Terms and Conditions | Dogspotting

Terms and Conditions for Dogspotting LLC

Updated November 23rd, 2025

Plain-English Summary: Dogspotting is a U.S.-based social community that includes a website and mobile app for dog lovers. We collect the personal and dog-related information you provide (such as your name, email, ZIP code, age, dog breed, pet preferences, etc.) and any content you post (photos, videos, audio, captions). We use this data to operate and improve the app, enable social features (profiles, follows, comments), and personalize your experience. When you post content, you still own it, but you grant Dogspotting a broad, irrevocable, perpetual, royalty-free, transferable, sublicensable license to use and share that content for any purpose, including commercial uses, now or in the future. Your data may be shared with service providers (like hosting, analytics, and payment processors) and, if Dogspotting is ever sold or merged, all user data and content may be transferred to the new owner. You are responsible for keeping your account secure – use a strong password, do not share it, and update any information you provide to us if it changes. The service is for users 13 years and older (and 16+ or with parental consent in the EU), in compliance with COPPA and GDPR. You can delete your posts or close your account at any time, subject to these Terms. We may update these Terms from time to time; we’ll post the new effective date when we do. If you have questions, you can contact us at the email or address below.

Definitions

“Dogspotting”, “we” or “us”: Dogspotting LLC, an Illinois company with registered office at 1509 Waukegan Road #1205, Glenview, IL 60025 (controller of user data).
“Service”: The Dogspotting mobile applications (iOS and Android) and website (dogspotting.com).
“User-Generated Content (UGC)”: Any photos, videos, audio recordings (e.g. voice notes), captions, comments, or other material you submit to the Service. You retain ownership of your content. “Content” in these Terms refers to any UGC you post, as well as any information in your profile (like your display name, bio, or photo).
“Account”: Your user account with Dogspotting, which gives you access to the Service.
“You” or “User”: The person or legal entity using the Service.

All capitalized terms not defined here have the meanings given elsewhere in these Terms.

Content License

By posting or submitting UGC on Dogspotting, you grant Dogspotting LLC an irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, transferable, sublicensable license to use your content for any purpose now known or later developed. This includes the rights to copy, edit, modify, adapt, distribute, display, publicly perform, or otherwise exploit your photos, videos, audio, captions, and other material in any media, including promotional or commercial uses. We may also use your name, likeness, username, and any accompanying information as needed when using your content (for example, to give you credit or feature your profile image). In simpler terms, you allow Dogspotting to show or feature your posts to others, share or repost them on our platforms or social media, license them to media partners (like TV shows or advertisers), or include them in merchandise or ads, without paying you royalties. This license continues even if you later delete the content or close your account, except where required by law. (The license is non-exclusive, so you remain free to use your content elsewhere.) If you disagree with granting this license, do not upload content to Dogspotting.

Data Sharing and Transfers

Dogspotting collects the information you provide (name, email, ZIP code, age, preferences, and any UGC) as well as technical data (device info, usage logs, cookies) to operate the Service. We may share this data with third parties who help run Dogspotting (such as hosting providers, analytics services, push/email notification services, and payment processors like Apple, Google, or Stripe. We do not sell your personal data for profit, but we may share aggregated or non-identifiable data with partners.

Importantly, if Dogspotting is ever sold, merged, or undergoes restructuring, all user data and content may be transferred or licensed to the new owner as part of the transaction. This means your account information, profile data (ZIP code, age, onboarding answers, demographics, etc.), and all UGC could become the property or licensed assets of the successor company. By using Dogspotting and our related services, you consent to such transfers.

Account Registration and Security

To use most features of Dogspotting, you must register for an Account. You agree to provide accurate, complete, and current information about yourself (including your age to verify eligibility) and to keep this information up to date. Providing false or outdated information is a breach of these Terms and may result in account suspension. You are solely responsible for all activities that occur under your Account. You must safeguard your password and not share your login credentials with anyone. Use a strong, unique password, and log out if you share devices. If you suspect any unauthorized use of your account or a security breach, contact us immediately at our support email. We may offer additional security features in the future (like two-factor authentication) and recommend you use them when available. You agree that we are not liable for any loss or damage resulting from your failure to protect your account information.

