Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Shelter Pawtners ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website and services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Register for an account
• Create a pet profile
• Apply as a business partner
• Contact us for support
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Participate in surveys or promotions

This information may include:

• Name and contact information (email, phone, address)
• Pet information (name, species, breed, microchip number)
• Adoption information (shelter name, adoption date)
• Veterinary records and medical information
• Business information (business name, address, services)
• Payment information (for business partners)

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information:

• Device and browser information
• IP address and location data
• Usage data (pages visited, time spent, links clicked)
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

• Account Management: Create and manage your account, verify identity, and authenticate users
• Service Delivery: Provide access to our platform and partner network
• Verification: Verify pet adoption status with shelters and confirm business credentials
• Communication: Send important updates, notifications, and customer support responses
• Marketing: Send promotional materials and newsletters (with your consent)
• Analytics: Understand how users interact with our platform to improve services
• Legal Compliance: Comply with legal obligations and protect our rights

4. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information with:

4.1 Partner Businesses

When you use your membership at a partner business, we share your membership status and verification information to confirm your eligibility for discounts.

4.2 Shelters and Rescues

We contact shelters to verify adoption information you provide. We share only the necessary information to confirm your pet's adoption status.

4.3 Service Providers

We work with third-party service providers for hosting, email delivery, payment processing, and analytics. These providers have access only to information needed to perform their services.

4.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or government request, or to protect our rights, property, or safety.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Restricted access to personal information
• Secure servers and databases
• Employee training on data protection

6. Your Privacy Rights

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
• Data Portability: Request your data in a portable format
• Object: Object to processing of your personal information

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@shelterpawtners.org.

7. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to improve your experience on our website. You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our website.

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these websites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

11. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations. When you close your account, we will delete or anonymize your information within 90 days, unless we are required to retain it for legal purposes.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Email: privacy@shelterpawtners.org
Phone: (888) 555-1234
Mail: Shelter Pawtners, 123 Pet Care Lane, Suite 456, Austin, TX 78701