Spare Leash Sitter Terms and Conditions

Spare Leash Ltd. (上海喜宠家政服务有限公司) (or ‘we’) provides an online platform that permits pet owners and sitters (‘you’ or “your”) to use our website, WeChat Mini Program, system, and mobile version to connect both pet owners and sitters.

The terms and conditions below (‘Terms and Conditions’) conclude a legal agreement between you and Spare Leash Ltd. Please read these terms closely to guarantee you understand each part before using our services. Unless you have read and accepted these Terms and Conditions, you are not entitled to use our services. If you do not accept our Terms and Conditions, or any or all part(s) of the amendment(s), please immediately stop using our services. Once you start to use our services, you confirm that you fully understand and agree to Terms and Conditions, including any amendments to it, which we may provide at any time.

Before using Spare Leash you agree that:

Site Visitor/Users Data

Spare Leash will collect your personal information such as your name, address, phone number, email address and other information about you and in order to improve our services. All personal information is for Spare Leash use and will not be made public.

All of the information you share with Spare Leash must be true and up to date. You shall not conceal any issues about your home, your pet or any other issues, which may make it improper for you to use our services. If any information is false, Spare Leash has the right to refuse to provide service to anyone. In any case, Spare Leash suffers loss because of the false information you provide, or because of your concealment of significant information/issues, you shall be responsible for all liabilities, damages or compensation Spare Leash may suffer.

You agree Spare Leash users are held responsible for checking and reviewing these terms as these conditions can change at any time.

All Spare Leash Sitters are required to upload a photocopy of their current passport in the sign up process. We will keep all passport photocopies in your sitter file and if a client asks to have a copy of your passport you will be notified first. No passport photos will be released without sitter permission.

You will not replicate, copy or pose as Spare Leash with this data and you must be sure to keep your account private and secure.

You shall abide by the following principles when using our services:

  • You shall comply with all laws, regulations or policies applicable to you;

  • You shall not use our service in any illegal or criminal purpose;

  • You shall not infringe any third party’s rights by using our services;

  • You can only use this service for non-commercial purpose. You shall not use or make use of our services in any commercial or profitable operations or activities unless you get a written permission from us.

  • You must be at least 18 years old and have full capacity for conducting civil activities in China to sign up with Spare Leash.

  • All profiles will be reviewed and only approved sitters can accept bookings.

Pet Rules and Regulations

You agree to follow all Chinese laws, regulations, and rules while your Spare Leash service is in place.

You agree and understand that no pets will be allowed to roam free or be allowed off leash under any circumstances while outside in unfenced areas or off your property.

Pet owners that own pets that are allowed to roam outside or come and go, as they please such as an outdoor cat will not be able to use the Spare Leash platform.

You agree that if you have any complications with the Spare Leash services you will notify Spare Leash immediately.

If a pet owner fails to collect their pet within 72 hours after the service period is completed you agree and understand that you must contact Spare Leash immediately.

Pet Tags and Registration

To use Spare Leash services, all dogs that are being serviced by a Spare Leash sitter must have an up to date identification tag in both English and Chinese.

If the pet owner you are doing a service for dogs not have an identification tag for their pet please inform them to order one today.

Along with the tag, pet owners are responsible for supplying the necessary, safe equipment/supplies needed to take care of the pet. The equipment and supplies should be snug and fit well so the pet cannot slip out. All pets must be on a leash while walking with a Spare leash sitter.

For more information please read Spare Safety 101 click here .

Make sure to ask your dog clients if the dog owner has registered the dog at their nearest police station. If not please direct them to the Spare Leash official WeChat account (ID: SpareLeash) to find out how to register the dog today.

Multiple Pet Policies

All pets in the household must belong to the same owner unless booked for group boarding. You as the sitter must be notified ahead of time.

Meet and Greets (Highly suggested)

Before any commitments are made you will have a chance to meet both the pet owner and the pet. After you agree on a time to meet with the pet owner, it is advised for the pet owner to complete payment for the booking so that their contact information, address and emergency contact becomes visible to you only. Both pet owner and pet sitter has right to cancel the booking. If the meet and greet doesn't work out Spare Leash team are able to give a full refund or switch the sitter so you're able to find the perfect sitter for your pet. To do this please contact Spare Support - we are here to help.

You understand that Spare Leash is only a platform to connect you as a pet sitter to a pet owner. Spare Leash cannot be held liable for anything after the meet and greet have taken place. In any case, you suffer damage or loss because of any third party’s intentional act or negligence; Spare Leash shall not take any responsibility.

