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Terms of Service

Effective Date: 28 January 2026 | Version 1.0

1. Introduction

Welcome to SitEasy. These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you and SitEasy (Pty) Ltd ("SitEasy", "we", "us", or "our"), a company registered in the Republic of South Africa.

By accessing or using the SitEasy platform, website, or mobile application (collectively, the "Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use the Platform.

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 ("CPA"), the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 ("ECT Act"), and the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 ("POPIA").

2. Platform Description

SitEasy operates as a technology marketplace that connects pet owners ("Clients") with pet sitters ("Sitters"). We provide the technology infrastructure to facilitate these connections.

SitEasy is not a pet-sitting service provider. We do not employ Sitters, and we do not provide sitting services directly. Sitters are independent contractors who offer their services through our Platform.

When a booking is made through the Platform, the contractual relationship for the provision of sitting services is directly between the Client and the Sitter. SitEasy is not a party to this agreement.

3. User Eligibility

To use the Platform, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Be legally capable of entering into binding contracts under South African law
  • Provide accurate and complete registration information
  • Maintain the security of your account credentials

By registering an account, you represent and warrant that you meet these eligibility requirements.

4. User Accounts

4.1 Account Registration

You must register for an account to use certain features of the Platform. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to update such information to keep it accurate, current, and complete.

4.2 Account Security

You are responsible for safeguarding your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. You must notify us immediately of any unauthorised use of your account.

4.3 Account Types

The Platform offers different account types: Client accounts for those seeking sitting services, and Sitter accounts for those offering sitting services. You may hold both account types but must maintain separate profiles for each.

5. Sitter Verification

5.1 Verification Requirements

To achieve "Verified" status and earn the Verified badge, Sitters must complete the following verification steps:

  • Identity Document: Upload a valid South African ID, passport, or driver's licence
  • Police Clearance Certificate: Submit a valid police clearance certificate
  • Selfie with ID: Upload a photo of yourself holding your ID document next to your face, allowing us to verify that you are the person shown on the identity document
  • Completed Bookings: Successfully complete at least 3 bookings on the platform

5.2 Verification Disclaimer

While we take reasonable steps to verify the authenticity of submitted documents and selfie photos, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any verification.

Verification indicates only that a Sitter has submitted documents that appear genuine and that the selfie photo appears to match the identity document. It does not constitute an endorsement of the Sitter's character, competence, or suitability for any particular sitting engagement.

Clients are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence, including meeting Sitters in person before confirming bookings.

6. Platform Fees and Sitter Tiers

6.1 Client Fees

Clients pay no platform fees. The full booking amount goes towards the sitting service, with platform commission deducted from the Sitter's payout.

6.2 Sitter Commission

SitEasy charges a 10% commission on completed bookings, which is deducted from the Sitter's payout. This commission covers platform maintenance, payment processing, customer support, and trust and safety features.

6.3 Tiered Rate System

SitEasy operates a tiered rate system where platform-defined rates apply based on the Sitter's tier level. Sitters do not set their own rates. Rates are determined by the Platform and are consistent across all Sitters within the same tier.

The tier system operates as follows:

  • New Sitter: Entry-level tier for Sitters with fewer than 3 completed bookings
  • Verified: Sitters with 3+ completed bookings who have completed full identity verification (ID document, police clearance, and selfie with ID)
  • Experienced: Sitters with 10+ completed bookings and a rating average of 4.5 or higher
  • Premium: Sitters with 25+ completed bookings and a rating average of 4.8 or higher

Higher tiers unlock higher platform rates. Sitters progress through tiers by completing bookings, maintaining high ratings, and completing verification requirements.

SitEasy reserves the right to modify the tier structure, tier requirements, and associated rates at any time. Changes will be communicated to users with reasonable notice.

7. Bookings and Payments

7.1 Booking Process

Clients may request bookings through the Platform. Sitters may accept or decline booking requests at their discretion. A booking is only confirmed once both parties have agreed and full payment has been made.

7.2 Payment Terms

Payments are processed through our secure payment system. The payment structure is as follows:

  • Full payment upfront: The total booking amount is paid by the Client upon booking confirmation
  • Payment protection: Funds are held securely until the service is rendered
  • Platform fee: A 15% commission is deducted from the total amount for independent sitters
  • First release (50%): 50% of the Sitter's payout is released when the sitting period begins
  • Final release (50%): The remaining 50% is released upon successful completion of the booking

This payment system protects both parties: Clients are assured that funds are only released when services are provided, and Sitters are guaranteed payment for completed work.

7.3 Cancellations

Cancellation policies apply to all bookings. Deposits may be non-refundable depending on the timing of cancellation. Specific cancellation terms are displayed during the booking process.

8. User Obligations

8.1 General Obligations

All users agree to:

  • Provide accurate and truthful information
  • Comply with all applicable South African laws and regulations
  • Treat other users with respect and professionalism
  • Not engage in fraudulent, deceptive, or harmful conduct
  • Not circumvent platform payments or attempt to transact off-platform

8.2 Sitter Obligations

Sitters additionally agree to:

  • Provide services as agreed with the Client
  • Maintain appropriate care standards for pets and properties
  • Not invite or permit visitors to the Client's property during a sitting engagement without the Client's express written consent
  • Respect the Client's property and privacy
  • Report any incidents or issues promptly through the Platform
  • Comply with all verification requirements

8.3 Client Obligations

Clients additionally agree to:

  • Provide accurate information about pets, property, and requirements
  • Ensure the property is safe and suitable for the sitting engagement
  • Make timely payments as required
  • Treat Sitters with respect and professionalism

9. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by South African law, including the CPA:

  • SitEasy shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Platform or any services obtained through the Platform
  • SitEasy shall not be liable for any injury, death, property damage, theft, or loss arising from sitting engagements arranged through the Platform
  • SitEasy shall not be liable for the actions, omissions, or conduct of any user, whether online or offline
  • SitEasy's total liability for any claims arising from these Terms or your use of the Platform shall not exceed the total fees paid by you to SitEasy in the 12 months preceding the claim

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability that cannot be excluded or limited under South African law.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless SitEasy, its directors, officers, employees, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from:

  • Your use of the Platform
  • Your breach of these Terms
  • Your violation of any applicable law or regulation
  • Any sitting engagement you participate in through the Platform
  • Any dispute between you and another user

11. Intellectual Property

The Platform, including its design, features, content, and trademarks, is owned by SitEasy and protected by South African and international intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works from any part of the Platform without our express written consent.

12. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us. Upon termination, your right to use the Platform ceases immediately.

Termination does not affect any rights or obligations that accrued prior to termination, including payment obligations for completed bookings.

13. Dispute Resolution

Any dispute arising from these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be governed by South African law and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Republic of South Africa.

Before initiating legal proceedings, you agree to attempt to resolve any dispute informally by contacting us at legal@siteasy.co.za.

14. Amendments

We may amend these Terms at any time by posting the amended Terms on the Platform. Your continued use of the Platform after such posting constitutes your acceptance of the amended Terms. We will notify registered users of material changes via email.

15. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

16. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, Acceptable Use Policy, and any other policies referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement between you and SitEasy regarding your use of the Platform.

17. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, please contact us at:

SitEasy (Pty) Ltd
Email: legal@siteasy.co.za
Johannesburg, South Africa

By using SitEasy, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.