Effective Date: 07/07/2026

Rate My Paw (“we,” “us,” “our”) operates the Rate My Paw mobile application (the “App”), which allows users to create and browse profiles for pets, pet products, and pet services, and to rate and review those profiles. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information when you use the App.

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

1. Information We Collect 

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Account information: name, username, email address, password (hashed), phone number (optional), profile photo.
• Profile content: pet profiles (name, species, breed, age, photos, videos, descriptions), pet product profiles, and pet service profiles you create or claim.
• Ratings and reviews: star ratings, written reviews, comments, photos/videos attached to reviews.
• Communications: messages you send to us (support requests, feedback) or to other users, if the App supports messaging.
• Payment information (if applicable): if you purchase premium features or pay for services through the App, payment details are processed by our third-party payment processor [Payment Processor Name]; we do not store full card numbers.

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device information: device model, operating system, unique device identifiers, mobile network information.
• Usage data: pages/screens viewed, features used, search queries, time spent, crash logs, and diagnostic data.
• Location information: approximate or precise location, if you grant permission (e.g., to find nearby pet services). You can disable this in your device settings.
• Log data: IP address, access times, app version, referring URLs.

1.3 Information from Third Parties

• If you register or log in through a third-party service (e.g., Google, Apple, Facebook), we receive basic profile information as permitted by your settings with that service.
• Information from analytics and advertising partners (see Section 5).

2. How We Use Information

We use collected information to:

1. Create and manage your account.
2. Operate core App features — profile creation, browsing, rating, and reviewing.
3. Personalize content and recommendations (e.g., nearby pet services).
4. Detect, prevent, and investigate fraud, fake reviews, rating manipulation, and abuse.
5. Communicate with you — service updates, security alerts, support responses, and (with consent, where required) marketing.
6. Improve, test, and develop new App features.
7. Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines.
8. Provide aggregated, de-identified analytics to business partners (e.g., pet service providers) about how their listings are rated.

3. How We Share Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information with:
• Other users: your username, profile photo, ratings, and reviews are publicly visible by design, since the App is a public rating platform.
• Service providers: hosting, cloud storage, analytics, customer support, payment processing, and push notification vendors, bound by confidentiality and data protection obligations.
• Business/legal transfers: in connection with a merger, acquisition, financing, or sale of assets.
• Legal compliance: where required by law, subpoena, court order, or to protect the rights, safety, or property of Rate My Paw, our users, or the public.
• With your consent: for any other purpose disclosed at the time of collection.

4. International Data Transfers

Because the App is available globally, your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own, including [Primary Country of Operations], which may have different data protection laws. Where required (e.g., under GDPR), we rely on appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses for such transfers.

5. Cookies, Analytics, and Advertising

We and our partners may use cookies, SDKs, and similar technologies to:
• Remember your preferences and login state.
• Measure App performance and usage (e.g., [Analytics Provider]).
• Deliver and measure advertising, if applicable.
You can manage tracking permissions through your device’s privacy settings (e.g., iOS App Tracking Transparency, Android Ads settings).

6. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:
• Access the personal information we hold about you.
• Correct inaccurate information.
• Delete your account and associated personal information.
• Port your data to another service.
• Object to or restrict certain processing (e.g., marketing).
• Withdraw consent at any time, where processing is based on consent.
Residents of the EU/UK/EEA (GDPR): You may lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority. Our legal basis for processing includes contract performance, legitimate interests, consent, and legal obligation. Residents of California (CCPA/CPRA): You have the right to know, delete, correct, and opt out of the “sharing” of personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising, and the right to non-discrimination for exercising these rights. Residents of other jurisdictions (e.g., Brazil’s LGPD, Canada’s PIPEDA, Australia’s Privacy Act): equivalent rights available under local law will be honored.
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at info@ratemypaw.com. We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling a request.

7. Children’s Privacy

The App is not directed to children under 13 (or the minimum age required in your country, e.g., 16 in parts of the EU). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under this age. If we learn we have collected such information, we will delete it promptly. If you believe a child has provided us information, contact info@ratemypaw.com.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the App’s services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Public ratings and reviews may persist after account deletion in de-identified or anonymized form unless you request removal and applicable law requires it.

9. Data Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards (e.g., encryption in transit, access controls) to protect your information. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. Third-Party Links and Services

The App may contain profiles or links referencing third-party pet products or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third parties. Review their policies before providing personal information.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of material changes via the App or email, and update the “Last Updated” date above. Continued use of the App after changes take effect constitutes acceptance.

12. Contact Us

Questions or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information:

Rate My Paw Email: info@ratemypaw.com

Mailing Address: [Company Mailing Address] See also our Contact Us page for general support.