Meet and greets are free and are highly recommended if you are doing group boarding and if the dogs have never met before, this is suggested for both the safety of the dogs and you as a sitter.

It is your responsibility to ask all appropriate questions, regarding feeding, veterinary information, walking times, litter box cleaning and day to day instructions that will help satisfy the animals’ sitting as much as possible.

For more information on meet and greets click here.

Visitors:

If anyone else will be staying in your home during a service, please make sure to inform the pet owner during the meet and greet.

If you are housesitting in a pet owners home please ask ahead of time about guests, such as a spouse, child, boyfriend, or friends, or anyone else into the home. Please make this clear in the meet and greet or if possible bring them to the meet and greet, in order to avoid situations where the pets may not get along with your guest.

Services Provided

Spare Leash, through its platform of pet sitters, provides services to pet owners included but not limited to pet boarding, house sitting, check-ins, cat sitting, daycare, dog walking, vet visits and other pet-related services.

If you agree to have a pet in your home, you must get landlord approval for living in a pet-friendly home. You also agree that Spare Leash services and prices are set in stone and not to be changed or up for negoation. Offering services that we do not provide or changing prices can result in termination.

Each sitter must also ensure:

  • Respond to pet owners requests within 48 hours. Any booking requests after this time limit will expire.
  • Be available for a face-to-face meet and greet before the service start date. If group boarding with other animals it’s highly recommended that a meet and greet take place before as a safety precaution. If a client refuses a meet and greet you as a sitter have a right to cancel the booking.
  • That the home where the meet and greet took place and agreed upon by both you and pet owner is where the pet sitting will take place.
  • If any other roommates or people in the home, they must agree to the pet being in the home. We would strongly advise they also come to the meet and greet.
  • Animals will always be cage-free in the home and free to roam as they please unless something else is discussed between you and pet owner.
  • Follow current rules and habits that the pet is used to and is provided by you to help keep a steady routine.
  • Size, temperature, cleanliness, and people in space must be fit for the pet. The number of animals in the home being hosted at one time must be reasonable and manageable for the sitter.
  • Be available to communicate efficiently with the pet owner on the platform, WeChat and or other mobile applications before and during the service.
  • The days leading up to the booking make sure you’re available for follow up meet and greets or calls to help the client be at ease while preparing for the service. Breed and size of animals hosted should depend on local regulations.
  • If sitter is staying in the home of a pet owner make sure to leave the home as you found it, cleaning up any mess you or pets have made and making sure to take all of your belongings with you.
  • Appropriate steps will be taken for the protection of the animals in case of fire or any other emergency.

Payment for Services Provided

Spare Leash holds the money on behalf of the sitter and will release payment within 14-20 working days after the sitter has completed the booking. After these payments have been paid, any additional payment disputes between client and sitter, Spare Leash has no responsibility to resolve. Additionally, Spare Leash has no accountability with payments made outside of Spare Leash platform.

Spare Leash is a technology platform that follows Chinese rules and regulations. Spare Leash will update pet sitters on payment delays but can not be held accountable for payment delays due to Chinese National Holidays, bank closings or government regulated technology updates.

Spare Leash does not employ pet sitters. You, as an individual are responsible to pay for any income tax yourself.

Each sitter hearby agrees on Spare Leash as the sole representative for the collection of payments made by pet owners for the sitters. Each sitter agrees that pet owners make payments directly on the Spare Leash platform.

Spare Leash charges a fee of 20%-30% on every booking to cover costs of payment processing, marketing, and administration fees. This is calculated based on the price of the service and is automatically deducted from the sitter’s payment once the service is completed.

Starting in January 2020, all sitters that verified from this date will receive 70% of all bookings.

When accepting a pet owner’s booking request, you as a sitter agree to use solely the Spare Leash platform as the only channel for payment transactions. Using the Spare Leash platform gives the sitter benefits insured by a trusted payment gateway. Failure of using Spare Leash in accepting a booking will lead to termination from the company.

As a service provider you will be asked to connect your WeChat account on Spare Leash and follow Spare Leash official account (WeChat ID: SpareLeash). Once you have connected your WeChat on the platform and follow Spare Leash official account, notifications regarding booking reminders and payments will be sent to you via your wechat account.

Spare Leash holds the money on behalf of the sitter and will release your payment within 14-20 working days after you have completed your booking. After these payments have been paid, any additional payment disputes between client and sitter, Spare Leash has no responsibility to resolve. Additionally, Spare Leash has no accountability with payments made outside of Spare Leash platform.

