Privacy Policy
At PetPay, we value our community. You trust us with your information, and we take that responsibility seriously. We believe in transparency and are committed to being upfront about how we handle personal information, always with a focus on promoting public health and safety, enhancing animal welfare, and empowering users with informed decisions. This Privacy Policy explains how PetPay, Inc. ("PetPay," "we," "our," or "us") collects, uses, stores, discloses, and protects your personal information when you use PetPay.com or any services provided by PetPay.
By visiting or using our services, you acknowledge and agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. References to affiliated services include platforms or services operated by PetPay, Inc., its subsidiaries, legally affiliated entities, contracted licensees, and trusted third-party service providers, including those offering AI-based scoring, research, public health, or transparency services. These affiliated services may operate under separate brands and retain independent responsibility for how they use data accessed or licensed from PetPay.
We may share personal information with trusted third-party partners to help connect you with services that benefit you and your pet, as described in this Privacy Policy and as permitted under applicable law. You have the right to opt out of such sharing. Data shared with affiliated services is used to improve service quality, ensure informed decisions, and support public interest in animal welfare and health.
PetPay, Inc., its platform, subsidiaries, and affiliated services may use, analyze, and display pet-specific data-including veterinary records, health documentation, transaction metadata, and related user-submitted materials-for purposes including but not limited to transparency modeling, predictive analytics, AI-based scoring, consumer protection, and public or animal health research. These uses align with our ongoing commitment to platform integrity, informed decision-making, and responsible pet placement.
Clarification of Scope
This Privacy Policy reaffirms PetPay's longstanding commitment to transparency and outlines how we collect, use, retain, and disclose information across our platform. These disclosures do not constitute new practices or grant PetPay, Inc., including its subsidiaries and affiliates, any additional rights beyond those already established under our governing Terms of Use, Seller Agreement, or other applicable agreements, including those executed by buyers, sellers, or other users.
For clarity and accessibility, this Privacy Policy works in conjunction with PetPay's Transparency & Data Use Policy (All Users), which offers detailed examples of how user-submitted content including veterinary records, seller/buyer/animal documentation, user-uploaded files, and related data may be reviewed, scored, attributed, retained, and publicly displayed as part of PetPay's transparency framework. These clarifications reflect both existing and expanded practices. While the Privacy Policy has been materially updated to improve legal clarity and explicitly permit additional uses—such as AI-based modeling, transparency scoring, and sharing with affiliated services, the foundation for these uses existed in current and prior Terms of Use and platform operations.
It is a fundamental and longstanding operational principle of our platform that all historical user-submitted data, including information related to past transactions, breeder practices, and animal health records, is continuously analyzed for comprehensive risk assessment and the ongoing promotion of animal welfare. This means that every transaction, whether now or in the future, benefits from and contributes to our extensive dataset, allowing us to identify health status, observe trends, refine risk assessments, and develop indicators for responsible breeding practices, including the identification of potentially illegitimate breeding activities. This continuous analysis is essential for maintaining platform integrity, enhancing consumer protection, and supporting informed decision-making across the companion animal industry.
PetPay, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pet Media, Inc. and may, as part of standard business operations, share data across affiliated services to fulfill its service commitments and transparency objectives.
Independent Use Disclaimer: While PetPay, Inc. may share data with affiliated services, including licensees and third-party platforms under agreement, each affiliated entity is solely responsible for its independent use, presentation, and application of such data. PetPay, Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for decisions, outputs, or representations made by external platforms, including transparency tools, AI systems, or public reporting services utilizing PetPay-provided data. Such use is governed by their respective terms, not this Privacy Policy.
1. Information We Collect
We collect information to provide our services, operate our platform, ensure compliance, and improve your experience. Information may be collected directly from you or automatically when you use our services.
1.1 Buyer Information
For buyers using PetPay services, we collect:
- Name
- Email address
- Physical address
- Telephone number
- Payment information (billing address, credit card, or bank account)
- Tax information where applicable
- Purchase and transaction history
- Communications with PetPay or sellers
- Pet information and care preferences
- Other information voluntarily provided through the platform
1.2 Seller (Breeder) Information
For sellers, we collect:
- Name and kennel name
- Business contact information (email, phone, location)
- Business profile details, including descriptions, photographs, and videos submitted for listings, transactions
- Bank account information (for payout purposes)
- Tax identification (SSN, EIN, or similar)
- Business practices, health certifications, veterinary reports, and registration documents
- Any data provided for compliance or verification purposes
Note: Seller information submitted is voluntarily provided for public-facing profile pages, advertisements, and other platform uses and may be displayed to buyers or prospective buyers as part of services offered by PetPay, Inc., its subsidiaries, or affiliates.
1.3 Automatically Collected Information
We may automatically collect certain information through your use of our services, including:
- IP address
- Browser type and operating system
- Device identifiers
- Pages visited, activity logs, and time on site
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies
1.4 Non-Member Information
We may collect email addresses or other contact information from non-members who interact with PetPay, such as newsletter subscribers or referral invitations. Non-members may contact us at support@petpay.com to request deletion of their information.
