Terms and Conditions

About ShelterSpark

ShelterSpark is a free-to-play game where you restore a virtual shelter, play casual games, and optionally support a real participating shelter in your community. These terms govern your use of the game.

Free gameplay raises $0 for shelters. Playing games, earning virtual rewards, and restoring your virtual shelter do not generate money for a real shelter.

Virtual currencies

ShelterSpark uses one virtual currency, Paw Credits. Paw Credits are earned through gameplay and referral bonuses or purchased in packages, and are used to restore your virtual shelter and for eligible optional items and decorations. Earned and referral Paw Credits raise $0 for shelters.

Paw Credits are virtual in-game credits. They are not cash, cryptocurrency, a bank balance, or a charitable donation. They can only be used for eligible digital features inside ShelterSpark and cannot be withdrawn, transferred, sold, or exchanged for money.

Paw Credits are virtual in-game credits with no cash redemption value. They are nontransferable and cannot be withdrawn for cash.

Purchases and shelter contributions

Live purchases remain disabled. Sandbox test purchases move no real money and raise $0 for shelters. When live purchases are enabled, each eligible Paw Credit package will show its price, the Paw Credits you receive, and the exact amount contributed to your selected participating shelter before you check out. The stated cash contribution is designated for your selected participating shelter. The shelter chooses how to use the funds for its animals and operations. The whole package price does not go to the shelter.

Buying Paw Credits is a game purchase with a disclosed shelter contribution — it is not a charitable donation. A direct donation is separate and is handled by the shelter itself through its own donation page, including any receipt.

Paid Paw Credit packages are one-time game purchases, not subscriptions or donations. Only eligible paid purchases generate the exact shelter contribution disclosed before checkout. The shelter decides how to use its designated contribution for its animals and operations.

If your chosen shelter has not joined, ShelterSpark holds the shelter contribution from your eligible purchase until they agree to participate. You receive your Paw Credits after payment is confirmed. If the shelter declines, you can choose another participating shelter. A nomination does not make a shelter a confirmed partner: a shelter must be approved and participating before it can receive a designated contribution. Amounts are reported to a shelter as paid only after the money is actually paid, never before. This choice will be available when live purchases are enabled.

Direct donations are separate, external transactions handled on the shelter’s own donation page. ShelterSpark does not handle those donations or issue their receipts.

Refunds and unused credits

Paw Credit purchases are final. We do not offer change-of-mind refunds or cash redemption of unused credits. If you were charged twice for the same intended purchase, contact support@shelterspark.com so we can investigate and correct a confirmed duplicate charge. Contact us as well if purchased credits were not delivered or you suspect an unauthorized charge. This policy does not limit refunds or other rights required by applicable law.

Accounts and progress

Create an account to keep your shelter journey saved and return to your progress on any device. You are responsible for keeping your sign-in details private.

Contact

Questions about these terms? Email us at support@shelterspark.com.