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Privacy Policy

Effective Date: May 29, 2025
Last updated: May 29, 2025

1. Introduction

PetIndex, Inc. (“PetIndex”,“we”, “our”) takes your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our websites, mobile apps, browser extensions, APIs, and related services (collectively, the Service). Our mission is to collect and connect clues— sightings, posts, emails, photos, and other bits of information that can help reunite animals with their people. By using the Service, you consent to the practices described in this Policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information you provide directly

  • Account information — email address, display name, profile photo/URL, and authentication IDs from third-party providers (e.g., Facebook, Google).
  • Clue Content — descriptions, photos, posts, email forwards, messages, metadata, and any data you upload or submit that may serve as a clue about an animal’s status or whereabouts.
  • Communications — inquiries, feedback, support requests.

2.2 Information collected automatically

  • Log data & device info — IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages viewed, and timestamps.
  • Usage data — interactions with the Service (e.g., searches, clue submissions, match confirmations).
  • Cookies & similar technologies — small files stored on your device to recognize you and improve the Service. See Section 6.

2.3 Data from connected accounts

If you choose to link Gmail®, Facebook®, or other third-party accounts, we access the content you authorize (for example, emails that mention a found animal or screenshots from community groups) solely to ingest and index those clues. We store only the parts necessary for matching (e.g., description, photo, timestamp, source URL) and do not archive entire unrelated emails or group conversations.

3. How We Use Your Information

  • Provide, operate, and improve the Service (including clue ingestion, matching, search, analytics, and notifications).
  • Authenticate users and secure the Service.
  • Respond to inquiries and provide customer support.
  • Communicate updates, feature announcements, and administrative messages.
  • Monitor and analyze usage to develop new features and prevent fraud or abuse.
  • Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service.

4. Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We share data only:

  • With service providers that perform services for us (e.g., cloud hosting, authentication, email delivery) and are bound by confidentiality obligations.
  • With other users when you voluntarily post or share Clue Content that is meant to be public (for example, a public sighting photo).
  • For legal reasons where required by law or to protect the rights, property, or safety of PetIndex, users, or the public.
  • In a business transfer (e.g., merger, acquisition, or sale of assets) subject to standard confidentiality protections.

4.1 Requests from Public Authorities

PetIndex maintains the following policies and processes regarding requests for user data by government or public authorities:

  • Legality Review: We require any request for personal data from a public authority to be reviewed for legal sufficiency and jurisdiction before responding. We only comply with requests that are lawful, properly scoped, and supported by appropriate legal process (e.g., subpoena, court order).
  • Right to Challenge: If we believe a request is unlawful or overly broad, we reserve the right to challenge it in court or seek clarification, limitation, or withdrawal before providing any user data.
  • Data Minimization: In all cases, we limit disclosures to the minimum amount of personal information required to satisfy the specific legal request, and no more.
  • Documentation: We maintain internal records of all such requests, including the requesting agency, legal justification, response provided, and individuals involved in the review and decision-making process.

5. Security

We employ industry-standard technical and organizational measures to protect your data (e.g., encrypted transport, least-privilege access). No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, local storage, and similar technologies to:

  • Maintain your session and preferences;
  • Analyze site traffic and performance;
  • Enable certain features (e.g., remembering filters).

You can disable cookies in your browser, but some features may not function properly.

7. Your Choices & Rights

  • Access & Correction: You can view and update most profile data in your account settings.
  • Data Deletion: You may request deletion of your account and all associated personal data by contacting us at privacy@petindex.org. Upon verification of your request, we will delete or anonymize your personal data within 30 days, unless we are legally required to retain it (e.g., for fraud prevention, tax compliance, or legal claims).
  • Revoking Third-Party Access: You can disconnect Gmail, Facebook, or other linked accounts at any time in your account settings.
  • Marketing Communications: You may opt out of non-essential emails by using the unsubscribe link in those messages.

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have additional rights under applicable privacy laws (such as the GDPR or CCPA). Please contact us to exercise these rights or for any privacy-related questions.

8. Children’s Privacy

The Service is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn we have done so, we will delete it.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal data as long as necessary to provide the Service, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Clue Content and related metadata may be retained for historical search and analysis unless you request deletion.

10. International Transfers

We operate in the United States. If you access the Service from outside the U.S., you consent to the transfer and processing of your information in the U.S. and other countries, which may have different data-protection laws.

11. Google API Services Disclosure

PetIndex’s use and transfer to any other app of information received from Google APIs will adhere to theGoogle API Services User Data Policy, including the Limited Use requirements.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we make material changes, we will post the revised version and update the “Last updated” date. Continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our practices, please email us atprivacy@petindex.org.

Thank you for helping PetIndex turn everyday clues into reunions!