At The Countryside Canine Co., we understand how important your privacy is. As a small independent business, we take the care and security of your personal information seriously.

This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, how it is stored and the steps we take to keep it safe. We handle personal information in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

1. Who We Are

The Countryside Canine Co. is a pet-care business based in Didcot, Oxfordshire, providing dog walking, dog transportation, pet home visits and overnight stays.

For the purposes of data protection legislation, The Countryside Canine Co. is responsible for deciding how and why your personal information is used.

If you have any questions about this policy or how your information is handled, you can contact us:

Email: hello@thecountrysidecanine.co.uk
Website: www.thecountrysidecanine.co.uk

2. What Information We Collect

Depending on the services you enquire about or book, we may collect the following information:

Your name, address, telephone number and email address.
Your pet's name, age, breed and relevant care information.
Information about your pet's health, medical conditions, medication, allergies, temperament and behaviour.
Emergency contact details and veterinary practice information.
Property access details, such as key arrangements, alarm instructions and entry codes where required.
Booking details, service requirements, dates and payment records.
Any other information you choose to provide when contacting us or completing our forms.

We only collect information that is relevant and reasonably necessary to provide our services.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for legitimate business purposes, including:

Responding to enquiries and providing quotes.
Arranging meet-and-greets and managing bookings.
Providing dog walking, transportation, home visits and overnight care.
Understanding your pet's individual needs and keeping them safe.
Contacting you about bookings, updates or emergencies.
Processing payments and maintaining business records.
Meeting our legal, accounting and insurance obligations.

We will not use your personal information for unrelated purposes without informing you where required.

4. Our Legal Basis for Using Your Information

We only use your personal information where we have a lawful reason to do so. This may include:

Contract: To arrange and provide the services you have requested.
Legitimate interests: To manage and operate our business, communicate with clients and maintain appropriate service records.
Legal obligation: To comply with legal, accounting and tax requirements.
Consent: Where you have given permission for something specific, such as the use of photographs or videos of your pet for marketing purposes.

Where we rely on consent, you can withdraw it at any time.

5. How We Store and Protect Your Information

We take reasonable steps to keep all client information safe, secure and confidential.

Information may be stored electronically or in paper records, with appropriate measures taken to prevent unauthorised access, loss, misuse or disclosure.

Access to client information is restricted to what is necessary to manage and provide the services.

Property access details, keys and security information are treated with particular care and are only used for the agreed purpose.

Although we take reasonable precautions, no method of electronic storage or transmission can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

6. Sharing Your Information

We respect your privacy and do not sell, rent or trade your personal information.

We may share relevant information where necessary with trusted service providers who help us operate our business, such as website hosting, email, form management and payment or banking providers.

Information may also be shared where necessary:

With your veterinary practice or an emergency veterinary provider if your pet requires veterinary attention.
With your nominated emergency contact where appropriate.
Where required by law or by a relevant authority.
Where necessary to protect the safety and welfare of you, your pet or another person.

We only share information where there is a legitimate reason to do so.

7. How Long We Keep Your Information

We only keep personal information for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose it was collected.

Client and booking records may be retained after a service has ended where needed for accounting, insurance, legal or business record-keeping purposes.

When information is no longer required, it will be securely deleted or disposed of.

8. Photographs and Videos

We may take photographs or videos of your pet during walks, visits or stays to provide updates to owners.

With your permission, photographs or videos may also be used on our website or social media pages to promote The Countryside Canine Co.

Marketing use is optional and will only take place where you have given permission. You can withdraw this permission at any time by contacting us.

9. Your Data Protection Rights

Under UK data protection law, you have rights regarding your personal information. Depending on the circumstances, these include the right to:

Request access to the personal information we hold about you.
Ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
Request the deletion of your personal information where applicable.
Ask us to restrict how we use your information in certain circumstances.
Object to certain uses of your personal information.
Request a copy of information you have provided to us in a portable format where applicable.
Withdraw consent where we rely on consent to use your information.

If you wish to exercise any of these rights, please contact us at hello@thecountrysidecanine.co.uk.

10. Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to external websites or services. If you follow these links, their own privacy policies and terms will apply.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external websites.