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Privacy Policy

Last updated: 29/10/2025

1) Who we are (Data Controller)

This website is operated by Pet Lovers (“we”, “us”, “our”). We are the data controller for personal data processed via pet-lovers.co.uk. If you have questions about this policy or your data, contact us at info@pet-lovers.co.uk.

2) What this policy covers

This Privacy Policy explains what personal data we collect, how and why we use it, the lawful bases we rely on, who we share it with, how long we keep it, and your rights under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

3) The personal data we collect

  • Account & profile data: name, email, phone, location/postcode, password (hashed), preferences.
  • Listing data: listing content and photos you upload (including any contact details you choose to publish).
  • Communications: messages you send to us or other users via the site; support requests.
  • Payments & billing: purchase history, invoice details, VAT number (if provided). Card details are processed by our payment provider(s) and are not stored by us.
  • Technical & usage data: IP address, device and browser type, pages viewed, referral source, approximate location, cookies and similar technologies.
  • Marketing & consent data: email preferences, opt-in/opt-out records, cookie consent choices.

4) How we use your data (purposes)

  • Provide the service: create/manage accounts, publish listings, enable messaging between buyers and sellers.
  • Safety & moderation: prevent fraud, abuse and prohibited listings; enforce our Terms and Seller Guidelines.
  • Payments: take fees for listings or upgrades; process refunds where applicable.
  • Support & communications: respond to enquiries; notify you of account or policy changes.
  • Analytics & improvement: monitor site performance and improve features and content.
  • Marketing (optional): send updates and offers where you have opted in. You can unsubscribe at any time.

5) Our lawful bases for processing

  • Contract: to provide the website and your account, publish listings, and process payments.
  • Legitimate interests: run, secure and improve our services; prevent fraud; moderate content; defend legal claims. We balance these interests against your rights.
  • Consent: for marketing emails and non-essential cookies/trackers. You can withdraw consent at any time.
  • Legal obligations: tax/audit requirements; responding to lawful requests from authorities.

6) Cookies and similar technologies

We use essential cookies to make the site work and optional analytics/marketing cookies with your consent. You can change your preferences at any time via our cookie banner or browser settings. For full details, see our Cookie Policy (or the cookie settings link in the banner).

7) Who we share data with

We only share personal data where necessary, under contracts that protect your information:

  • Hosting & infrastructure: to store and serve the website securely.
  • Payment processors: to take payments and prevent fraud. We never store full card details.
  • Analytics & email providers: to analyse usage and send service/marketing emails (with consent where required).
  • Verification & moderation tools: to help detect prohibited content or activity.
  • Professional advisers & authorities: where required for legal, accounting or regulatory purposes.

We do not sell your personal data.

8) International transfers

Some providers may process data outside the UK. Where this happens, we use appropriate safeguards (e.g., UK GDPR-approved mechanisms such as International Data Transfer Agreements or adequacy regulations) to protect your information.

9) How long we keep your data

  • Account data: kept while your account is active and then for up to [e.g., 6 years] for record-keeping or as required by law.
  • Listings & messages: kept while live and for [e.g., 24 months] after removal for security and audit purposes.
  • Payment records: retained for [e.g., 6 years] to meet tax and accounting obligations.

We may anonymise data for statistical purposes.

10) Security

We use technical and organisational measures appropriate to the risk, including encryption in transit (HTTPS), access controls, and regular monitoring. No method of transmission or storage is entirely secure; please keep your password confidential and use a unique, strong password.

11) Children’s privacy

The site is intended for users aged 16+. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 16. If you believe a child has provided data to us, please contact info@pet-lovers.co.uk so we can delete it.

12) Your rights

Under UK GDPR you have the right to:

  • Access a copy of your personal data.
  • Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Delete your data in certain circumstances (“right to be forgotten”).
  • Restrict or object to certain processing (including direct marketing).
  • Data portability (receive your data in a structured, commonly used format).
  • Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent.

To exercise these rights, email support@pet-lovers.co.uk. We may need to verify your identity before responding.

13) Complaints

If you have concerns about how we handle your data, please contact us first. You also have the right to complain to the UK supervisory authority, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): ico.org.uk.

14) Third-party links

Our site may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their policies before providing personal data.

15) Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be published on this page. If changes are significant, we will notify registered users by email or site notice.

16) Contact us

Email: website@pet-lovers.co.uk