1. Introduction

These Terms of Use govern access to and use of the MyPet.Dog Network (“the Platform”), a digital service enabling dog owners to record ownership information, nominate next-of-kin, coordinate guardianship arrangements, and manage welfare-related data.

By accessing or using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

2. Definitions

• Dog – The companion animal registered by a user on the Platform.
• Registered Owner – The person who is the legal owner of the dog under NSW law.
• Guardian – A person authorised by the Registered Owner to care for the dog, without acquiring legal ownership.
• Next-of-Kin (NOK) – A person nominated by the Registered Owner to act as Guardian or Intended Owner upon specified events.
• Fallback Rehoming Organisation – A recognised animal welfare or rehoming organisation nominated by the Registered Owner.
• User – Any person accessing or using the Platform.
• Platform Data – All information submitted, stored, or generated through the Platform.

3. Purpose of the Platform

The Platform provides tools for:

• recording ownership and care information;
• nominating Next-of-Kin and guardianship preferences;
• coordinating care during periods when the Registered Owner cannot act;
• facilitating communication with nominated persons and organisations;
• maintaining welfare-related records.

The Platform does not transfer, create, extinguish, or modify legal ownership of any dog.

Legal ownership is determined solely by applicable law, not by entries made on the Platform.

4. User Eligibility

You may use the Platform only if:

• you are at least 18 years old;
• you are capable of entering into binding agreements;
• you are the legal owner of any dog you register, or you have the owner’s express consent.

5. Ownership and Legal Status

5.1 Registered Owner

The Registered Owner remains the legal owner of the dog unless ownership is changed under NSW law through:

• voluntary transfer;
• surrender to a recognised organisation;
• court-ordered forfeiture;
• lawful disposal under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 or Companion Animals Act 1998.

5.2 Platform Records

Platform records are informational only and do not constitute:

• legal proof of ownership;
• enforceable rights;
• binding guardianship or succession instruments.

6. Next-of-Kin and Guardianship

6.1 Nomination

The Platform allows Registered Owners to nominate:

• a Primary Next-of-Kin;
• a Secondary Next-of-Kin;
• a Fallback Rehoming Organisation.

6.2 Scope of NOK Authority

NOK authority is conditional and may include:

• temporary guardianship during incapacity or detention;
• intended guardianship upon death;
• welfare decision-making in emergencies.

NOK authority does not create legal ownership unless ownership is transferred outside the Platform.

6.3 Acceptance and Declination

NOKs may accept or decline their nomination.

If all NOKs decline, the Platform may notify the nominated Fallback Rehoming Organisation.

7. Rehoming Organisations

7.1 Role

Recognised rehoming organisations may be nominated as fallback guardians.

7.2 No Automatic Ownership

Such organisations do not acquire ownership through Platform nomination.

Ownership transfers only through lawful surrender or disposal under NSW legislation.

7.3 Welfare Notifications

The Platform may notify a nominated organisation if:

• the dog is at risk;
• NOKs cannot be contacted;
• the Registered Owner is unable to act.

8. User Responsibilities

Users must:

• provide accurate and up-to-date information;
• ensure nominated NOKs are aware of their role;
• comply with all applicable NSW laws relating to animal welfare;
• not use the Platform for unlawful, harmful, or misleading purposes.

9. Platform Limitations

The Platform does not:

• verify legal ownership;
• monitor real-time welfare conditions;
• guarantee NOK availability;
• intervene in legal disputes;
• provide legal advice.

The Platform is an information and coordination tool only.

10. Data and Privacy

The Platform collects and stores user-submitted information for the purpose of providing its services.

Users consent to the use of Platform Data for:

• communication with NOKs and organisations;
• welfare alerts;
• service improvement.

For details on privacy practices, refer to the Platform’s Privacy Policy.

11. Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Platform is not liable for:

• actions or omissions of NOKs, Guardians, or rehoming organisations;
• welfare outcomes for any dog;
• loss arising from inaccurate user-submitted information;
• legal disputes regarding ownership or custody.

12. Termination

The Platform may suspend or terminate access if:

• a user breaches these Terms;
• fraudulent or harmful activity is detected;
• required by law or regulatory authority.

Users may delete their account at any time.

13. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia.

Any disputes shall be resolved in NSW courts.

14. Amendments

The Platform may update these Terms from time to time.

Continued use constitutes acceptance of updated Terms.

15. Contact

For questions or notices relating to these Terms, users may contact the Platform’s support team.