The terms you agree to when you use Pick Me Pets.

PLEASE REVIEW THESE TERMS OF SERVICE CAREFULLY. THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS, REMEDIES, AND OBLIGATIONS. BY ACCESSING OR USING THE SITE, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: SECTION 19 OF THESE TERMS INCLUDES AN ARBITRATION AGREEMENT, CLASS ACTION WAIVER, AND MASS ACTION WAIVER. THIS SECTION AFFECTS HOW DISPUTES BETWEEN YOU AND PICK ME PETS ARE RESOLVED. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY.

We are Pick Me Pets ("Pick Me Pets," "we," "us," or "our"). "Site" and "Services" refer collectively to pickmepets.com, its subdomains and apps, and the marketplace, search, communication, electronic signature, and payment tools we provide.

These Terms & Conditions of Service (these "Terms") form a binding legal agreement between you ("you," "your") and Pick Me Pets. By accessing or using the Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated by reference. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS, YOU MAY NOT USE THE SERVICES.

We may modify these Terms at any time. When we do, we will revise the "Last Updated" date and, where legally required or appropriate, notify you via the email associated with your account. Continued use after changes are posted constitutes acceptance.

Pick Me Pets is an online marketplace where independent breeders list puppies for sale and prospective buyers can search listings, communicate with breeders, place deposits, and complete purchases.

We are a technology platform only. We do not breed, own, sell, resell, broker, deliver, or take possession of any animal; animals are never in our possession or custody, and we never take title to any animal. Listings are created by breeders, and all sales are made directly between you and the breeder under terms you and the breeder agree to. We are not involved in, and do not facilitate, the transfer of title, custody, or possession of any animal — the breeder has sole discretion over how, when, and under what conditions an animal is placed with you. We are not a party to any purchase agreement, and we do not act as agent, broker, or insurer for any transaction. Any reference to a breeder being "verified" or "screened" means only that certain identity or documentation checks were completed based largely on self-reported information; it is not an endorsement, guarantee, or certification of the breeder, the animal, or any statement in a listing, and we do not verify breeders' day-to-day operations or ongoing compliance.

We do not — and cannot — verify or guarantee any animal's health, genetics, temperament, vaccination record, registration status, or the accuracy of any statement made by a breeder. Any health guarantees or warranties are provided solely by the breeder, not Pick Me Pets. You are responsible for your own due diligence.

You must be at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering a binding contract to create an account or purchase through the Services. If you purchase on behalf of another person, you are responsible for ensuring they meet any breeder requirements and are aware of and agree to these Terms. A minor may receive a pet only if an adult completes the purchase and remains fully responsible. You may not purchase animals for commercial resale, brokerage, or any other commercial purpose.

You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete account information; to maintain only one account; to keep your credentials confidential; and to notify us immediately of any unauthorized access. You are responsible for all activity under your account. We may suspend or terminate any account at our sole discretion, with or without notice, and if your account is terminated you may not register a new one.

When you complete a qualifying connection or deposit through the platform, we charge a flat Buyer Protection Fee (e.g., $29) as described at checkout. This fee covers platform services provided to you, which may include identity-verified breeder connections, secure in-platform communication and payment processing, deposit handling, transaction records, and access to our support and dispute-assistance process. The Buyer Protection Fee is a platform service fee; it is not insurance, a warranty, or a guarantee of any animal's health or of any breeder's performance, and it does not guarantee reimbursement for all issues. Its specific coverage, eligibility conditions, exclusions, and claim procedures are described in the Buyer Protection Policy posted on the Site, which is incorporated into these Terms. Buyer Protection Fees are non-refundable, apply only to payments made through the platform's Payment Services, and cannot be applied retroactively. Payments made outside the platform are never eligible for any protection.

Refunds are limited to the deposit only, and only for non-delivery. Any refund or reimbursement available to you through Pick Me Pets under these Terms or the Buyer Protection Policy is limited to, and shall in no event exceed, the amount of the deposit you actually paid through the platform's Payment Services for the specific transaction, and is available only for non-delivery — meaning the breeder does not place the puppy with you because the breeder (i) fails to provide the puppy and has stopped responding for at least 14 calendar days, or (ii) cancels the placement or otherwise decides not to place the puppy with you. Reasonable delays (such as transportation, weather, or health clearances) that the breeder is actively communicating about are not non-delivery.

