Agreement for PetGuardians (Caregivers)

1. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT

This Independent Contractor Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into between PetGo Care Platform, operated by Valera Tech LLC ("Company"), and the service provider ("Contractor").

1. Independent Contractor Status & Right of Substitution

The Contractor affirms they are an independent contractor and not an employee, partner, or agent of the Company. The Contractor maintains the sole right to determine the manner, means, and methods by which services are performed. The Contractor shall have the right to hire or engage their own assistants or substitutes to perform the services, provided such individuals meet the Company’s platform standards (including background checks). The Contractor is solely responsible for the direction and compensation of any such assistants. This Agreement is non-exclusive; the Contractor may provide services to other entities, including competitors.

2. Nature of the Platform

The Company provides a digital platform (the "PetGo Care Platform") that connects pet owners with independent pet care providers. The Company’s business is the provision of technology services and not the provision of pet care services. The Company does not supervise, control, or direct the Contractor in the performance of their services.

3. Services Provided

The Contractor agrees to provide pet care services requested by customers through the PetGo Care Platform, including but not limited to pet sitting, dog walking, and pet transportation. The Contractor is under no obligation to accept any specific service request.

4. Payment and Fees

Customers pay for services through the PetGo Care Platform. The Company will collect payments as the Contractor’s limited collection agent and transfer the Contractor's earnings, minus applicable platform service fees, according to the schedule established in the PetGo mobile application.

5. Taxes and Waiver of Benefits

The Contractor is solely responsible for all federal, state, and local taxes, including self-employment taxes. The Contractor acknowledges they are not entitled to, and hereby waives any claim to, worker’s compensation, unemployment insurance, health insurance, or any other benefits provided to employees of the Company.

6. Equipment and Expenses

The Contractor shall provide all equipment, tools, transportation, and materials necessary to perform the services. The Company will not reimburse the Contractor for any expenses incurred (e.g., fuel, supplies, or insurance).

7. Insurance and Indemnification

The Contractor is responsible for maintaining their own liability insurance. The Contractor agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Valera Tech LLC and its officers from any claims, damages, or lawsuits arising from the Contractor’s performance (or their assistants' performance) of services, including but not limited to injury to pets, damage to property, or third-party injuries.

8. Confidentiality and Professional Conduct

The Contractor agrees to keep all customer information (e.g., home access codes, addresses) strictly confidential. Both parties agree not to engage in any conduct or communication, public or private, designed to disparage the other party or the PetGo Care Platform.

9. Compliance and Background Checks

The Contractor agrees to comply with all applicable Massachusetts laws and local regulations regarding animal welfare. The Contractor consents to periodic background checks to maintain platform safety.

10. Governing Law and Venue

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Any legal action arising out of this Agreement shall be instituted exclusively in the federal or state courts located in the county where Valera Tech LLC is registered, and each party consents to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.

11. Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

12. Termination

Either party may terminate this Agreement at any time by discontinuing the use of the PetGo Care Platform. Sections 7 (Indemnification) and 8 (Confidentiality) shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

13. Acceptance

By registering, clicking "I Agree," or accepting service requests through the PetGo Care Platform, the Contractor agrees to the terms of this Agreement.

14. Pet Health and Safety Responsibility

The Contractor acknowledges that while a pet is under their supervision or care, the Contractor is solely responsible for the pet's safety and well-being. The Company (PetGo Care Platform) is not responsible for injuries, illness, loss, or death of any animal occurring during services performed by the Contractor.

15. Emergency Veterinary Care

In the event of a medical emergency involving a pet, the Contractor is authorized to seek veterinary care if the pet owner cannot be reached. Any costs related to veterinary services shall be the responsibility of the pet owner unless otherwise agreed between the owner and the Contractor. The Company shall not be responsible for veterinary expenses.

16. Limitation of Liability

The Contractor agrees that PetGo Care Platform acts solely as a technology intermediary connecting pet owners and independent contractors. The Company shall not be held liable for any injury, damage, loss, dispute, or claim arising from services performed by the Contractor.

2. BACKGROUND CHECK AUTHORIZATION AND CONSENT

In connection with my registration on the PetGo Care platform, operated by Valera Tech LLC ("Company"), I hereby authorize the Company and its designated agents to conduct a comprehensive background check.

1. Authorization

I authorize the Company to obtain a consumer report and/or an investigative consumer report, which may include criminal history (Local, State, and Federal), sex offender registry status, and driving records.

2. Purpose

This information is obtained to evaluate my suitability to provide pet care services. This authorization remains valid as long as I remain an active service provider on the platform.

3. Compliance with Law

The Company complies with the Massachusetts Fair Information Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). I understand I have the right to request a copy of any report obtained.

4. Disclosure and Release

I hereby release Valera Tech LLC and any entity providing the information from any and all liability in connection with the release or use of this information. I certify that all information provided in my profile (SSN, ID, and personal data) is true and complete.

5. Electronic Consent

By checking the "Acepto el Consentimiento de Antecedentes" box and providing my Social Security Number and Identification through this application, I am providing my electronic signature and legal consent for the Company to proceed with the background check process.

3. PET CARE PROVIDER CODE OF CONDUCT

As an independent service provider on the PetGo Care Platform, you commit to maintaining the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and ethics. Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in the immediate suspension or permanent deactivation of your account.

