Privacy Policy

Introduction

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

By using OnlyPaws, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

When you register for an account or use our services, we may collect the following personal information:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, and mailing address
• Account Credentials: Username and encrypted password
• Shelter Information: Organization name, address, website, adoption processes, and requirements
• Animal Information: Details about animals available for adoption, including photos, descriptions, medical history, and behavioral characteristics
• Communication Data: Messages sent through our contact forms or support tickets

Automatically Collected Information

When you access our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing activity:

• Usage Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, pages visited, time spent on pages, and referring website
• Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience and analyze website usage
• Log Data: Server logs that may include timestamps, request/response data, and error messages

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: To provide, maintain, and improve our animal adoption platform
• Account Management: To create and manage your user account and shelter profiles
• Communication: To send you important updates, notifications, and responses to your inquiries
• Animal Listings: To display and manage animal profiles for adoption
• Security: To protect against fraud, unauthorized access, and other security threats
• Analytics: To understand how users interact with our platform and improve our services
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Support: To provide customer support and respond to your questions and concerns

How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Public Display: Animal listings and shelter information you choose to publish are publicly accessible on our website
• Service Providers: With third-party vendors who perform services on our behalf (e.g., hosting, email delivery, analytics)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulation
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
• With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share your information
• Protection of Rights: To protect the rights, property, or safety of OnlyPaws, our users, or others

Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
• Secure authentication and password hashing
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Access controls and user permission management
• Secure backup procedures

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website:

• Essential Cookies: Required for the website to function properly (e.g., authentication, security)
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website
• Performance Cookies: Improve website performance and user experience

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may limit your ability to use some features of our website.

Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

• 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 (subject to legal requirements)
• Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, commonly used format
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
• Object: Object to processing of your personal information in certain circumstances
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided at the end of this policy.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services and fulfill the purposes described in this policy
• Comply with legal obligations and resolve disputes
• Maintain business records and enforce our agreements

When information is no longer necessary, we will securely delete or anonymize it. Soft-deleted data (e.g., deactivated accounts) may be retained for a limited period before permanent deletion.

Children's Privacy

OnlyPaws is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately, and we will take steps to delete such information.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including shelter websites and social media platforms. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using our services, you consent to the transfer of your information to our facilities and service providers wherever located.

California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information is collected, used, shared, or sold
• Right to delete personal information held by us
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (Note: We do not sell personal information)
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

To submit a request, please contact us using the information below. We will verify your identity before processing your request.

European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including:

• Right to access, rectify, or erase your personal data
• Right to restrict or object to data processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to withdraw consent at any time
• Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

The legal basis for processing your data includes: performance of a contract, compliance with legal obligations, legitimate interests, and your consent.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy on this page with a new "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

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