Policy PrimerBy Adam SavageStudent No. 16437759Curtin University (October, 2016)

What is Pawshake?Pawshake is a web service and app that allows users to “find verified pet sitters in your community to take care of your animal when you can't” (Pawshake - FAQ for Pet Owners, 2016).

You can use it to “find a host family that will board your pet, or a pet sitter who will come take care of your pet at your house” (Pawshake - FAQ for Pet

Owners, 2016).

Can I trust Pawshake’s Pet Sitters?Pawshake would like us to think so! However, in reality “Pawshake is a platform built on trust” (Pawshake -

FAQ for Pet Owners, 2016).

There is no way of truly knowing a particular sitter or owners real identity or intent for using the service.

Then how do they “verify” them?In the “interest of everyone’s wellbeing”, Pawshakeverifies the contact details of users in “various ways” (address check, email verification & SMS) before allowing them to be publically viewable on its website or an app.

If a user’s profile is deemed inappropriate or that they do not think it meets their “high bar” standards (details of which are not explained) they will delete them without notice. (Pawshake - FAQ for Pet Owners, 2016).

Well that sounds alright.

Well, yes...but...

All of that information is from the easily readable

and accessible FAQ.

However, if you read Pawshake’s

Terms & Conditions…“Pawshake does not screen or verify any content submitted by a User...Pawshake has no control over the accuracy, reliability, completeness or timeliness of Profiles, Reviews, background check information...and has no control over the quality, timing, legality, failure to provide, or any other aspect whatsoever of the services provided by Hosts” (Pawshake - Terms & Conditions, 2016).

Further to this…“Users must resolve any issues, disputes or concerns directly with each other. You agree to release Pawshake from any claims or liability that may arise from any disputes between you and other Users” (Pawshake - Terms & Conditions, 2016).

Surely there must besome safety net or

insurance?There is a capped $3,000 limit to veterinary expenses paid on “an injury” to a pet during the service. “Once the full amount of money has been spent, the treatment of illness or injury won’t ever be covered again.” (Pawshake - Insurance Details, 2016).

So if the pet succumbs to an illness, extended or lifelong injury, once the vet bills exceed the capped limit, it is up to the owner to pay all costs. This is on top of a $250 excess payable by the pet sitter, even if it wasn’t their fault.

So it covers only vet bills?Yes, although there is a $250 cover for any 3rd party damage. Nothing else.

You ARE NOT COVERED if your pet is (or is a cross-breed of) a Pit Bull Terrier, Basset Griffon Vendeen, Tibetan Mastiff, Mastiff, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bouvier des Flandres, Leonberger, Toy Fox Terrier, South African Boerboel, or American Bulldog, even if they have been trained well. (Pawshake

- Insurance Details, 2016).

What about privacy?As explained, Pawshake do not acknowledge any obligation to screen or monitor any user profile or images, but will delete them if deemed inappropriate. They DO however make you agree that by using the service “Pawshake may, at its sole discretion, publish these photos on the Site and across social media including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and similar sites” (Pawshake - Terms & Conditions, 2016).

Well, I just won’t post any pictures...

Nope, “Hosts are required to provide periodic photo updates to the Members and Pawshake via text message or email. Failure to do say may result in suspension from the Site.”

(Pawshake - Terms & Conditions, 2016).

Even by using the messaging feature of Pawshake means that you acknowledge that your conversations “are not private”, and that you agree that Pawshake may “review, save, edit, decline to transmit, and otherwise use the messages or their contents or disclose their contents to third parties, in our sole discretion” (Pawshake - Privacy & Cookie Policy, 2016).

Blimey, none of that wasclear when I signed up!

Nor was the 19% commission Pawshake TAKE from a successful sitter’s pay for every completed booking!

(Pawshake - Payment Policy, 2016).

But it’s not all bad.

Pawshake works as promised.

There are just some hidden costs and tricky terms &

conditions to get your head around.

Just be sure to always read the T&Cs and other policies thoroughly before using an

online service.

End.

References:Pawshake. (2016). FAQ for Pet Owners. Retrieved from: https://www.pawshake.com.au/FAQPetOwner

Pawshake. (2016). Terms & Conditions. Retrieved from: https://www.pawshake.com.au/pawshake-terms-conditions

Pawshake. (2016). Privacy & Cookie Policy. Retrieved from: https://www.pawshake.com.au/privacy-cookie-policy

Pawshake. (2016). Pawshake’s Premium Protection Coverage Details. Retrieved from: https://www.pawshake.com.au/insurancedetails

Pawshake. (2016). Payment Policy. Retrieved from:https://www.pawshake.com.au/payment-policy

Pawshake. (2016). Pawshake Logo. Retrieved from https://www.pawshake.com.au/