RescuePets Pty Ltd Pty Ltd is an Australian-registered online marketplace (ACN 683 491 849) that connects pet owners, breeders, rescuers, and pet service providers worldwide. Our platform operates under Australian law while serving domestic and international users.
We are committed to creating a transparent, safe, and ethical global platform for pet-related interactions, prioritizing animal welfare, user protection, and responsible pet ownership. To achieve this, we enforce strict compliance measures, monitor user behavior, and facilitate educational initiatives for responsible pet care. Our mission is to bridge the gap between pet owners, pet sellers, shelters and service providers while upholding the highest ethical and animal welfare standards.
By accessing or using RescuePets Pty Ltd's services, you agree to these comprehensive Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. This document governs your interactions with our platform, regardless of your geographical location, ensuring compliance with relevant legal and ethical standards.
We collect:
RescuePets Pty Ltd is committed to maintaining transparency regarding the collection of user data. The platform collects various relevant data, not limited to but including personal identification details, browsing activity, transaction history, and pet-related information.
RescuePets Pty Ltd adheres to strict data processing principles, ensuring all personal information is handled lawfully, fairly, and transparently. The platform follows a minimal data collection approach, only gathering data necessary for platform functionality and user experience enhancement. Collected data is used for predefined purposes, such as fraud prevention, customer support, and regulatory compliance. Regular data relevance reviews are conducted to ensure that stored information remains necessary and proportionate to its intended use. Data processing activities are aligned with international legal requirements, including GDPR’s purpose limitation principle, which prohibits excessive or irrelevant data retention. Additionally, users have the right to receive clear explanations about how their data is being used, and any automated decision-making processes are disclosed, along with an option to request human intervention where applicable.
To ensure high availability, security, and redundancy, RescuePets Pty Ltd’s data is distributed across multiple geographically diverse data centers. The platform’s primary servers are located in Australia, the United States, and the European Union, with backup systems in place to prevent data loss in the event of an outage. Data replication mechanisms are implemented to ensure continuity of service, enabling seamless access to user accounts and transaction histories. Stringent security measures, including multi-layered firewalls, end-to-end encryption, and real-time threat monitoring, protect user data from unauthorized access. Additionally, the platform undergoes regular third-party security audits to maintain compliance with leading information security frameworks such as ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type II.
RescuePets Pty Ltd ensures compliance with international data protection regulations, including the GDPR, CCPA, and Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). The platform employs advanced encryption technologies, such as AES-256 encryption for data transmission and storage, to safeguard sensitive user information. International data transfers are conducted in accordance with legal mechanisms like Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by the European Commission, ensuring that data remains protected even when processed outside a user’s home country. The platform also provides users with explicit notifications whenever their data is subject to cross-border transfers, allowing them to exercise their rights under relevant privacy laws. Regular compliance audits and data protection impact assessments (DPIAs) are conducted to identify and mitigate potential privacy risks associated with platform operations.
RescuePets Pty Ltd may share user data with select third parties when necessary to facilitate platform operations, ensure compliance with legal obligations, and enhance user experience. These third parties include:
RescuePets Pty Ltd ensures that all third-party data-sharing arrangements are governed by strict contractual obligations, including non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and data security measures. No user data will be sold, leased, or otherwise transferred.
RescuePets Pty Ltd operates in a global market and adheres to multiple international privacy regulations to protect user data. These include:
RescuePets Pty Ltd routinely reviews regulatory changes and updates its policies accordingly to maintain international compliance.
To ensure full compliance with these regulations, RescuePets Pty Ltd implements:
As a global platform, RescuePets Pty Ltd recognizes that users in different jurisdictions may have unique privacy rights. To accommodate this:
RescuePets Pty Ltd values user privacy and ensures that any personal data used for marketing purposes is handled transparently and with user consent. By agreeing to this policy, users acknowledge that:
By uploading, posting, or otherwise submitting any images, videos, or digital assets ("Content") to RescuePets Pty Ltd, users agree to the following terms:
By using the platform and submitting Content, users explicitly agree to these terms.
Users have the right to access their personal data stored on RescuePets Pty Ltd’s platform. Additionally, our platform offers a real-time dashboard where users can review their stored information and track their interactions. An initial data export is provided free of charge once per year, while additional requests may incur a processing fee to cover administrative costs.
We maintain a clear audit trail that records access and modifications to user data. Users will also be informed about the legal basis for data retention and how long different types of data are stored. If any changes occur in our data storage policies, we will notify users promptly through our platform and registered communication channels.
All pet listings on RescuePets Pty Ltd must adhere to strict ethical and legal requirements. Sellers must provide accurate and honest descriptions of the pets they list, including details about breed, age, medical history, vaccinations, and genetic background. To ensure animal welfare, professional breeders are required to submit veterinary health certifications before listing their animals for sale. Listings must also include high-resolution photographs of the pet from multiple angles to provide potential buyers with a transparent view of the animal’s condition. Any misrepresentation in a listing may result in account suspension or legal action.