What is NOT covered — please read carefully. Deposit protection covers non-delivery only. It does NOT cover, and Pick Me Pets will not refund or reimburse anything for:

• health conditions, illnesses, injuries, congenital or inherited disorders, or veterinary costs of any kind, whether discovered before or after placement;
• the puppy's genetics, DNA results, breed, conformation, size, color, coat, temperament, or behavior, or any difference between the puppy and its listing description;
• any representation, promise, health guarantee, or warranty made by the breeder, or any dispute over whether the breeder honored their own policies or your contract with them;
• buyer changes of mind, cancellations by you, or your failure to complete the purchase;
• the Buyer Protection Fee itself, payment-processing fees, final or purchase payments, or any payment made outside the Payment Services; and
• any other costs or expenses of any kind, including travel, boarding, transport, or other out-of-pocket expenses.

Issues in the categories above are matters between you and the breeder, to be resolved under your agreement with the breeder and applicable law; Pick Me Pets is not a party to that agreement. Deposit refunds for non-delivery are subject to the eligibility conditions and claim procedures in the Buyer Protection Policy and may be denied where you caused the issue, breached your agreement with the breeder, violated these Terms, or filed a chargeback. Nothing in this section limits refunds a breeder owes you under their own policy, your contract, or applicable law.

Breeder-issued refunds; platform fees. Breeders may offer refunds of deposits or purchase payments under their own contracts, stated policies, or as required by law, and may process such refunds through the Payment Services. Any such refund is issued by and from the breeder, not Pick Me Pets. A breeder's refund to you — whether full or partial, and for any reason — does not entitle you to a refund of any Pick Me Pets fees, including the Buyer Protection Fee and any payment-processing fees. Pick Me Pets may, in its sole discretion and on a case-by-case basis, refund some or all of its platform fees in connection with a refunded transaction, but has no obligation to do so, and no course of dealing or prior refund creates any such obligation.

All applicable fees — including the listing price, Buyer Protection Fee, any deposit, any payment-processing fees, and any applicable sales tax we collect as marketplace facilitator — will be presented to you before you complete a purchase, and you agree to pay them through the platform's Payment Services. Payments are processed by our third-party payment processor, Stripe, and paid to the breeder in accordance with the transaction terms; we do not store your full card details, and payment card data is handled by our PCI DSS-compliant processor. By paying through the Services you agree to Stripe's Services Agreement and Privacy Policy, authorize us and the breeder to share your information with the processor as needed to complete the transaction, authorize us to store your payment credentials to complete transactions, and authorize us to debit or credit your payment method to correct processing errors. You agree to keep your billing information current. We are not liable for the acts or omissions of third-party payment providers.

A payment you make through the platform that is received by us on the breeder's behalf satisfies your payment obligation to the breeder. Deposit refundability is determined by the terms presented at the time of your deposit and the breeder's stated policy, as displayed on the platform — review them before paying. Where required by applicable law, refunds must be provided regardless of a breeder's stated policy. Except as expressly stated in the Buyer Protection Policy or required by law, Pick Me Pets does not itself refund amounts paid to breeders. In limited circumstances (such as fraud prevention or protection of users), we may cancel a confirmed transaction in our discretion and make appropriate refund and payout decisions.

If you have a problem with a payment, contact us first so we can help resolve it. If you initiate a fraudulent or bad-faith chargeback for fees or payments properly made through the platform, we may terminate your account and dispute the chargeback on our own behalf or the breeder's. If a payment you initiate is reversed, returned, or otherwise not completed at no fault of ours, you remain responsible to the breeder and for any resulting penalties or fees.

Where required by law, Pick Me Pets acts as a marketplace facilitator and will calculate, collect, and remit applicable sales tax on the breeder's behalf, shown to you before checkout. You are responsible for any use taxes or other taxes related to your purchase that we do not collect.