Spare Leash does not employ pet sitters. You, as an individual are responsible to pay for any income tax yourself.

Extra Payment Penalties

  • If you cancel a confirmed booking and fail to notify both the pet owner and Spare Leash a fee of 100RMB will be deducted from your next booking.

  • If you lose a client’s keys, a fee of 150 RMB will be deducted off of your booking.

  • If you fail to block your unavailable dates on your calendar after being told by a Spare Leash representative, you will be made inactive. If you are successfully booked by a pet owner and you are unavailable, you will receive a warning and a penalty of 100RMB will apply. Once you reach 3 warnings, Spare Leash has the right to make you inactive as a sitter until further notice.

  • Photo updates are not a suggestion but a mandatory part of our services. If a pet sitter forgets to send an update during a service 50RMB will be deducted from pet sitters payment for each day an update was not sent. After 2 warnings for not sending updates, sitter will be terminated immediately.

To ensure the booking and safety of the pet, if a pet owner extends a booking for Housesitting or Boarding services the sitter gets payment 14-20 working days after the final end date of the last extension.

Job Responsibilities:

Travel and arrive in a timely manner to all bookings, provide complete care for pets in their environment and give a peace of mind for pet parents who are away.

Agree to meet and greets to get familiar with the pet owner and pet, communicate effectively with pet owners via texts, written notes, and or phone calls. For example: If you have a cat check in for 1 hour from 9AM-10AM and show up at 9:15 AM- Please inform the client you arrived 15 minutes late so you will be staying until 10:15 AM today to complete a full hour.

Agree to send photo and video updates to pet owners while your service is taking place (amount of times per day depends on client) Agree to listen and follow pet owners’ rules according to the animals’ needs and wants, such as training, diet, and any tailored needs they may ask.

Have access to a computer, the Internet, and have a smartphone. Have a great attitude, be extremely detailed oriented, trustworthy, and responsible.

Follow animal rules according to city regulations, get familiarized with them, pick up waste and always have dogs on a leash, check harness/collar, leash and that the dog has an ID tag before starting the walk. Be a Spare Leash representative in abiding the Spare Leash rules and always offering to help if needed. If a pet owner is encountering any difficulty using the Spare Leash platform, please offer as much help as you can or contact our helpline in order to give further assistance.

Treat the animal as if it was your own.

Scheduling & Bookings

Once you are a verified sitter on the team, your profile will be public for pet owners to book you on the Spare Leash platform.

Pet owners will be able to search for sitters by location, pet experience and availability.

You must keep your calendar updated monthly. When you are unavailable for bookings please make sure to block off your dates in your sitter profile. Failure to do so will allow pet owners to book you and could result in termination from sitter team.

When receiving a booking you will have the right to accept or decline ( cancel) the booking and the pet owner can reach out to other sitters.

To confirm a booking, payment must be made. Once payment is made, the pet owner’s personal information in booking details will be released to you allowing you to move onto the meet and greet.

Please keep all conversation on the platform within the chats using the chat function. Giving away personal information such as wechat id’s, or phone numbers could result in termination.

Please arrive on time for all scheduled services and meet and greets. If running late you are responsible for informing the client directly.

Animal Supplies

All pet owners agree to supply the sitter with all the accessories needed to make the pet as comfortable as possible. This includes food, treats, toys, bedding, blankets, bowls, leashes, collars, litter, and medication if needed.

Pet owners agree to supply the sitter with enough pet food to cover the total amount of time the pet is with the sitter.

If a purchase does need to be made, check with the pet owner directly before making the purchase. Pet owners agree to be responsible for the payment and will reimburse you upon their return for all purchases made.

To make sure the pet owner has accounted for everything while they are away reference our check lists below.

Download your Spare Checklist here:

Housesitting

Dog Boarding

Check In

Sitter Services

All animal lovers can apply to be a Spare Leash sitter but the ones verified with Spare Leash must all go through a face-to-face interview. All verifed sitters on our platform have all owned, fostered or watched a pet and must have pet experience.

We collect all sitter passport copies and other relevant qualifications before a sitter becomes an active sitter on the Spare Leash platform.

Once sitter accepts the booking they agree to the Spare Leash service price and term conditions.

During the service sitters are required to send daily photo and video updates and messages to the pet owners daily.

If a sitter chooses not to use, or abuses the Spare Leash platform they will be removed and blocked from the platform immediately. All clients are informed when signing up the proper sitter procedure and to notify Spare Leash if they see that a sitter is not following these terms.

