Community Guidelines
Our mission is to create a safe and friendly community where you and your pup can make lasting connections. To ensure a positive experience for everyone, we expect all members to adhere to the following guidelines:
Respect for All
Treat others with kindness: We value a respectful and supportive community.
Prioritize safety: Your and your pup's safety is our top priority.
Accountability: All members are responsible for their actions within the CityPup community.
Purpose of CityPup
Friendship and fun: CityPup is designed to connect people and their dogs for dog care.
Not a dating app: Romantic or sexual relationships are not permitted on this platform.
Not a breeding platform: CityPup is not intended for the purpose of dog breeding.
By following these guidelines, we can create a thriving community where everyone feels welcome and safe.
Signup Guidelines
To create a safe and enjoyable community for all, we have specific guidelines for signing up.
Age Limit
Age Requirement: To join CityPup, you must be at least 18 years old.
False Representation: Providing false information about your age is strictly prohibited. Any account found to be under 18 will be immediately removed.
Photo Requirements
Authenticity: We value authenticity. You must upload at least one clear photo featuring both you and your dog. The photo should clearly show your full face and your dog. The photo must not contain any other individuals or dogs.
Purpose: This photo helps us verify you are a real person and that you are not impersonating someone else. It also helps build trust within the community and ensure a safe environment for all members.
Prohibited Photos: To maintain a positive and respectful community, we do not allow photos that are:
Altered or edited in any way (including filters, enhancements, or overlays)
Group photos or photos with other people
Photos including children (individuals under the age of 18)
Nude or sexually suggestive content
Images containing offensive symbols or language
Name Policy
Real Name: To foster trust and transparency, please use your full legal name when creating your CityPup profile.
Preferred Name: You may indicate a preferred name for others to use if desired.
Acceptable Conduct
Respectful Communication: Offensive, harassing, or discriminatory language will not be tolerated on the CityPup platform or at any CityPup events.
Sexual Content: Sexually explicit or suggestive content is strictly prohibited.
By adhering to these guidelines, you contribute to a positive and welcoming community for all CityPup members.
Adult Nudity and Sexual Activity
CityPup maintains a strict policy against sexually suggestive or explicit content. This includes:
Nudity and Sexual Acts: Any depiction of nudity, sexual acts, or suggestive poses is prohibited. This applies to both real and digitally created images.
Sexual Language: Explicit or vulgar language with sexual connotations is not permitted.
Commercial Sexual Activity: Any attempt to buy, sell, or advertise sexual content or services is strictly prohibited. This includes escort services, pornography, and live sex shows.
Image Sharing Guidelines
To ensure a safe and respectful community, we prohibit the sharing of photos or links containing the following, even if partially obscured:
Genitals: Any depiction of genitals or pubic areas.
Buttocks: Bare buttocks.
Female Nipples: Visible female nipples and areolas.
Explicit Outlines: Clearly defined outlines of genitals.
Intimate Apparel: Photos of individuals in lingerie or underwear.
Shirtless Indoor Photos: Shirtless photos taken indoors.
Sexual Activity: Depictions of sexual acts, even if not explicit.
Digital Imagery: Digitally created images (cartoons, memes, anime, etc.) depicting any of the prohibited content.
Commercial Exploitation
CityPup is not a platform for commercial sexual activities. Any attempt to profit from sexual content, services, or relationships is strictly prohibited. This includes:
Sex Work: Offering or soliciting sexual services for payment.
Pornography: Selling, advertising, or promoting adult content.
Sugar Relationships: Seeking financial arrangements in exchange for companionship or sexual favors.
Bullying and Abusive Conduct
CityPup is committed to fostering a positive and respectful community. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, and other forms of abusive behavior.
Prohibited Conduct
Harassment and Bullying: Any behavior intended to intimidate, humiliate, or distress another member is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:
Insults, threats, or derogatory comments
Spreading rumors or lies
Public shaming or embarrassment
Excessive or unwanted attention
Impersonating another member or someone else
Cyberbullying: Online harassment, including but not limited to:
Sending offensive or threatening messages
Posting harmful or embarrassing information about someone
Creating fake profiles to harass others
Body Shaming: Making negative or unsolicited comments about someone's physical appearance.
Threats of Violence: Any communication that implies or suggests physical harm to oneself or others.
Emotional Abuse: Behavior that causes emotional distress, such as gaslighting, manipulation, or isolation.
