Terms and Conditions – Online Pet Showing

Introduction

This document ("Agreement") sets out the terms and conditions governing use of the onlinepetshowing.com website ("Website") and any associated products or services ("Services"). By accessing or using the Website or Services, you enter into a legally binding agreement with the Website operator ("Operator", "we", "us" or "our").

If you access the Website or Services on behalf of a business or other legal entity, you confirm that you have authority to bind that entity to this Agreement. References to "you", "your" or "User" refer to that entity. If you do not have such authority, or do not agree to these terms, you must not use the Website or Services.

By accessing or using the Website and Services, you confirm that you have read, understood and agreed to this Agreement. This Agreement constitutes a legally binding contract between you and the Operator, notwithstanding that it is electronic and does not require a physical signature.

By entering any Online Pet Showing competition and using the Website, you agree to the following terms and conditions.

1. General Guidelines

Online Pet Showing is a pet-focused recreational competition unless expressly stated otherwise. Other animals may appear in submitted images, but the primary subject must always be the pet. Online Pet Showing is not affiliated with any breed registry, pet organisation or showing society.

Equines are not eligible to enter. Images where a horse is the primary subject, without another eligible animal present, will not be accepted.

2. Participation Disclaimer

Participation is undertaken entirely at your own risk. By entering, you acknowledge that images are judged against the criteria of the class entered and that any rosettes awarded are free gifts with no monetary value. Entry does not create any entitlement to a prize or rosette.

The Operator accepts no liability for injuries, incidents or losses arising from participation. Judges’ decisions are final and shall not be challenged. Refunds are not provided for unplaced entries or entries that remain unused.

3. Entries and Image Requirements

Image Ownership and Permissions

Entrants must own, or have written permission to use, all submitted images. Images with watermarks across the subject are not accepted, though advertising or photographer credit watermarks are permitted.

Entrants must have permission from all individuals visible in submitted images. Misuse of images will result in disqualification and may, at the Operator’s discretion, result in a permanent ban.

Editing Rules

Basic digital editing is permitted only to improve image quality and presentation. This includes adjustments to brightness, contrast, saturation, exposure, sharpness, colour balance, cropping, straightening and black-and-white conversions, including selective colour.

Filters, including those from social media applications, are permitted but not encouraged. Background changes are permitted only where the replacement background is a single solid colour. Minor removals, such as leads, are permitted provided they do not alter the pet’s natural appearance, markings, conformation or condition.

All editing must be carried out manually using traditional tools.

Prohibited Additions

No editing may add new visual elements to the pet or significantly alter the original scene. The pet’s natural appearance, markings, colour, shape or condition must not be altered or enhanced.

Elements not present in the original photograph must not be added unless explicitly permitted in the class criteria. Decorative text, borders and clipart images are permitted across all classes, provided they do not obscure or alter the pet or the original photographed environment. Minor additions are permitted only where specifically stated in the class criteria.

AI Restrictions

AI is not permitted under any circumstances. AI tools or features, including background replacement, retouching, object removal or object addition, must not be used. Any image found to have used AI will be disqualified unless a class explicitly states that AI editing is accepted.

Submission and Entry Requirements

All entries must be submitted in their completed state. The Operator does not offer editing or background services and reserves the right to request original, unedited files to verify authenticity. Failure to provide these may result in disqualification without refund.

Entries must include the entrant’s first name, surname and the pet’s name and must follow the required naming format. Social media handles and promotional text will not be published, except for photographer credit where appropriate. Permission must be obtained for professionally taken images.

Images showing unsafe handling or poor welfare may be scored lower at the judge’s discretion or refused entry.

Repeat Image Restriction (Previous Winners)

If a photograph or collage places 1st in any show, the same photograph or the same collage must not be re-submitted to any class or show operated by the Operator for a period of one (1) calendar month from the date of the winning result. This restriction includes any cropped, edited, resized, filtered or otherwise altered version of the original photograph or collage.

New collages may be submitted during this period provided they are not identical to the original winning collage, the images are arranged in a different order or layout, and at least one different photograph is included.

The Operator reserves the right to determine whether an image or collage is considered the same as a previous winning entry. Any breach of this rule will result in disqualification without refund.

4. Classes and Deadlines

Classes with fewer than ten entries may be extended to the following month. Submission deadlines may be altered at the Operator’s discretion. Each pet and owner combination may enter the same class more than once.

