Privacy Policy

At PetAdoption.ai, we are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly to us, information collected automatically, and information from third-party sources.

Information You Provide

Account Information: Name, email address, password, phone number, and profile details when you create an account
Adoption Preferences: Information about your living situation, lifestyle, pet experience, and preferences shared through our AI matching feature
Communications: Messages sent to shelters, customer support inquiries, and feedback you provide
Saved Content: Favorited pets, saved searches, and adoption inquiry history

Information Collected Automatically

Device Information: Browser type, operating system, device identifiers, and mobile network information
Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, search queries, time spent on pages, and interaction patterns
Location Data: General location based on IP address or, with your permission, more precise location data
Cookies and Tracking: Information collected through cookies, pixels, and similar technologies

Cookie Preferences

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may limit Platform functionality.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to provide, maintain, and improve our services:

Create and manage your account
Power our AI-driven pet matching recommendations
Facilitate connections between you and partner organizations
Personalize your experience and search results
Send adoption updates, newsletters, and relevant communications
Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
Analyze usage patterns to improve our Platform
Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security issues
Comply with legal obligations

3. AI and Machine Learning

Our Platform uses artificial intelligence to enhance your experience:

Pet Matching: AI analyzes your preferences and lifestyle information to suggest compatible pets
Conversational Interface: Our chatbot uses AI to understand your needs and refine recommendations
Search Optimization: Machine learning improves search relevance based on user patterns

AI Data Usage

Information you share with our AI features is processed to generate personalized recommendations. This data is not sold to third parties and is handled in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

4. Information Sharing

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

With Partner Organizations

When you inquire about a pet or submit an adoption application, we share relevant information with the listing shelter or rescue to facilitate the adoption process. This may include your contact information, preferences, and any details you've provided about your home.

Service Providers

We work with third-party companies that help us operate our Platform, including hosting providers, analytics services, email delivery, and customer support tools. These providers access information only as needed to perform their services.

Legal Requirements

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

Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, user information may be transferred. We will notify you of any change in ownership or use of your information.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

Encryption of data in transit and at rest
Secure authentication and access controls
Regular security assessments and monitoring
Employee training on data protection practices
Incident response procedures

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. We may retain certain information as required by law or for legitimate business purposes, such as:

Resolving disputes and enforcing agreements
Complying with legal and regulatory requirements
Preventing fraud and abuse
Maintaining backup and archival systems

7. Your Rights and Choices

You have several rights regarding your personal information:

Your Privacy Rights

Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data in certain circumstances

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@petadoption.ai. We will respond to your request within the timeframe required by applicable law.

8. Children's Privacy

PetAdoption.ai is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will delete it promptly. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

9. Third-Party Links

Our Platform may contain links to third-party websites, including partner shelter sites. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

10. California Privacy Rights

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

Right to know what personal information is collected, used, and shared
Right to delete personal information
Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information
Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

We do not sell personal information as defined by the CCPA. To exercise your California privacy rights, contact us at privacy@petadoption.ai.

11. International Users

If you access PetAdoption.ai from outside the United States, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States where our servers are located. By using our Platform, you consent to this transfer.

For users in the European Economic Area (EEA), we comply with applicable data protection laws including GDPR. We process data based on consent, contract performance, legitimate interests, or legal obligations.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy with a new "Last Updated" date. For significant changes, we may provide additional notice via email or Platform notification.

Your continued use of PetAdoption.ai after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

13. Contact Us

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

Email: privacy@petadoption.ai
Data Protection Inquiries: dpo@petadoption.ai
Website: www.petadoption.ai/contact