Privacy Policy
Your privacy matters to us. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you use PetNect.
1. Introduction
Our commitment to protecting your privacy
PetNect ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website, mobile applications, and related services (collectively, the "Platform").
By using our Platform, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
Related Policies:
2. Information We Collect
The types of data we gather to provide our services
2.1 Information You Provide Directly
- Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, password, profile photo, and user role (Pet Owner or Pet Professional).
- Pet Information: Pet names, breeds, ages, sizes, medical conditions, behavioral notes, vaccination records, and emergency contacts.
- Professional Profile Data: Services offered, qualifications, certifications, insurance information, availability, rates, and service descriptions.
- Location Information: Addresses you provide for service locations and optional precise geolocation data for improved matching.
- Payment Information: Credit card details, billing addresses, and payment history (processed securely through third-party payment processors).
- Communications: Messages sent through our Platform, reviews, ratings, and customer support communications.
- Identity Verification: Government-issued ID, background check information, and professional licenses (for Pet Professionals).
2.2 Information We Collect Automatically
- Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent on the Platform, and interaction patterns.
- Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers, and mobile network information.
- Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address and precise location if you grant permission.
- Cookies and Tracking: Information collected through cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies.
2.3 Information from Third Parties
- Social media account information if you connect your accounts.
- Background check results from authorized screening services.
- Payment processing information from our payment partners.
- References and recommendations from other platforms or services.
3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
How we comply with European data protection laws
If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), we process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:
- Contractual Necessity: To provide our services and fulfill our Terms of Service.
- Legitimate Interests: To improve our Platform, prevent fraud, and ensure safety.
- Consent: For marketing communications and optional features you specifically agree to.
- Legal Obligations: To comply with applicable laws and regulations.
4. How We Use Your Information
The purposes for which we process your data
- Service Provision: Create and manage accounts, facilitate bookings, process payments, and enable communication between users.
- Matching and Search: Connect Pet Owners with suitable Pet Professionals based on location, services, and preferences.
- Safety and Security: Verify identities, conduct background checks, detect fraud, and investigate policy violations.
- Communications: Send booking confirmations, payment notifications, safety alerts, and Platform updates.
- Improvement and Analytics: Analyze usage patterns to improve features, develop new services, and optimize user experience.
- Marketing: Send promotional content and personalized recommendations (with your consent where required).
- Legal Compliance: Comply with legal obligations, respond to legal requests, and protect our rights.
5. How We Share Your Information
When and with whom we share your personal data
5.1 With Other Users
- Profile information necessary for bookings (name, photo, location, reviews).
- Messages and communications related to services.
- Reviews and ratings you provide or receive.
5.2 With Service Providers
We share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us with:
- • Payment processing (Stripe, PayPal, etc.)
- • Background check services
- • Email and SMS communications
- • Cloud hosting and data storage
- • Analytics and performance monitoring
- • Customer support tools
5.3 Legal and Safety Requirements
We may disclose information when required by law or when we believe disclosure is necessary to:
- Comply with legal obligations, court orders, or government requests.
- Protect the safety of users, pets, or the public.
- Investigate fraud, security breaches, or policy violations.
- Defend our legal rights and interests.
5.4 Business Transfers
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity.
6. Data Retention
How long we keep your information
We retain your information to:
- • Provide services and maintain your account
- • Comply with legal obligations and resolve disputes
- • Prevent fraud and ensure Platform security
- • Improve services through analytics (anonymized)
Account information is typically retained for 7 years after account closure.
7. Your Privacy Rights
Control over your personal information
7.1 All Users
7.2 Additional Rights for EEA Residents (GDPR)
- Data Portability: Receive a copy of your data in a portable format.
- Restriction: Limit how we process your data in certain circumstances.
- Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests.
- Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for processing that requires it.
- Supervisory Authority: Lodge complaints with your local data protection authority.
7.3 California Residents (CCPA)
California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know about, delete, and opt out of the sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information to third parties.
9. Data Security
How we protect your information
We implement comprehensive security measures:
- • Encryption: Data protection in transit and at rest
- • Access Controls: Limited data access on need-to-know basis
- • Regular Audits: Security assessments and vulnerability testing
- • Incident Response: Breach detection and response procedures
- • Staff Training: Regular privacy and security education
10. Children's Privacy
Protection for users under 13
Our Platform is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately so we can remove it.
Questions About Your Privacy?
For questions, concerns, or requests related to this Privacy Policy or our data practices, we're here to help.
We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days of receipt.