Community Guidelines & Prohibited Conduct

We aim to foster a friendly, respectful community for dog lovers. By using Dogspotting, you agree not to engage in prohibited behavior or post prohibited content. You must not: upload content that violates any law or infringes others’ rights (e.g. copyrighted material, private data without permission); depict animal cruelty or illegal acts; post hate speech, harassment, intimidation, or defamation; publish sexual or adult content; share spam, malicious code, or solicit others; impersonate any person or entity; or engage in fraudulent or unlawful activities. (This is not an exhaustive list.) Dogspotting reserves the right to remove or disable access to any UGC or accounts that violate our guidelines or these Terms. Our moderators and support team may intervene by taking down posts, issuing warnings, temporarily suspending accounts, or permanently banning users as needed. We will generally notify you if your content or account is removed, and you may appeal the decision by contacting support within 30 days. Appeals will be considered at Dogspotting’s discretion, but compliance with these rules is required for all users.

Profiles, Comments, Follows, and Messaging

Your Dogspotting profile (including your display name, profile picture, and bio) and all posts are public by default. Other users can see and interact with anything you post. You can comment on and like other users’ public posts, and you can follow other users to see their new posts in your feed. You agree to follow the same content rules when commenting or using social features. In the future, Dogspotting may introduce one-on-one messaging between users. If and when this feature is added, it will be strictly opt-in and subject to these Terms. (Currently we do not offer private messaging.) We do not actively monitor private messages, but if a user reports a message for harassment or abuse, authorized staff may access the specific messages involved in order to investigate and enforce our rules. Your privacy is important to us, and we will handle reported messages with extra sensitivity.

Biometric and Sensitive Data

We generally do not collect highly sensitive personal data. In particular, Dogspotting does not collect biometric identifiers (such as voice patterns or facial scans) unless you explicitly opt in to a future feature that requires it. Any biometric or health-related data (for example, optional pet allergy information) you provide is processed only with your consent and protected with care. We treat biometric data as sensitive personal information, and if any future feature uses it (like voice recognition filters or face overlays), we will require your clear opt-in consent and comply with applicable privacy laws. You are not required to provide any sensitive information, and you can disable such features at any time.

Purchases and Subscriptions

Dogspotting is free to download and use, but we may offer premium features, digital goods, or merchandise for purchase. All in-app purchases and subscriptions will be handled through secure third-party platforms (such as Apple’s App Store, Google Play, or payment processors like Stripe). We do not store your payment card numbers; instead, these are managed by the payment provider. When you make a purchase, you agree to the terms of the relevant platform (e.g. Apple’s or Google’s billing terms). Prices, promotions, and subscription plans are subject to change, and any refunds or cancellations are governed by the payment provider’s policies. We may offer a free trial for subscriptions; if so, you will be notified when the trial ends and what charges apply. By purchasing, you authorize us to charge your chosen payment method for those fees. If a payment fails or your subscription is not renewed, you may lose access to the paid features. We follow all laws regarding taxes and disclosure for in-app purchases.

Account Suspension and Content Removal

Dogspotting reserves the right to suspend, restrict, or delete any user account or content at any time, at our sole discretion, with or without notice, and with or without liability. This may occur if you violate these Terms, if your Account is inactive, or for any other reason we deem appropriate. Upon suspension or termination, your right to use the Service ceases immediately. If your content is removed (for example, because it violated policies or by user deletion), it will no longer be viewable by others. However, keep in mind that the licenses you granted (above) may allow Dogspotting to continue using your content internally or with third parties even after removal. If you believe an account or post was removed in error, you may contact support to appeal. Appeals must include relevant information and will be reviewed by Dogspotting; we will respond as soon as reasonably possible.

Contests, Promotions, and Influencer Programs

From time to time we may run contests, sweepstakes, or promotion campaigns. Each contest will have its own official rules, eligibility requirements, and prize details. By participating, you agree to abide by the contest rules as well as these Terms. Winners may need to provide a valid email or address to claim prizes, and contests are subject to local laws (e.g. void where prohibited). Dogspotting may cancel or modify any contest if necessary.