Sellers are expected to disclose any known medical conditions, behavioral traits, or special care requirements associated with the listed pet. Additionally, where required by law, all breeding animals must be microchipped and meet local breeding standards. To promote responsible pet ownership, sellers are encouraged to also provide buyers with documentation on proper pet care, feeding guidelines, and medical records. Failure to comply with these obligations may lead to penalties, including listing removal, suspension, or permanent ban from the platform.
All pet service providers, including groomers, trainers, and pet sitters, undergo a rigorous background check before being allowed to list their services on RescuePets Pty Ltd. This includes verification of professional certifications, licenses, and customer reviews. Service providers must maintain high ratings to continue offering their services on the platform. Periodic performance evaluations ensure that providers meet quality standards and uphold customer satisfaction.
Users can rate and review service providers based on their experience, helping to maintain accountability within the platform.
RescuePets Pty Ltd provides a platform for pet service providers, including veterinarians, groomers, trainers, pet sitters, shelters, and other related businesses, to list their services in the Pet Directory. By submitting a listing, service providers agree to the following terms:
RescuePets Pty Ltd operates on a transparent pricing model, with fees clearly outlined before transactions occur. Listing fees, transaction commissions, and optional premium service charges are displayed upfront. Commercial users can opt for subscription plans that offer discounted fees and additional features. Volume-based discounts apply for high-frequency sellers, ensuring competitive pricing for business users.
To prevent unexpected charges, users receive a full breakdown of fees before confirming any transaction. No hidden charges are applied, and real-time fee calculators are available within the platform. Historical pricing archives are maintained for reference, ensuring that all charges remain consistent over time.
RescuePets Pty Ltd supports multiple payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and select cryptocurrencies. All transactions are processed through secure international payment gateways that comply with PCI-DSS standards. Advanced fraud detection algorithms continuously monitor transactions to prevent unauthorized payments and fraudulent activities.
To enhance financial security, chargeback protection mechanisms are in place, ensuring users are protected from fraudulent transactions. RescuePets Pty Ltd also offers transaction insurance for high-value purchases, providing additional peace of mind. All financial operations comply with international anti-money laundering (AML) protocols and undergo regular security audits to safeguard user funds.
RescuePets Pty Ltd acts as an intermediary connecting pet buyers, sellers, and service providers. While we strive to ensure accurate listings and secure transactions, we do not assume liability for the accuracy of user-provided content or the outcome of interactions facilitated through our platform. Our liability is strictly limited to the extent permitted by law, covering only direct damages caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct on our part. Users acknowledge that all transactions and engagements through the platform are conducted at their own risk, and RescuePets Pty Ltd disclaims liability for disputes, pet health conditions, or misrepresented listings.
Users agree to indemnify and hold harmless RescuePets Pty Ltd from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from their use of the platform. This includes but is not limited to disputes over pet purchases, service quality, or contractual obligations between buyers and sellers. RescuePets Pty Ltd does not provide warranties on pets or services listed on the platform and disclaims responsibility for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.
Users acknowledge that RescuePets Pty Ltd does not breed, sell, or physically verify pets listed on the platform. While we implement strict vetting processes for breeders and service providers, ultimate responsibility for transaction due diligence lies with the users. RescuePets Pty Ltd provides tools for safe and informed decision-making but does not guarantee the condition, behavior, or genetic history of listed pets.
Our platform may contain links to third-party websites, products or services, such as veterinary clinics, pet insurance providers, or training facilities. These external entities operate independently, and RescuePets Pty Ltd holds no responsibility for their content, policies, or business practices. Users should review third-party terms before engaging in transactions.
In the event of a dispute between users, RescuePets Pty Ltd provides a structured mediation process. Disputes related to pet listings, service transactions, or payment issues must first be addressed through our internal resolution system. Users must submit detailed claims within seven days of the issue arising, along with relevant evidence, such as communications, photos, or veterinary reports.
If mediation does not resolve the dispute, parties may opt for binding arbitration as an alternative to litigation. Arbitration will be conducted in accordance with recognized arbitration authorities and will serve as the final resolution method unless otherwise specified by applicable consumer protection laws. Users waive the right to participate in class-action lawsuits related to the platform.
All legal matters related to RescuePets Pty Ltd shall be governed by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the company is registered. Any disputes that require court intervention will be handled in the designated courts of that jurisdiction unless otherwise required by consumer protection regulations in the user's region.
RescuePets Pty Ltd reserves the right to update or modify these terms at any time. Users will be notified of significant changes via email or platform notifications. Continued use of the platform after modifications implies acceptance of the revised terms. Users who disagree with updates may terminate their accounts following the data deletion provisions outlined in section 6.2.
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate user accounts for violations of our policies, fraudulent activity, or legal infractions. Termination may be immediate or preceded by warnings, depending on the severity of the violation. Users may also voluntarily terminate their accounts at any time by following the deletion request process outlined in section 6.2.1.
For any questions, concerns, or legal inquiries regarding these terms, users may contact RescuePets Pty Ltd through our designated support channels, available on our website. A dedicated compliance team is available to address user rights requests, dispute resolutions, and privacy concerns.
Privacy Officer
Email: privacy@rescuepets.com.au