Privacy Policy

1. Overview

Effective Date: January 1, 2024

Last Updated: January 1, 2024

PCS Pet Shipper ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website www.pcspetshipper.com and use our pet transportation services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
• Pet Information: Pet name, breed, age, weight, measurements, medical conditions
• Travel Information: Origin, destination, travel dates, special requirements
• Military Information: PCS orders details (if applicable)
• Payment Information: Billing address, payment method details (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
• Communication Records: Messages, emails, phone call records, customer service interactions

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, click patterns, referral sources
• Location Information: General geographic location based on IP address
• Cookies and Tracking Data: See Section 6 for details

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

• Veterinarians and animal health professionals
• Airlines and transportation partners
• Government agencies for regulatory compliance
• Payment processors and financial institutions

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Primary Purposes

• Service Delivery: Arrange and coordinate pet transportation services
• Communication: Respond to inquiries, provide updates, send confirmations
• Quote Generation: Prepare personalized transportation quotes
• Documentation: Prepare health certificates, customs forms, travel documents
• Payment Processing: Process payments and manage billing
• Customer Support: Provide assistance and resolve issues

3.2 Secondary Purposes

• Service Improvement: Analyze usage patterns to enhance our services
• Marketing Communications: Send promotional materials (with your consent)
• Legal Compliance: Meet regulatory and legal obligations
• Safety and Security: Protect against fraud and ensure platform security

4. Information Sharing

4.1 Service Providers

We share information with trusted third-party service providers who help us deliver our services:

• Transportation Partners: Airlines, ground transportation companies
• Veterinary Services: Licensed veterinarians for health certifications
• Payment Processors: Secure payment handling companies
• Technology Providers: Website hosting, email services, customer support platforms

4.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal processes, court orders, or government requests
• Protect our rights, property, or safety
• Investigate potential fraud or security threats
• Comply with international customs and immigration requirements

4.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of the business transaction. You will be notified of any such change.

5. Data Security

5.1 Security Measures

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

• Encryption: Data transmission and storage encryption (SSL/TLS)
• Access Controls: Limited access on a need-to-know basis
• Regular Audits: Periodic security assessments and updates
• Secure Infrastructure: Protected servers and network security
• Employee Training: Regular privacy and security training for staff

5.2 Data Breach Response

In the unlikely event of a data breach, we will:

1. Immediately investigate and contain the breach
2. Notify affected users within 72 hours (where required by law)
3. Cooperate with law enforcement and regulatory authorities
4. Take corrective measures to prevent future incidents

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

6.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand website usage (Google Analytics)
• Marketing Cookies: Track effectiveness of advertising campaigns
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

6.2 Cookie Management

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

6.3 Third-Party Tracking

We use third-party services that may track your activity across websites:

• Google Analytics: Website traffic analysis
• Facebook Pixel: Advertising effectiveness (if used)
• Font Awesome: Icon delivery service

7. Your Privacy Rights

7.1 General Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request access to your personal information
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service
• Objection: Object to certain processing activities
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing

7.2 GDPR Rights (EU Residents)

If you are an EU resident, you have additional rights under GDPR, including the right to withdraw consent and file complaints with supervisory authorities.

7.3 CCPA Rights (California Residents)

California residents have the right to:

• Know what personal information is collected
• Know whether personal information is sold or disclosed
• Access personal information
• Delete personal information
• Opt-out of the sale of personal information
• Non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

8. Data Retention

8.1 Retention Periods

• Service Records: 7 years after service completion (for insurance and legal purposes)
• Payment Information: 7 years as required by financial regulations
• Marketing Data: Until consent is withdrawn or account closure
• Website Analytics: 26 months (Google Analytics default)
• Correspondence: 3 years after last communication

8.2 Secure Deletion

When retention periods expire, we securely delete or anonymize your information using industry-standard methods.

9. International Data Transfers

As a pet transportation service, we may need to transfer your information internationally for service delivery. We ensure adequate protection through:

• Adequacy Decisions: Transfers to countries with adequate protection levels
• Standard Contractual Clauses: EU-approved contract terms
• Certification Programs: Privacy Shield and similar frameworks
• Service Necessity: Transfers required for service performance

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 13 years of age. 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 delete it immediately.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make changes, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Notify you via email for material changes
• Post notices on our website for significant updates
• Provide opt-in consent for expanded data uses

Your continued use of our services after policy changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us: