Terms of Service

1. About Bark Parks

Bark Parks (operated by Andrew Dare, Cape Town, South Africa) is an online marketplace that connects dog owners ("Guests") with property owners ("Hosts") who have privately fenced outdoor spaces available for short-term rental. Bark Parks is a platform provider. It does not own, operate, manage, or control any of the listed spaces.

By creating an account or using the platform, you agree to these Terms of Service in full. If you do not agree, you may not use the platform.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account, make a booking, or list a space on Bark Parks. By using the platform you confirm that you meet this requirement.

3. Bookings and payments

When a Guest completes a booking and payment, a direct rental agreement is formed between the Guest and the Host. Bark Parks is not a party to that agreement and is not responsible for the Host's performance of it.

All payments are processed securely via Paystack. A non-refundable booking fee of R25 applies to every booking to cover platform and payment processing costs.

Hosts receive their payout, minus the platform commission, within the monthly payment cycle following a completed booking.

4. Cancellations and refunds

Guests may cancel a confirmed booking up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund (excluding the R25 booking fee). Cancellations within 24 hours of the booking start time are non-refundable.

If a Host cancels a confirmed booking, the Guest will receive a full refund including the booking fee. Repeated Host cancellations may result in suspension of the Host's account.

Bark Parks reserves the right to issue refunds at its discretion in exceptional circumstances, including verified safety incidents or significant misrepresentation of a listing.

5. Guest responsibilities

• Guests are fully responsible for their dogs during a booking session, including any damage, injury, or nuisance caused.
• Guests must ensure all dogs brought to a session are vaccinated, healthy, and under control.
• Guests must arrive and leave within their booked time window.
• Guests may not access any part of the Host's property outside the designated space.
• Guests must leave the space in the same condition they found it.
• Guests may not bring undisclosed additional dogs or people to a session without the Host's prior consent.

6. Host responsibilities

• Hosts must accurately represent their space in their listing, including size, fencing, amenities, and any hazards.
• Hosts must ensure the space is safe, clean, and accessible for the booked session.
• Hosts must not enter the booked space during an active session without the Guest's consent, except in an emergency.
• Hosts are responsible for ensuring their listing complies with all applicable laws, including any sectional title or homeowners association rules.

7. Liability waiver

By completing a booking as a Guest, you acknowledge and agree that:

• You enter the booked space voluntarily and at your own risk.
• Bark Parks is not liable for any injury, loss, damage, or theft that occurs during a booking session.
• The Host is not an agent or employee of Bark Parks.
• Bark Parks is a marketplace platform and does not provide insurance cover for bookings. You are advised to ensure your own personal liability and property insurance is appropriate for hosting or visiting private spaces.
• You are solely responsible for the actions and safety of your dogs at all times.

8. Prohibited conduct

The following are strictly prohibited on Bark Parks:

• Misrepresenting your identity or providing false information during verification.
• Conducting transactions outside the platform to circumvent fees.
• Bringing undisclosed dogs or guests to a booked session.
• Using a booked space for any purpose other than dog exercise and play.
• Harassing, threatening, or intimidating other users.
• Listing spaces you do not have the right to rent out.

Violations may result in immediate account suspension and, where applicable, legal action.

9. Reviews

Both Guests and Hosts may leave reviews after a completed booking. Reviews must be honest, accurate, and relate to the actual booking experience. Bark Parks reserves the right to remove reviews that are abusive, fraudulent, or in violation of these terms.

10. Intellectual property

All content on the Bark Parks platform, including the design, copy, and code, is the property of Bark Parks. Listings, photos, and reviews remain the property of the users who created them, but by uploading them you grant Bark Parks a licence to display them on the platform.

11. Changes to these terms

Bark Parks may update these Terms of Service at any time. Continued use of the platform after an update constitutes acceptance of the new terms. Material changes will be communicated by email.

12. Governing law

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the South African courts.

13. Contact

For questions about these terms, contact us at legal@barkparks.co.za.