Spare Leash works as a trust-based platform. If a sitter or host accepts private bookings (bookings not made through Spare Leash) you prevent dog abandonment risk (no one pays in advance to abandon a dog), it allows us to track dog owners' identity in case of an emergency and of course guarantees that payments are made once the service has taken place.

Reviews

After your service is completed pet owners are encouraged to write a review on the sitters profile. This review will be public and cannot be deleted after published unless the review includes inappropriate information.

The main point of this review is to give future pet owners some honest feedback before booking you. The more positive reviews the more likely you are to get booked by pet owners.

The Sitter is open to expected and unexpected performance reviews throughout the year. This is to keep high service standards and consistent service.

If you would like to report a review please send e-mail to us at info@spareleash.com.cn and we will be sure to review this report further and get back to you.

Cancellation Policies

Spare Leash pet sitters offer three types of bookings. Each sitter will vary depending on availability. You choose what type of sitter you would like to book with on the sitter profile page. Booking options:

  • 1. I’m flexible, no worries (flexible cancellation policy): full refund up to 24 hours before the beginning of the reservation.

  • 2. I’m okay with a change in plans…(Moderate cancellation policy): full refund up to 3 days before the beginning of the reservation, then 50% refund afterward.

  • 3. I’m a planner, let’s confirm your stay today (strict cancellation policy): no refunds.

If you need to cancel a confirmed booking please notify pet owner directly and cancel on your booking page. If it is within 48 hours before the booking starts you also need to notify Spare Support here.

If a booking is cancelled due to the pet owner, sitter compensation will be sent within 14-20 working days depending on the cancallation policy.

If a sitter has to cancel and a new sitter needs to take over, the new person must be verified by Spare Leash and a handover must take place. If the booking dates over lap, for example; old sitter needs to leave on the 27th and new sitter starts on the 27th, the new sitter gains the right to this compensation.

The Pet owner or we, Spare Leash has the right to switch a sitter mid service, if we feel that a sitter is not following through on a service completely. For example, but not limited to, if a pet sitter is not:

  • Sending video and photo updates daily

  • Replying to request in a timely manner

  • Has guest in the home without asking

We reserve the right to terminate your booking and replace you as a sitter.

Refunds

Reservations are made to plan sitter availability. Therefore, pet owner returning home early will be required to pay for the reserved amount of time scheduled including travel time.

Refunds will be made according to pet sitters cancellation policy.

Sitters agree that in order for a pet owner to be eligible for a refund, you must have had an official meet and greet with the owner before the service took place.

If your pet owner would like to be refunded please have them contact Spare Support here.

Social Media Policy

In every booking, photographs or video footage will be taken of animal(s) that are using any of the services provided by Spare Leash. You give permission for any resulting photographs or video to be used for advertising or educational material, understanding that the resulting photographs or videos are the sole property of Spare Leash.

Pet Health

All animals in the home must be fully vaccinated and up to date on all shots and have received proper care from a licensed veterinarian. All pet information that you have released on the Spare Leash platform and to the clients must be true and up to date.

The animal is not aggressive that you know of. If your pet has attacked, bitten or has aggressive issues you have made note of this on your profile. In any case that your pet harms another pet or person, you shall take the full responsibility. You shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Spare Leash from any liabilities, damages or compensation.

For group services options involving multiple pets please make sure all pets in the home or that are included in the service have had proper treatment to avoid ticks and fleas and had all the vaccinations.

Emergencies: Veterinary and Animal Health Care

Both pet owner and sitter must provide an emergency contact that will be available or close by while you are traveling or doing a service. Best this person is familiar with the pet and you.

Pet owner agree to pay all costs for applicable pet insurance or veterinary services required for the pet(s) during the time period that the pet(s) is enrolled with Spare Leash. If the pet(s) becomes ill, you shall be notify the owner as soon as possible. The pet owner has the choice to select pet insurance through the insurance company, for example, Ping’an. You should make sure to keep the insurance number on hand while pet sitting.

Pet owner should cover all medical expenses resulting from an injury to a Spare Leash member or other person or animal caused by your animal(s) and all household damages caused by the dog.

In the event of an emergency, the pet sitter shall contact the owner at the numbers provided to confirm the owner's choice of action. If the owner cannot be reached, the sitter is authorized to either: (1) transport the dog(s) to the listed veterinarian, (2) request on-site treatment from a veterinarian, or (3) transport the dog(s) to an emergency clinic if the previous two options are not feasible. Owner agrees to reimburse the pet sitter for all expenses incurred. We will suggest that the pet owner leave a credit card on file with the veterinarian with a specific charge limit.

