Privacy Policy

LocalVet ("we," "us," or "our") operates the www.localvet.net website (the "Service"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website. Please read this policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this policy, please do not access the Service.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Data

We may collect personally identifiable information that you voluntarily provide when you:

Create an account or register on our platform
Claim or manage a business listing
Submit a review or rating
Contact us through our contact form
Subscribe to a paid plan
Sign up for our newsletter or marketing communications

This information may include your name, email address, phone number, business address, and payment information.

1.2 Usage Data

We automatically collect certain information when you visit, use, or navigate the Service. This usage data may include:

IP address and approximate geographic location
Browser type and version
Device type and operating system
Pages viewed, time spent on pages, and navigation paths
Referring website, search terms, and click behavior
Date and time of access

1.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect and store information. Cookies are small data files placed on your device. We use:

Essential Cookies: Required for the Service to function (e.g., authentication, session management).
Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with the Service to improve performance and user experience.
Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences for future visits.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may impact your experience on the Service.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

Provide, maintain, and improve the Service
Process and manage business claims and listings
Process payments and manage subscriptions
Publish and moderate reviews
Send transactional emails (account verification, claim updates, billing)
Respond to inquiries and provide customer support
Analyze usage patterns to improve the user experience
Detect, prevent, and address technical issues or fraud
Comply with legal obligations

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information in the following situations:

Public Content: Reviews, ratings, and business information you submit may be publicly displayed on the Service.
Service Providers: We work with third-party providers who assist in operating the Service (e.g., payment processing via Stripe, email delivery, hosting, analytics). These providers have access to your data only to perform specific tasks and are obligated to protect it.
Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, subpoena, or government request, or to protect our rights, property, or safety.
Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

4. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service. We may also retain data as necessary to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. When data is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information, including:

SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit
Encrypted storage of passwords (bcrypt hashing)
Secure payment processing through Stripe (PCI-DSS compliant)
Regular security audits and access controls

However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Rights

6.1 General Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:

Access the personal data we hold about you
Request correction of inaccurate information
Request deletion of your personal data
Object to or restrict processing of your data
Request data portability
Withdraw consent at any time

6.2 For EEA/UK Residents (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area or United Kingdom, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority. Our legal basis for processing personal data includes consent, performance of a contract, legitimate interests, and compliance with legal obligations.

6.3 For California Residents (CCPA)

California residents have the right to know what personal information is collected, request deletion of personal information, and opt out of the sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information. To exercise your rights, contact us at privacy@www.localvet.net.

7. Third-Party Links

The Service may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third parties. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

8. Children's Privacy

The Service is not intended for individuals under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that a child has provided us with personal data, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. These countries may have different data protection laws. We take steps to ensure your data receives an adequate level of protection wherever it is processed.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

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

Email: privacy@www.localvet.net
Website: www.localvet.net/contact