Privacy Policy

Last updated: September 6, 2025

1. Introduction

Hudson Valley Lost Pets ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

We collect information you voluntarily provide when using our Service:

• Account Information: Name, email address, and password (only if you choose to create an account)
• Pet Information: Details about lost pets, including photos, descriptions, and contact information
• Sighting Reports: Information about pet sightings and your contact details
• Comments and Messages: Any text content you post or send through the Service

2.2 Information We Collect Automatically

We automatically collect certain information when you use our Service:

• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on site, and interactions with features
• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, and device identifiers
• Location Data: General location information (city/region level) for service optimization

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide and maintain the Service
• Facilitate communication between pet owners and finders
• Send notifications about your lost pet reports (only if you opt-in)
• Improve and personalize the Service
• Ensure the security and integrity of the Service
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Email Communications and Opt-in Policy

We are committed to respecting your email preferences:

• Opt-in Only: You will never receive emails from us unless you explicitly choose to do so
• Account Creation: Creating an account does not automatically subscribe you to any email lists
• Pet Notifications: Email notifications about your lost pet reports are completely optional and require your consent
• Easy Unsubscribe: All emails include clear unsubscribe options
• No Marketing: We do not send promotional or marketing emails

5. Anonymous Usage

You can use our Service without providing any personal information:

• Browse Freely: View lost pet reports and sightings without any registration
• No Tracking: We do not track anonymous users across sessions
• Privacy First: Your browsing activity remains private when using the Service anonymously

6. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share information only in these limited circumstances:

• With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share information
• Service Providers: With trusted third-party services that help us operate the Service
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights and safety
• Emergency Situations: In urgent situations involving pet safety

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Limited access to personal information by authorized personnel only
• Secure hosting and infrastructure

8. Data Retention

We retain your information only as long as necessary:

• Account Data: Until you delete your account or request deletion
• Pet Reports: Until the pet is found or you request removal
• Photos: Until you remove them or close your account
• Logs: For security and debugging purposes only, typically 30-90 days

9. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access and review your personal information
• Update or correct inaccurate information
• Delete your account and associated data
• Opt-out of email communications at any time
• Use the Service anonymously without providing personal information

10. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

11. 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 policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us through our website.