Privacy Policy
1 Information We Collect
Account & Profile Information
When you create a PawPal account, we collect your email address (used for authentication via Supabase Auth). Your profile includes your owner name, dog name, breed, age, size, energy level, traits, a bio, and a profile photo you choose to upload.
Dog Profile & Photos
Your dog's profile information (name, breed, age, bio, traits, size, energy level, compatibility notes) and any photos you upload are stored and visible to other PawPal users.
User-Generated Content
- Posts and events — community posts and events you create are visible to other users of the app.
- Lost & Found reports — reports you submit (breed, description, contact information, photos, location) are visible to other users.
- Private messages — chat messages exchanged between matched users are stored and visible only to the participants in that match.
Location Information
PawPal requests access to your device location to show nearby dogs, pet-friendly spots, vets, events, shelters, and lost & found reports. Your approximate location (city, country) and precise coordinates may be stored in your profile so that other users and app features can surface nearby content. You can withdraw location access at any time in your device Settings.
Push Notification Tokens
If you enable push notifications, your device's Expo push token is stored in the PawPal database to deliver notifications (e.g. new messages, matches). You can disable notifications at any time in your device Settings.
Support Communications
If you contact us by email, we receive your email address and the content of your message. This is used solely to respond to your request.
2 How We Use Your Information
- To create and manage your account
- To show your dog profile to other users for matching and connection
- To deliver private messages between matched users
- To display nearby pets, pet-friendly spots, events, shelters, and vets based on your location
- To surface lost & found reports near you
- To send push notifications about matches, messages, and activity
- To provide the AI Pet Advisor feature (your queries are processed by OpenAI on your behalf)
- To respond to support or privacy requests
3 What Other Users Can See
| Data | Visible to other users? |
|---|---|
| Owner name & dog profile | Yes — shown to potential matches |
| Profile photo | Yes — shown to potential matches |
| Location label (city/area) | Yes — approximate location label |
| Precise GPS coordinates | No — used server-side for proximity, not exposed |
| Email address | No |
| Chat messages | Only to the matched user in that conversation |
| Community posts & events you create | Yes — visible to app users |
| Lost & Found reports you submit | Yes — visible to app users |
| Push notification token | No |
4 Third-Party Services
The following third-party services are confirmed in use in the current version of PawPal. We do not sell your information to third parties.
| Service | Purpose | Privacy Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Supabase | Database, authentication, file storage, and serverless functions | supabase.com/privacy |
| Expo (EAS) | Mobile app platform and push notification delivery | expo.dev/privacy |
| OpenAI | AI Pet Advisor feature — processes your queries to generate responses | openai.com/privacy |
| Google Places | Pet-friendly spots, veterinary clinic listings, and location data | policies.google.com/privacy |
| OpenStreetMap / Overpass API | Fallback location data and map information | openstreetmap.org |
| Replit (hosting) | App hosting and deployment infrastructure | replit.com/privacy |
| Apple | iOS app distribution and Apple Sign In (if used) | apple.com/legal/privacy |
5 Data Retention
Your account data, dog profile, matches, messages, posts, and lost & found reports are retained while your account is active. When you delete your account (see Section 7), your profile, dog profile, matches, chat messages, community posts, lost & found reports, and related data are permanently deleted from our database. Your uploaded profile photos are also removed from storage. Deletion is permanent and cannot be undone.
6 Data Protection
PawPal stores data in Supabase, which provides encrypted connections (TLS) and row-level security policies. Authentication is handled by Supabase Auth. Private messages and profile data are protected by access controls — users can only access their own data and data shared with them explicitly (e.g. matched conversations).
No system is completely secure. We encourage you not to share sensitive personal information (home address, financial details, passwords, or private documents) in your profile, messages, or posts.
7 Account & Data Deletion
You can delete your PawPal account and all associated data directly inside the app:
- Open the Profile tab.
- Scroll down and tap Delete Profile.
- Confirm in the dialog that appears.
Deleting your profile permanently removes your account, dog profile, matches, chat messages, community posts, lost & found reports, profile photos, and authentication credentials. This action cannot be undone.
You may also request account and data deletion by emailing pawpalus@gmail.com.
8 Your Privacy Rights & Choices
- Access — You can view your profile and dog profile inside the app at any time.
- Correction — You can update your profile and dog profile inside the app.
- Deletion — You can delete your account and all data as described in Section 7.
- Location — You can withdraw location permission in your device Settings (iOS: Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → PawPal).
- Notifications — You can disable push notifications in your device Settings (iOS: Settings → Notifications → PawPal).
- Other requests — Contact us at pawpalus@gmail.com for any privacy questions or requests.
9 Safety Information
PawPal does not verify the identity, conduct, reliability, health, vaccination status, or suitability of any user or animal on the platform. Users are responsible for exercising their own judgment and arranging playdates safely.
- Meet in public, well-lit locations when meeting another user for the first time.
- Tell someone where you are going.
- Supervise your dog at all times during any interaction.
- Stop any interaction that feels unsafe or uncomfortable.
For urgent veterinary, safety, or animal welfare emergencies, contact a licensed veterinarian, emergency animal clinic, animal control, or local emergency services immediately. PawPal is not an emergency service.
10 Disclaimers
Veterinary & Medical
PawPal is not a veterinary service and does not provide veterinary, medical, legal, or professional advice. Information about veterinarians or emergency clinics may be sourced from third-party providers and may be incomplete or outdated. Always contact a licensed veterinarian or emergency animal hospital directly in any medical situation.
Listings & Third-Party Information
Information about pet-friendly spots, rescue organizations, shelters, veterinary clinics, events, businesses, opening hours, and distances may be provided by third parties (including Google Places and OpenStreetMap) or submitted by users. This information may be incomplete, inaccurate, or outdated. Always confirm details directly with the relevant provider before relying on them.
Lost & Found Reports
Lost and found pet reports are user-generated. PawPal cannot guarantee accuracy, currency, completeness, or verification of any report. Always verify information independently and use caution when contacting or meeting anyone about a lost or found pet.
Events
Events may be created by users or sourced from public information. PawPal is not responsible for event accuracy, cancellations, organizer conduct, safety conditions, ticketing, or third-party websites. Always confirm details with the official organizer before attending.
User Profiles & Matches
User profiles, dog profiles, matches, and chat messages are created by users. PawPal is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, behavior, claims, or actions of any user on the platform.
11 Children's Privacy
PawPal is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us information, please contact us at pawpalus@gmail.com.
12 Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of PawPal after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
13 Contact Us
For privacy questions, data requests, or account deletion requests:
Email: pawpalus@gmail.com
This information is provided for transparency and safety. It is not legal advice.