Stalking: Repeated and unwanted contact that makes someone feel unsafe or fearful.
Violation of Privacy: Sharing personal information without consent, including photos, contact details, or private messages.
Blackmail: Attempting to coerce someone into doing something against their will by threatening to expose private information.
Ghosting: Failing to show up for a planned in-person meetup without proper notice.
Defamation: Spreading false information about someone with the intent to harm their reputation.
Victim Blaming: Making derogatory comments about survivors of abuse or trauma.
Public Figures
While members are free to express their opinions about public figures, any form of harassment or abuse directed towards them will not be tolerated.
We understand that emotions can run high, but it's important to maintain a respectful and civil tone in all interactions.
If you experience or witness bullying or abusive behavior, please report it immediately via email to Team@citypupclub.com.
Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
CityPup maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for any form of child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA). We are committed to protecting children and preventing the distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Prohibited Content and Conduct
Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM): Any content that sexually exploits, abuses, or endangers children is strictly prohibited. This includes:
Images, videos, or text depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child
The solicitation, distribution, or possession of CSAM
The creation or sharing of content that promotes or normalizes child sexual abuse
Child Exploitation: Any behavior that exploits, endangers, or compromises the safety of a child is prohibited. This includes:
Grooming or enticing children for sexual purposes
Sharing personal information of minors without parental consent
Engaging in harmful or exploitative relationships with minors
Child Sexualization: The sexualization of children in any form is prohibited. This includes:
Sharing sexually suggestive images of children
Objectifying or sexualizing children in any way
Creating or sharing content that promotes the sexualization of children
Definition of a Child
For the purposes of this policy, a child is defined as any person under the age of 18.
Sharing Photos of Children
We understand that members may wish to share photos of their children with their connections. However, any photos shared must adhere to the following guidelines:
Appropriate Content: Photos must be age-appropriate and not sexually suggestive.
Child Safety: Children must be fully clothed in all photos.
Genitalia and Buttocks: Photos of children's genitalia or buttocks are strictly prohibited, even if covered or partially covered.
We are committed to creating a safe and supportive community for all users, and we will not tolerate any form of child exploitation or abuse.
Commercial and Promotional Activity
CityPup is a platform designed for building connections between people and their dogs. It is not a marketplace or advertising platform.
Prohibited Commercial Activity
The following commercial activities are strictly prohibited:
Unsolicited Advertising: Promoting any product, service, brand, event, or business without prior approval or relevance to the community. This includes but is not limited to:
Sales pitches
Affiliate marketing
Multi-level marketing or pyramid schemes
Promotional giveaways or contests
Financial Promotion: Sharing financial information, links to financial services, or soliciting funds.
Political Campaigning: Using the platform to promote political candidates or parties.
Social Media Promotion: Sharing links to personal or business social media profiles without explicit relevance to a conversation.
Focus on Community
We encourage genuine interactions and relationships between members. Any activity that disrupts the community's focus on dogs and their owners is prohibited.
Controlled Goods and Substances
CityPup maintains a strict policy against the promotion, use, or distribution of illegal or controlled substances. We are committed to creating a safe and healthy community for all members.
Illegal Drugs: The buying, selling, trading, or distribution of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited. This includes any content that promotes, glorifies, or encourages drug use.
Controlled Substances: The misuse of controlled substances, including prescription medications, alcohol, and tobacco, is not permitted. This includes content that promotes or facilitates the abuse of these substances.
Drug Paraphernalia: The promotion, sale, or distribution of drug paraphernalia is prohibited.
E-cigarettes: The promotion, sale, or distribution of e-cigarettes is prohibited.
Drug-Related Content: Any content that depicts or glorifies drug use, including images, videos, or text, is prohibited. This also includes content that provides instructions on how to manufacture, obtain, or use illegal drugs or controlled substances.
Solicitation: Encouraging or facilitating the purchase, sale, or use of illegal or controlled substances is strictly prohibited.
If you suspect any illegal activity related to drugs or controlled substances, please report it immediately to Team@citypupclub.com.
Dangerous Organizations and Individuals
CityPup is committed to providing a safe and inclusive platform for all users. We have a zero-tolerance policy for content or behavior that promotes, glorifies, or condones violence, terrorism, or hate.
