Terms of Service

Effective Date: January 1, 2025

Last Updated: January 1, 2025

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Hope for Paws Animal Rescue. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our website, services, and any related services provided by Hope for Paws Animal Rescue ("we," "our," or "us"). By accessing our website or using our services, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not use our services.

2. About Our Organization

Hope for Paws Animal Rescue is a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding loving homes for abused domesticated animals. We are based in Orlando, FL, and operate throughout the United States. Our services include animal rescue, recovery, veterinary care, fostering, and adoption programs.

3. Use of Our Website

Permitted Uses

You may use our website to:

• Learn about our mission and services
• View adoptable animals
• Submit adoption applications
• Make donations
• Contact us with questions or concerns
• Sign up for newsletters and updates
• Apply for volunteer opportunities

Prohibited Uses

You may not use our website to:

• Engage in any unlawful or fraudulent activity
• Impersonate others or provide false information
• Interfere with or disrupt the website's functionality
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Use our content for commercial purposes without permission
• Harass, intimidate, or threaten others
• Post or transmit harmful, offensive, or inappropriate content

4. Adoption Services

Adoption Process

Our adoption process is designed to ensure the best match between animals and families. By submitting an adoption application, you agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete information
• Allow home visits and reference checks
• Comply with our adoption policies and procedures
• Pay all applicable adoption fees
• Provide proper care and medical attention to the adopted animal

Adoption Fees and Returns

Adoption fees help cover the cost of veterinary care, spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and other expenses. These fees are generally non-refundable. However, if serious health issues arise within the first 14 days that were not disclosed during adoption, we will work with you to find a suitable solution.

Post-Adoption Support

We reserve the right to follow up on adopted animals to ensure their welfare. If an adopted animal cannot be kept for any reason, it must be returned to Hope for Paws Animal Rescue rather than surrendered elsewhere.

5. Donation Terms

Tax Deductibility

Hope for Paws Animal Rescue is a registered nonprofit organization. Donations may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. We will provide donation receipts for tax purposes.

Use of Donations

Donations are used to support our mission of animal rescue, rehabilitation, and care. This includes:

• Veterinary care and medical treatments
• Food, shelter, and supplies for animals
• Rescue operations and transportation
• Facility maintenance and operations
• Staff salaries and training
• Education and outreach programs

Refund Policy

Donations are generally non-refundable. However, if you believe an error was made in processing your donation, please contact us within 30 days, and we will investigate the matter.

6. Volunteer Services

Volunteers are essential to our mission. By volunteering with us, you agree to:

• Follow all volunteer policies and procedures
• Treat all animals with care and compassion
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• Report any incidents or concerns immediately
• Participate in required training programs
• Act as a positive representative of our organization

7. Intellectual Property

All content on our website, including text, images, logos, and videos, is owned by Hope for Paws Animal Rescue or used with permission. This content is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our written permission.

8. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Please review our Privacy Policy to understand how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. By using our services, you consent to our privacy practices as described in our Privacy Policy.

9. Disclaimers and Limitations

Animal Health and Behavior

While we make every effort to assess the health and behavior of our animals, we cannot guarantee that adopted animals will not develop health or behavioral issues. Adopters assume responsibility for ongoing veterinary care and training.

Website Availability

We strive to maintain our website's availability but cannot guarantee uninterrupted access. We may temporarily suspend or restrict access for maintenance, updates, or other operational reasons.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or terms of these external sites.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Hope for Paws Animal Rescue, its directors, officers, employees, and volunteers from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of our services or violation of these Terms.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Hope for Paws Animal Rescue shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of our services. Our total liability shall not exceed the amount of donations or fees you have paid to us in the twelve months preceding the claim.

12. Emergency Situations

If you encounter an animal in immediate danger or distress, please contact local emergency services first (911), then notify us at (843) 555-1234. We will respond to emergency calls as quickly as possible, but response times may vary based on location and circumstances.

13. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be resolved in the courts of Orange County, Florida.

14. Modification of Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be posted on our website with an updated "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after any changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

15. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

16. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

17. Acknowledgment

By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the complete agreement between you and Hope for Paws Animal Rescue.

These Terms of Service were last updated on January 1, 2025.