1. Introduction
Welcome to Bowmeo.
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the access to and use of the Bowmeo platform, website, and mobile application (collectively, the “Platform”).
Bowmeo operates as a digital marketplace that connects pet owners with independent pet service providers offering pet-related services in Portugal.
By accessing or using the Platform, you agree to be legally bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with these Terms, you must not use the Platform.
2. Company Information
The Platform is operated by:
Bowmeo
MYPAWS INTERNATIONAL, LDA
Registered in Portugal
NIF: 518562530
Registered Address: AVENIDA DOM JOÃO II, 98A , Lisboa ,1990-100
Email: support@bowmeo.com
Website: www.bowmeo.com
3. Definitions
For the purposes of these Terms:
- “Bowmeo” refers to the platform operator.
- “Pet Owner” refers to any user booking services through the Platform.
- “Service Provider” refers to independent individuals or businesses offering pet-related services through the Platform.
- “Services” refers to pet-related services including but not limited to pet sitting, dog walking, grooming, training, transportation, daycare, boarding, veterinary-related support, or other services listed on the Platform.
- “Booking” refers to a reservation made by a Pet Owner through the Platform.
- “Platform Fees” refers to service or administrative fees charged by Bowmeo.
4. Nature of the Platform
4.1 Bowmeo acts solely as an intermediary marketplace facilitating connections between Pet Owners and independent Service Providers.
4.2 Bowmeo does not directly provide pet care services unless expressly stated otherwise.
4.3 Service Providers operate independently and are not employees, agents, representatives, partners, or subcontractors of Bowmeo.
4.4 Bowmeo is not a party to the direct agreement between the Pet Owner and the Service Provider, except for facilitating bookings, payments, and platform operations.
4.5 Bowmeo does not guarantee:
- the quality of services;
- the conduct of users;
- continuous availability of providers;
- specific results from services;
- compatibility between pets and providers.
5. Eligibility
To use the Platform:
- users must be at least 18 years old;
- users must have legal capacity to enter into binding agreements;
- users must provide accurate and complete information.
Bowmeo reserves the right to refuse or terminate accounts at its discretion where misuse, fraud, abuse, or legal violations are suspected.
6. User Accounts
6.1 Users may be required to create an account to access certain features.
6.2 Users are responsible for:
- maintaining the confidentiality of account credentials;
- all activity occurring under their account;
- ensuring account information remains accurate and updated.
6.3 Users must immediately notify Bowmeo of unauthorized account access.
6.4 Bowmeo reserves the right to suspend or permanently terminate accounts that:
- violate these Terms;
- provide false information;
- engage in abusive behavior;
- attempt to circumvent platform systems or fees.
7. Service Provider Requirements
7.1 Service Providers are solely responsible for complying with all applicable Portuguese laws and regulations.
7.2 Service Providers may be required to provide documentation including but not limited to:
- identification documents;
- tax registration or activity documents;
- insurance documentation;
- certifications or licenses where legally required;
- bank or payment verification information.
7.3 Service Providers represent and warrant that:
- they are legally authorized to provide services;
- all information submitted is accurate;
- they maintain any legally required licenses or insurance;
- they comply with animal welfare laws.
7.4 Bowmeo may request updated documentation at any time.
7.5 Bowmeo reserves the right to suspend or remove providers who fail verification requirements.
8. Bookings
8.1 Bookings are confirmed once payment authorization and provider acceptance are completed.
8.2 Pet Owners are responsible for:
- providing accurate pet information;
- disclosing behavioral or medical conditions;
- ensuring pets are legally compliant, vaccinated, and safe;
- providing emergency contact details.
8.3 Service Providers may refuse services where:
- pet information is inaccurate;
- safety concerns exist;
- the requested service violates laws or platform policies.
8.4 Bowmeo reserves the right to cancel bookings where fraud, abuse, safety concerns, or policy violations are identified.
9. Payments and Platform Fees
9.1 Payments are processed through third-party payment service providers, including Stripe Connect or equivalent payment partners.
9.2 Bowmeo may collect:
- platform service fees;
- booking fees;
- transaction processing fees;
- cancellation-related fees where applicable.
9.3 Service prices are determined by Service Providers unless otherwise specified.
9.4 Bowmeo does not guarantee payout timelines and payment processing may depend on banking institutions, Stripe policies, verification checks, or regulatory obligations.
9.5 Bowmeo may temporarily hold payments where:
- disputes arise;
- fraud prevention checks are required;
- legal or regulatory reviews are necessary.
9.6 Users authorize Bowmeo and its payment partners to process payments, refunds, payouts, and related transactions.
10. Cancellations and Refunds
10.1 Cancellation policies may vary depending on the Service Provider and service type.
10.2 Refund eligibility may depend on:
- cancellation timing;
- provider policies;
- completed portions of services;
- dispute investigations.
