Last updated: July 2025
At Paws Nearby, we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and trust-based environment for all Members. This includes protecting the personal privacy of Sitters during a Sit and ensuring transparency regarding the use of surveillance or recording technology.
This policy outlines our expectations for the use, disclosure, and deactivation of Cameras and Recording Devices by Owners in connection with a Sit that takes place in their home.
WHAT’S OK
The following use of Cameras and Recording Devices is allowed, provided it is disclosed in advance and used solely for property security:
Exterior Surveillance
- Cameras or doorbell systems that are affixed to the outside of the property and monitor external areas only, such as driveways, front entrances, backyards, garages, or walkways. These devices must not capture audio or visuals from inside the home or private areas.
Non-Recording Monitoring Devices
- Devices used strictly for non-surveillance purposes (e.g., motion-activated lights or sensors) that do not record or transmit audio or video and are not used to observe the Sitter.
Smart Home Systems (Limited Use)
- Smart devices (e.g., thermostats, alarms, smoke detectors) that are necessary for home management and do not collect personal data about the Sitter or monitor their activity.
All permitted devices must be fully disclosed to the Sitter in advance and must not infringe upon their reasonable expectation of privacy.
WHAT’S NOT OK
To protect the privacy and dignity of Sitters, and to comply with privacy obligations under Ontario law and PIPEDA, the following uses of Cameras and Recording Devices are strictly prohibited during the duration of a Sit:
Interior Surveillance
- The use of any Cameras or Recording Devices within the interior of the home while the Sitter is present, regardless of whether the devices are actively recording or passively monitoring. This includes devices located in common areas (e.g., living rooms, kitchens), as well as private spaces such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or hallways.
- Devices integrated into household items or smart home systems (e.g., smart TVs, smart speakers, baby monitors, or motion sensors with recording capabilities) that can capture audio or video are considered surveillance devices for the purposes of this policy and must be fully disabled.
Audio Recording
- The use of any device that records or transmits audio from within the home, even if video functionality is disabled. This includes voice assistants or smart speakers (e.g., Amazon Alexa, Google Home) unless explicitly disabled or muted and disclosed in advance.
Monitoring Without Consent
- Any form of hidden or undisclosed monitoring, regardless of the device’s purpose or whether it is actively recording. Sitters must not be unknowingly observed or recorded.
- Using smart home devices, apps, or remote systems to view, listen to, or otherwise monitor a Sitter’s presence, movements, or behaviours inside the home.
Deceptive Practices
- Failing to fully disclose the presence and nature of any monitoring devices during the booking or matching process.
- Providing misleading information about whether a device is active or operational.
Post-Sit Review or Analysis of Recordings
- Reviewing or accessing any footage or audio that was recorded from within the interior of the home while the Sitter was present, even if the device was not intentionally left on.
- Retaining any interior footage from past Sits where a Sitter was recorded, regardless of intent, unless explicit, informed, and written consent was provided at the time of recording.
Mandatory Disclosure Requirements
To comply with this policy and applicable privacy law, Owners must:
- Disclose the presence of any Cameras or Recording Devices, whether internal or external, at the time a Sit is being arranged;
- Clearly describe the location and nature (e.g., video, audio, motion-activated) of any such devices in their Paws Nearby Listing and in communications with the Sitter;
- Disable or deactivate all internal Cameras and Recording Devices for the full duration of the Sit. This includes unplugging, powering off, or covering such devices in a manner that prevents recording;
- Refrain from using any devices to monitor the Sitter’s activity, directly or indirectly, while the Sit is in progress.
Zero-Tolerance Enforcement
Violations of this policy will result in immediate removal from the Paws Nearby platform, suspension of Membership privileges, and, where applicable, reporting to regulatory authorities or law enforcement. These measures are in place to ensure that all Members act in accordance with applicable privacy laws and uphold the values of trust and safety that are core to the Paws Nearby community.
Questions or Concerns
If you have any questions about this policy or wish to raise a concern regarding Cameras or Recording Devices, please contact our support team at hello@pawsnearby.com or through the customer support form available on our website.