars, shock collars), or any form of cruel treatment.
• Transport the dog outside the Greater Vancouver Regional District without written consent from the Partner Shelter.
• Transfer the dog’s care to any other person.
• Use the dog for any commercial purpose, including filming, advertising, or breeding.

4.3 Emergency Procedures

In the event of a veterinary emergency:

1. Contact the Partner Shelter immediately using the emergency phone number provided at pickup.
2. If you cannot reach the Shelter, take the dog to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic.
3. Provide the veterinary clinic with the dog’s identification information and the Partner Shelter’s contact details.
4. Authorized emergency veterinary costs will be reimbursed as described in Section 5 and the Liability Waiver.

4.4 Reporting Obligations

You must promptly report to CuddleBridge and the Partner Shelter:

• Any injury to the dog, any person, or any other animal.
• Any bite incident, regardless of severity.
• Any illness, unusual behavior, or sign of distress in the dog.
• Any property damage caused by the dog.
• Any interaction with animal control or law enforcement regarding the dog.

5. Payment Terms

5.1 Pricing

Rental fees are set by each Partner Shelter and displayed on the Platform at the time of booking. All prices are listed in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and include applicable taxes unless otherwise stated.

5.2 Platform Fee

CuddleBridge charges a platform service fee on each transaction. This fee is clearly disclosed to the Borrower before payment confirmation. The platform fee is non-refundable except where required by law.

5.3 Payment Processing

Payments are processed through Stripe Connect. By using CuddleBridge, you agree to Stripe’s terms of service. CuddleBridge does not store your full payment card details.

5.4 Deposits

A refundable security deposit may be required for each rental. Deposits are held via Stripe and refunded within seven (7) business days of the dog’s safe return, less any deductions for damage to equipment, unreported property damage, excessive cleaning fees, or late return fees.

5.5 Cancellation and Refund Policy

5.6 Late Return Fees

Late returns are subject to a fee equal to 1.5 times the applicable daily rate for each day or partial day of delay.

5.7 Veterinary Costs

• Routine or pre-existing conditions: The Partner Shelter is responsible for veterinary costs related to pre-existing or routine health matters.
• Emergencies during rental: Authorized emergency veterinary expenses incurred during the rental period will be reimbursed to the Borrower by the Partner Shelter, subject to the Shelter’s policies and the terms of the Liability Waiver.
• Borrower negligence: If veterinary treatment is required as a result of the Borrower’s negligence, the Borrower is responsible for all associated costs.

6. Shelter Obligations and Representations

Each Partner Shelter represents and agrees that it is a registered animal shelter operating in compliance with all applicable BC laws, has legal authority to temporarily place dogs with Borrowers, has ensured each listed dog has received a current C-BARQ behavioral assessment, is current on vaccinations, and will provide accurate and complete information about each dog’s health history and behavioral profile.

7. C-BARQ Assessment Disclaimers

C-BARQ is a scientifically validated tool used to evaluate canine behavior. You acknowledge and agree that no behavioral assessment can guarantee a dog’s future behavior; behavioral tier classifications indicate assessed risk levels, not absolute safety; and behavior can change over time. By borrowing a dog through CuddleBridge, you acknowledge the inherent risks of interacting with animals, regardless of behavioral tier classification.

8. Limitation of Liability

8.1 Platform Limitation

To the maximum extent permitted by law, CuddleBridge is a facilitator and is not responsible for any injury, property damage, or loss arising from a dog’s behavior during a rental period, nor for a Partner Shelter’s failure to meet its obligations.

8.2 Cap on Liability

CuddleBridge’s total aggregate liability to you shall not exceed the greater of (a) total fees you have paid to CuddleBridge in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim, or (b) one hundred Canadian Dollars (CAD $100.00).

8.3 Exclusion of Damages

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, CuddleBridge shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages.

8.4 Consumer Protection

Nothing in these Terms is intended to exclude or limit any rights you may have under the BC Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act or other consumer protection legislation that cannot be lawfully excluded or limited.

9. Insurance and Indemnification

CuddleBridge strongly recommends that Borrowers maintain personal liability insurance that covers interactions with animals. You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless CuddleBridge, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims arising out of or related to your use of the Platform or any dog borrowed through the Platform, your breach of these Terms, or your negligence or willful misconduct during a rental period.

10. Privacy and Data Handling

CuddleBridge collects, uses, and discloses personal information in accordance with the BC Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and, where applicable, the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). Our full privacy practices are described in our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

11. Dispute Resolution

Before initiating any formal dispute resolution process, you agree to first contact CuddleBridge and attempt to resolve the dispute informally. If informal resolution is unsuccessful within thirty (30) days, either party may refer the dispute to mediation. These Terms are governed by the laws of the Province of British Columbia and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. You agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of British Columbia, sitting in Vancouver.

12. Modification and Termination

CuddleBridge reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes by email and/or by posting a notice on the Platform at least thirty (30) days before the changes take effect. Your continued use of the Platform after the effective date of any modification constitutes your acceptance of the modified Terms.

13. General Provisions

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and any executed Liability Waiver, constitute the entire agreement between you and CuddleBridge regarding your use of the Platform. These Terms are governed by the laws of British Columbia, Canada. If any provision is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

Contact Information

CuddleBridge — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Email: privacy@cuddlebridge.ca