Please read these Terms of Service ("Terms") carefully before using the PocketPaw mobile application or the website pocketpawapp.com (collectively, the "Services") operated by NextPath Solutions Limited ("PocketPaw", "we", "us", or "our"), a company incorporated in Hong Kong.
By creating an account or using the Services, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use the Services.
Table of Contents
- Eligibility
- Account Registration & Security
- User Content & PawFile
- Prohibited Conduct
- PawMate & Social Features
- PawBark Messaging
- PawHeart (Adopt, Rehome & Lost)
- PawVIP Subscription
- Intellectual Property
- Third-Party Services
- Disclaimers
- Limitation of Liability
- Indemnification
- Termination
- Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
- General Provisions
- Changes to These Terms
- Contact
1. Eligibility
1.1 Age Requirement. You must be at least 13 years of age to use PocketPaw. If you are between 13 and 18, you must have the consent of a parent or legal guardian. By using the Services, you represent and warrant that you meet these age requirements.
1.2 Legal Capacity. By using the Services, you represent and warrant that: (a) you have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement; (b) you are not prohibited from using the Services under any applicable law; and (c) you will comply with these Terms and all applicable laws.
1.3 Geographic Availability. PocketPaw is currently available in Hong Kong and Canada (Phase 1). We do not actively market to users in other jurisdictions. If you access the Services from outside these markets, you do so at your own risk and must comply with local laws.
2. Account Registration & Security
2.1 Registration. To use PocketPaw, you must register an account using a valid email address and password via Firebase Authentication. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information and to keep it updated.
2.2 Account Security. You are solely responsible for: (a) maintaining the confidentiality of your password and login credentials; (b) all activity that occurs under your account; and (c) notifying us immediately of any suspected unauthorised access or security breach at support@nextpath.hk.
2.3 One Account Per User. You may not create multiple accounts for deceptive purposes or to circumvent any suspension, ban, or restriction. You may not share your account with, or transfer your account to, any other person.
2.4 Dog Profiles (PawFile). Each account is associated with one dog profile (PawFile) in Phase 1. You are responsible for the accuracy of all information you provide about yourself and your dog. NGO accounts are permitted and may post adoptable listings through the Adopt Tab.
2.5 Business Accounts. Business accounts (PawPRO) are not available in Phase 1. Any commercial use of the Services requires our prior written consent.
3. User Content & PawFile
3.1 Ownership. You retain ownership of the content you create and post on PocketPaw ("User Content"), including photos, bio text, posts, and messages.
3.2 Licence to PocketPaw. By posting User Content, you grant PocketPaw a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable, and transferable licence to use, store, display, reproduce, adapt, and distribute your User Content solely for the purposes of operating, improving, and promoting the Services. This licence terminates when you delete your content or account, subject to reasonable caching periods and backup retention.
3.3 Public PawFile Sharing. When you share your PawFile via a public link, anyone with that link — including people without a PocketPaw account — can view the profile. You are solely responsible for deciding what information to make public. You can make your PawFile private at any time in Settings.
3.4 Your Representations. You represent and warrant that: (a) you own or have all necessary rights and licences to all User Content you post; (b) your User Content does not infringe any third party's intellectual property, privacy, publicity, or other rights; and (c) your User Content complies with all applicable laws and these Terms.
3.5 Content Removal. We reserve the right to remove any User Content that violates these Terms, our Community Guidelines, or applicable law, at any time and without prior notice.
3.6 PawFile is for Your Dog Only. PawFile profiles must contain information and content relating to your dog only. You must not post personal photographs of any person (including yourself), or include any personally identifiable information about any human, in a PawFile. Violations will result in content removal and may lead to further account action.
3.7 Accurate Dog Profile Information. You must provide accurate and truthful information about your dog's temperament, health, and behaviour in your PawFile and in any PawHeart listings. If your dog is known to be unfriendly toward other dogs or people, exhibits aggressive tendencies, or has specific behavioural or medical needs, you must disclose this honestly. It is a violation of these Terms to describe your dog as friendly, healthy, or suitable for a particular environment when you know — or have reasonable cause to believe — this is not accurate.
4. Prohibited Conduct
You agree not to use the Services to engage in any of the following:
- Harmful Content: Post, transmit, or share content that is unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, libellous, obscene, or invasive of another's privacy.
- Animal Welfare Violations: Post content depicting animal abuse, neglect, cruelty, or illegal treatment; promote dog fighting, animal baiting, or other exploitative activities; or share any content that endangers the safety or welfare of any animal.
- Animal Sales: Sell, offer to sell, broker, or facilitate the commercial sale or trade of animals. PocketPaw's PawHeart features are exclusively for responsible, non-commercial rehoming and adoption facilitation.
- Impersonation & Deception: Impersonate any person, dog, company, or organisation, or misrepresent your affiliation with any person or entity.