To protect both buyers and breeders, all communication takes place through the platform's messaging, masked call/text relay, video call, and email relay tools until a qualifying event occurs (such as a completed deposit), as described on the Site. Breeder direct contact information is revealed after that qualifying event.

Use the platform messenger. Do not accept invitations to move to outside channels (personal email, WhatsApp, wire transfer, gift cards, payment apps) before a qualifying event — this is the most common pattern in pet-sale scams, and payments made outside the platform are not eligible for any buyer protection.

Messages sent through the platform are stored by Pick Me Pets and displayed as conversation history to conversation participants. You acknowledge and agree that communications sent through the platform (messages, relayed calls/texts, and relayed emails) may be monitored, filtered, retained, and reviewed — including by automated systems and AI Tools as described in Section 7 — for fraud prevention, safety, quality, dispute resolution, and enforcement of these Terms, consistent with our Privacy Policy. We do not sell message content to third parties. We may block or filter messages we deem suspicious, but we do not warrant that monitoring will detect all harmful content, and we have no obligation to monitor. You agree not to share your own contact information before a qualifying event, solicit off-platform transactions, spam users, use offensive or abusive language, or use the messaging system in any automated or commercial way.

We offer a relay feature allowing you and breeders to call and text one another through platform-controlled phone numbers without disclosing either party's real number. The relay is powered by third-party telephony providers (currently Twilio), whose terms and privacy policies may apply. By providing your phone number and using or enabling the relay, you expressly consent under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act ("TCPA") and applicable state laws to (i) receiving relayed calls and texts from other users, (ii) our use of your number to connect relayed communications you initiate, and (iii) the use of automated systems to connect them — even if your number is on a do-not-call registry, as these are platform-facilitated user-to-user communications, not telemarketing. Relayed calls and texts may appear to come from a masked or unrecognized number. You may withdraw relay consent in account settings, though this limits your ability to communicate with breeders by phone.

You may not attempt to identify, capture, or disclose another user's underlying phone number, or use the relay to move transactions off-platform. We do not record the content of relayed voice calls but retain call metadata (timestamps, duration, connection status) and store relayed text messages as conversation history subject to Section 5.2. If you choose to record any call, you are solely responsible for complying with all applicable call-recording laws, including all-party consent laws in states that require it.

In-platform video calls do not use or disclose either party's phone number, so the TCPA consent provisions above do not apply to them. We do not record video call content but may retain session metadata for platform administration and safety. Video visits with a puppy are a strongly recommended due-diligence step — see Section 6.

Before purchasing, you agree that it is your responsibility to:

• Verify the breeder's identity and all statements, documents, health records, health testing claims, and registration papers they provide — request supporting documentation and review any contract carefully before paying;
• Where possible, visit the animal in person or via live video before sending money;
• Be skeptical of any breeder who refuses a visit or live video, pressures you to pay quickly, or asks for payment outside the platform;
• Comply with any state or local laws that apply to your purchase, including import and health-certificate requirements if the animal will be transported across state lines.

You acknowledge that: our review of breeder-reported practices is not verification or endorsement; you remain responsible for evaluating and selecting an appropriate breeder regardless of our screening; any protection under the Buyer Protection Policy follows the terms of your agreement with the breeder; and if you send money outside the platform, we have no ability to protect you and no responsibility for any resulting loss.

Pick Me Pets uses technology tools, including artificial intelligence and machine learning-based tools and services ("AI Tools"), to support its operations. Information you provide to or through the platform may be processed using AI Tools, including for monitoring and moderating communications for fraud prevention, scam and phishing detection, policy enforcement, abuse detection, and platform safety, and for search, matching, and support functions. AI Tools may be provided by third-party service providers; in connection with AI-powered processing, your data may be processed and stored by such providers, and providers may retain and use de-identified, aggregated data derived from such processing to improve their services. Our use of AI Tools does not change our role as a technology platform under these Terms, and we do not represent or warrant that AI-powered monitoring or moderation will detect or prevent all prohibited, harmful, or objectionable content. We are not responsible or liable for the data handling, security practices, or acts or omissions of third-party AI service providers or their subprocessors. We may modify or expand our use of AI Tools at any time.

