Terms of Service

Search Pets · searchpets.org · Effective June 16, 2026

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of searchpets.org (the "Website") and services provided by Search Pets ("we," "us," or "our"), a lost and found pet recovery service operating since 2001. By using our Website, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use our services.

1. About Search Pets

Search Pets helps pet owners report lost pets and helps finders report found pets across all 50 U.S. states. We provide:

  • Standard Alert (Free): Lost pet report with live alert page, vet/volunteer/shelter outreach, searchable listing, and free dashboard account
  • Premium Pet Alert ($179.99): All 15 recovery services on priority, Pet Amber Alert, volunteer flyer distribution, and dedicated support — see our Pricing page
  • Found pet reports (Free): Submission form for reporting found/stray pets
  • Shareable alert links: Each pet report gets a private URL to share with your network
  • State legal information: General educational resources by state
  • 24/7 support hotline: (844) 484-3448

Search Pets is a private service. We are not a government agency, animal control, law enforcement, veterinary provider, or licensed private investigator.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to use our services or submit pet reports. By using the Website, you represent that you meet this requirement and have authority to submit information about the pet in question.

3. Account & Submissions

When you submit a lost pet report, found pet report, contact form, or other content ("User Content"), you agree that:

  • All information is accurate and truthful to the best of your knowledge
  • You are the pet owner, authorized agent, or a finder acting in good faith
  • You have the right to upload any photos submitted
  • You grant Search Pets a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, reproduce, and distribute your User Content to operate our pet recovery services
  • You will not submit false, fraudulent, misleading, or malicious reports

4. Premium Pet Alert — Payment Terms

Premium Pet Alert costs $179.99 USD as a one-time fee. Payment is collected via PayPal at checkout after you submit your lost pet report. By purchasing Premium, you agree to:

  • Pay the full listed price at time of purchase
  • Complete checkout within 24 hours of submitting your report (unpaid orders expire)
  • Our Refund Policy, which governs all refund requests
  • PayPal's terms of service for payment processing

Premium services begin after payment confirmation. Search Pets does not guarantee that purchasing Premium will result in your pet being found.

5. Prohibited Conduct

You may not:

  • Submit false or fraudulent lost/found pet reports
  • Impersonate another person, pet owner, or organization
  • Upload illegal, offensive, or copyrighted content without permission
  • Harass, threaten, or harm other users
  • Attempt unauthorized access to our systems or data
  • Use bots or automated tools to scrape or spam our Website
  • Dispute valid PayPal charges without first contacting us

6. No Guarantee of Results

Search Pets does not guarantee that any lost pet will be found or reunited with its owner. Free and Premium services increase visibility and outreach but cannot control outcomes. See our Disclaimer for full details.

7. Intellectual Property

All Website content, branding, design, and software are owned by Search Pets or its licensors and protected by copyright and trademark laws. You may not copy, reproduce, or distribute Website content without written permission. Your pet photos and report content remain yours; you grant us license to use them as described in Section 3.

8. Third-Party Services

We use third-party services including PayPal (payments), IONOS (hosting), and may link to external shelters and resources. We are not responsible for third-party services, their availability, or their policies.

9. Privacy

Your use of the Website is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect and use personal information including pet report data and photos.

10. Disclaimer of Warranties

THE WEBSITE AND ALL SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. WE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

11. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, SEARCH PETS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF OUR SERVICES, INCLUDING FAILURE TO RECOVER A LOST PET. OUR TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIM SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) $179.99 OR (B) THE AMOUNT YOU PAID US IN THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Search Pets from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of the Website, your User Content, or your violation of these Terms.

13. Governing Law & Disputes

These Terms are governed by the laws of the United States. Any disputes shall be resolved in courts of competent jurisdiction. You agree to attempt good-faith resolution by contacting us at [email protected] or (844) 484-3448 before initiating legal proceedings.

14. Modifications & Termination

We may modify these Terms or discontinue services at any time. Changes are effective upon posting. We may suspend access for violations of these Terms without notice.

15. Related Policies

16. Contact

Last updated: June 16, 2026