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Privacy Policy

Last updated: December 8, 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to Pawpals ("we," "our," or "us"). We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our AI-powered pet care assistance service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information you provide to us:

  • Account Information: Name, email address, and profile picture (from Google OAuth)
  • Pet Information: Pet profiles including names, species, breeds, ages, weights, and photos
  • Health Records: Reminders for vaccinations, medications, appointments, and notes
  • Chat Messages: Questions and conversations you have with our AI assistant
  • Saved Locations: Veterinarian clinics, pet stores, parks, and other locations you save

2.2 Information collected automatically:

  • Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, and interaction patterns
  • Device Information: Browser type, operating system, IP address
  • Location Data: Approximate location (when you use vet locator features)
  • Cookies: Session management and authentication tokens

3. How We Use Your Information

  • Provide and improve our AI pet care assistance service
  • Authenticate and manage your account
  • Store and manage your pet profiles and health records
  • Process your AI chat requests using OpenAI's GPT-4
  • Show nearby veterinarians and pet services using Google Maps
  • Send important notifications about your account or service updates
  • Analyze usage patterns to improve our service
  • Prevent fraud, abuse, and ensure security

4. Data Sharing and Third Parties

We share your information with the following third-party services:

  • OpenAI: Chat messages are processed by OpenAI's GPT-4 API to provide AI assistance. OpenAI's data usage policy applies.
  • Google: We use Google OAuth for authentication and Google Maps API for location services. Google's privacy policy applies.
  • Supabase/PostgreSQL: Your data is stored securely in our database hosted on Supabase.
  • Vercel: Our application is hosted on Vercel's infrastructure.
  • Sentry: Error tracking and monitoring to improve service reliability.
  • Upstash Redis: Rate limiting to prevent abuse.

We do NOT sell your personal information to third parties.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data:

  • Encrypted connections (HTTPS/TLS)
  • Secure authentication with NextAuth and Google OAuth
  • Database access controls and connection security
  • Regular security updates and monitoring
  • Rate limiting to prevent abuse

6. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal data
  • Correction: Update or correct your information
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your account and data
  • Export: Download your data in a portable format
  • Object: Object to certain data processing activities

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@pawpals.app

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active. When you delete your account, we will delete your personal information within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it for legal or security purposes.

8. Children's Privacy

Our service is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us immediately.

9. International Data Transfers

Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers.

10. Cookies

We use essential cookies for authentication and session management. You can control cookies through your browser settings, but disabling cookies may affect functionality.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by email or through our service. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this privacy policy or our data practices, please contact us:

  • Email: privacy@pawpals.app
  • Website: https://www.pawpals.app

13. GDPR Compliance (EU Users)

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have additional rights under GDPR:

  • Right to data portability
  • Right to restrict processing
  • Right to object to processing
  • Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

14. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

California residents have specific rights under CCPA, including the right to know what personal information is collected, the right to delete, and the right to opt-out of the sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information.