Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

PawSOS ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and website (collectively, the "Service").

By using PawSOS, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Service.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

• Account information: Name, email address, and profile details you provide when registering.
• Location data: GPS coordinates when you submit an animal report or respond to one. Location is only collected with your permission and only when needed.
• Media: Photos or videos you voluntarily upload as part of an animal report.
• Device information: Device type, operating system, and app version for technical support and analytics.
• Usage data: How you interact with the app, including reports submitted, responses accepted, and features used.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Operate and improve the PawSOS Service
• Match animal reports with nearby responders
• Send push notifications and alerts relevant to your role
• Respond to support requests and feedback
• Monitor for abuse, fraud, or safety issues
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information with:

• Other users: Limited profile and location information is shared with responders and reporters as needed to facilitate a rescue.
• Service providers: Trusted third parties who help us operate the Service (e.g. cloud hosting, analytics), bound by confidentiality agreements.
• Legal authorities: If required by law or to protect the safety of users or animals.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service. You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time by contacting us.

6. Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights (GDPR & Privacy Laws)

Depending on your location, you may have rights including:

• Right of Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal obligations). You can submit a formal request via our Data Deletion page.
• Right to Data Portability: Request your data in a structured format to move to another service.
• Right to Restrict Processing: Request that we limit how we use your data.
• Right to Object: Object to certain types of data processing, including for direct marketing.

To submit a formal data deletion request, visit our Data Deletion Request page. For other requests, contact us at support@pawsos.net.

8. HIPAA & Healthcare Privacy

PawSOS is not a HIPAA-covered entity and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or prescription services. We do not handle Protected Health Information (PHI) as defined by HIPAA.

However, we take privacy seriously: any medical or health information you voluntarily share in animal reports (e.g., symptoms, injuries) is treated as sensitive data and protected under this Privacy Policy. If you believe an animal requires emergency veterinary care, please contact a licensed veterinarian or animal emergency service directly.

9. Children's Privacy

PawSOS is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us so we can delete it.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes via email or in-app notice. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us at support@pawsos.net.