- Spam & Unsolicited Solicitation: Send unsolicited messages, bulk messages, chain letters, phishing attempts, or engage in any form of unauthorised commercial solicitation.
- Security & Integrity Attacks: Attempt to hack, probe, scan, or test the vulnerability of any system; introduce viruses, malware, or other harmful code; or interfere with the Services or servers in any way.
- Automated Access: Use bots, crawlers, scrapers, or automated tools to access or collect data from the Services without our prior written consent.
- Unauthorised Commercial Use: Use the Services for any commercial purpose, including advertising or promotion, without our prior written consent.
- Exploitation of Minors: Post any content that exploits, sexualises, endangers, or harms any person under the age of 18.
- Privacy Violations: Share another person's private or personally identifiable information without their consent (doxxing).
- Legal Violations: Engage in any activity that violates applicable law in your jurisdiction or any jurisdiction in which PocketPaw operates.
5. PawMate & Social Features
5.1 Discovery. PocketPaw's swipe-based PawMatch feature shows you dog profiles within a 50 km radius that have been active within the past 30 days. Sending a PawMate request does not guarantee a response or connection.
5.2 Usage Limits. Non-PawVIP users are limited to a combined total of 5 PawMate connections and pending requests. PawVIP subscribers have unlimited connections. These limits may change; we will notify you in advance of material changes.
5.3 PawRadar Location. PawRadar displays nearby dogs based on your approximate GPS location. By enabling GPS, you consent to your approximate location being visible to other users on the PawRadar map while the app is in the foreground. Location is not tracked in the background.
5.4 Blocking. You may block any user at any time. Blocked users cannot contact you, view your profile, or send PawMate requests. We will not inform the blocked user of the block.
5.5 Offline Meetings. If you choose to meet other PocketPaw users in person, you do so at your own discretion and risk. PocketPaw does not conduct identity, background, or criminal record checks on users. We strongly encourage meeting in public, well-populated locations (such as a dog park or café) and recommend against meeting at private residences, isolated areas, or any location you are not comfortable with — particularly for first meetings.
5.6 Dog Injury Disclaimer. When your dog meets other dogs through connections made on PocketPaw, you are solely and entirely responsible for: (a) assessing your dog's temperament and behaviour prior to any meeting; (b) managing and controlling your dog's conduct at all times; and (c) any injury caused by your dog to another dog, animal, or person. Every dog owner must exercise their own independent judgment and take all appropriate precautions before allowing their dog to interact with unfamiliar dogs or people. PocketPaw expressly disclaims all liability for any injury, harm, or loss arising from dog-to-dog or dog-to-person interactions, regardless of whether those interactions were arranged through the platform.
5.7 Reporting. You may report any user whose conduct violates these Terms. Reports are reviewed in accordance with our Community Guidelines.
6. PawBark Messaging
6.1 Eligibility. PawBark messaging is available only between accepted PawMates.
6.2 Message Limits. Non-PawVIP users are limited to 5 messages per day, enforced via Firestore atomic transaction. PawVIP subscribers have unlimited messaging. The daily limit resets at midnight (UTC).
6.3 Text Only. PawBark currently supports text messages only. Image, video, and file sharing are not supported in Phase 1.
6.4 Your Responsibility. You are solely responsible for all messages you send via PawBark. Messages must comply with these Terms and our Community Guidelines. We do not pre-screen messages but may review content upon report.
6.5 Privacy Warning. Do not share sensitive personal information via PawBark, including your home address, financial details, government identification numbers, or passwords. PocketPaw is not responsible for information you choose to disclose to other users.
7. PawHeart (Adopt, Rehome & Lost)
7.1 Adopt Tab. Adoptable dog listings are posted exclusively by verified NGOs and animal shelters. PocketPaw acts solely as a free publishing channel for NGOs to reach our community — we do not independently verify the accuracy, currency, or availability of any listing, and we make no representations or warranties in this regard. For accurate and up-to-date information about any listed dog, adoption eligibility, procedures, or fees, please visit the NGO's official website or contact them directly through their official channels.
7.2 Rehome Tab. You may post a dog for responsible rehoming subject to the following rules:
- No Animal Sales: The commercial sale of animals is strictly prohibited. You must not request payment, charge an adoption fee intended as sale proceeds, or use the rehoming feature as a marketplace for selling animals.
- One Active Post: You may have only one active Rehome post at a time.
- Post Expiry: Rehome posts automatically expire after 30 days.
- Accuracy: You must provide accurate and truthful information about the dog being rehomed.
- "Want to Adopt" Posts: These must be text-only. No photos may be posted.
- Local Regulations: You are solely responsible for complying with all applicable animal welfare laws, transfer regulations, licensing requirements, and breed-specific legislation in your jurisdiction before rehoming a dog through PocketPaw. PocketPaw does not verify compliance with such regulations.
