1. Introduction

Pet Ventures, LLC ("we," "our," or "us") operates WeRescue (werescue.pet), a platform connecting animal shelters and rescue organizations with potential adopters. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform.

By using WeRescue, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our platform.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, and authentication credentials
• Shelter/Rescue Organization Information: Organization name, address, contact details, EIN/Tax ID, nonprofit status, hours of operation, and other registration details
• Animal Listings: Animal descriptions, photos, medical information, behavioral assessments, and adoption requirements
• Communications: Messages, inquiries, support requests, and feedback you send to us
• Profile Information: Biographical information, preferences, and settings you provide

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you access WeRescue, we automatically collect certain information, including:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Usage Data: Pages viewed, time spent on pages, click data, search queries, referral sources
• Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address
• Cookies and Tracking Technologies: Session data, preferences, and analytics information

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from third-party services, including:

• Authentication Providers: Auth0 and social login services (if used)
• Payment Processors: Transaction data if you make donations through our platform
• Social Media: Information from connected social media accounts
• Public Databases: Verification of nonprofit status and public shelter information

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Platform Operations: Creating and managing accounts, processing registrations, enabling shelter-adopter connections
• Communication: Sending transactional emails, notifications, updates, and responding to inquiries
• Improvement: Analyzing usage patterns, improving features, developing new services
• Safety and Security: Detecting fraud, preventing abuse, enforcing terms and policies
• Marketing: Sending promotional materials about WeRescue (with your consent, where required)
• Legal Compliance: Complying with legal obligations, resolving disputes, enforcing agreements
• Animal Welfare: Facilitating adoptions, tracking outcomes, improving animal welfare

4. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 With Other Users

• Shelter Information: Your organization's public profile, contact information, and animal listings are visible to potential adopters and the public
• Adoption Applications: When users apply to adopt, their contact information is shared with your organization

4.2 With Service Providers

We share information with third-party vendors who perform services on our behalf:

• Cloud hosting providers (Firebase, AWS)
• Authentication services (Auth0)
• Email service providers
• Analytics providers
• Payment processors

4.3 For Legal Reasons

We may disclose information when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal processes, court orders, or government requests
• Enforce our Terms and Conditions
• Protect the rights, property, or safety of Pet Ventures, LLC, our users, or the public
• Prevent fraud, security issues, or illegal activities
• Respond to animal welfare concerns or cruelty allegations

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change in ownership.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure authentication mechanisms (Auth0)
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication requirements
• Monitoring for unauthorized access

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

6.1 General Rights

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
• Data Portability: Receive your information in a portable format

6.2 State-Specific Rights

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). If you are a resident of other states with privacy laws (Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, etc.), you may have similar rights. Contact us to exercise these rights.

6.3 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [email protected]. We will respond to your request within the timeframe required by applicable law.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:

• Maintain user sessions and authentication
• Remember user preferences and settings
• Analyze usage patterns and platform performance
• Provide personalized content and features

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of WeRescue.

8. Third-Party Links and Services

WeRescue may contain links to third-party websites, including shelter websites, donation platforms (Amazon Wishlist, Chewy), and social media pages. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

9. Children's Privacy

WeRescue is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at [email protected], and we will delete such information.

10. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Factors we consider include:

• The duration of your account activity
• Legal obligations to retain records
• Resolution of disputes or enforcement of agreements
• Animal welfare tracking and outcome reporting

When information is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

11. International Data Transfers

WeRescue is operated in the United States. If you access our platform from outside the U.S., your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States, where data protection laws may differ from those in your country. By using WeRescue, you consent to such transfers.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of significant changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on this page with a new "Last Updated" date
• Sending email notifications to registered users
• Displaying a prominent notice on our platform

Your continued use of WeRescue after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

13. Contact Information

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

• Pet Ventures, LLC
• Email: [email protected]
• Support: [email protected]
• Website: werescue.pet