Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 2025

At GoPaw, we take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you use the GoPaw application (the "App") and website at gopaw.io (the "Site").

1. Information We Collect

Account Information: When you create an account, we collect your email address, display name, and optional profile photo. If you sign in via Google or Apple, we receive basic profile information from those services.

Pet Information: You may optionally provide pet details such as name, species, breed, age, and photo for use within the App's features (health tracking, community profile).

Location Data: With your permission, we access your device's location to show nearby venues on the map. We do not track your location in the background.

User Content: Reviews, posts, comments, photos, and event details you submit through the App.

Usage Data: We may collect anonymous usage data such as pages visited, features used, and session duration to improve our services.

Device Information: Basic device information such as device type, operating system, and app version for compatibility and debugging purposes.

2. How We Use Your Information

• To create and manage your account
• To display nearby pet-friendly venues and provide map functionality
• To enable community features (posts, reviews, comments, events)
• To provide pet health tracking and reminders
• To send transactional emails (verification codes, event reminders, notifications)
• To improve and maintain the App and Site
• To respond to support requests

3. Third-Party Services

GoPaw integrates with the following third-party services, each with their own privacy policies:

• Google Maps API — For map display, venue search, and directions. Subject to Google's Privacy Policy.
• Firebase (Google) — For authentication (Google Sign-In), image storage, and remote configuration. Subject to Firebase Privacy Policy.
• Resend — For sending transactional emails (OTP codes, event notifications). Subject to Resend's Privacy Policy.
• Apple Sign-In — Optional authentication method. Subject to Apple's Privacy Policy.

4. Cookies & Local Storage

We use cookies and browser local storage to:

• Maintain your login session
• Remember your language preference
• Store notification preferences

We do not use cookies for advertising or third-party tracking. You can clear cookies and local storage through your browser settings, though this may affect your experience.

5. Data Storage & Security

Your data is stored securely in our PostgreSQL database. User-uploaded images are stored in Firebase Storage. We use encrypted connections (HTTPS/TLS) for all data transmission. We implement reasonable security measures to protect your data, but no system is 100% secure.

6. Data Retention

We retain your account data for as long as your account is active. If you delete your account, we will remove your personal data within a reasonable timeframe. Some anonymised data may be retained for analytical purposes.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Withdraw consent for location access at any time through your device settings
• Opt out of non-essential emails

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at support@gopaw.io.

8. Children's Privacy

GoPaw is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected data from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.

9. International Users

GoPaw is operated from Hong Kong. If you access our services from outside Hong Kong, your information may be transferred to and processed in Hong Kong. By using our services, you consent to this transfer.

10. What We Don't Do

• We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties
• We do not access your contacts or phone data
• We do not track your location in the background
• We do not share your pet information without your consent
• We do not use your data for advertising or targeted marketing

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this page periodically.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at support@gopaw.io.