PawsConnect is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and safeguard the personal information you provide when using our platform. By using PawsConnect, you agree to the practices described in this policy in accordance with Republic Act No. 10173 (Philippine Data Privacy Act of 2012).
1. Information We Collect
We collect the following types of personal information:
- Account Information: Full name, email address, contact number, and password (stored encrypted).
- Adoption Application Data: Home address, photos of your residence, and any information submitted as part of an adoption request.
- Location Data: General location to support adoption logistics and shelter coordination.
- Transaction Data: Donation amounts, payment references, and campaign contributions (payment details are handled by our payment processor and are not stored on our servers).
- Usage Data: App activity, device type, and browser information for performance and security monitoring.
2. How We Use Your Information
- To process and manage pet adoption applications.
- To verify your identity and suitability as an adopter.
- To process donations and send donation receipts.
- To send notifications about adoption updates, campaigns, and shelter news.
- To facilitate password resets and account communications via email.
- To improve platform performance and user experience.
- To comply with legal obligations under Philippine law.
3. Legal Basis for Processing
We process your personal data based on the following grounds:
- Consent: You have given explicit consent when creating an account or submitting an adoption application.
- Contractual Necessity: Processing is required to fulfill an adoption or donation transaction you initiated.
- Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable Philippine laws and regulations.
- Legitimate Interest: To maintain platform security and improve our services.
4. Data Sharing and Third Parties
We do not sell your personal data. We only share it with trusted third-party service providers necessary to operate PawsConnect:
- Supabase — database hosting and authentication services.
- Firebase — push notification delivery.
- Google — authentication (Google Sign-In) and email services.
- Payment Processors — secure handling of donation transactions.
These providers are bound by their own privacy policies and are required to protect your data in accordance with applicable laws.
5. Data Retention
- Account data is retained as long as your account is active or as needed to provide our services.
- Adoption records and home verification photos are kept for up to 3 years after completion, unless required longer for legal purposes.
- Donation records are retained for 7 years for legal and audit compliance.
- Upon account deletion, personal data is removed within 30 days, except where retention is required by law.
6. Your Rights
Under the Philippine Data Privacy Act and other applicable regulations, you have the right to:
- Access — request a copy of your personal data we hold.
- Correction — request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data.
- Erasure — request deletion of your personal data ("right to be forgotten"), subject to legal retention requirements.
- Portability — request your data in a structured, commonly used format.
- Objection — object to certain types of processing.
- Withdraw Consent — withdraw consent at any time, which may affect your ability to use some features.
- Lodge a Complaint — file a complaint with the National Privacy Commission (Philippines) at privacy.gov.ph.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us through the app's contact form.
7. Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal data, including encrypted storage, secure HTTPS connections, and access controls. While we take reasonable precautions, no online system is completely immune to security risks. We encourage users to use strong, unique passwords and to keep their login credentials confidential.
8. Children's Privacy
PawsConnect is not intended for use by individuals under 18 years of age without parental or guardian consent. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we become aware that a minor has provided personal data without appropriate consent, we will delete it immediately.
9. Cookies and Tracking
PawsConnect may use session cookies and local storage to maintain your login session and improve app performance. We do not use tracking cookies for advertising purposes. You can manage or disable cookies through your browser or device settings, though this may affect some app functionality.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of PawsConnect after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact us through the in-app contact form or visit us at:
Humanity for Animals — GMA, Cavite, Philippines
By using PawsConnect, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection and use of your information as described herein.