> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.creatures.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# What is stewardship?

Stewardship lets someone help with an animal's ongoing care through a monthly payment, without becoming the animal's owner. The person or organization caring for the animal is the **caretaker**. The supporter is the **steward**.

Participating caretakers can offer an animal for stewardship. Other members can find an open opportunity in the [Creatures marketplace](https://creatures.com/marketplace?stewardship=1) or follow a link shared by the caretaker.

![A focused marketplace card for an animal open to stewardship](https://cdn-test.creatures.com/2c3/f84/0ef/25855.png?width=1760)

## What each person agrees to

The caretaker sets a monthly rate and promises updates every week, every two weeks, or every month. Updates can include photos, videos, or news posted to the animal's Creatures profile.

The steward pays monthly and can follow those updates from their dashboard. They may also receive read access to parts of the animal's profile that are not public. Stewardship does **not** give the steward ownership, custody, breeding rights, decision-making power, or guaranteed visits.

Read the offering's description, terms, and stewardship boundaries before subscribing.

## Exclusive support or a Circle

An offering can have one spot for an exclusive steward or several spots for a **Stewardship Circle**. Circle members each pay separately and follow the same animal. See [Stewardship Circles](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/stewardship-circles-1pcb6sh/) for open spots and invitations.

## Price and fees

The steward pays the caretaker's monthly rate plus a 5% Creatures service fee. Creatures also deducts a 5% fee from the caretaker's payment, unless the caretaker has Creatures Pro.

Creatures describes this as a monthly stewardship payment, not a tax-deductible donation. A verified organization may provide its own approved tax disclosure, but supporters should not assume that every payment is deductible.

## Recognition and privacy

At checkout, a steward chooses whether the public sees their Creatures profile, a display name such as a family name, or no public name. The caretaker can still see the account information needed to manage the relationship.

Both sides can end a stewardship. A steward's cancellation takes effect at the end of the paid period. A caretaker can end one immediately if circumstances change. An animal's sale or death can also end the relationship. If a charge appears after an unexpected ending, contact Creatures Support.

Ready to support an animal? Start with [Becoming a steward](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/becoming-a-steward-1ow1su4/). Ready to invite support for an animal in your care? Read [Offering stewardship of your animal](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/offering-stewardship-of-your-animal-idhrr/).

### Related information

- [Becoming a steward](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/becoming-a-steward-1ow1su4/)
- [Offering stewardship of your animal](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/offering-stewardship-of-your-animal-idhrr/)
- [Stewardship Circles](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/stewardship-circles-1pcb6sh/)