Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Home for Paws (“we”, “us”, “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal data.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Public Users

We may collect:

• Name (if provided)
• Email address
• Saved pets and preferences
• Messages sent to shelters
• Usage data (pages viewed, interactions)

You can browse pets without providing personal information.

2.2 Shelter Accounts

For registered shelters, we may collect:

• Shelter name
• Contact details
• Location
• Pet listings and images
• Account users and roles

All pet-related data belongs to the shelter.

2.3 Automatically Collected Data

We may collect:

• IP address (used only for approximate location and security)
• Device and browser information
• Usage analytics

We do not sell personal data.

3. How We Use Information

We use collected data to:

• Provide and improve the Platform
• Display relevant pets and shelters
• Enable communication between users and shelters
• Send account-related notifications
• Ensure security and prevent abuse

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process personal information based on:

• User consent
• Performance of a service
• Legitimate interests (Platform operation and safety)
• Legal obligations

5. Cookies & Analytics

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Maintain sessions
• Improve performance
• Understand usage patterns

You may disable cookies in your browser, but some features may not work.

6. Third-Party Services

We may use trusted third-party services for:

• Hosting
• Analytics
• Email delivery
• Image storage

These providers are only given access to data necessary to perform their services and are required to protect it.

7. Data Storage & Security

We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal data. However, no system is 100% secure. You use the Platform at your own risk.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary to provide services, meet legal requirements, and resolve disputes. Shelters may request deletion of their data upon account closure.

9. Your Rights (POPIA)

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Request correction or deletion
• Object to processing
• Withdraw consent (where applicable)

Requests can be sent to: sam@homeforpaws.co.za

10. Children’s Privacy

Home for Paws is not intended for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on the Platform.

12. Contact

For privacy-related questions or requests: sam@homeforpaws.co.za