Prohibited Organizations and Individuals
We prohibit the presence of any organization or individual that:
Engages in terrorism: Supports, promotes, or engages in acts of violence or intimidation against civilians for political, religious, or ideological reasons.
Promotes extremism: Advocates for violence, hatred, or discrimination against individuals or groups based on race, religion, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
Affiliates with hate groups: Supports or promotes ideologies or symbols associated with hate groups.
Engages in criminal activity: Promotes, facilitates, or participates in illegal activities.
Content Restrictions
While we recognize the importance of discussing and condemning dangerous organizations and individuals, we impose the following restrictions:
Context is key: Content about dangerous organizations or individuals must be presented in a clear and condemning context.
Avoid glorification: Any content that glorifies, romanticizes, or justifies the actions of these groups or individuals is prohibited.
Respect for victims: Content that exploits or victimizes individuals affected by these groups is strictly prohibited.
Identity-Based Hate
CityPup is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community for all. We have a zero-tolerance policy for hate speech, discrimination, and harassment based on protected attributes.
Protected Attributes
The following attributes are protected from discrimination and harassment:
Race, ethnicity, and nationality
Immigration status
Caste
Sex, gender identity, and gender expression
Sexual orientation
Disability or serious health condition
Religion or belief
Prohibited Conduct
Any content or behavior that targets, dehumanizes, or discriminates against individuals based on protected attributes is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:
Violence and Threats: Expressing or encouraging violence, harm, or death towards individuals or groups based on protected attributes.
Hate Speech: Using hateful, derogatory, or offensive language to target individuals or groups based on protected attributes.
Discrimination: Treating individuals unfairly or denying them opportunities based on protected attributes.
Harassment: Engaging in persistent and unwelcome behavior that creates a hostile or intimidating environment.
Misrepresentation: Intentionally misrepresenting someone's identity or using incorrect pronouns or names.
Denial of Harm: Minimizing or denying the experiences of marginalized groups.
Targeting and Reporting: Intentionally reporting members based on their protected attributes without legitimate reason.
Inauthentic Profiles
CityPup values authenticity and strives to create a genuine community. We expect all members to accurately represent themselves and their dogs.
Prohibited Behavior
Impersonation: Creating a false identity or pretending to be someone else is strictly prohibited. This includes:
Catfishing: Creating a fictional online persona.
Impersonating celebrities, public figures, or other individuals.
Misrepresentation: Providing false or misleading information about yourself or your dog. This includes:
Using a fake name, age, gender, or location.
Misrepresenting your relationship to a dog.
Misrepresenting any of your dog’s attributes, including health condition.
Photo Misrepresentation: Using deceptive or misleading photos. This includes:
Using photos of other people or animals.
Using artificially generated or manipulated photos.
Using heavily filtered or edited photos that obscure your identity.
Using photos that contain QR codes, URLs, or excessive text.
Account Sharing: Allowing others to access or control your account
Intellectual Property Infringement: Using content that violates copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights.
Purpose of Guidelines
These guidelines are designed to protect the integrity of our community and prevent fraudulent activities. We want to ensure that all interactions on CityPup are based on trust and honesty.
Account Action
Accounts found to be in violation of these guidelines may be subject to restrictions, suspension, or termination.
Misinformation
We strictly prohibit the sharing of false or misleading information that could cause serious harm to individuals or the public. This policy encompasses content that is demonstrably inaccurate and likely to have negative consequences.
Specific Prohibited Content
To clarify, the following types of content are explicitly prohibited:
Public Health Misinformation:
Content that directly contradicts or misrepresents information provided by leading global health organizations and public health authorities about diseases such as COVID-19, monkeypox, or other communicable illnesses.
Claims about unproven or ineffective cures for any illness, unless widely recognized as effective by reputable health authorities.
Reproductive Health Misinformation:
False or misleading information about abortion care that could cause serious harm.
It's important to note that expressing personal opinions or policy perspectives on abortion is allowed, provided it does not contain harmful, misleading, or contradictory information about public health guidelines and adheres to our Bullying and Abusive Conduct policy.
Civic Process Misinformation:
False or misleading claims about elections, voting systems, census, referendums, or other civic processes.
Conspiracy Theories:
Dangerous and unsubstantiated conspiracy theories that pose a risk to individual or public safety.
Third-Party Misinformation:
Content from or links to websites known for disseminating false information.
Hate and Denial:
Content that denies the existence or severity of hate crimes or historical events.
