Terms of Service

1. About PawShield

PawShield supplies consumer emergency preparedness kits designed to provide structured first-response support during suspected toxin ingestion in dogs, while immediate veterinary care is being arranged. Each kit is weight-banded and contains pre-measured activated charcoal, a size-appropriate oral administration syringe, surgical gloves, a mixing spoon, a resealable sample bag for bait or specimen collection, and a printed instruction leaflet emphasising immediate veterinary contact as the first action.

PawShield is not a veterinary service, pharmaceutical product, or registered veterinary medicine. It does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent poisoning or any other condition. It does not replace, and must never be used as a substitute for, the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a registered veterinarian.

2. Intended Use & Limitations

The PawShield kit is designed to support the following actions only:

• Reinforcing immediate contact with a veterinarian as the first and primary action in any suspected poisoning event.
• Providing structured first-response steps when veterinary guidance has been obtained and administration is directed by a veterinarian.
• Supporting safe handling and evidence preservation prior to veterinary evaluation, using the included PPE and sample collection components.

The kit is not intended to be used without prior veterinary consultation, to guarantee any clinical outcome, to be used on unconscious, seizing, or severely distressed animals, or as a standalone treatment for any condition. Activated charcoal is not universally appropriate for all poisoning events and must only be administered when specifically directed by a veterinarian based on your dog's condition and the substance ingested.

Kit variants are sized for dogs by weight band. It is the purchaser's responsibility to select the correct kit size for their animal. PawShield accepts no liability for the selection of an incorrect weight-band variant.

3. Use of the Website

You must be at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering into a contract under South African law. You agree to use the Website lawfully and not to upload harmful, misleading, or defamatory material, or attempt to interfere with its security or functionality.

4. Ordering & Payment

• Orders are placed through the Website checkout or through an authorised PawShield sales representative.
• Accepted payment methods are displayed at checkout and may include Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) and card payment via one or more third-party payment processors. Accepted methods may change from time to time.
• All prices are in South African Rand (ZAR) and include VAT unless otherwise stated.
• Payment must clear in full before an order is dispatched or made available for collection.
• Orders placed through sales representatives are subject to the same payment and confirmation requirements. Representatives are not authorised to confirm orders, guarantee stock availability, or accept payment on behalf of PawShield except through the systems and methods prescribed by PawShield. Cash payments are accepted only as a last resort and must be recorded and remitted to PawShield promptly.

5. Delivery & Collection

Customers may select collection at our Benoni premises or courier delivery where available. PawShield is not liable for delays, loss, or damage to parcels once they have been handed to a courier. Risk in goods passes to the customer upon handover to the courier or upon collection from our premises, whichever occurs first.

6. Returns & Refunds

For hygiene and safety reasons, opened or used kits cannot be returned or refunded under any circumstances. Unopened and undamaged kits in their original packaging may be returned within 7 days of receipt for a full product refund, less any courier or delivery costs incurred. To initiate a return, contact info@pawshield.co.za before returning any goods. These terms do not limit any rights you may have under the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 where applicable.

7. Optional Account Creation

You may create an account during checkout to save your details for future purchases. By creating an account, you agree that PawShield may store your name, email address, phone number, and encrypted password in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA). You may request the correction or deletion of your personal information at any time by contacting info@pawshield.co.za.

8. Disclaimer of Liability

This section is important. Please read it carefully.

PawShield kits are emergency preparedness aids only. They do not constitute veterinary or medical advice and are not a substitute for professional veterinary care. The following limitations apply in full to the extent permitted by applicable law:

• No outcome guarantee. PawShield makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, that use of the kit will prevent, reduce, or mitigate harm to any animal. Clinical outcomes depend on factors outside PawShield's control, including the nature and quantity of the substance ingested, the animal's health status, and the speed and quality of veterinary intervention.
• Veterinary consultation required. The activated charcoal component must only be administered when directed by a veterinarian. PawShield accepts no liability for harm arising from administration of any kit component without prior veterinary guidance.
• Incorrect weight-band selection. PawShield accepts no liability for harm arising from the use of a kit selected for an incorrect weight band.
• Misuse or failure to follow instructions. PawShield accepts no liability for harm arising from failure to follow the kit instructions, use of the kit on an unconscious or seizing animal, or any other misuse of the product or its components.
• Delay in obtaining veterinary care. PawShield accepts no liability for harm arising from any delay in seeking or obtaining veterinary care, whether or not the kit was used.
• Third-party information. Any information available on the Website regarding poisoning symptoms, substances, or first-response steps is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always defer to the guidance of a registered veterinarian.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, PawShield, Aspect Digital (Pty) Ltd, its directors, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, incidental, or special loss or damage of any nature whatsoever arising from the purchase, possession, or use of any PawShield product, including but not limited to veterinary costs, loss of an animal, or property damage.

9. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless PawShield, Aspect Digital (Pty) Ltd, and its directors, employees, and agents from and against any claims, damages, costs, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from your breach of these Terms, your misuse of the Website or any PawShield product, or any act or omission by you in connection with the purchase or use of our products.

10. Intellectual Property

All content on this Website, including images, logos, text, product descriptions, and instructional material, is the property of Aspect Digital (Pty) Ltd t/a PawShield or its licensors. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, or commercially exploit this content without prior written permission.

11. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa, including the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 where applicable. Any dispute shall first be referred for good-faith negotiation between the parties. Failing resolution within 30 days, the dispute shall be referred to arbitration in Benoni under the rules of the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA). Nothing in this clause prevents either party from approaching a court for urgent relief. The parties consent to the jurisdiction of the High Court of South Africa (Gauteng Local Division) for such purposes.

12. Termination of Access

PawShield may suspend or terminate your access to the Website or your account if you breach these Terms or if we are required to do so by law. You may close your account at any time by contacting info@pawshield.co.za. Termination does not affect any obligations incurred prior to the date of termination.

13. Company Information

• Company: Aspect Digital (Pty) Ltd t/a PawShield
• Reg. No: 2022/390934/07
• Address: 5 Elliot Street, Rynfield, Benoni, Gauteng 1501
• Email: info@pawshield.co.za
• Website: https://pawshield.co.za

14. Changes to these Terms

PawShield may update these Terms periodically to reflect changes in our products, operations, or applicable law. Where changes are material, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of the Website after changes have been published constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms. We encourage you to review these Terms periodically.