By providing your phone number to Pick Me Pets and confirming (for example, by clicking "Continue," checking a consent box, or completing registration), you expressly consent to receive text messages from Pick Me Pets at that number, including (i) service-related messages such as message alerts, deposit and transaction confirmations, and account notifications, and (ii) promotional and offer-related messages about Pick Me Pets products, features, new listings, and services. You acknowledge that messages may be sent using an automatic telephone dialing system or other automated means, and that your consent constitutes consent under the TCPA, 47 U.S.C. § 227, and applicable state laws.

Marketing consent is not a condition of use. Consent to promotional messages is not a condition of registering, purchasing, or using any feature of the Services, and you may decline promotional messages without affecting your access.

Opt-out. You may opt out of promotional texts at any time by replying STOP to any promotional message or updating your notification preferences in account settings; you may receive one final confirmation message. Text HELP for help. Message frequency varies; message and data rates may apply, and carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. Opting out of promotional messages does not affect service-related messages needed to administer your account or complete active transactions; to stop all messages, deactivate your account. If you change or deactivate your phone number, update your account promptly so messages are not sent to a subsequent holder of your former number.

We maintain records of consent and opt-out requests, including date, time, and method, which may be used for TCPA compliance, dispute resolution, and other legal purposes.

By creating an account or transacting, you consent to receive transactional and service emails (message notifications, receipts, deposit confirmations, account and legal notices). By providing your email and opting in (or as otherwise permitted by law), you also consent to receive marketing emails about Pick Me Pets products, features, promotions, new and matching listings, and educational content. Every marketing email includes an unsubscribe mechanism consistent with the CAN-SPAM Act, and unsubscribing from marketing does not affect transactional or service emails. Platform-relayed emails between you and breeders are part of the Services and subject to the monitoring provisions of Section 5.2.

The platform may provide electronic signature functionality for contracts between you and breeders. By using it, you consent to sign and receive contracts electronically and agree that electronic signatures have the same legal validity as handwritten signatures under the E-SIGN Act and applicable state laws, and you represent you have the legal capacity and authority to sign (including on behalf of a minor where Section 3 applies). Pick Me Pets provides the feature solely as a technology tool: we are not a party to any contract signed through it, and we do not review, validate, approve, or enforce contract terms, including whether they are legal or enforceable. The contract you sign is sent to you by the breeder, not by Pick Me Pets, and the breeder — not Pick Me Pets — is the party responsible for determining whether any law applicable to your transaction requires specific disclosures to be given to you in writing before you sign electronically (including, where applicable, the consumer consent and disclosure requirements of the federal E-SIGN Act, 15 U.S.C. § 7001(c)) and for providing any such disclosure. If you would prefer a paper copy or have questions about signing electronically, contact the breeder directly before signing. We capture and store signed documents, signature timestamps, signer email addresses, IP addresses, and device information solely to provide the feature and as evidence that a signature occurred. Document storage is a convenience, not a records-retention service — download and keep your own copy of every contract you sign; we make no commitment to retain signed documents for any particular period and may archive or delete them following account closure or upon reasonable notice, though we may retain signature-evidence records as needed for legal compliance and dispute resolution. Once sent for signature, documents are locked; review carefully before signing, and consult an attorney about your specific contract if needed. Disputes about contract terms, performance, or breach must be resolved directly between you and the breeder. We are not responsible for signing failures caused by your device, connection, browser, or email delivery; partially completed signatures that fail due to platform error are not binding.

When you agree on the terms of a purchase with a breeder, a legally binding contract is formed directly between you and the breeder. Pick Me Pets is not a party to that contract. Transfer of legal ownership of animals is governed by applicable law, including Uniform Commercial Code § 2-401(2), unless you and the breeder agree otherwise.

Any transport or shipping arrangements are solely between you and the breeder (or a carrier they or you engage) and are not provided, facilitated, or guaranteed by Pick Me Pets. It is your responsibility (together with the breeder) to comply with applicable state import laws, which may require health certificates or veterinary checks.

After completing a qualifying transaction, you may be able to submit a review or owner story about your breeder. Reviews reflect the opinions of individual users, not Pick Me Pets; they are not verified by us, and we are not liable for them. Reviews must be fair, truthful, and factual and may not contain offensive or defamatory language. You may not manipulate the review system in any manner, including arranging for third parties to submit positive or negative reviews. We reserve the right to remove any review at any time for any reason, to withhold reviews from public display in our discretion, and to use review information for quality assurance, customer service, and platform improvement.

You retain ownership of content you submit to the Services (messages, reviews, photos, and similar — "User Content"). You grant Pick Me Pets a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, fully paid, sublicensable, transferable license to host, use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, publicly display, and distribute your User Content for purposes of operating, providing, improving, and marketing the Services. You represent that your User Content does not infringe any third party's rights and does not contain false, misleading, defamatory, obscene, or unlawful material. We may remove or restrict any content we believe violates these Terms.

Any feedback, suggestions, or ideas you submit to us are non-confidential, and you grant us a fully paid, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, sublicensable license to use and publish them for any purpose without compensation.

All platform software, design, code, databases, trademarks, and other content are owned by or licensed to us and protected by intellectual property law. We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to use the Services for personal, non-commercial purposes.

You agree that you will not, and will not assist or enable others to: use the Services for any unlawful purpose; misrepresent your identity; request, make, or accept any payment outside the platform to avoid fees or protections; scrape, harvest, mine, or systematically extract any data, content, or information from the Services by automated or manual means for any commercial purpose, including to build competing services, databases, or directories; contact or solicit breeders discovered through the Services for competing services, platforms, or business opportunities; copy or distribute photos, breeder profiles, litter information, or pricing data for commercial purposes without our written permission; monitor listings or pricing for competitive intelligence or access the Services to build a competing product; use bots or automation without our written consent; attempt to bypass security measures or contact masking; harass, threaten, discriminate against, or defraud any user; collect user contact information for unsolicited communication; use Pick Me Pets or confusingly similar terms in domains, trade names, or metatags; or interfere with the operation, security, or integrity of the Services.

The Services may contain information about dog care, training, socialization, behavior, nutrition, health, or breed characteristics ("Informational Content"). Informational Content is general information and opinion only. It does not constitute veterinary, medical, behavioral, training, or other professional advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for guidance from a qualified veterinarian or other professional. If you have or suspect your pet has a medical problem, contact a qualified veterinarian immediately. We make no representations about the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of Informational Content and assume no liability for outcomes resulting from reliance on it.

We respect copyright law and will respond to valid notices of claimed infringement under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. § 512(c), including removing infringing material and, in appropriate circumstances, terminating repeat infringers. To submit a notice, send our designated agent (hello@pickmepets.com) a written notice containing: your physical or electronic signature; identification of the copyrighted work; identification and location of the allegedly infringing material; your contact information; a good-faith statement that the use is unauthorized; and a statement, under penalty of perjury, that the notice is accurate and you are authorized to act for the copyright owner. Misrepresentations in a DMCA notice may expose you to liability for damages, costs, and attorneys' fees.

These Terms remain in effect while you use the Services. You may close your account at any time. We may suspend or terminate your account and access at any time, with or without cause or notice, in our sole discretion, including for breach of these Terms, fraud (including fraudulent chargebacks), abusive conduct, or safety concerns. Termination does not affect payment obligations incurred before termination. We may retain information after termination as necessary to comply with law, resolve disputes, and enforce these Terms. Sections that by their nature should survive termination (including Sections 4, 12, and 15–20) will survive.

THE SERVICES AND ALL CONTENT ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE," WITH ALL FAULTS, AND YOUR USE IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, PICK ME PETS AND ITS AFFILIATES, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, INVESTORS, PARTNERS, AND LICENSORS (THE "PICK ME PETS PARTIES") DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. We do not warrant that the Services will meet your requirements or be uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free; that any listing or breeder statement is accurate; or that any animal is healthy, as described, or fit for any purpose. We are not responsible for the conduct, online or offline, of any user of the Services, and if we conduct identity verification or screening, we do not warrant that such checks will identify prior misconduct or prevent future misconduct. No advice or information obtained from Pick Me Pets or through the Services creates any warranty not expressly made in these Terms.

