DWNM
dogwalksnearme

Privacy Policy

Last Updated: May 5, 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to Dog Walks Near Me ("we", "us", "our"). We are committed to protecting your personal data and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website (the "Site") and use our services.

Please read this policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this privacy policy, please do not access the site.

2. Data Controller

Dog Walks Near Me is the data controller responsible for your personal data. You can contact us regarding data protection matters here.

3. What Personal Data We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal data:

  • Account Information: Username, email address, password (hashed).
  • User-Generated Content: Walk descriptions, location data/coordinates, ratings, uploaded images (which may contain metadata), and blog comments (including name/username and email).
  • Usage Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, device information, pages visited, time spent on site, referral URLs, actions taken.
  • Location Data: If you provide it or enable location services for finding nearby walks.
  • Cookies and Tracking Technologies: Information gathered via cookies (see our Cookie Policy).
  • Communication Data: Information you provide when contacting us.

4. How We Collect Data

We collect data:

  • Directly from you: When you register, submit walks, upload images, comment, or contact us.
  • Automatically: As you navigate the Site, through server logs, cookies, and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics).

5. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your data based on:

  • Consent: For non-essential cookies and marketing communications.
  • Contractual Necessity: To provide our core services (user accounts, walk display).
  • Legitimate Interests: For site security, analytics, service improvement, and displaying user-generated content (balanced against your rights).
  • Legal Obligation: To comply with legal requirements.

6. How We Use Your Data

Your data is used to:

  • Operate and maintain the Site.
  • Enable user uploads and sharing of walks.
  • Personalise your experience.
  • Communicate with you.
  • Analyse usage and improve the Site.
  • Moderate content and enforce Terms.
  • Ensure security and prevent fraud.
  • (With consent) Send marketing information.

7. How We Share Your Data

We may share your data with:

  • The Public: Usernames associated with walks/comments, walk details, and uploaded images are publicly visible.
  • Third-Party Service Providers: Hosting, analytics, email services, image storage (only necessary data is shared under confidentiality obligations).
  • Legal Authorities: If required by law or to protect rights.
  • Successors: In the event of a business transfer (merger, acquisition).

8. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored on secure servers, primarily located in [Specify Location, e.g., the UK/EEA]. We implement technical and organisational measures (like encryption and access controls) to protect your data, but no system is completely secure.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy, comply with legal obligations, or resolve disputes. Account data is generally kept while the account is active plus a reasonable period afterward. Usage data is kept for a defined analytical period.

10. Your Data Protection Rights (UK GDPR)

You have rights regarding your personal data:

  • Access: Request copies of your data.
  • Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data.
  • Erasure: Request deletion of your data ('right to be forgotten').
  • Restriction: Request limitation of processing.
  • Portability: Request transfer of your data.
  • Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests.
  • Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent where it's the basis for processing.

To exercise these rights, please contact us here. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

11. Cookies

We use cookies to enhance your experience.

12. Children's Privacy

Our Site is not intended for children under 16 years of age, and we do not knowingly collect data from them.

13. International Data Transfers

If we transfer data outside the UK/EEA (e.g., via service providers), we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses or Adequacy Decisions.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on the Site or via email. Your continued use of the Site after changes constitutes acceptance.

15. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us here.