In collage-based classes, entrants must prepare and submit their own collages. This service is not provided by the Operator. The Operator reserves the right to withdraw, merge or cancel classes at any stage. Where this occurs, entries may be transferred or deferred, but no additional refund or payment will be made.

5. Refunds and Eligibility

Refunds are provided only at the Operator’s discretion and do not include processing or transaction fees. Free entries and unused loyalty points are not refundable and have no cash equivalent.

If an entry is deemed ineligible, entrants may be offered the option to reassign the entry to another class or defer it to a future event.

6. Rosettes and Prizes

Rosettes are not guaranteed and are subject to availability unless otherwise stated. Newcomers free rosettes apply only where eligibility conditions are met and stock is available.

Design and style may be changed without notice. Due to Global Shipping and Postal Regulations and applicable customs restrictions, first-place prizes cannot be shipped to Northern Ireland/EU member countries and select countries worldwide. Where shipment is not possible, no prize will be issued.

Prizes for sponsored classes are fulfilled by the sponsor. Prizes are non-transferable, cannot be substituted and no cash alternative will be offered. Unclaimed rosettes and prizes are retained for six months and then forfeited.

Entrants must ensure address details are accurate. Addresses submitted via PayPal are not automatically used. The Operator is not responsible for lost or misdirected items due to incorrect details.

By entering, you grant permission for submitted images or videos to be shared on the Website and social media platforms unless otherwise stated at entry.

7. Postage and Delivery

UK entrants receive free standard delivery using a postal service selected at the Operator’s discretion, which may include Royal Mail Second Class or an alternative service. Upgraded options may be available at additional cost. Delivery times are estimates only and cannot be guaranteed.

International entrants are responsible for all postage fees, customs duties and import charges. Rosettes are declared at entry value for customs compliance. The Operator is not liable for items lost or damaged in transit.

8. Free Entries and Loyalty Points

One free entry is awarded for every two full-price entries purchased to a specific class, excluding charity entries and “Everyone’s a Winner” classes. Free entries must be used within their validity period and cannot be exchanged or refunded.

Loyalty points accrue at a rate of one point per £3.50 spent on paid entries, excluding charity entries and “Everyone’s a Winner” classes, and are valid for 12 months from the date of the last qualifying purchase.

9. Judging and Results

Judging commences once all entries are uploaded after the official closing date. Judges have three days to deliver results. The Operator aims to publish results within three working days thereafter, but delays may occur and no liability is accepted for late publication.

Judges and their close family members or friends must not enter the classes they judge. Where a personal connection exists, entries may be reassigned.

10. Code of Conduct

Disrespectful behaviour or non-compliance with these terms may result in disqualification or a permanent ban at the Operator’s discretion. Defamatory or false statements about the Operator, judges, sponsors or entrants may result in immediate exclusion.

11. Child Safety and Consent

Entrants must be aged 18 or over or have parental or guardian consent. Where any individual under 18 appears in an entry, explicit parental or guardian permission must be obtained. Entries may be removed where consent cannot be verified.

12. Data Protection and Privacy

Personal data is processed in accordance with UK GDPR and used only for show administration, prize fulfilment and legal compliance.

13. Miscellaneous Provisions

All rosettes are handmade and may vary. Participants must notify the Operator of any change to contact details. The Operator is not liable for delays or failures caused by circumstances beyond reasonable control.

Links to Other Resources

The Website and Services may include links to third-party resources. Such links do not imply endorsement. The Operator accepts no responsibility for third-party content. Access is at your own risk.

Prohibited Uses

Users must not misuse the Website or Services, including unlawful activity, infringement of rights, harassment, fraud, malicious code, spamming, obscene conduct or interference with security systems. Breaches may result in termination of access.

Intellectual Property Rights

All intellectual property rights remain with the Operator or relevant licensors. Use of the Website does not grant any licence to use trademarks or content.

Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Operator’s total liability is limited to one pound (£1) or the amount paid by the user in the one-month period preceding the event giving rise to liability.

Indemnification

Users agree to indemnify the Operator against claims arising from user content, misuse of Services or breach of these terms.

Severability

If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in force.

Dispute Resolution

This Agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales. Courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction.

Changes and Amendments

The Operator may amend these Terms at any time. Continued use of the Website constitutes acceptance of revised terms.

Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Website and Services, users confirm acceptance of these Terms.

onlinepetshowing@gmail.com