DATA STORAGE AND BACKUPS. THE SERVICES ARE NOT A DATA BACKUP, ARCHIVAL, OR RECORDS-RETENTION SERVICE. DOWNLOAD AND RETAIN YOUR OWN COPIES OF ALL CONTRACTS, RECEIPTS, AND IMPORTANT COMMUNICATIONS. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE PICK ME PETS PARTIES ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS, CORRUPTION, DELETION, ALTERATION, UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO, OR FAILURE TO STORE, TRANSMIT, OR RECEIVE ANY DATA, MESSAGES, DOCUMENTS, OR OTHER CONTENT, WHETHER CAUSED BY SYSTEM FAILURE, OUTAGE, MAINTENANCE, MIGRATION, SECURITY INCIDENT, THIRD-PARTY SERVICE PROVIDERS, ACCOUNT SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION, DELETION UNDER OUR RETENTION PRACTICES, ENFORCEMENT OF THESE TERMS, OR ANY OTHER CAUSE.

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, NO PICK ME PETS PARTY WILL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, LOSS OF DATA, LOSS OF GOODWILL, SERVICE INTERRUPTION, COST OF SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS OR SERVICES, PERSONAL OR BODILY INJURY, OR EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THESE TERMS, YOUR USE OF (OR INABILITY TO USE) THE SERVICES, ANY LISTING OR TRANSACTION, OR ANY COMMUNICATION, INTERACTION, OR MEETING WITH ANY USER OR THIRD PARTY, UNDER ANY LEGAL THEORY, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, AND EVEN IF A LIMITED REMEDY FAILS OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.

EXCEPT FOR DEPOSIT REFUNDS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED UNDER SECTION 4.1 AND THE BUYER PROTECTION POLICY (WHICH ARE IN ALL CASES CAPPED AT THE DEPOSIT AMOUNT PAID THROUGH THE PAYMENT SERVICES FOR THE SPECIFIC TRANSACTION), OUR AGGREGATE LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR THE SERVICES WILL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) THE AMOUNTS YOU PAID TO PICK ME PETS (EXCLUDING AMOUNTS PAID TO BREEDERS) IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO LIABILITY, OR (B) ONE HUNDRED U.S. DOLLARS ($100). These limitations are fundamental elements of the bargain. Some jurisdictions do not allow certain limitations, so some of the above may not apply to you. For New Jersey users, the Disclaimers, Liability, and Indemnification sections are intended to be only as broad as permitted under New Jersey law.

You release the Pick Me Pets Parties and their successors from all claims, demands, losses, and damages of every kind, known or unknown, including personal injuries, death, property damage, and loss of, corruption of, or damage to data, documents, or content, arising out of or connected to your use of the Services, your interactions or disputes with breeders or other users, and third-party websites or services linked to the platform. You expressly waive any protections that would limit this release to claims you know or suspect to exist at the time of agreeing to it. If you are a California resident, you expressly waive California Civil Code § 1542, which states: "A general release does not extend to claims that the creditor or releasing party does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release and that, if known by him or her, would have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor or released party."

You agree to defend (at our option), indemnify, and hold harmless the Pick Me Pets Parties from all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from or related to: your breach of these Terms; your User Content; your transactions or interactions with any breeder or user, including any injuries or damages arising from them; or your violation of any law or third-party right. This obligation survives termination.

Please read this section carefully — it affects your legal rights, including your right to sue in court.

Agreement to Arbitrate. You and Pick Me Pets agree that any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms, the Services, or your relationship with Pick Me Pets will be resolved exclusively by binding individual arbitration, except that (a) either party may bring qualifying claims in small claims court on an individual basis, and (b) either party may seek injunctive or equitable relief in court for infringement or misuse of intellectual property rights. The Federal Arbitration Act governs the interpretation and enforcement of this arbitration agreement, which applies to claims that arose before you accepted these Terms.