7.3 Lost Tab. Lost dog posts are submitted by emailing pocketpaw@nextpath.hk and are published by our admin team after review. PocketPaw will broadcast verified lost dog cases free of charge, at our discretion. False or misleading lost dog reports may result in account suspension.
8. PawVIP Subscription
8.1 Plans & Pricing. PawVIP is a premium subscription offering enhanced features, available on the following plans:
- Monthly Plan: USD $4.99 per month
- Annual Plan: USD $49.99 per year
8.2 Payment Processing. All payments are processed by Apple Inc. through StoreKit 2. PocketPaw does not store your payment card information. Apple's payment terms and privacy policies apply to all transactions.
8.3 Auto-Renewal. PawVIP subscriptions automatically renew at the end of each billing period unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the renewal date. You will be charged the applicable subscription fee at the time of renewal. To cancel, go to your Apple ID > Subscriptions in your device Settings.
8.4 Free Trial. Where we offer a free trial, the trial will automatically convert to a paid subscription at the end of the trial period unless cancelled beforehand.
8.5 Refunds. All purchases are final and non-refundable except as required by: (a) Apple's App Store refund policy; or (b) applicable consumer protection law in your jurisdiction (including the Consumer Protection Act in Canada and consumer protection rights in the EU). To request a refund, contact Apple directly through the App Store or at reportaproblem.apple.com.
8.6 Price Changes. We reserve the right to change PawVIP pricing. We will provide at least 30 days' advance notice of any material price increase. Your continued subscription after a price change takes effect constitutes acceptance of the new price.
8.7 Downgrade. If your PawVIP subscription expires or is cancelled: (a) existing PawMate connections remain unchanged; (b) existing PawBark message history is retained; but (c) your usage limits will revert to non-VIP levels for all new activity.
8.8 PawPRO (Phase 2). Business subscription accounts (PawPRO) are not available in Phase 1. When launched, PawPRO will be subject to separate terms and pricing.
9. Intellectual Property
9.1 Our Rights. The PocketPaw name, logo, brand identity, and all content we create — including design, text, graphics, software, and compilation of the Services — are owned by or licensed to NextPath Solutions Limited and are protected by intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute, sell, or use our intellectual property without our prior written consent.
9.2 Feedback. If you provide feedback, ideas, or suggestions about the Services, you grant us an irrevocable, perpetual, royalty-free licence to use such feedback without any obligation to compensate you.
9.3 Copyright Complaints. If you believe your copyright has been infringed on our platform, please contact us at support@nextpath.hk with details of the alleged infringement.
10. Third-Party Services
The Services rely on third-party providers, including:
- Google Firebase (authentication, Firestore database, cloud storage, cloud functions, Firebase Cloud Messaging, and analytics)
- Apple Inc. (App Store distribution, in-app purchases, maps)
These providers have their own terms of service and privacy policies, which you are subject to when using our Services. We are not responsible for the practices of third-party providers. Links to relevant policies: Google Terms of Service, Apple Media Services Terms.
11. Disclaimers
11.1 As-Is Provision. The Services are provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including without limitation warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title, or non-infringement.
11.2 No Veterinary or Professional Advice. PocketPaw is a social networking platform for pet owners. No information, content, or features on the Services constitute veterinary, medical, legal, financial, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your circumstances.
11.3 User Conduct. We do not pre-screen User Content or user conduct. We are not responsible for the content, conduct, or actions of any user, whether online or offline. Your interactions with other users are solely at your own risk.
11.4 Service Availability. We do not guarantee that the Services will be uninterrupted, secure, error-free, or available at any particular time. We may suspend, modify, or discontinue any aspect of the Services at any time without notice or liability.
11.5 Location Accuracy. Location-based features (PawRadar, PawMate) rely on GPS data and use approximate proximity (approximately 2 km radius). We do not guarantee the accuracy of location data.
11.6 Platform Purpose. PocketPaw is designed exclusively as a platform for dogs and their owners to connect. It is not intended as a general social network for human interactions unrelated to dogs. Users who engage in conduct that is clearly unrelated to dogs — or who use the platform to pursue inappropriate personal interactions unrelated to dog ownership — may have their accounts suspended or permanently banned.
11.7 Platform Neutrality — No Representation of Users or Organisations. PocketPaw is a neutral communication and information platform only. We do not represent, endorse, vouch for, or hold any authority over any user, dog, NGO, shelter, or other third party on the platform. Any information, content, or representation made by a user or organisation is the sole responsibility of that party. PocketPaw is not a party to any arrangement, agreement, or transaction between users, and accepts no liability arising from such arrangements.
11.8 Scam Awareness. We do not pre-screen user messages for fraudulent content. If you suspect you are being targeted by a scam — including any request for money, gift cards, personal financial information, or requests to transact outside the platform — stop communicating immediately and report it to safety@nextpath.hk or via the in-app Report function. PocketPaw will never request money or financial information from you through in-app messages.