1. Animal Welfare and Safety

• The safety and health of the pet are the number one priority. Any form of abuse, neglect, or physical punishment is strictly prohibited.
• Pets must be under constant supervision as agreed upon with the owner.
• In the event of a medical emergency, the provider must immediately contact the owner and, if necessary, transport the pet to the nearest veterinarian, always keeping PetGo Care Platform informed.

2. Professionalism and Communication

• You must respond in a timely and polite manner to client messages through the platform's chat.
• Punctuality is required for all scheduled walks, visits, or transport services.
• The use of offensive language or inappropriate behavior toward clients or PetGo Care Platform staff will not be tolerated.

3. Respect for Private Property

• Access to a client's home must be strictly limited to the areas necessary for providing pet care.
• Inviting unauthorized individuals into a client's property or using household resources (food, equipment, etc.) without explicit permission is prohibited.

4. Platform Integrity and Payments

All bookings and payments must be processed exclusively through the PetGo Care Platform. Attempting to take a client off-platform to avoid service fees ("disintermediation") is grounds for immediate account termination. Your provider profile must contain truthful information, current photos, and valid documentation.

5. Prohibited Substances

It is strictly prohibited to provide services while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that impairs your ability to react or care for animals.

6. Incident Reporting

Any incident (dog fights, bites, property damage, or loss of keys) must be reported to PetGo Care Platform support within 24 hours of the occurrence.

7. Pet Behavior Disclosure

Pet owners must disclose any known history of aggression, biting, or behavioral issues related to their pets. PetGo Care Platform is not responsible for injuries or damages resulting from undisclosed animal behavior.

8. Account Suspension and Removal

PetGo Care Platform reserves the right to suspend or permanently deactivate any provider account that violates this Code of Conduct or poses a risk to pets, clients, or the integrity of the platform.

9. Electronic Acceptance

By checking the "I Accept the Code of Conduct" box and completing your registration, you acknowledge that your continued access to the PetGo Care Platform depends on your adherence to these professional and quality standards.

4. PET CARE PROVIDER PAYMENT POLICY

This Payment Policy ("Policy") governs the terms and conditions related to earnings, fees, and payouts for independent contractors ("Contractors") using the PetGo Care Platform ("Platform"), operated by Valera Tech LLC ("Company"). By using the Platform, you agree to be bound by this Policy.

1. Service Fees and Net Earnings

The Platform charges a service fee (the "Platform Fee") on each booking completed through the Platform. The Platform Fee is currently set at 12% of the total booking price. The Company reserves the right to modify the Platform Fee at any time, at its sole discretion. Any changes will be communicated to Contractors via the Platform or email prior to taking effect. The Contractor's net earnings are calculated as the total amount paid by the Pet Owner minus the applicable Platform Fee and any payment processing fees.

2. Payment Collection Agent

The Contractor hereby appoints the Company as its limited payment collection agent solely for the purpose of accepting payments from Pet Owners on the Contractor's behalf. Payment obligations of the Pet Owner to the Contractor are considered fulfilled upon receipt of funds by the Company. The Company will initiate payouts only after the service has been marked as "Completed" and verified through the Platform.

3. Payout Schedule

Payouts will be issued to the Contractor's designated bank account or digital wallet based on the payout schedule selected within the Platform (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly). The Company shall not be liable for delays caused by third-party payment processors, banking institutions, or inaccurate financial information provided by the Contractor.

4. Cancellations and Refunds

In the event of a cancellation by a Pet Owner, eligibility for partial compensation will be determined in accordance with the Platform's Cancellation Policy. The Company reserves the right to withhold payment, issue partial refunds, or provide full refunds to Pet Owners in cases including, but not limited to:

• Contractor no-shows
• Failure to perform agreed services
• Negligence or misconduct

5. Off-Platform Payment Prohibition

Contractors are strictly prohibited from soliciting or accepting payments outside of the Platform (including but not limited to cash, Venmo, Zelle, or other payment methods) for services initiated through the Platform. Violation of this policy may result in immediate suspension or permanent deactivation of the Contractor's account, as well as forfeiture of any pending earnings.

6. Taxes and Reporting

Contractors are classified as independent contractors and are solely responsible for reporting and paying all applicable federal, state, and local taxes. The Company will issue IRS Form 1099-K or 1099-NEC where required by law, based on applicable reporting thresholds.

7. Payment Disputes

The Company reserves the right to investigate and resolve any disputes related to payments or services. During an active dispute, payouts may be temporarily withheld. The Company may request documentation from either party, including but not limited to messages, photos, or service records. All decisions made by the Company regarding disputes shall be final and binding, to the extent permitted by law.

8. Chargebacks and Payment Reversals

If a payment is reversed, disputed, or subject to a chargeback through a financial institution, the Company reserves the right to recover the corresponding amount from the Contractor. This may include deducting funds from future payouts or creating a negative balance on the Contractor's account.

9. Modifications to This Policy

The Company reserves the right to modify or update this Policy at any time. Continued use of the Platform after such changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.

10. Electronic Acceptance

By selecting "I Accept the Payment Policy" and using the Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to be legally bound by this Policy.

Valera Tech LLC - PetGo Care Platform