If you enroll in any Dogspotting influencer or ambassador program, additional terms may apply (for example, content requirements, use of trademarks, or reporting obligations). Influencers must follow applicable advertising laws. In particular, the FTC requires clear disclosure when you are receiving any compensation or free products for promoting our brand. For example, you should use tags like #ad or #sponsored so your audience is aware of a business relationship. We may terminate or suspend influencer partnerships if participants fail to comply with these rules.

Age Restrictions

The Service is intended for users who are at least 13 years old. If you are under 13, you may not use Dogspotting. In jurisdictions covered by GDPR (like the EU/UK), users must be at least 16 (or 13-15 with verified parental consent, as required by local law). Do not use Dogspotting if you are below the required age. We do not knowingly collect or retain personal information from children under 13. If we learn we have inadvertently collected data from a child under 13, we will promptly delete that data. For users under the applicable age, a parent or guardian should manage the account with full knowledge of these Terms. By using the Service, you represent that you meet the age requirements for your location.

Dogspotting respects intellectual property rights. You should only upload UGC that you own or have permission to use. If you believe your copyrighted work has been posted on Dogspotting without authorization, you may send a proper DMCA takedown notice to our designated Copyright Agent (see contact info below). The notice must comply with DMCA requirements (including identification of the work and infringement, your contact info, a good-faith statement, and signature). We will respond to valid notices by removing or disabling access to the infringing content, and will notify the user who posted it. That user may submit a counter-notice under the DMCA if they believe removal was mistaken; we will follow the DMCA process, which may involve restoring the content unless a court order is obtained.

For EU and other jurisdictions with deletion rights, you may request removal of content or personal data under applicable laws (e.g. GDPR “right to be forgotten”). We will handle such requests in accordance with local law. However, remember that anything posted publicly on Dogspotting can be copied or saved by others, and our broad license may allow continued internal or third-party use. In general, content removal requests should be sent to our support email; please provide enough detail to identify the content. We reserve the right to deny removal requests that do not comply with law (for example, if the content is non-personal or publicly available anyway).

Disclaimer, Limitation of Liability, and Indemnity

Disclaimer: Dogspotting is provided on an “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” basis, without warranties of any kind. We do not guarantee the service will be error-free, secure, or fit for any particular purpose. To the maximum extent permitted by law, we expressly disclaim all warranties (express, implied, statutory or otherwise), including merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. We are not responsible for user misconduct, technical failures, or any third-party sites accessed via Dogspotting.

Limitation of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Dogspotting and its officers, directors, employees, or agents shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages (including lost profits, lost data, loss of privacy, or business interruption) arising out of or related to your use of the Service, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. Our total liability to you for any reason will be limited to the greater of (a) the amount you have paid us in the past 12 months (if any), or (b) $100. You understand and agree that Dogspotting is not liable for UGC posted by users.

Indemnification: You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Dogspotting and its affiliates from any claim, loss, liability, damage or expense (including attorneys’ fees) arising from or related to your content, your violation of these Terms, or your breach of any law or rights of a third party. This means if someone sues Dogspotting because of something you did on the Service (such as copyright infringement, defamation, or illegal behavior), you will cover the costs and damages.

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois (without regard to conflict-of-law rules). Any dispute arising from these Terms or your use of Dogspotting will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state or federal courts located in Illinois.

Changes to Terms, Contact, and Effective Date

We may modify or update these Terms at any time. If the changes are material, we will make reasonable efforts to notify you in advance (for example, via in-app notice or email). Minor updates may take effect immediately upon posting. The “Last Updated” date at the top of these Terms indicates when the current version took effect. By continuing to use Dogspotting after the effective date, you agree to the new terms. If you do not agree, you must stop using the Service.

If you have questions or concerns about these Terms, you can contact us at:

Email: team@dogspottingmedia.com
Mailing Address: 1509 Waukegan Road #1205, Glenview, IL 60025, USA

Thank you for being part of the Dogspotting community!