Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

VetiCare ("we," "us," "our," or "Company") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and related services (collectively, the "Service").

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

We collect information that you voluntarily provide when you register, update your profile, book services, or contact us.

• Account Information: Full name, email address, phone number, password, profile picture, and account preferences
• Pet and Animal Information: Animal names, species, breed, age, sex, weight, medical history, vaccination records, and care notes
• Booking Information: Appointment dates, times, preferences, service requests, consultation notes, and reminders
• Communications: Messages, feedback, support requests, and customer service interactions

2.2 Information Collected from Animal Owners

If you register as an animal owner or guardian, we may collect the following information to help you manage your pet's care:

• Owner Profile Data: Name, email, phone number, location, and preferred communication method
• Pet Care Details: Pet names, photos, medical information, treatment history, allergies, and veterinary notes
• Appointment Activity: Booking history, appointment status, service requests, and follow-up reminders
• Platform Interaction: Reviews, ratings, saved vets, and preferences for notifications or services

2.3 Information Collected from Veterinarians

If you register as a veterinarian, we may collect additional information necessary to verify your professional status and present your services to clients.

• Professional Profile Data: Full name, email address, phone number, business location, clinic name, clinic address, and profile photo
• Professional Credentials: Qualifications, years of experience, specializations, services offered, consultation fees, and availability
• Verification Information: Valid veterinary license number, license certificate or copy, and other credentials needed to confirm your identity and licensing status
• VAZ Licensing Information: We may collect valid license numbers and/or copies of licenses issued by the Veterinary Association of Zambia (VAZ) to verify that you are a licensed veterinary professional
• Practice Information: Practice hours, clinic information, service locations, and business contact details

2.4 Information Collected Automatically

• Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers, app version, and browser/device information
• Usage Information: Features accessed, pages viewed, duration of use, and interaction patterns within the app
• Location Information: Approximate location data or GPS location (if enabled by user) to help find nearby vets or clinics
• Log Data: IP address, access times, referring URLs, error logs, and security event information

2.5 Information From Third Parties

We may receive information about you from Firebase (Google), payment processors, identity verification providers, and other service providers that help us operate the Service securely and efficiently.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Providing, maintaining, and improving the Service
• Processing bookings and managing appointments
• Processing payments and preventing fraud
• Sending transactional emails and notifications
• Responding to your inquiries and providing customer support
• Personalizing your experience
• Analyzing usage patterns and improving our Service
• Complying with legal obligations
• Sending promotional emails and marketing communications (with your consent)

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. However, we may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 Service Providers

We share information with third-party service providers who assist in operating our Service, including:

• Payment processors (Pawapay, etc.)
• Cloud storage providers (Google Firebase)
• Analytics providers
• Communication service providers

4.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or if we believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to:

• Comply with legal obligations
• Protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property
• Prevent or investigate possible wrongdoing

4.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
• Secure authentication mechanisms
• Regular security audits and updates
• Restricted access to personal information

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our Services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. We will retain your information for:

• Account Information: Until you request deletion or for 2 years of inactivity
• Transaction Records: For 7 years (for accounting and legal purposes)
• Medical/Pet Records: Until you request deletion or for 5 years after last appointment

7. Your Privacy Rights

7.1 Access and Portability

You have the right to access and receive a copy of your personal information in a portable format.

7.2 Correction and Deletion

You have the right to correct inaccurate information and request deletion of your data, subject to certain exceptions.

7.3 Opt-Out

You may opt-out of marketing communications at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in our emails or adjusting your preferences in the app.

7.4 Do Not Track

We do not currently respond to "Do Not Track" signals, but you can disable certain tracking features in your device settings.

8. Children's Privacy

VetiCare 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 information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to, stored in, and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from your home country. By using VetiCare, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries outside your country of residence.

10. Third-Party Links

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites and applications. This Privacy Policy applies only to VetiCare. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party services, and we encourage you to review their privacy policies.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by updating the "Effective Date" at the top of this page. Your continued use of the Service following the posting of revised Privacy Policy means that you accept and agree to the changes.

12. Contact Us