Rules & Forum. Arbitration will be administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Consumer Arbitration Rules (available at www.adr.org). Arbitration will take place in Texas, or, at your election, in your home county, by phone, by video, or on written submissions. The arbitrator has exclusive authority to resolve disputes about the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, or formation of this arbitration agreement, will apply applicable law, will issue a written decision, and may award any individual relief a court could award. If you cannot afford your AAA filing fee and cannot obtain a fee waiver from AAA, Pick Me Pets will pay or reimburse that filing fee, up to a maximum of $200, unless the arbitrator finds your claim frivolous. Beyond that amount, each party is responsible for its own arbitration costs and fees except as the arbitrator or applicable law otherwise requires, and we will not seek attorneys' fees against you in arbitration unless your claims are found frivolous.

Class Action Waiver. All disputes will be arbitrated on an individual basis only; only individual relief is available. You and Pick Me Pets waive the right to a jury trial and the right to participate in any class, collective, consolidated, or representative action. If this class waiver is found unenforceable, this arbitration agreement is void and disputes will be resolved in court as set forth below.

Mass Action Waiver & Batching. You and Pick Me Pets waive the right to have any dispute arbitrated as part of a mass action — 50 or more arbitration demands filed within 180 days involving similar claims and the same or coordinated counsel. If mass-filed demands proceed, they will be grouped into batches of no more than 100 (by claimant state, then alphabetically), each batch treated as one case with one arbitrator and one set of administrative fees, proceeding one batch at a time in random sequential order while the rest are held in abeyance. Nothing prevents participation in a mass settlement.

Opt-Out. You may opt out of this arbitration agreement by sending written notice to hello@pickmepets.com within 30 days of first accepting these Terms, including your name, contact information, account username, and a clear statement that you opt out of arbitration. Opting out does not affect any other provision of these Terms.

Severability; Survival; Modification. If any part of this arbitration agreement is found unenforceable, that part will be severed and the remainder continues in effect. This arbitration agreement survives termination of your relationship with Pick Me Pets. Future material changes to this arbitration agreement will not apply to claims for which you had already provided notice to Pick Me Pets.

Governing Law & Venue. These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to conflict-of-law principles, except as preempted by federal law (including the Federal Arbitration Act). Any dispute not subject to arbitration will be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Texas, and you consent to personal jurisdiction there. Nothing in this section limits rights you may have under mandatory consumer protection laws of your jurisdiction.

Entire Agreement. These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy, the Buyer Protection Policy, and any policies, standards, or supplemental terms posted on the Site (which are incorporated by reference; supplemental terms control in case of conflict for the features they cover), are the entire agreement between you and Pick Me Pets regarding the Services.

No Partnership. Nothing in these Terms creates a partnership, joint venture, agency, or employment relationship.

No Third-Party Beneficiaries. These Terms do not confer rights or remedies on any person other than the parties.

Force Majeure. We are not liable for failures or delays caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including acts of God, natural disasters, government actions, or internet service failures. We will use commercially reasonable efforts to notify affected users and restore operations; if a force majeure event prevents service for more than sixty (60) days, you may close your account without penalty.

Severability. If any provision is found unenforceable, the remainder remains in effect.

Waiver. Our failure to enforce any provision is not a waiver of it unless acknowledged in writing.

Assignment. You may not assign these Terms without our written consent. We may assign them freely.

Notices; Electronic Communications. Notices may be delivered electronically (email, in-platform notification, or SMS) and are deemed received on transmission. You consent to receive communications electronically, and electronic communications satisfy any legal writing requirement, consistent with the E-Sign Act, 15 U.S.C. § 7001 et seq.

Data Retention. We retain personal information and account data as described in our Privacy Policy. Marketing preferences and unsubscribe requests are retained indefinitely to honor your choices. Deleted data may persist in backups.

California Consumer Notice. In accordance with California Civil Code § 1789.3, California users may report complaints to the Complaint Assistance Unit of the Division of Consumer Services of the California Department of Consumer Affairs, 1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N 112, Sacramento, CA 95834, (800) 952-5210.

Questions about these Terms: hello@pickmepets.com

Pick Me Pets