11.9 Breed-Specific Legislation & Local By-Laws. PocketPaw does not screen for, verify, or monitor compliance with breed-specific legislation (BSL), municipal by-laws, or other regulations applicable to any dog's breed in any jurisdiction. It is your sole responsibility to ensure that your dog's breed is lawfully permitted in your location and that any connection, meeting, or rehoming facilitated through PocketPaw complies with all applicable local laws and regulations.
12. Limitation of Liability
12.1 Exclusion of Consequential Damages. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, NextPath Solutions Limited, its parent, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, punitive, or exemplary damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, revenue, goodwill, or other intangible losses, arising out of or in connection with:
- Your access to, use of, or inability to use the Services;
- Conduct or content of any user, including offline conduct;
- Any User Content posted on the Services;
- Unauthorised access to, alteration of, or loss of your account or data;
- Any other matter relating to the Services.
12.2 Liability Cap. Our aggregate liability to you for any claim arising out of or related to these Terms shall not exceed the greater of: (a) the total fees you paid to PocketPaw in the 12 months preceding the claim; or (b) HKD 800.
12.3 Consumer Rights. Nothing in this Section limits liability that cannot be excluded or limited under applicable mandatory consumer protection law, including (without limitation) rights under the Consumer Protection Act (Canada), the Sale of Goods Act (Hong Kong), or EU consumer protection directives. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain warranties or limitation of liability, so some of the above limitations may not apply to you.
13. Indemnification
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, you agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless NextPath Solutions Limited and its affiliates, directors, officers, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or relating to: (a) your use of the Services; (b) your User Content; (c) your violation of these Terms; or (d) your violation of any rights of a third party.
14. Termination
14.1 Termination by Us. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to the Services at our sole discretion, with or without notice, for any violation of these Terms, conduct that harms other users or the platform, or for any other reason we deem necessary to protect the safety or integrity of the Services.
14.2 Termination by You. You may delete your account at any time through the app Settings. Account data will be deleted within 30 days of your deletion request, except where retention is required by law.
14.3 Effect of Termination. Upon termination: (a) your right to access and use the Services ceases immediately; (b) active PawVIP subscriptions will not be refunded unless required by applicable law; and (c) licences you granted PocketPaw for your User Content will terminate after the relevant content is removed from our systems, subject to backup and caching timelines.
14.4 Survival. Sections 3.2, 9, 12, 13, 15, and 16 survive the termination of these Terms.
15. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
15.1 Governing Law. These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, without regard to its conflict of law principles.
15.2 Jurisdiction. You agree to submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Hong Kong for the resolution of any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms or the Services.
15.3 Informal Resolution. Before commencing any formal legal proceedings, you agree to first contact us at support@nextpath.hk and provide a written description of your claim. We will use reasonable efforts to resolve the matter informally within 30 days.
15.4 Consumer Rights (EU / UK / Canada). Nothing in this Section limits your rights under mandatory consumer protection laws applicable in your jurisdiction. EU and UK consumers may also have access to alternative dispute resolution mechanisms under applicable law. Canadian consumers retain all rights under applicable provincial and federal consumer protection legislation.
16. General Provisions
16.1 Severability. If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.
16.2 Entire Agreement. These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and Community Guidelines, constitute the entire agreement between you and PocketPaw with respect to the Services and supersede all prior agreements, understandings, or communications.
16.3 No Waiver. Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms will not be construed as a waiver of future enforcement of that right or provision.
16.4 Assignment. You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations without restriction.
16.5 Force Majeure. We shall not be liable for any delay or failure to perform our obligations due to causes beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, pandemics, government actions, internet outages, or third-party service failures.
16.6 Language. These Terms are drafted in English. Any translations are provided for convenience only. In the event of any conflict between the English version and a translation, the English version shall prevail.
16.7 Notices. Notices to you may be provided via in-app notification, email to your registered address, or posting on our website. Notices to us must be sent to support@nextpath.hk.
17. Changes to These Terms
We may modify these Terms at any time. We will provide notice of material changes via in-app notification or email at least 14 days before the changes take effect (or 30 days for users in the EU or Quebec, Canada). The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision.
Your continued use of the Services after the effective date of any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms. If you do not agree to the updated Terms, you must stop using the Services and may delete your account.
18. Contact
If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at:
- Email: support@nextpath.hk
- Company: NextPath Solutions Limited
- Address: Unit B, 12/F, Hang Seng Causeway Bay Building, 28 Yee Wo Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
These Terms of Service were last reviewed by NextPath Solutions Limited's legal team in April 2026. This document is intended for general informational and contractual purposes. Specific legal situations may vary. PocketPaw recommends that enterprise or commercial partners seek independent legal advice.