How trust works

What we verify today

• Account identity through our sign-in provider and the contact information you provide.
• That listings and profiles are controlled by the account holder who publishes them.
• Community recognitions (such as Founding Caretaker) when eligibility rules are met.

Caretaker credentials shown on profiles are self-reported. Credentials listed by caretakers are self-reported. Farmstead Circle does not store credential documents and does not verify authenticity, validity, or current status. Farmers are solely responsible for evaluating qualifications and may ask the caretaker to produce supporting documents off-platform.

What we do not verify

Integrated background checks are not currently available. We are evaluating screening providers and plan to offer an optional background-check feature in the future.

A background check is one source of information and does not guarantee a person's safety, qualifications, reliability, or suitability. Owners should independently evaluate any caretaker before arranging services.

Where shown, license confirmation (when indicated) reflects status with the Virginia issuing authority as of the date shown. Integrated background-check verification is not currently available through Farmstead Circle. Farmstead Circle does not assess or represent farm caretaker skill, competency, or fitness for any task. Farmers are solely responsible for evaluating caretaker qualifications before engaging any farm caretaker.

Disputes and platform role

Farmstead Circle connects independent owners and caretakers. We are not a party to your care agreement and we do not decide who was at fault when something goes wrong.

After eligible bookings, the platform can help both parties share messages and evidence. Fee refunds follow our published dispute policy. We do not adjudicate animal welfare, negligence, or veterinary claims.

Insurance and liability

Because most Virginia hobby farms and homesteads are exempt from mandatory workers' compensation coverage under Va. Code § 65.2-300, you may not be covered by workers' compensation if you are injured while working. Farmstead Circle strongly recommends that you obtain Occupational Accident Insurance (OAI) or equivalent coverage before accepting bookings, through any provider of your choice. OAI provides medical and disability coverage for work-related injuries regardless of the property owner's workers' compensation status. If you wish, the platform's Insurance Directory offers curated links to third-party providers as a convenience, but you are free to obtain coverage elsewhere. Avorka, Inc. does not provide workers' compensation coverage.

We may link to third-party insurance and farm resource partners for education. Those links are not a guarantee of coverage, price, or suitability. Owners remain responsible for their property, animals, and off-platform agreements with caretakers.

What owners should check off-platform

• Meet the caretaker, walk the property, and confirm animal routines in writing.
• Ask to see credential documents directly if credentials matter to your farmstead.
• Confirm your own insurance and emergency vet contacts before you leave.
• Agree on scope, keys, and communication channels before the service period starts.

What if an animal is injured during a booking?

Treat it as a private care agreement between you and the independent caretaker. Contact your veterinarian and the caretaker immediately. Document what happened, including photos and timestamps, and keep messages on the platform when possible.

Farmstead Circle does not provide veterinary care, emergency response, or insurance payouts. If a booking reaches the disputed state allowed under our policy, you can use the dispute flow for platform fee questions only, not for deciding fault or animal outcomes.

For legal or insurance claims, work with your own advisors and carriers. Our role is to host the connection and booking record, not to supervise daily care.