Terms of Service

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using PetTrainer.ai, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you disagree with any part of these terms, you may not use our service.

2. Service Description

PetTrainer.ai provides:

• AI-powered matching between pet owners and certified dog trainers
• Booking and payment processing platform
• Free training video library and educational content
• Trainer verification and review system
• Progress tracking and session notes
• Customer support and dispute resolution

3. User Accounts

Pet Owners must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Provide accurate dog and contact information
• Disclose all relevant behavioral issues, aggression history, bite incidents, and health conditions
• Ensure dogs are up-to-date on vaccinations (as required by trainer)
• Notify trainers of any changes to dog behavior or health
• Participate actively in training (practice between sessions, follow trainer instructions)

Trainers must:

• Hold valid professional certifications (CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, or equivalent)
• Carry liability insurance for training services
• Provide accurate service descriptions, methods, and pricing
• Use humane, science-based training methods (force-free, positive reinforcement)
• Comply with local animal training regulations
• Report safety concerns immediately

4. Booking and Cancellation Policy

Booking Confirmation:

• Bookings are confirmed when trainer accepts the request
• Initial consultation (often free) assesses dog temperament and training goals
• Training packages may be customized based on dog needs

Cancellation by Pet Owners:

• 24+ hours before session: Full refund or reschedule
• 12-24 hours before: 50% cancellation fee
• Less than 12 hours or no-show: Full session charge
• Package cancellations: Prorated refund for unused sessions (minus cancellation fees)

Cancellation by Trainers:

• Trainers may cancel due to emergencies, illness, or unsafe dog behavior
• Pet owners receive full refund or free reschedule for trainer-initiated cancellations
• Repeated cancellations may result in trainer suspension

5. Pricing and Payment

• Prices vary based on trainer experience, location, and training type (private, group, in-home, virtual)
• Package discounts available for multi-session bookings
• Payment is processed through Stripe upon session completion (or upfront for packages)
• Tips are optional and go 100% to the trainer
• PetTrainer.ai charges a 15-20% platform fee on training services

6. Pet Owner Responsibilities

Pet owners are responsible for:

• Ensuring dogs are suitable for training (not severely ill or injured)
• Disclosing aggression history, bite incidents, or reactivity to other dogs/people
• Providing accurate breed, age, and training history information
• Practicing training exercises between sessions
• Following trainer safety instructions
• Supervising dogs during virtual training sessions
• Ensuring safe training environment (fenced yard, no distractions, etc.)

7. Trainer Responsibilities

Trainers are responsible for:

• Assessing dog temperament before training begins
• Using only humane, science-based training methods
• Stopping sessions if dog becomes overly stressed or shows health issues
• Providing clear instructions for at-home practice
• Documenting progress and session notes
• Refusing service if dog behavior poses safety risk
• Carrying liability insurance for training services
• Complying with all local animal welfare regulations

8. Training Methods and Philosophy

Approved Methods:

• Positive reinforcement (rewards-based training)
• Clicker training and marker training
• Force-free, science-based techniques
• Fear Free® and Low Stress Handling® methods

Prohibited Methods:

• Choke chains, prong collars, shock collars (unless explicitly approved by owner for specific cases)
• Alpha rolls, dominance-based techniques
• Physical punishment or intimidation
• Flooding (forced exposure to feared stimuli)

Trainers using prohibited methods may be removed from the platform.

9. Safety and Liability

Dog Aggression and Safety:

• Owners must disclose any aggression history before booking
• Trainers may require muzzle training or barrier work for reactive dogs
• Trainers may refuse service if dog poses serious safety risk
• Owners are liable for any injuries caused by their dogs during training

Limitation of Liability:

• PetTrainer.ai is not liable for trainer actions, training outcomes, or dog behavior
• All disputes should be resolved directly between pet owner and trainer
• PetTrainer.ai may assist in mediation but is not responsible for outcomes
• Trainers must carry liability insurance; insurance claims should be filed with trainer's insurer

10. Training Results Disclaimer

No Guaranteed Outcomes:

• Training success depends on dog temperament, breed characteristics, age, health, consistency of practice, and owner participation
• Some behavioral issues may require veterinary intervention or medication (separation anxiety, compulsive disorders)
• Severe aggression cases may not be fully resolved through training alone
• Results vary and are not guaranteed

11. Video Library and Educational Content

• Free training videos are for educational purposes only
• Videos do not replace professional one-on-one training
• Techniques shown should be adapted to individual dog needs
• PetTrainer.ai is not liable for injuries resulting from self-directed training

12. Reviews and Testimonials

• Reviews must be honest and factual
• Success stories may be shared with permission
• Fake, abusive, or defamatory reviews will be removed
• Trainers may respond publicly to reviews

13. Prohibited Conduct

Users may not:

• Provide false information about dogs or training qualifications
• Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
• Use the platform for illegal purposes
• Attempt to circumvent payment processing
• Create fake accounts or reviews
• Share login credentials with others
• Use prohibited training methods

14. Account Termination

We may suspend or terminate accounts for:

• Violation of these Terms of Service
• Fraudulent activity or payment disputes
• Repeated cancellations or no-shows
• Abusive behavior toward trainers or other users
• Providing false information about dog behavior
• Use of prohibited training methods

15. Intellectual Property

• PetTrainer.ai logo, design, AI matching algorithms, and training video library are proprietary
• Users retain ownership of photos and videos they upload
• Users grant PetTrainer.ai license to display uploaded content on the platform
• Trainers retain copyright to their training videos but grant platform license to display them

16. Affiliate Disclosure

Some product recommendations (training treats, clickers, toys) include Amazon affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

17. Modifications to Service

We reserve the right to:

• Modify or discontinue features at any time
• Update pricing and fees with 30 days notice
• Change these Terms of Service (material changes require notification)

18. Dispute Resolution

• Disputes should first be addressed through customer support
• Unresolved disputes may be subject to binding arbitration
• Class action lawsuits are waived
• Governing law: [Your jurisdiction]

19. Contact

Questions about these Terms?

Email: legal@pettrainer.ai
Mail: PetTrainer.ai Legal Team, c/o PetSpot.ai, Inc.

Part of the PetSpot.ai family of pet care services.