Terms of use

Last updated: June 28, 2026

By using Golden Paw Match at goldenpawmatch.com (the “Service”), you agree to these Terms of Use (“Terms”). If you do not agree, do not use the Service.

1. The service

Golden Paw Match is operated by John Shoufler (“we,” “us,” or “our”). We provide:

We are not a shelter, rescue, broker, or adoption agency. We do not take custody of animals, conduct home visits, approve adoptions, or provide veterinary, legal, or financial advice. Match percentages and summaries are informational estimates based on listing text and your quiz answers — not guarantees of temperament, health, or compatibility.

2. Eligibility

The Service is intended for users age 18 or older, or minors using the site with a parent or guardian’s permission. By using the Service, you represent that you meet this requirement or have appropriate consent.

3. No adoption guarantee

Shelters and private caregivers control whether an adoption or rehome placement proceeds. A high match score does not entitle you to an animal. Listing details (age, training, health, behavior) come from third-party shelters or listers and may be incomplete or outdated. Always meet the animal, ask questions, and consult a veterinarian before adopting.

4. Third-party shelters and websites

Shelter pets are sourced from public data feeds (including RescueGroups.org). When you click through to a shelter website, you are subject to that organization’s own terms, fees, and adoption policies. We are not responsible for third-party sites, their availability, or their actions.

5. Rehome listings

If you submit a rehome listing, you agree that:

Rehome listings display your contact email (and optional phone) to potential adopters in your area. Listings are free during launch; we may introduce paid listing options later with notice.

We may remove or hide listings that appear fraudulent, abusive, duplicate, or in violation of these Terms, with or without notice.

6. Email alerts

If you subscribe to match alerts, you consent to receive emails at the address you provide. You may unsubscribe at any time via the link in alert emails or by contacting support@goldenpawmatch.com. Alert frequency and availability may change as the product evolves.

7. Paid features (future)

We may offer paid subscriptions or one-time purchases (for example, enhanced email alerts or promoted rehome listings). Paid features will be described at checkout; payment will be processed by a third-party processor such as Stripe. Refund terms for paid features will be stated at purchase. Free core quiz and match functionality may remain available without payment.

8. Acceptable use

You agree not to:

9. Intellectual property

The Golden Paw Match name, logo, site design, and original content are owned by us or our licensors. Shelter pet photos and descriptions belong to their respective shelters or photographers. You may share individual match results with family for personal, non-commercial use. You may not republish our city pages, scrape our database, or create a competing service using bulk exports of our content without permission.

10. Disclaimers

THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT MATCH RESULTS ARE ACCURATE, COMPLETE, OR CURRENT, THAT ANIMALS ARE HEALTHY OR SAFE, OR THAT THE SERVICE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE.

Golden Paw Match is a support tool for families exploring senior pet adoption. It is not a substitute for professional advice from veterinarians, attorneys, social workers, or elder-care specialists.

11. Limitation of liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, JOHN SHOUFLER AND GOLDEN PAW MATCH SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR FOR ANY LOSS ARISING FROM ADOPTION OR REHOME DECISIONS, ANIMAL BEHAVIOR OR HEALTH, THIRD-PARTY SHELTER ACTIONS, OR RELIANCE ON MATCH SCORES OR LISTING TEXT.

OUR TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIM ARISING OUT OF THE SERVICE IS LIMITED TO THE GREATER OF (A) USD $50 OR (B) THE AMOUNT YOU PAID US IN THE TWELVE MONTHS BEFORE THE CLAIM.

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from claims, damages, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from your rehome listings, your interactions with adopters or shelters, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any law or third-party rights.

13. Privacy

Our collection and use of personal information is described in the Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

14. Changes

We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Last updated” date. Continued use after changes take effect constitutes acceptance. If you disagree with changes, stop using the Service and request deletion of any data we hold about you.

15. Termination

We may suspend or terminate access to the Service for conduct that violates these Terms or harms other users, animals, or the integrity of the platform. You may stop using the Service at any time. Sections that by their nature should survive (disclaimers, limitation of liability, indemnification, governing law) survive termination.

16. Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Arkansas, USA, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. You agree that disputes will be brought in the state or federal courts located in Pope County, Arkansas, and you consent to personal jurisdiction there.

17. Contact

Questions about these Terms:

Email: support@goldenpawmatch.com