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Privacy Policy

PRIVACY POLICY

Mind & Paw Pet Behavior

Effective Date: April 10, 2025

1. INTRODUCTION

At Mind & Paw Pet Behavior ("Mind & Paw," "we," "us," or "our"), we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting the personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when you interact with our services, visit our website (www.mindandpaw.com), or communicate with us.

We understand that information about you and your pet is private and personal. We are dedicated to maintaining the confidentiality of this information and earning your trust.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

  • Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
  • Identification Information: When necessary for establishing a Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR)
  • Payment Information: Credit card details, payment history, billing address
  • Communication Records: Emails, text messages, phone call records, video consultations
  • Service History: Appointments, consultations, treatment plans, follow-up care

2.2 Pet Information

We collect detailed information about your pet(s), including:

  • Basic Details: Name, species, breed, age, sex, weight
  • Medical History: Previous diagnoses, treatments, medications, surgeries
  • Behavioral Information: Detailed descriptions of behaviors, triggers, responses
  • Environmental Factors: Home environment, family composition, other pets
  • Visual Documentation: Photos or videos of your pet and their behavior
  • Treatment Response: Records of progress, challenges, and outcomes

2.3 Website and Digital Information

When you interact with our website or digital services, we may collect:

  • Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system
  • Usage Data: Pages visited, actions taken, time spent on site
  • Communication Preferences: Marketing preferences, subscription choices
  • Feedback: Reviews, survey responses, comments

3. HOW WE COLLECT INFORMATION

We collect information through various channels:

  • Direct Interactions: Information you provide during appointments, phone calls, emails, or through forms
  • Digital Submissions: Information submitted through our website, email, or other electronic means
  • Third Parties: With your authorization, we may receive information from referring veterinarians, specialists, or pet insurance providers
  • Automatic Collection: Cookies and similar technologies may collect certain information automatically when you use our website
  • Video Consultations: Information shared during video appointments or recorded sessions (with consent)

4. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

4.1 Providing and Improving Our Services

  • Delivering behavioral consultations and treatment
  • Developing customized behavior modification plans
  • Monitoring pet progress and adjusting treatment approaches
  • Coordinating with your primary veterinarian (with your consent)
  • Improving our services and developing new offerings

4.2 Administrative and Operational Purposes

  • Scheduling and confirming appointments
  • Processing payments and managing accounts
  • Sending service-related notifications
  • Responding to inquiries and requests
  • Maintaining accurate records

4.3 Communication and Education

  • Providing follow-up care information
  • Sharing relevant educational resources
  • Sending appointment reminders
  • Requesting feedback about our services
  • If you opt-in, sending newsletters or updates about our services

4.4 Analytics and Improvement

  • Analyzing usage patterns to improve our website
  • Evaluating service effectiveness
  • Conducting quality assurance reviews
  • Training our staff to better serve clients

5. INFORMATION SHARING AND DISCLOSURE

We respect the confidentiality of your information and limit sharing as follows:

5.1 With Your Consent

We share information with third parties only with your explicit consent, such as:

  • Your pet's primary veterinarian
  • Veterinary specialists
  • Pet insurance providers (upon your request)
  • Other behavioral professionals involved in your pet's care

5.2 Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third parties who assist us in operating our business and serving you:

  • Payment processors
  • Scheduling software providers
  • Electronic medical record systems
  • Secure communication platforms
  • Website hosting and maintenance providers

These service providers are obligated to protect your information and may only use it for the specific services they provide to us.

5.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when legally required:

  • To comply with applicable laws or regulations
  • To respond to a subpoena, court order, or legal process
  • To protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property
  • In the event of a practice transition (sale, merger, or acquisition)
  • When necessary to protect public health or safety

In rare cases involving pets that present a serious risk to public safety, we may be legally obligated to report this information to appropriate authorities in accordance with California state law and veterinary ethical guidelines.

5.4 De-identified Information

We may use de-identified or aggregated information (with all personal identifiers removed) for:

  • Research purposes
  • Educational content
  • Professional presentations
  • Practice evaluation and improvement

6. DATA SECURITY

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information:

  • Secure Systems: We use secure, encrypted systems for storing electronic records
  • Access Controls: We limit access to personal information to authorized staff with legitimate needs
  • Physical Safeguards: Physical records are maintained in secure, restricted areas
  • Staff Training: Our team is trained in privacy practices and confidentiality protocols
  • Service Provider Oversight: We evaluate the security practices of our service providers

While we employ industry-standard security measures, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We continuously review and enhance our security practices to protect your information.

7. DATA RETENTION

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

  • Provide our services
  • Comply with legal obligations, including veterinary medical record requirements
  • Resolve disputes
  • Enforce our agreements

California veterinary medical records must be maintained for a minimum of 3 years from the date of the last patient visit. Other states may have different requirements.

8. YOUR RIGHTS AND CHOICES

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

8.1 Access and Correction

You have the right to:

  • Request access to your personal information
  • Review your pet's treatment records
  • Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
  • Receive copies of your records (fees may apply)

8.2 Communication Preferences

You can manage how we communicate with you:

  • Opt-out of marketing communications
  • Choose preferred communication channels
  • Update contact information

8.3 California Privacy Rights

California residents have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), including the right to know what personal information is collected, request deletion of personal information, opt-out of sale of personal information, and non-discrimination for exercising these rights.

8.4 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at:

  • Email: hello@mindandpaw.com

We will respond to your request within the timeframe required by applicable law.

9. COOKIES AND SIMILAR TECHNOLOGIES

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience:

9.1 Types of Cookies We Use

  • Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
  • Analytical Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website
  • Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
  • Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant content and track the effectiveness of our marketing efforts

9.2 Managing Cookies

Most web browsers allow control of cookies through browser settings. You can:

  • Delete existing cookies
  • Block future cookies
  • Receive notifications when cookies are set

Please note that blocking certain cookies may impact website functionality.

10. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

Our services are not directed to individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn we have collected personal information from a child without parental consent, we will delete that information.

11. CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, services, or applicable laws. We will post the revised policy on our website with an updated effective date. Significant changes will be communicated through our website or direct notification.

We encourage you to review this policy whenever you interact with us to stay informed about our information practices.

12. CONTACT US

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:

  • Email: hello@mindandpaw.com

We will respond to your inquiry as soon as reasonably possible.

By using our services or visiting our website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.