Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 1, 2025

Last Updated: January 1, 2025

1. Introduction

Hope for Paws Animal Rescue ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, make donations, or interact with our services. Please read this privacy policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this privacy policy, please do not access the site.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Make a donation through our website
• Fill out adoption applications or forms
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Contact us with inquiries
• Volunteer or apply for employment
• Participate in our programs or events

This information may include:

• Name and contact information (email address, phone number, mailing address)
• Payment information (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
• Demographic information (age, occupation, household information for adoption purposes)
• Information about your pets or interest in adoption
• Communication preferences

Non-Personal Information

We may automatically collect certain non-personal information when you visit our website, including:

• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• IP address
• Pages visited and time spent on our site
• Referral URLs
• Device information

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Animal Care and Placement: To process adoption applications, match animals with suitable homes, and provide ongoing support
• Donation Processing: To process donations, issue tax receipts, and maintain donor records
• Communication: To send updates about our animals, success stories, events, and fundraising campaigns
• Service Delivery: To coordinate rescue operations, veterinary care, and volunteer activities
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Website Improvement: To analyze website usage and improve our online services
• Emergency Response: To respond to animal welfare emergencies and coordinate rescue efforts

4. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party vendors who assist us with payment processing, email marketing, or website maintenance
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights and safety
• Partner Organizations: With other animal welfare organizations for collaborative rescue efforts (with your consent)
• Veterinarians: With licensed veterinarians providing care to our animals
• Adoption Partners: With potential adopters during the application process

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Secure server environments
• Encryption of sensitive data
• Regular security assessments
• Limited access to personal information
• Staff training on data protection

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small files stored on your device that help us:

• Remember your preferences
• Analyze website traffic
• Improve our services
• Provide personalized content

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

7. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including donation platforms, social media sites, and partner organizations. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information.

9. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we have about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
• Portability: Request a copy of your data in a structured format

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 12.

10. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Donor information may be retained for tax and accounting purposes as required by law.

11. International Data Transfers

If you are located outside the United States, please note that your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States, where our servers are located and our central database is operated.

12. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

This Privacy Policy was last updated on January 1, 2025.