Customer Service Agreement

1. Service Scope

I understand that Backyard Buddies Ltd will provide a professional dog waste removal service at my residential property on the agreed schedule and frequency. The service is limited to the removal of dog waste from accessible outdoor areas and, if selected, the application of yard deodoriser treatment. This service does not include pet care, dog walking, gardening, or any other activity.

2. Property Access Consent

I confirm that:

• I am the legal owner or authorised occupier of the service property and have the authority to grant access.
• I authorise Backyard Buddies employees to enter my property solely for the purpose of delivering the agreed service.
• I will provide accurate and current access instructions (gate codes, key locations, entry points) and notify Backyard Buddies promptly of any changes.

3. Dog Owner Responsibilities

I acknowledge that under the Dog Control Act 1996 (New Zealand), as the owner of a dog I am strictly liable for any injury or damage my dog causes (section 62). I agree to the following:

• Dog control: I will ensure my dog(s) are under reasonable control during service visits, or are secured in a separate area if they are aggressive, anxious, or unpredictable.
• Dangerous/menacing classification: I will immediately inform Backyard Buddies if any dog on the property has been classified as menacing or dangerous under the Dog Control Act 1996. Failure to disclose this information may result in immediate service termination and I accept full liability for any resulting harm.
• Registration and vaccination: I confirm my dog(s) are registered with my local council and have current vaccinations as required by law.
• Behaviour information: I have provided accurate information about my dog(s)' temperament and behaviour. I will notify Backyard Buddies of any changes in behaviour that may affect worker safety.

4. Safe Working Environment

In accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, I acknowledge a shared responsibility to provide a safe environment for Backyard Buddies workers. I agree to:

• Ensure the property is reasonably safe for workers to access, including maintained paths, gates, and fences.
• Notify Backyard Buddies of any known hazards on the property, including but not limited to: aggressive animals (other than dogs), broken fencing, exposed wiring, toxic substances, unstable ground, construction work, or any other condition that may pose a risk.
• Ensure gates and fences are in working order and fit for the purpose of containing my dog(s).
• Keep the service area reasonably clear of obstacles that could cause injury to workers.

5. Dog Escape — Shared Responsibility

I understand and agree that:

• Backyard Buddies will exercise reasonable care to secure all gates and access points to the same state in which they were found upon entry.
• It is my responsibility to ensure my property's fences and gates are adequate and in good repair to contain my dog(s).
• If a gate or fence is defective and I have not notified Backyard Buddies, I accept responsibility for any resulting dog escape.
• If a dog escapes due to a proven failure by Backyard Buddies to secure a gate, Backyard Buddies accepts responsibility and will take all reasonable steps to assist in recovering the dog.

6. Indemnity

I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Backyard Buddies Ltd, its employees, contractors, and directors from any claim, loss, damage, cost, or expense (including reasonable legal costs) arising from:

• Injury, loss, or damage caused by my dog(s) to Backyard Buddies employees or their equipment, in accordance with the strict liability provisions of the Dog Control Act 1996.
• My failure to disclose a dangerous or menacing dog classification.
• My failure to provide a safe working environment or to notify Backyard Buddies of known property hazards.
• Inaccurate property access information or dog behaviour information I have provided.

This indemnity does not apply to loss caused by Backyard Buddies' own negligence, breach of duty, or failure to meet its obligations under these terms.

7. Limitation of Liability

I understand and agree that:

• Backyard Buddies accepts liability for damage to my property caused by its own negligence. I will report any damage within 48 hours of the relevant service visit.
• Backyard Buddies' total liability for indirect or consequential loss is limited to the amount I have paid for services in the billing period in which the loss occurred.
• These limitations do not apply to liability that cannot be legally excluded under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, or for personal injury caused by negligence.

8. Subscription and Payment

I acknowledge and agree that:

• My subscription is a recurring payment at the price and frequency confirmed during sign-up (all prices NZD, inclusive of GST).
• My subscription will automatically renew each billing cycle until I cancel.
• I can cancel at any time through my dashboard or by contacting Backyard Buddies. There is no lock-in contract and no cancellation fee.
• Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period. Services already paid for will be completed.

9. Service Interruptions

I understand that Backyard Buddies may be unable to perform a scheduled service due to severe weather, unsafe conditions, inability to access the property, or aggressive dog behaviour that poses a safety risk. In such cases, the service will be rescheduled or a credit provided.

10. Privacy

I have read and agree to the Backyard Buddies Privacy Policy. I consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of my personal information as described in that policy, including the transfer of data to overseas service providers for the purpose of delivering the service.

11. Consumer Rights

I understand that nothing in this agreement limits my rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. Backyard Buddies services come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under New Zealand consumer law.

12. Accident Compensation (ACC)

I understand that New Zealand's ACC scheme covers accidental personal injuries. In the event of an accident during a service visit, ACC provisions apply. This does not limit any party's rights or obligations under this agreement with respect to property damage or regulatory compliance.

13. Termination

Either party may terminate this agreement at any time. Backyard Buddies may terminate the agreement immediately if:

• A dog on the property is found to be dangerous or menacing and this was not disclosed.
• The property is consistently unsafe for workers to access.
• Payment is repeatedly overdue after reasonable notice.
• There is a material breach of this agreement that is not remedied within 7 days of written notice.

14. Disputes

Any dispute will first be addressed through direct communication. If we cannot resolve a dispute, either party may refer the matter to the Disputes Tribunal of New Zealand for claims up to $30,000. This agreement is governed by the laws of New Zealand.

15. Changes to This Agreement

Backyard Buddies may update this agreement from time to time. Material changes will be communicated via email at least 14 days before they take effect. Continued use of the service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance.