Privacy Policy

Effective Date: September 24, 2026 Welcome to PupPal ("PupPal," "we," "our," or "us"). Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, disclose, and protect information when you use the PupPal mobile application, website, and related services (collectively, the "Services"). By using PupPal, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

Information You Provide

When you create an account or use our Services, we may collect:

• Name

• Email address

• Password (encrypted and securely stored)

• Profile information

• Dog profile information, including:
• Dog name

• Breed

• Age

• Photos

• Biography

• Favorite activities

• User-generated content, including:
• Posts

• Comments

• Messages

• Play date invitations

• Uploaded photos and videos

Location Information

With your permission, PupPal may collect precise or approximate location information to:

• Display nearby dog parks

• Help connect you with local dog owners

• Improve play date recommendations

• Provide location-based features

You can disable location permissions through your device settings at any time.

Device Information

We may automatically collect certain information, including:

• Device type

• Operating system

• Mobile device identifiers

• IP address

• App usage data

• Crash reports and diagnostic information

Analytics Information

We may collect information about how users interact with the app, including:

• Features used

• Screens viewed

• Session duration

• User engagement metrics

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Create and manage user accounts

• Create and display dog profiles

• Enable social networking features

• Facilitate play date scheduling

• Display nearby dog parks

• Improve app functionality

• Personalize user experiences

• Respond to customer support requests

• Send service-related notifications

• Detect fraud, abuse, or security issues

• Comply with legal obligations

3. Sharing of Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information in the following circumstances:

With Other Users

Certain information is visible to other users, including:

• Dog profiles

• Posts

• Comments

• Photos and videos you choose to share

• Public profile information

Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party providers that assist with:

• Cloud hosting

• Authentication

• Database management

• Analytics

• Notifications

• Payment processing (Stripe)

• Customer support

These providers may only access information necessary to perform services on our behalf.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required to:

• Comply with applicable laws

• Respond to legal requests

• Protect user safety

• Protect our rights and property

• Prevent fraud or security threats

4. Data Storage and Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information. While we strive to protect your data, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. User Content

You retain ownership of content you upload to PupPal. By uploading content, you grant PupPal a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to host, store, display, and distribute that content solely for the purpose of operating and improving the Services. You are responsible for ensuring that you have the rights to any content you upload.

6. Children's Privacy

PupPal is intended for users who are at least 13 years old. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that information has been collected from a child under 13, we will take reasonable steps to delete it. If you believe a child has provided personal information, please contact us immediately.

7. Location Data

Location services are optional. When enabled, location information may be used to:

• Show nearby dog parks

• Improve friend suggestions

• Recommend local events and activities

• Facilitate scheduling play dates

You may revoke location permissions at any time through your device settings.

8. Data Retention

We retain information only as long as necessary to:

• Provide Services

• Fulfill legal obligations

• Resolve disputes

• Enforce agreements

Deleted accounts may have certain information retained for legal, security, or backup purposes for a limited period.

9. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have rights to:

• Access your information

• Correct inaccurate information

• Delete your information

• Restrict certain processing activities

• Request a copy of your data

• Turn push notifications and activity alerts off at any time in Settings

To exercise these rights, contact us using the information below.

10. Third-Party Services

PupPal may integrate with third-party services such as:

• Google Maps

• Google Analytics for Firebase (usage and error analytics on the website and in the Android app)

• Firebase Crashlytics (crash reports from the Android app)

• Google sign-in

• Firebase Cloud Messaging (push notifications in the Android app)

• Stripe (payments for optional paid features)

• Cloud hosting, database and email delivery services

These services may collect information in accordance with their own privacy policies. We encourage you to review those policies separately.

11. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you may have rights under applicable California privacy laws, including the right to:

• Know what personal information is collected

• Request deletion of personal information

• Request correction of inaccurate information

PupPal does not sell personal information.

12. International Users

If you access PupPal from outside the United States, your information may be transferred to and processed in countries where privacy laws may differ from those in your jurisdiction. By using the Services, you consent to such transfers.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When changes are made, we will update the Effective Date above and may provide additional notice when required. Continued use of the Services after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact: PupPal Support Email: support@puppal.xyz