Privacy Policy

Introduction

PawIQ ("we," "us," "our," or "Company") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you have a positive experience on our platform. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website (https://pawiq.app) and use our mobile application and services. This policy complies with the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the UAE's Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), and other applicable data protection regulations.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly to us, as well as information collected automatically:

A. Information You Provide Directly

• Account Information: Email address, password, name, phone number, date of birth
• Pet Information: Pet name, breed, age, weight, medical history, microchip number
• Health Data: Medical records, symptoms, treatments, medications, allergies, vaccination records, lab results
• Veterinary Information: Vet clinic details, veterinarian contact information, medical consultations
• Payment Information: Billing address, payment method (processed securely through Tap or Stripe)
• Communication Preferences: Email, SMS, push notification preferences
• Support Requests: Messages sent to our customer support team

B. Information Collected Automatically

• Device information (device type, operating system, unique device identifiers)
• Usage data (features accessed, time spent, pages viewed)
• Location data (with your permission only)
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies
• IP address and browser information

2. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR/PDPL)

We process your data based on the following legal grounds:

• Contractual Necessity: Processing is necessary to provide services you've requested
• Consent: You have given explicit consent for specific processing activities
• Legal Obligation: Processing is required by law (e.g., PDPL, GDPR)
• Legitimate Interest: Processing serves our legitimate business interests that don't override your rights
• Vital Interests: In emergencies affecting your pet's health or safety

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

• Providing, maintaining, and improving our services
• Processing subscriptions and payments
• Delivering AI-powered health recommendations and insights
• Sending appointment reminders and vaccination alerts
• Connecting you with veterinarians and pet care providers
• Personalizing your experience and content
• Responding to customer inquiries and support requests
• Conducting analytics and improving app performance
• Complying with legal and regulatory obligations
• Detecting and preventing fraud or security issues
• Sending newsletters and promotional communications (with consent)

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Veterinarians: With your consent, to share health records with your vet
• Service Providers: With vendors who assist us (hosting, analytics, payment processing)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or court order
• Your Authorization: When you explicitly authorize sharing with third parties

We do NOT sell, rent, or trade your personal data to third parties for their marketing purposes.

5. Data Security and Encryption

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data:

• End-to-end encryption for health data transmission
• SSL/TLS encryption for all data in transit
• AES-256 encryption for data at rest
• Regular security audits and penetration testing
• Secure access controls and authentication
• Data backup and disaster recovery procedures

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your data.

6. Data Retention

We retain your data as follows:

• Account Data: Retained while your account is active and for 2 years after deletion
• Health Records: Retained as long as you maintain an account or as required by law
• Backup Data: Retained for up to 90 days for recovery purposes
• Transaction Data: Retained for 7 years for accounting and tax purposes
• Legal/Compliance Data: Retained as required by applicable laws

7. Your Rights (GDPR & PDPL)

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data
• Right to Data Portability: Export your data in a standard format
• Right to Object: Opt-out of processing for marketing or analytics
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw previously given consent at any time
• Right to Lodge a Complaint: File a complaint with your local data protection authority

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@pawiq.app. We will respond within 30 days.

8. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience. You can control cookie settings through your browser. We use:

• Essential Cookies: Required for site functionality
• Analytics Cookies: To understand user behavior (with consent)
• Preference Cookies: To remember your settings

9. Children's Privacy

PawIQ is not intended for children under 13 years old. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete the information immediately. For users under 18, we require parental consent as required by applicable law.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website and app may contain links to third-party sites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their privacy policies before sharing information.

11. International Data Transfers

Your data may be transferred to, processed, and stored in the United Arab Emirates and other countries. By using PawIQ, you consent to such transfers. We implement safeguards (e.g., Standard Contractual Clauses) to protect your data in compliance with GDPR and PDPL.

12. Data Protection Officer

For privacy concerns or to report a data breach, contact our Data Protection Officer at dpo@pawiq.app.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. The most current version will be posted on our website with an updated "Last updated" date. Your continued use of PawIQ constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Contact Information

For privacy inquiries, data subject requests, or complaints: