This Agreement governs the relationship between Groomfiy and Groomers who use our platform to offer pet grooming services.
As a Groomer on Groomfiy, you are an independent business owner, not an employee of Groomfiy. You control your own schedule, set your own prices, choose your own methods and tools, and run your business independently. Groomfiy provides the technology platform; you provide the grooming expertise. This Agreement clarifies our respective roles, responsibilities, and legal obligations. It is incorporated into and forms part of the Terms of Use.
You Are Your Own Boss
Full control over schedule, pricing, and methods
You Keep Your Earnings
100% of service revenue (minus payment processing fees)
You Handle Your Taxes
Responsible for all tax filings and obligations
1.1 This Independent Contractor Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into between:
1.2 WHEREAS, Groomfiy operates a technology platform that connects pet owners ("Customers") with independent pet grooming professionals; and
1.3 WHEREAS, Groomer desires to use the Groomfiy platform to market and provide pet grooming services directly to Customers; and
1.4 WHEREAS, the parties wish to establish the terms of their relationship as between a technology platform provider and an independent contractor, and NOT as an employer-employee relationship;
1.5 NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows.
2.1 Relationship of the Parties. The Groomer is an independent contractor and NOT an employee, agent, joint venturer, partner, or franchisee of Groomfiy. Nothing in this Agreement or in the Groomer's use of the Platform shall be construed to create an employment relationship, agency, partnership, joint venture, or franchise between Groomfiy and the Groomer.
2.2 No Employment Benefits. The Groomer acknowledges and agrees that they are not entitled to any employment benefits from Groomfiy, including but not limited to: health insurance, retirement benefits, workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, paid time off, disability insurance, stock options, or any other benefits typically provided to employees. The Groomer is solely responsible for obtaining their own insurance coverage and benefits.
2.3 No Authority to Bind. The Groomer has no authority to bind Groomfiy to any contracts, agreements, obligations, or commitments, or to make any representations, warranties, or promises on behalf of Groomfiy. The Groomer shall not hold themselves out as an employee, agent, or representative of Groomfiy to any third party.
2.4 ABC Test Compliance (California AB5 and Similar Laws). The parties intend and acknowledge that this Agreement and the relationship it creates satisfy the "ABC Test" applied under California Labor Code Section 2775 (AB5) and similar laws in other states. Specifically:
2.5 Multi-State Compliance. The independent contractor classification under this Agreement is intended to comply with applicable laws in all US states, including but not limited to California (AB5), Massachusetts (MGL c.149 s.148B), New Jersey (ABC Test), and Illinois (Employee Classification Act). To the extent any specific state law imposes additional requirements, the parties agree to interpret this Agreement in a manner consistent with maintaining the Groomer's independent contractor status under such laws.
To further establish and preserve the Groomer's independent contractor status, the Groomer retains the following rights:
3.1 Schedule Control. The Groomer has complete discretion to set their own working hours, days of operation, and availability windows on the Platform. Groomfiy does not require minimum hours, shifts, or availability commitments. The Groomer may go offline or take time off at any time without notice or penalty.
3.2 Pricing Control. The Groomer sets their own prices for all services offered through the Platform. Groomfiy does not set, suggest, cap, or influence the Groomer's pricing in any way. The Groomer may change their prices at any time.
3.3 Service Methods. The Groomer determines the methods, techniques, tools, products, and supplies used to perform grooming services. Groomfiy does not provide grooming instructions, training requirements, quality standards, or technique mandates. Any educational resources provided by Groomfiy are optional and informational only.
3.4 Right to Decline. The Groomer has the absolute right to accept or decline any booking request for any lawful reason, without explanation and without penalty from Groomfiy. Declining bookings shall not result in account suspension, reduced visibility, algorithmic demotion, or any other adverse action by Groomfiy.
3.5 Non-Exclusivity. This Agreement is non-exclusive. The Groomer may:
Groomfiy imposes no non-compete, exclusivity, or restrictive covenant of any kind.
3.6 Right to Subcontract. The Groomer may hire employees, assistants, or subcontractors to help perform grooming services, at the Groomer's sole discretion and expense. The Groomer is solely responsible for their employees and subcontractors, including compliance with all applicable employment and labor laws.
3.7 Own Tools and Equipment. The Groomer provides all tools, equipment, grooming products, supplies, and transportation necessary to perform services. Groomfiy does not provide, require, or subsidize any grooming equipment or supplies.
3.8 Business Location. The Groomer determines where they perform services — at their own location, at the Customer's location, at a mobile grooming vehicle, or any other location. Groomfiy does not assign, mandate, or restrict the Groomer's service location.
4.1 Groomfiy's sole role is to provide a technology platform that facilitates connections between Groomers and Customers. Specifically, Groomfiy provides:
4.2 Groomfiy does NOT:
5.1 Platform Subscription. The Groomer pays a monthly subscription fee to access the Groomfiy platform. Current pricing is available at groomfiy.com/pricing. The subscription fee is the only payment the Groomer makes to Groomfiy. Subscription terms, including auto-renewal, cancellation, and price changes, are governed by the Terms of Use.
5.2 No Commission. Groomfiy does NOT take any commission, percentage, or cut of the Groomer's service revenue. The Groomer retains 100% of the fees charged to Customers for grooming services, minus standard payment processing fees charged by Stripe (not by Groomfiy).
5.3 Payment Processing. Customer payments are processed through Stripe Connect. Funds are deposited directly into the Groomer's connected Stripe account. Groomfiy does not hold, escrow, or control the Groomer's service revenue at any time. Payment processing is subject to Stripe's terms of service.
5.4 No Guaranteed Income. Groomfiy makes no guarantee of any minimum number of bookings, customers, revenue, or income. The Groomer's earnings depend entirely on the Groomer's own efforts, pricing, availability, service quality, and market conditions.
6.1 Sole Tax Responsibility. The Groomer is solely responsible for all tax obligations arising from income earned through the Groomfiy platform, including but not limited to:
6.2 No Withholding. Groomfiy does NOT withhold any taxes from the Groomer's earnings. No federal, state, or local income tax, Social Security tax, or any other payroll tax will be withheld or paid by Groomfiy on behalf of the Groomer.
6.3 Tax Reporting. Stripe will issue applicable U.S. tax forms (such as Form 1099-K) directly to the Groomer based on the Groomer's Stripe Connect account activity, in accordance with Stripe's reporting policies and IRS requirements. Groomfiy does not issue tax forms for grooming services payments. The Groomer is solely responsible for reporting all income, paying all taxes (including self-employment tax), and complying with all federal, state, and local tax obligations arising from their use of the Platform.
6.4 Tax Advice. Groomfiy does not provide tax, legal, or financial advice. The Groomer is encouraged to consult with a qualified tax professional regarding their obligations.
7.1 Business Licenses. The Groomer is solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining all business licenses, permits, certifications, and registrations required by applicable federal, state, and local laws to operate a pet grooming business in their jurisdiction.
7.2 Professional Insurance. The Groomer is strongly encouraged (and may be required by applicable law) to maintain adequate insurance coverage, including but not limited to:
7.3 Proof of Insurance. Groomfiy reserves the right to request proof of insurance at any time. Failure to maintain adequate insurance does not relieve the Groomer of any liability for damages or claims arising from their services.
7.4 Regulatory Compliance. The Groomer is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances relating to their grooming business, including but not limited to: animal welfare laws, health and safety regulations, zoning requirements, and consumer protection laws.
7.5 No Groomfiy Insurance. Groomfiy does NOT provide any insurance coverage to or on behalf of the Groomer, the Groomer's employees or subcontractors, or any pets or Customers. Any references to insurance on the Platform are informational only and do not constitute coverage.
8.1 Groomer Indemnification. The Groomer shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Groomfiy, its officers, directors, members, employees, agents, and affiliates (collectively, "Groomfiy Parties") from and against any and all claims, demands, lawsuits, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or relating to:
8.1A Chargeback Responsibility and Indemnification. The Groomer is the merchant of record for all grooming services payments processed through Stripe Connect. The Groomer agrees to: (i) respond to all customer chargebacks within Stripe's stated deadlines; (ii) cooperate with Groomfiy's evidence collection where requested; and (iii) indemnify and hold Groomfiy harmless for any chargeback losses, dispute fees, settlements, platform liabilities, or processing penalties resulting from grooming services the Groomer performed or failed to perform, including but not limited to no-show fees, cancellation fees, service amounts, and add-ons. If the Groomer's chargeback rate exceeds 1% of monthly transactions, Groomfiy may, at its sole discretion: (a) suspend the Groomer's account, (b) require additional reserves, (c) require remediation steps before lifting any suspension, or (d) terminate this Agreement. The 1% threshold is calibrated to Stripe's high-risk merchant criteria and is intended to protect Groomfiy's overall platform standing with payment networks.
8.2 Groomfiy Indemnification. Groomfiy shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Groomer from and against any claims arising out of:
8.3 Limitation of Liability. The limitations and exclusions of liability set forth in the Terms of Use (including the liability cap and exclusion of consequential damages) apply to this Agreement. IN NO EVENT SHALL GROOMFIY BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OF REVENUE, LOSS OF CUSTOMERS, LOSS OF BOOKINGS, OR LOST PROFITS ARISING FROM THE GROOMER'S USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE PLATFORM.
9.1 Groomer's Content. The Groomer retains ownership of all content they upload to the Platform (photos, descriptions, logos, etc.). By uploading content, the Groomer grants Groomfiy a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, and reproduce such content solely for the purpose of operating and promoting the Platform.
9.2 Groomfiy's Platform. Groomfiy retains all intellectual property rights in the Platform, including its software, design, features, branding, and documentation. The Groomer receives a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to use the Platform during the term of their subscription.
9.3 Feedback. Any feedback, suggestions, or ideas the Groomer provides about the Platform may be used by Groomfiy without restriction or compensation.
10.1 The Groomer's use of customer data is governed by the Privacy Policy and the Data Processing Agreement.
10.2 The Groomer is the data controller for customer data collected through their use of the Platform. The Groomer is responsible for complying with applicable data protection laws (including GDPR and CCPA/CPRA) with respect to their customers' personal data.
10.3 The Groomer shall not use customer data obtained through the Platform for any purpose other than providing grooming services and managing their business relationship with Customers. The Groomer shall not sell, share, or disclose customer data to any third party except as necessary to perform services or as required by law.
10.4 Upon termination of this Agreement, the Groomer may export their customer data through the Platform's data export features. After account deletion, Groomfiy will handle data retention and deletion as described in the Privacy Policy and DPA.
11.1 Groomer Representations. The Groomer represents and warrants that:
11.2 Groomfiy Representations. Groomfiy represents and warrants that:
12.1 Term. This Agreement commences when the Groomer creates an account on the Groomfiy platform and accepts this Agreement (including by checking the consent checkbox during signup). This Agreement remains in effect for the duration of the Groomer's active subscription.
12.2 Termination by Groomer. The Groomer may terminate this Agreement at any time by canceling their Groomfiy subscription through their account settings. The Groomer should complete or properly cancel all pending appointments before termination.
12.3 Termination by Groomfiy. Groomfiy may terminate this Agreement and suspend or deactivate the Groomer's account:
12.4 Effect of Termination. Upon termination:
Reports of suspected animal abuse, neglect, or cruelty may be sent to report-abuse@groomfiy.com. Groomfiy will review credible reports in good faith and may, in its sole discretion, suspend or terminate the Groomer's account pending investigation, with or without notice. This is in addition to any reporting obligations the Groomer may have under applicable state animal welfare laws.
13.1 Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be resolved in accordance with the Dispute Resolution and Arbitration provisions set forth in Section 17 of the Terms of Use, which are incorporated herein by reference.
13.2 The Groomer agrees that all disputes shall be resolved on an individual basis only, and NOT as part of any class, collective, or representative action. The class action waiver in the Terms of Use applies fully to this Agreement.
14.1 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Wyoming, United States, without regard to its conflict of laws provisions.
14.2 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Data Processing Agreement, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding the subject matter hereof.
14.3 Amendments. Groomfiy may update this Agreement from time to time. Material changes will be communicated to Groomers at least 30 days in advance via email or in-app notification. Continued use of the Platform after the effective date of any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Agreement.
14.4 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable while preserving the parties' original intent.
14.5 Waiver. The failure of either party to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of that party's right to enforce that provision or any other provision in the future.
14.6 Assignment. The Groomer may not assign or transfer this Agreement without Groomfiy's prior written consent. Groomfiy may assign this Agreement in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets.
14.7 Notices. All notices under this Agreement shall be sent to the email address associated with the Groomer's Groomfiy account or to legal@groomfiy.com for notices to Groomfiy.
14.8 Force Majeure. Neither party shall be liable for failure to perform obligations due to events beyond their reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, government actions, internet outages, or cyberattacks.
14.9 Electronic Acceptance. The Groomer agrees that checking the consent checkbox during account signup, or continuing to use the Platform after being notified of this Agreement, constitutes a valid electronic signature under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. § 7001 et seq.) and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), with the same legal force as a handwritten signature.
For questions about this Agreement:
Version: 1.1
Last Updated: May 8, 2026
Effective Date: May 8, 2026
Next Review: November 8, 2026