Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy describes how Critter Connect LLC ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, shares, and protects your personal information when you use the Critter Connect mobile application (available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store) and the website at critterconnect.net (collectively, the "Service").

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

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of information:

A. Information You Provide Directly

• Account information: name, email address, username, password, phone number, profile photo, and (for shelters/organizations) organization name, address, and verification details.
• Animal listings: photos, descriptions, location (city/region or approximate), health/behavioral notes, and other details you choose to include.
• Messages and communications: content of messages you send to other users or to us.
• Adoption applications and related information you submit.
• Any other information you voluntarily provide (e.g., feedback, support requests).

B. Information Collected Automatically

• Device and usage data: IP address, device type, operating system, browser type, unique device identifiers, app version, pages viewed, features used, and timestamps.
• Location data: approximate location (derived from IP address) or precise location if you grant permission (used to show nearby animals or improve matching).
• Cookies and similar technologies: we and our service providers may use cookies, pixels, and local storage to remember preferences, analyze usage, and keep you logged in.

C. Information from Third Parties

• If you sign in with a third-party service (e.g., Apple, Google), we may receive basic profile information from that service.
• Publicly available information or information from verification partners (for shelters/organizations), if applicable.

We do not intentionally collect sensitive personal information beyond what is necessary for the Service (e.g., we do not request Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, or precise health data about users).

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, operate, and maintain the Service (including allowing you to create profiles, list animals, browse listings, message other users, and submit adoption applications).
• Facilitate responsible rehoming by connecting individuals, shelters, and organizations.
• Authenticate users, prevent fraud, and enforce our Terms and Conditions.
• Communicate with you about your account, listings, messages, adoption inquiries, or Service updates.
• Improve the Service, develop new features, and analyze usage trends.
• Personalize your experience (e.g., showing relevant nearby animals).
• Comply with legal obligations and protect the rights, safety, and property of Critter Connect LLC, our users, and the public.
• Send administrative or promotional messages (you can opt out of non-essential communications).

We do not sell your personal information.

3. How We Share Your Information

We may share information in the following circumstances:

• With other users: Profile information, animal listings, and messages you choose to share are visible to other users of the Service as needed for rehoming. Guests can view public listings without an account.
• Service providers: We share information with trusted third-party vendors who help us operate the Service (e.g., hosting, analytics, email delivery, customer support, identity verification). These providers are contractually required to protect your information and use it only for the services they provide to us.
• Legal and safety reasons: We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or government request, or if we believe disclosure is necessary to protect rights, safety, or property, investigate fraud, or enforce our Terms.
• Business transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
• With your consent: We may share information for other purposes if you explicitly agree.

We do not share your information with third parties for their own marketing purposes.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Keep you logged in
• Remember your preferences
• Analyze how the Service is used
• Improve performance and security

You can control cookies through your browser or device settings. Disabling cookies may limit certain features of the Service.

We may also use third-party analytics tools (such as Google Analytics or similar) that collect usage data. These tools have their own privacy policies.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.

When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within a reasonable time, except where we are required to retain it (e.g., for legal, security, or fraud-prevention purposes). Animal listing content may remain visible in anonymized or limited form if it was part of public rehoming activity.

6. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures designed to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. You use the Service at your own risk.

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Correct inaccurate information
• Delete your personal information (subject to certain exceptions)
• Object to or restrict certain processing
• Data portability
• Opt out of marketing communications
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

To exercise these rights, contact us using the details below. We will respond in accordance with applicable law.

You can also:

• Update or delete certain account information directly in the app or website
• Adjust location permissions in your device settings
• Opt out of non-essential emails by using the unsubscribe link

8. Children's Privacy

The Service is not directed to children under 13 (or the applicable age of digital consent in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected such information, we will delete it promptly. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

9. International Users

The Service is operated from the United States. If you access the Service from outside the United States, your information will be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States, where data protection laws may differ from those in your country. By using the Service, you consent to this transfer.

If you are located in the European Economic Area, United Kingdom, or other regions with similar laws, we process your information as described in this Policy and rely on appropriate legal bases (including consent, contract performance, and legitimate interests).

10. California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (as amended by the CPRA), including the right to know, delete, correct, and opt out of the "sale" or "sharing" of personal information.

We do not sell or share personal information as those terms are defined under California law. To exercise your rights, contact us as described below. We will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the revised version on the Service and update the "Last Updated" date. Material changes will be communicated through the Service or by email when appropriate. Your continued use of the Service after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

See also: Terms & Conditions