Welcome to PawsNearMe! This Privacy Policy explains how your personal information is collected, used, and shared when you use the PawsNearMe mobile application (the "App").
Currently, PawsNearMe is operated by an individual developer. I am committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring your personal data is handled securely and transparently in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).
1. Information We Collect
A. Information You Provide Directly
- Account Information: Your name, email address, and password.
- Profile Information: Whether you are a dog owner or professional dog walker.
- Pet Information: Details about your dogs, including their name, breed, age, weight, medical/vet events, and photos.
- User-Generated Content: Community board posts, comments, hazard reports, and event RSVPs.
- Communications: Messages sent to us for support.
B. Information Collected Automatically
- Location Data: PawsNearMe is a location-based app. We collect:
- Precise Location (Foreground): To show you on the map, find nearby communities, and allow you to report hazards.
- Background Location: If you start a "Walk Session," we track your location in the background to map your route and calculate distance. You can stop this at any time by ending the walk.
- Home Location/Fuzzy Area: Captured during onboarding to provide you with relevant hazard and dog activity alerts. This location is randomly offset by at least 500 metres and is never displayed to other users.
- Motion & Activity Data: We use Apple's CoreMotion (Pedometer) to count your steps during an active walk.
- Device & Usage Data: Information about your device (model, OS version), IP address, and how you interact with the app to help us fix bugs and improve the app.
2. How We Use Your Information
- Provide the Service: Create your account, facilitate dog walks, track your dog's health events, and connect you with local communities.
- Enhance Safety: Display user-reported hazards on the map.
- Social Features: Allow you to find friends, join local areas, and interact on community boards.
- Send Updates: If you explicitly opted in during onboarding, we will send newsletters and local dog community updates. You can opt out at any time.
- Improve the App: Analyze crash reports and user behavior to make the app better.
3. How We Share Your Information
We do not sell your personal data to data brokers or advertising networks.
- With Other Users: Depending on your settings, your profile and active walking status may be visible to other users. You can use "Ghost Mode" to hide your location.
- With Service Providers: Supabase (database & auth), Apple (Maps, WeatherKit), Stripe (payments), Firebase (analytics), and Resend (email).
- Legal Requirements: If required by law.
4. Your Data Protection Rights (UK GDPR)
- Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
- Right to Rectification: Edit your profile directly in the app.
- Right to Erasure: Delete your account entirely.
- Right to Withdraw Consent: Revoke location permissions and opt out of emails at any time.
5. Data Retention & Account Deletion
We keep your data only as long as your account is active. You can delete your account at any time via Settings → Delete Account. Upon deletion, your profile, dogs, walk history, and authentication records are deleted immediately and permanently.
6. Children's Privacy
PawsNearMe is not intended for use by children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 13.
7. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy in the app and updating the effective date.
8. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your data rights:
Email: [email protected]