Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using Brightside ("the Service"), operated by Brightside ("we," "us," or "our"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, please do not use the Service.

2. Description of Service

Brightside operates the National Rescue Volunteer Registry, a platform that connects individuals who wish to volunteer at animal shelters with verified rescue organizations and shelter managers. The Service includes volunteer registration, a directory for verified shelter managers, and related communications.

3. User Accounts

• You must provide accurate and complete information when creating an account or registering as a volunteer.
• You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.
• Shelter manager accounts require approval by an administrator. We reserve the right to approve or deny access at our sole discretion.
• You must be at least 13 years old to use the Service. If you are under 18, you must have parental or guardian consent.

4. Acceptable Use

You agree not to:

• Use the Service for any unlawful purpose or in violation of any applicable laws.
• Misrepresent your identity, affiliation with a rescue organization, or qualifications.
• Use volunteer data obtained through the directory for any purpose other than legitimate shelter and rescue operations.
• Scrape, harvest, or collect data from the Service by automated means.
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the Service.
• Use the Service to send unsolicited communications, spam, or marketing materials unrelated to animal welfare.

5. Volunteer Directory Access

Access to the Volunteer Directory is restricted to verified rescue and shelter managers. By accessing the directory, you agree to use volunteer information solely for the purpose of coordinating volunteer activities at your organization. Sharing, selling, or distributing volunteer data to third parties is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate account termination.

6. Affiliate Links and Third-Party Content

The Service may contain links to third-party websites, products, or services, including affiliate links. We may earn commissions from purchases made through these links. We are not responsible for the content, accuracy, or practices of third-party sites. Your interactions with third-party services are governed by their respective terms and privacy policies.

The inclusion of affiliate links does not imply endorsement of any product or service. We strive to only partner with organizations and brands that align with our mission of animal welfare.

7. Intellectual Property

All content, design, and functionality of the Service — including text, graphics, logos, and software — are the property of Brightside and are protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our prior written consent.

8. Disclaimer of Warranties

The Service is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. We do not guarantee that the Service will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure. We do not vet, endorse, or guarantee the suitability of any volunteer or shelter organization listed on the platform.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Brightside shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Service, including but not limited to any interactions between volunteers and shelters facilitated through the platform.

10. Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to the Service at any time, for any reason, without prior notice. You may also delete your account at any time by contacting us. Upon termination, your right to use the Service ceases immediately.

11. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States and the state in which Brightside operates, without regard to conflict of law principles.

12. Changes to These Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. Your continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us at legal@brightside.co.