Dangers of Online Pet Sitting Apps
Mar 25, 2024 ComfortAtHomePetServices Hiring a Pet Sitter
In today's society, technology is everywhere we look - from Fitbits to smart phones to Facebook and Instagram to virtual reality and e-commerce, technology as taken hold of many areas of our daily lives. It's easy to see how technology has improved how we do things in life, but such easy access to millions of people can come with its own set of downfalls. One such downfall is that anyone can offer services online and without certification or documentation to know if those offering the services are educated enough to do so. Such an occurrence is currently happening in pet services in the form of dog walking apps. Anyone can sign up to walk your beloved family member, from neighbors down the street, kids off from school or people looking to make a little extra cash. It's important for pet owners to take a closer look to ensure they are hiring not just a “pet lover” but a pet lover who is also a true and certified pet-care professional.
Online apps with big flashy ads, promising ease of use for the busy pet parent can give a false sense of security. Most of the online apps do not do background checks on their pet sitters, they do not provide training, nor do they offer the proper insurance or bonding to protect your home or your pet. Always be sure to read the fine print! Below you will find a verbatim excerpt from a popular online dog walking app's Terms and Conditions.
“16.1 YOUR USE OF THE SERVICES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, YOUR INTERACTIONS AND DEALINGS WITH ANY SERVICE USERS, IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK. YOU ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT “COMPANY” DOES NOT CHECK ANY HOST, SITTER, PET OWNER, OR OTHER USER'S BACKGROUND OR RECORD...
16.2 WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT (A) OUR SERVICES WILL MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS; (B) OUR SERVICES WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, TIMELY, SECURE, OR ERROR-FREE; (C) ANY INFORMATION THAT YOU MAY OBTAIN THROUGH OUR SERVICES WILL BE ACCURATE OR RELIABLE; (D) THE QUALITY OF ANY PRODUCTS, SERVICES, INFORMATION OR OTHER MATERIAL PURCHASED OR OBTAINED BY YOU THROUGH OUR SERVICES WILL MEET YOUR EXPECTATIONS; OR (E) ANY ERRORS IN ANY DATA OR SOFTWARE WILL BE CORRECTED.
17.1 WE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, GENERAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES) EVEN IF WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, ARISING FROM OR RELATING TO: (A) THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE OUR SERVICES; (B) HARM OR DAMAGE TO YOUR PROPERTY AS A RESULT OF USING OUR SERVICES; (C) DISCLOSURE OF, UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO OR ALTERATION OF YOUR CONTENT; (D) ANY HARM TO YOU CAUSED IN WHOLE OR PART BY A THIRD PARTY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANOTHER USER OF THE SERVICES; (E) STATEMENTS, CONDUCT OR OMISSIONS OF ANY HOST, SITTER, PET OWNER, USER, OR OTHER THIRD PARTIES ON OUR SERVICES; OR (F) YOUR OR ANYONE ELSE'S CONDUCT OR ACTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF THE SERVICES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION FROM INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER USERS OF OUR SERVICES OR PERSONS INTRODUCED TO YOU BY OUR SERVICES, WHETHER ON-LINE OR OFF-LINE. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.“
Unfortunately, a quick Google search will leave you with heartbreaking articles of lost pets, robbed houses, stolen pets and even pets left to die in hot cars! Your neighborhood pet lover or teenager is not trained in the proper and safe ways to care for your pet, like this example of a pet suffocating while wearing a muzzle!
In addition to the threat these apps pose on our furry family members, they pose a security threat to you and your family as well! Recently, a dog walking app was responsible for exposing home address and lock box codes! Letting someone unknown into your home is a huge risk, as this person who came home to find a shirtless man covered in lube in her house found out!
You and your pet deserve the very best. Make sure you research and find a pet-care professional who is trained, licensed, insured and bonded to care for your pet. The sheer number of links that follow this article should rightfully strike fear in any pet parent!