Political Manipulation:
Misinformation related to political affairs intended to influence election outcomes or distort historical facts.
Manipulated Content:
Information that has been intentionally altered or presented out of context to deceive others.
Sharing any of the prohibited content may result in action against your account.
Our goal is to maintain a platform free from harmful misinformation that can endanger individuals and communities.
Physical and Sexual Violence
We maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy for any content, imagery, or behavior that constitutes or threatens physical or sexual violence. This policy encompasses a wide range of harmful actions and includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Physical Violence
Threats of physical harm: Any communication expressing an intent to inflict bodily injury on another person.
Acts of physical violence: Any action that causes physical harm to another individual.
Sexual Violence
Sexual assault: Any unwanted physical contact or attempted physical contact of a sexual nature. This includes:
Unwanted sexual touching or kissing of any body part.
Forced removal of clothing.
Stealthing (the non-consensual removal of contraception during sexual activity).
Non-consensual sexual penetration, including rape, forced oral sex, and sexual acts committed while a person is unconscious or incapable of consenting. This also includes sexual acts induced by coercion or the use of substances.
Sexual harassment: Persistent unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile or offensive environment.
Exploitation and Human Trafficking
Exploitation: Using our platform to facilitate or support the exploitation of others, including the creation or distribution of content that exploits minors or vulnerable individuals.
Human trafficking: Any action that involves the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons through force, fraud, or deception for the purpose of exploitation.
Stalking
Repeatedly monitoring, observing, or following another person in a way that causes fear or distress, or that constitutes a credible threat of violence.
Any violation of this policy will result in immediate and appropriate action, including but not limited to account termination.
Scams and Theft
CityPup maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for any fraudulent or deceptive activities aimed at exploiting members for financial gain or personal benefit. This includes any behavior intended to manipulate or deceive others into providing money, property, or other valuable assets.
Prohibited Activities
Financial Solicitation: Requesting or accepting money, loans, investments, or donations from other members under false pretenses.
Deceptive Intentions: Lying about personal information, goals, or intentions to manipulate members into providing financial or material support.
Romance Scamming: Faking romantic interest to gain trust and subsequently exploit the victim for financial or personal gain.
Identity Theft: Misrepresenting personal details such as name, gender, age, or location to deceive others and obtain financial benefits (see Inauthentic Profiles policy).
Theft: Physically taking another person's belongings without their consent or knowledge.
Any violation of this policy will result in immediate account restrictions or termination.
Sexual Harassment
We have a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is any unwanted, unwelcome sexual behavior that creates a hostile or offensive environment. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Online Sexual Harassment
Cyberflashing: Sending unsolicited sexually explicit images.
Non-consensual sharing of intimate images: Distributing or threatening to distribute private sexual images or videos without the consent of the person depicted. This is often referred to as "revenge porn."
Online harassment: Sending unwanted sexually suggestive comments, questions, or advances.
Fetishization: Treating another person as a sexual object without their consent.
Unsolicited sexual content: Sending unwanted sexually suggestive images, memes, animations, drawings, or pornography.
Offline Sexual Harassment
Indecent exposure: Exposing one's genitals or engaging in other sexually suggestive behavior without consent in a public or private setting.
Unwanted sexual advances: Making unwelcome sexual suggestions or requests.
Relationship Expectations
Inappropriate relationships: Purposefully seeking romantic or sexual relationships on CityPup is not permitted. This includes flirting, sexting, or proposing sexual or romantic activity.
We understand that sexual harassment can occur both on and off our platform. To protect victims and survivors, we may take action against accounts involved in any form of sexual harassment, regardless of where the behavior took place.
Spam
We prohibit any unsolicited, repetitive, or irrelevant content that disrupts the user experience. This includes any activity designed to manipulate the platform or deceive members.
Prohibited Activities
Deceptive Content: Sharing misleading or false information to increase visibility or engagement.
Misleading Links: Sharing links that conceal their true destination or impersonate reputable brands.
Automation and Manipulation: Using automated tools or scripts to artificially inflate interactions or influence conversations.
Unwanted Promotion: Promoting personal social media accounts or websites through private messages. (See also Commercial and Promotional Activity policy.)
Visual Spam: Using images containing links, QR codes, or other promotional content.
Account Abuse: Creating multiple accounts to harass other members or disrupt the platform.