In case of an emergency please see below the measures that need to be taken in an emergency situation:

MEDICAL EMERGENCY

  • immediately take the pet to the vet (if owners vet is too far, take the pet to the nearest vet);

  • Contact the owner and send regular updates tell vet all necessary information regarding the condition.

  • Medical emergencies could be: eating poison, allergic reaction, attack from another animal, car accident, if you notice any unusual behavior, etc.

  • In case of the very critical condition also contact Spare Leash. Get owners approval if any major decision has to be made. in case of near death during vet visit: call the owner, let vet explain next steps to the owner, contact Spare Leash.

For more information about Spare Leash insurance policy and coverage please click here .

Spare Safety

Emergency plan: LOST DOG

All of the Spare Leash sitters have animal experience but even with extensive experience accidents do happen and can happen to anyone. If an emergency were to happen in our sitter's care we have created a plan on how best to get the dog safely back home.

  • If a dog happens to get loose or escape from the leash and collar, STAY CALM. Drop/lay to the floor and calmly call the dog back to you. Do NOT chase the dog.

  • Take note of the time, your location, what the dog is wearing and call or message Spare Sitter support immediately and contact the owner.

  • Spare Leash will make a lost dog flyer with all information and contact other sitters to come help and search for the dog.

  • Print the flyer and put inside compound of where dog lives.

  • Regularly check back at dogs home and your home in case the dog found its way back.

  • Go to the closest police station to check CCTV footage.

  • Ask people that are frequent in this area, if they have seen the dog (security guards, street cleaners, shop owners, police officers).

  • Carry collar, leash and treats with you incase you spot the dog.

  • Send regular updates to the owner and Spare Leash so we can make sure all of our resources are being used wisely and appropriately.

Emergency plan: LOST CAT

  • If a cat happens to get loose or escape from the home, STAY CALM. Drop/lay to the floor and calmly call the cat back to you. Do NOT chase the cat.

  • Take note of the time, your location, what the cat is wearing and call or message Spare Sitter support immediately and contact the owner.

  • Spare Leash will make a lost cat flyer with all information and contact other sitters to come help and search for the cat.

  • Print the flyer and put inside compound of where cat lives.

  • Put the cats litterbox and food outside your home.

  • Regularly check back at cats home and your home in case the cat found its way back.

  • Go to the closest police station to check CCTV footage.

  • Ask people that are frequent in this area, if they have seen the cat (security guards, street cleaners, shop owners, police officers).

  • Carry treats with you incase you spot the cat.

  • Send regular updates to the owner and Spare Leash so we can make sure all of our resources are being used wisely and appropriately.

Read more here

Termination:

Spare Leash has the right to refuse service to anyone without reason but below will not be tolerated and will lead to termination as a sitter:

  • If sitter doesn’t show up to a scheduled meet and greet immediate termination;

  • If sitter doesn’t follow through on service, immediate termination;

  • If a sitter breaks the law, steals, or causes harm to a pet or home;

  • If sitter is seen walking dog off leash;

  • If a sitter accepts money from pet owner directly, off platform;

  • If a sitter does not follow the pet rules and regulations;

  • If a sitter has friends, family or anyone in the home during a service without pet / home owners, permission;

  • If a sitter is non-responsive to a pet owner or Spare Leash in the duration of a sitting;

  • If a sitter knows that the pet is sick and does not take medical action or contact the pet owner as soon as possible;

  • If sitter gets negative feedback, depending on the feedback sitter will get a warning or immediate termination from the platform.

Liabilities

You will not try to harm a pet owner, or animal while using the Spare Leash services. In any case, a pet owner, a third party or any property is harmed or damaged because of your intentional act or negligence; you shall take the full responsibility. You shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Spare Leash from any liabilities, damages or compensation.

You understand that these Terms and Conditions are valid from the date you sign up, log in or use the Spare Leash platform at www.spareleash.com.cn. You agree to follow any amendment to this Terms and Conditions, or future Spare Leash pet sitters term changes relayed verbally to you, mailed or emailed in writing to you, or posted on our website under the heading Terms and Conditions.

You state that you have read this Terms and Conditions in its entirety and fully understand and accept its terms and conditions. We recommend you keep a copy of this Terms and Conditions for your records.

If you have any questions about these terms and conditions at any time, please feel free to contact us at info@spareleash.com.cn.