Privacy Policy (UK)

We respect your privacy and process personal data in line with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.​

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What data we collect
 

​From website enquiries (contact form or email/phone):
 

• Identity & contact: name, email, phone.

• Location: postcode/address (to confirm service area).

• Pet information (if provided): name, breed, age, behaviour notes, health considerations, routine.
   

During meet & greet / onboarding (if you become a client):
 

• Address and key-handling instructions (if we collect/hold keys).

• Emergency contacts, regular vet details.

• Pet health, vaccination/flea/worming status, behaviour and training information.

• Service records (dates/times of walks, notes).

• Consents (off-lead permission, transport consent, social media/photo consent).

• Current status: We operate an accept/decline cookie banner. Optional cookies are off by default. If we add analytics or marketing tools in future, we’ll update this policy and the banner.

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How we collect data
 

• You submit it via our contact form (Wix), email or phone.

• You provide it in person during meet & greet or via onboarding forms.

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Why we use your data (lawful bases)
 

• To respond to enquiries and provide quotes (Legitimate Interests / steps to Contract).

• To deliver dog-walking/pet care services and manage bookings (Contract).

• To ensure safety and welfare of pets and staff, including emergency vet care where reasonably necessary (Legitimate Interests / Vital Interests).

• To maintain business records, tax and insurance compliance (Legal Obligation).

• Photos/social media – only with your explicit Consent.

• Direct marketing/newsletters – we do not currently send marketing emails. If this changes, we’ll ask for Consent and provide an unsubscribe option.

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Sharing your data
 

We only share what’s necessary:
 

Service providers / processors:

• Wix.com Ltd. (website hosting/forms).

• Email/IT providers: [e.g. Microsoft 365 / Gmail].
   

Operational sharing (where necessary):

• Insurance provider/broker (for a claim).

• Professional advisors (accountant/solicitor).

• Emergency veterinary practice (if urgent care is needed).

• Self-employed walkers/assistants working with us (bound by confidentiality).

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Some providers may store data outside the UK/EEA. Where this occurs, we use appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses.

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Sharing your data

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We keep data only as long as needed:

• Enquiry records: [12 months] if you don’t become a client.

• Client records (contracts, bookings, invoices): [6 years] for tax/insurance.

• Incident/insurance records: [6 years] (or longer if required).

• Key-holding information: for the duration of service and promptly deleted/returned after termination.

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Security​

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We use reasonable technical and organisational measures: least-access permissions, secure accounts, and safe key-handling procedures. No system is 100% secure, but we work to protect your data.​

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Your rights​

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You have rights to access, rectify, erase, restrict or object to processing, and data portability, plus the right to withdraw consent (where used). To exercise rights, contact pickupthepaws@gmail.com​

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Children

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Our services are aimed at adults arranging pet care. We do not knowingly collect children’s data online.

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Questions? Email pickupthepaws@gmail.com