Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy — All Paws Directory
Last Updated: 19 November 2025

This Privacy Policy explains how All Paws Directory (“we”, “us”, “our”) collects, uses, stores, and protects your personal information when you use www.allpawsdirectory.co.uk (“the site”).
We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

By using the site, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect
   We may collect and process the following categories of personal information:

1.1 Information You Provide Directly
• Name
• Email address
• Business name and address
• Listing information
• Service details and descriptions
• Uploaded documents (insurance, licensing, qualifications, identity documents)
• Reviews, comments, and messages
• Payment details (processed securely by third-party processors)
• Communication preferences
• Enquiry forms or support requests

1.2 Information Automatically Collected
• IP address
• Device type and browser
• Operating system
• Pages viewed and time spent on the site
• Search terms and listing interactions
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

1.3 Information From Third Parties
We may receive data from:
• Payment providers
• Social login services (if used)
• Public business registers
• Third-party integrations
• Analytics and advertising platforms

2. How We Use Your Information
   We use your personal data to:

• Create and manage user accounts
• Publish business listings and directory profiles
• Review verification documents for Verified Listings
• Display business information publicly (when submitting a listing)
• Provide customer support and respond to enquiries
• Send service updates or important messages
• Improve our website functionality and user experience
• Analyse usage patterns and site performance
• Detect, prevent, and investigate fraud or misuse
• Enforce our Terms of Use and Acceptable Use Policy
• Comply with legal, tax, and regulatory obligations

3. Legal Basis for Processing
   We rely on the following legal bases:

Contract
To provide your listing, manage your account, or supply services you request.

Legitimate Interests
To operate our directory, improve the site, prevent abuse, and maintain security.

Consent
For:
• marketing communications
• optional advertising cookies
• email newsletters
You may withdraw consent at any time.

Legal Obligation
To comply with UK law, regulatory requirements, tax rules, and data protection obligations.

4. How We Share Your Information
   We may share your data with trusted third parties when required to operate the site, including:

• Website hosting providers
• Payment processors (e.g., Stripe, PayPal)
• IT and security providers
• Email and newsletter services
• Analytics and performance tools
• Customer support systems
• Advertising platforms (with consent)

We only share information necessary for each provider to perform their services.
We do not sell or rent your data.

5. Displaying Business Information Publicly
   If you submit a listing, certain information will be publicly displayed on your profile, including:

• Business name
• Business location (or service area)
• Contact details (if provided for your listing)
• Description of your services
• Qualifications, insurance, and licensing (optional but recommended)
• Photos and media you upload

6. Verified Listing Documents
   If you apply for a Verified Listing, you may submit documents such as:

• Public liability insurance
• Qualifications or certificates
• Council-issued Animal Activity Licence
• Identity documents
• Business details

Documents are reviewed manually at the time of submission only.
We may store documentation for compliance, auditing, or record-keeping.

7. Data Retention
   We retain personal data only as long as necessary for:

• legal and tax requirements
• operational and security needs
• active accounts and listings
• document verification history
• resolving disputes

Once data is no longer required, we securely delete or anonymise it.

8. Your Rights Under UK GDPR
   You have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Request corrections to inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data (where applicable)
• Object to certain types of processing
• Restrict processing
• Withdraw consent for marketing
• Request data portability
• Complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

To exercise your rights, contact:
pawsup@allpawsdirectory.co.uk

9. Marketing Communications
   We may send marketing messages only if you have:
   • given clear consent, or
   • you are a business user and we have a legitimate interest to contact you

You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails or by emailing:
pawsup@allpawsdirectory.co.uk

10. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
    We use cookies to operate and improve the site.
    For full details, see our Cookie Policy.
11. Children’s Data
    This website is not intended for use by children. We do not knowingly collect data from anyone under 16.
12. Data Security
    We use administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect personal data, including:
    • secure servers
    • encrypted connections (HTTPS)
    • controlled access to data
    • password protection for user accounts
    • malware and vulnerability protection

However, no online service is completely secure.

13. International Data Transfers
    Some service providers may store or process data outside the UK.
    Where transfers occur, we ensure they meet UK GDPR safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs).
14. Links to External Sites
    Our website contains links to third-party sites.
    We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites.
15. Changes to This Privacy Policy
    We may update this policy to reflect legal or operational changes.
    The updated version will display a new “Last Updated” date.
16. Contact Us
    If you have questions about this policy or how we handle your data, contact:
    pawsup@allpawsdirectory.co.uk