Spamming is strictly prohibited and may result in account restrictions or termination.
Our goal is to maintain a platform free from disruptive and misleading content.
Suicide and Self-Injury Promotion
We understand the sensitive nature of mental health and the importance of providing a supportive community for our members. While we encourage open and honest discussions about mental health challenges, we maintain strict guidelines to prevent the promotion or glorification of harmful behaviors.
Prohibited Content and Activities
The following content and activities are strictly prohibited on our platform:
Suicide and Self-Injury:
Encouraging, promoting, or glorifying suicidal ideation or self-harm.
Providing instructions or methods for suicide or self-injury.
Sharing graphic images or descriptions of self-injury or suicide (see Violent or Graphic Content policy).
Eating Disorders:
Promoting, normalizing, or glorifying disordered eating behaviors, dieting, or body image.
Providing instructions or advice on how to develop or maintain an eating disorder.
Disrespectful Behavior: Making derogatory comments or jokes about individuals struggling with suicide, self-injury, or eating disorders.
Dangerous Challenges: Participating in or promoting harmful challenges or trends that could result in physical or emotional injury.
We recognize that individuals struggling with these issues may seek support and community. We encourage members to reach out to mental health professionals or crisis hotlines for assistance.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact a crisis hotline immediately.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
By adhering to these guidelines, we aim to create a safe and supportive environment for all members.
Note: This policy is intended to provide general guidance. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice.
Violent and Graphic Content
We maintain a strict policy against violent, graphic, or gory content. This includes any content that is disturbing or shocking due to its depiction of violence, injury, or bodily fluids.
Prohibited Content
The following types of content are explicitly prohibited:
Graphic Imagery:
Images containing real or simulated blood, bodily fluids, or injuries.
Depictions of extreme violence, including murder, torture, or assault.
Images of human remains, corpses, or bones.
Graphic depictions of medical procedures.
Images of animal cruelty or suffering.
Violent Descriptions: Text-based content that graphically describes violence, injury, or death.
Weapons: Images of firearms, unless the individual is a uniformed member of law enforcement or military personnel.
Hunting: Images of animals killed for sport or trophy purposes.
Content that is deemed to be in violation of this policy will be removed, and appropriate action may be taken against the offending account.
Building Genuine Connections
At CityPup, we value authentic interactions and genuine connections. Therefore, any attempt to manipulate the platform or artificially inflate engagement through automation or scripting is strictly against our guidelines.
Keeping CityPup Safe
Safety is our top priority. We rely on your help to maintain a positive and secure environment for all users.
Here's how you can contribute:
Report Violations: If you encounter content or behavior that breaches our Community Guidelines or Terms and Conditions, or otherwise makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, please report it immediately. You can do so by emailing Team@citypupclub.com.
What Not to Report:
Disagreements: It's okay to disagree with someone or to dislike them. Reporting solely based on these reasons is not necessary.
False Reports: We act against users who submit false or malicious reports targeting others based on protected characteristics. This includes repeatedly filing false reports of bad behavior.
By working together, we can create a safe and respectful space for everyone on CityPup.
Keeping Our Community Safe: Enforcement Philosophy
At CityPup, we take the safety and well-being of our members very seriously. Our Community Guidelines outline the expectations for respectful and appropriate behavior on our platform.
Enforcement Actions
We are committed to enforcing our Community Guidelines. When a member violates these guidelines, the severity of the offense and member’s past history on CityPup will be considered. We may take a range of actions, including:
Warnings: For minor infractions, we may issue a warning to the member, reminding them of our guidelines.
Account Suspension or Termination: In cases of more serious violations, we may suspend or permanently ban the member from CityPup.
Behavior Outside of CityPup
We strive to maintain a safe and positive environment for all members, both on and off the platform. If we become aware of harmful behavior between members that occurs outside of CityPup, such as during meetups, text messages, or through other platforms, we may act against the offending account. This also applies to relevant criminal or harmful conduct committed in the past, even if it did not occur on CityPup.
Appealing Decisions
If you believe your account or content has been flagged incorrectly, you have the right to appeal our decision. Please contact us at Team@citypupclub.com and we will be happy to review your case.
Let's Talk!
We value your feedback and encourage you to reach out to Team@citypupclub.com if you have any questions or suggestions regarding our Community Guidelines.
By working together, we can ensure CityPup remains a safe and enjoyable space for everyone.