10.3 Bowmeo may facilitate refunds at its discretion where:
- fraudulent activity occurs;
- services were not delivered;
- platform errors occurred.
10.4 Platform fees may be non-refundable unless required by applicable law.
10.5 Chargebacks or unjustified payment disputes may result in account suspension.
11. User Conduct
Users agree not to:
- violate applicable laws;
- abuse animals;
- submit false information;
- harass or threaten other users;
- misuse the Platform;
- interfere with platform operations or security;
- attempt unauthorized access to systems;
- avoid platform fees by taking transactions off-platform;
- upload malicious software or harmful content.
Bowmeo reserves the right to investigate violations and cooperate with authorities where legally required.
12. Reviews and User Content
12.1 Users may post reviews, ratings, photos, messages, or other content.
12.2 Users grant Bowmeo a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, display, and distribute submitted content for platform operations and marketing purposes.
12.3 Users must not post content that is:
- defamatory;
- illegal;
- misleading;
- abusive;
- infringing on third-party rights.
12.4 Bowmeo may remove content at its discretion.
13. Intellectual Property
13.1 All intellectual property rights related to the Platform, including software, branding, logos, text, graphics, and design elements, belong to Bowmeo or its licensors.
13.2 Users may not:
- copy or reproduce the Platform;
- reverse engineer systems;
- use Bowmeo branding without permission;
- create derivative works.
14. Animal Welfare and Safety
14.1 Users must comply with applicable animal welfare legislation in Portugal.
14.2 Pet Owners remain responsible for the behavior and condition of their pets.
14.3 Service Providers are responsible for exercising reasonable care during service delivery.
14.4 Bowmeo may suspend accounts where animal abuse, neglect, or dangerous conduct is reported.
14.5 In emergencies, Service Providers may seek veterinary assistance for a pet where reasonably necessary.
15. Limitation of Liability
15.1 To the maximum extent permitted by law, Bowmeo shall not be liable for:
- acts or omissions of users;
- injuries caused by pets;
- disputes between users;
- property damage;
- loss of profits;
- indirect or consequential damages;
- interruptions or technical failures.
15.2 Bowmeo’s liability shall, where legally permitted, be limited to the amount of platform fees paid by the user in connection with the relevant booking.
15.3 Nothing in these Terms excludes liability that cannot legally be excluded under Portuguese law.
16. Indemnification
Users agree to indemnify and hold harmless Bowmeo, its directors, employees, affiliates, and partners from claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and legal costs arising from:
- misuse of the Platform;
- violation of these Terms;
- breach of applicable laws;
- disputes involving pets or services.
17. Insurance Disclaimer
17.1 Unless expressly stated, Bowmeo does not provide insurance coverage for bookings, pets, property, injuries, or user activities.
17.2 Service Providers are responsible for maintaining any insurance required by law or reasonably necessary for their activities.
18. Privacy and Data Protection
18.1 Bowmeo processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
18.2 By using the Platform, users consent to the processing of personal data necessary for:
- account management;
- bookings;
- payment processing;
- legal compliance;
- customer support;
- fraud prevention.
18.3 Users should consult the Bowmeo Privacy Policy for detailed information regarding personal data processing.
19. Electronic Communications
Users consent to receiving electronic communications from Bowmeo, including:
- booking confirmations;
- payment notifications;
- legal notices;
- operational updates.
20. Platform Availability
20.1 Bowmeo does not guarantee uninterrupted access to the Platform.
20.2 The Platform may be temporarily unavailable due to:
- maintenance;
- technical failures;
- cybersecurity incidents;
- third-party service interruptions.
20.3 Bowmeo may modify or discontinue features without prior notice.
21. Suspension and Termination
21.1 Bowmeo may suspend or terminate access where users:
- violate these Terms;
- engage in fraud;
- create safety risks;
- breach legal obligations.
21.2 Users may stop using the Platform at any time.
21.3 Outstanding obligations and liabilities survive termination.
22. Consumer Rights
Nothing in these Terms limits mandatory consumer rights available under Portuguese or European Union law.
23. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
23.1 These Terms shall be governed by the laws of Portugal.
23.2 Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the competent Portuguese courts, unless mandatory consumer protection rules provide otherwise.
24. Alternative Dispute Resolution
Consumers may use alternative dispute resolution entities legally recognized in Portugal.
Additional information is available at:
and
https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr
25. Changes to These Terms
25.1 Bowmeo reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time.
25.2 Updated versions will be published on the Platform with the revised effective date.
25.3 Continued use of the Platform after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
26. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain fully effective.
27. Entire Agreement
These Terms constitute the entire agreement between users and Bowmeo regarding use of the Platform.
28. Contact Information
For questions regarding these Terms, contact:
Email: support@bowmeo.com
Website: www.bowmeo.com