2. How We Use Information
We use the information we collect to operate and maintain the platform, deliver and improve our services, process transactions, verify user identity, meet legal and regulatory requirements, and communicate effectively with users. This includes:
- Processing payments, payouts, and related financial transactions
- Facilitating communication and secure document exchange between buyers, sellers, and support teams
- Providing customer service and dispute resolution
- Conducting compliance, fraud, and risk assessments
- Reviewing and transmitting health records and documentation related to animals involved in a transaction
- Supporting full transparency for all parties to a transaction, including health, origin, and condition data
- Improving platform functionality, performance, and user experience
- Sending updates, service notices, and (where permitted) promotional materials
- Delivering educational resources, guides, and onboarding materials
- Performing research, business intelligence, and aggregate reporting
- Connecting you with trusted pet care service partners as described in Section 4A
3. Data Aggregation and Analytics
We may aggregate and analyze data collected across our platform for business intelligence, research, operational improvement, compliance, and other lawful purposes. Aggregated data used for statistical analysis or reporting does not directly identify individuals and may be shared publicly or with third parties in anonymized or de-identified form. In addition, we may share individual pet-related data—such as vaccination records, microchip IDs, transaction history, veterinary documentation, or related metadata—with our affiliated services, subsidiaries, licensees (which may include platforms that create comprehensive breeder profiles), or trusted partners. This enables granular individual matching and reporting, allowing for the display of transparency scores and health metrics attributed to specific breeders, litters, or animals on platforms designed for consumer transparency. When shared with external, unaffiliated trusted partners (like insurers or EMR providers for licensing purposes), this data is typically provided in aggregated, anonymized, or pseudonymized forms to protect privacy. However, for specific purposes like underwriting a particular pet's insurance policy or integrating with individual veterinary EMRs for comprehensive care, more granular, attributed (but never sold) data may be shared under strict contractual agreements that define its limited use. All such sharing supports pet health transparency, scoring models, data science, or animal welfare initiatives, and is governed by this Privacy Policy and our Data Use Policy.
Separately, certain user submitted materials - including but not limited to health records, veterinary records, documentation, photographs, videos, communications, and any files shared via upload or email - may be attributed to individuals, animals, or businesses to support platform transparency, informed decision-making, and risk reduction. As outlined in our Transparency & Data Use Policy, which is incorporated into this Privacy Policy by reference, these records may be reviewed, scored, attributed, retained, and displayed to platform users as part of PetPay's transparency framework.
4. Sharing and Disclosure of Information
We may share information with trusted partners to help connect you with services that benefit you and your pet. You have the right to opt out of certain data sharing practices as detailed in Section 4A.
- With parties to a transaction (buyer and seller) as necessary to complete the sale
- With service providers who perform services on our behalf, such as payment processors, fraud prevention services, tax processors, or marketing support
- With affiliated companies under common ownership or control
- With licensed entities or affiliated services operating under separate governance or brand, for the purpose of transparency, analytics, compliance, or product development under data-sharing agreements
- With trusted pet care partners for service delivery purposes as described in Section 4A below
- With legal or regulatory authorities where required to comply with law, regulation, subpoena, or legal process
- With potential acquirers in connection with a merger, acquisition, or asset sale
Contact, business, and general location information voluntarily provided by sellers (such as name, business name, phone number, city, state, zip, and business profile details) may be publicly displayed (e.g., profile pages, listing pages, and searchable directories) as part of services offered by PetPay, Inc., its subsidiaries, or affiliates.
4A. Trusted Pet Care Partner Connections
To support you and your new pet, PetPay works with carefully selected pet care service providers who may be able to help you. These trusted partners include veterinarians, pet insurance providers, prescription services, training programs, and other pet wellness resources.
With your permission, we may introduce you to these partners by sharing your contact information so they can reach out with relevant services and offers. You have complete control over these connections and can opt out at any time.
Types of Partners We Work With:
- Veterinary service providers (wellness exams, preventive care, specialist referrals)
- Pet insurance providers (policy offerings, coverage options, quotes)
- Prescription and pharmacy services (medication access, refill reminders)
- Pet wellness programs (training, nutrition, behavioral support)
- Related pet care services (grooming, boarding, supplies, travel services)
Information That May Be Shared
When you choose to receive partner connections (or don't opt out), we may share the following with our trusted partners:
- Name, email address, phone number, physical address
- Pet information (breed, age, health records, purchase history)
- Transaction history and platform activity
- Preferences and interests related to pet care
How Partners May Contact You
Third-party partners may contact you directly using the information provided. Each partner is an independent business responsible for their own communications and privacy practices. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.
Legal Note: Under certain state privacy laws, including California's Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), sharing information with partners in exchange for compensation may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of personal information. While we view this as connecting you with helpful services, we want to be transparent about how privacy laws may categorize these practices. You have the right to opt out, and we make it easy to do so.
Your Opt-Out Rights
You may opt out of partner connections at any time by:
- Emailing: support@petpay.com with subject line "Opt Out of Partner Connections"
- Calling: Our customer support team during business hours
- Writing: PetPay, Inc., Attn: Privacy Compliance - Opt Out, 186 Seven Farms Dr #249, Charleston, SC 29492
Effect of Opting Out
Opting out will NOT affect:
- Your ability to use core PetPay services
- Transaction-related communications from sellers or PetPay
- Sharing required for transaction completion or legal compliance
- Sharing with affiliated services under common ownership
- Data use for platform operations, fraud prevention, or transparency initiatives
Opting out WILL prevent:
- Future sharing of your contact information with new partner service providers
- Receiving outreach from partners about their services
Important Notes
- Prospective Application: Your opt-out will apply to future data sharing. Information already shared with third parties prior to your opt-out remains subject to their respective privacy policies and retention practices. PetPay will cease future sharing after receiving and processing your opt-out request.
- Processing Time: Please allow up to 10 business days for us to process your opt-out request.
- Existing Users: If you created an account before January 16, 2026, you will receive email notice of this change with information about how to opt out. Users who do not opt out within 30 days of notice will be included in partner connection programs.
- New Users: By creating an account after January 16, 2026, you consent to partner connections unless you opt out using the methods described above.
5. Your Choices & Control
You may access and update certain account information by logging into your profile. For general account deactivation or closure requests, you may contact us at support@petpay.com.
Opt Out of Partner Connections: You may opt out of partner connections as described in Section 4A above.
For full details on how data may be retained, removed, or used in aggregate or anonymized form, please refer to Section 8: Data Deletion & Retention.
6. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience, analyze site traffic, and support certain features of our platform. You may modify your browser settings to disable cookies; however, some features of the site may not function properly without cookies enabled.
7. Data Security
We implement appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information. Sensitive information (such as payment data) is encrypted using SSL technology. Despite our efforts, no security system is completely secure; we cannot guarantee the absolute security of your information.
8. Data Deletion & Retention
You may request deletion of personally identifiable information (PII) at any time by contacting support@petpay.com. We will review such requests and delete data where legally permitted and technically feasible, in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
Partner Connection Opt-Out: If you opt out of partner connections under Section 4A, we will cease sharing your personal information with new partners going forward. However, information already shared with partners prior to your opt-out remains subject to their respective privacy policies and retention practices. Opting out does not constitute a deletion request; to request deletion of your data from PetPay's systems, you must submit a separate deletion request as described above.
However, to preserve platform integrity, transparency, and regulatory auditability:
- Factual records submitted prior to deletion may be retained in anonymized or aggregate form
- Non-PII data may be retained for legal, compliance, audit, or fraud prevention purposes
- Records embedded in transaction history or tied to buyer protections may not be deleted
- Buyer–seller communications (e.g., messages, calls, or emails) may be retained for dispute resolution or verification
- Health and veterinary submissions may be retained to support transparency, trend analysis, or internal scoring models
- Audit logs and system access records may be retained for platform security and operational analysis
- Any platform user-facing record, document, report, health indicator, score, or transparency metric derived from previously submitted data may be retained
- Compliance-related submissions (e.g., ID verification or user credentials) may be retained to meet regulatory obligations
- Historical listings and transaction snapshots may be preserved to validate claims or support future transparency initiatives
- Payment and payout records may be retained for accounting, tax, audit, or fraud monitoring purposes
- User activity and behavioral logs may be used to improve platform functionality, performance, and modeling
We retain information as long as necessary to provide services, support consumer protections, resolve disputes, enforce agreements, and comply with our legal obligations.
9. Children's Privacy
Our services are not intended for individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18.
10. International Users
By using our services, you understand that your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States or other jurisdictions where we operate, which may have different data protection laws than your country of residence.
11. Changes to This Policy
We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email to registered users and by posting an updated notice on our website. We will indicate the effective date of the most recent revision. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
12. Contact Information
For any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy, including requests to opt out of partner connections or to delete your personal information, please contact us at:
PetPay, Inc.
Attn: Privacy Compliance
186 Seven Farms Dr #249
Charleston, SC 29492
Email: support@petpay.com
Effective Date: January 16, 2026
Material Changes in This Update (January 16, 2026): This version adds Section 4A disclosing trusted pet care partner connections, which help connect you with veterinary services, pet insurance, pharmacy services, and related pet care providers. You have the right to opt out of partner connections at any time as described in Section 4A. No other material changes have been made to this Privacy Policy since the June 6, 2025 update.
Previous Update (June 6, 2025): The June 6, 2025 update clarified how user-submitted data may be shared with affiliated services, contracted licensees, and trusted third parties, including those supporting AI-based modeling, transparency scoring, and public health research. Those practices remain unchanged in this version.