Privacy & Cookie Policy

Last updated: 18/03/2026

1) Who We Are

BuyAPet.co.uk (“BuyAPet UK”, “we”, “us”, “our”) operates the website www.buyapet.co.uk and the BuyAPet mobile application (together, the “Service”). We are a UK online pet marketplace.

For the purposes of data protection law, BuyAPet.co.uk is the data controller responsible for your personal data.

2) Scope

This Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your personal data when you use our Service. Where required by law, we will ask for your consent (for example, for certain cookies or marketing). In other cases, we rely on other lawful bases as set out below.

3) Information We Collect

• Identity & Contact: name, email address, phone number, address.
• Account & Advert Data: login details, account activity, advert details, uploaded photos/videos, messages.
• Payment Information: billing details and transaction records. Payments are processed securely by third-party providers (such as PayPal and card payment processors). We do not store full card details.
• Device & Technical: IP address, device ID, browser type, operating system, app version, crash logs.
• Usage & Interaction: pages viewed, adverts viewed, clicks, referring pages, support messages, and interactions with the Service.

4) How We Collect It

• Directly from you (account registration, adverts, enquiries, support requests).
• Automatically via our website/app (cookies, SDKs, log files).
• From trusted third parties (such as payment providers, analytics providers, and advertising partners).

5) How We Use Your Information

• Provide and operate the Service and your account.
• Process payments and manage adverts and transactions.
• Improve and personalise the website/app and user experience.
• Communicate with you (support, service updates, and marketing where permitted).
• Monitor and review communications where necessary for safety, fraud prevention, moderation, and enforcement of our Terms.
• Safety and fraud prevention, including detecting misuse and suspicious activity.
• Comply with legal obligations and maintain records.

6) Legal Bases (UK GDPR)

We rely on one or more of the following legal bases:

• Contract – to provide and manage your account and adverts.
• Legitimate interests – to operate, improve, and secure the Service, prevent fraud, and protect users and animals.
• Consent – for certain cookies and marketing communications.
• Legal obligation – to comply with tax, accounting, and regulatory requirements.

7) Sharing Your Information

• Service providers: hosting, analytics, customer support, and infrastructure providers.
• Payment providers: including PayPal and card processors, who process payments securely in accordance with their own privacy policies.
• Advertising partners: such as Google Ads, for ad delivery and measurement (where permitted).
• Legal and regulatory bodies: where required by law or to enforce our rights.
• Business transfers: in connection with a merger, sale, or acquisition.

All third parties are required to process data securely and only for agreed purposes.

8) Cookies & Similar Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to operate the Service, remember preferences, analyse usage, and deliver advertising.

• Essential cookies: required for core functionality such as login and security.
• Analytics cookies: to understand how users interact with the Service (e.g. Google Analytics).
• Advertising cookies: to deliver and measure ads (e.g. Google Ads/DoubleClick).

Google cookies (including DoubleClick/DART): Google may use cookies to show ads based on your visits to this and other websites. You can manage your preferences at Google Ads Settings. See also Google’s Privacy & Terms.

Cookie consent: Where required by law, we will request your consent before placing non-essential cookies on your device. You can manage your preferences through our cookie banner or your browser settings.

9) Log Files

We collect standard log data such as IP address, browser type, ISP, timestamps, referring/exit pages, and click data. This information is used for security, analytics, and administration and is not used to directly identify individuals.

10) Mobile App (BuyAPet App)

• User-provided data: information you submit when using the app.
• Automatically collected data: device model, OS, device ID, IP address, usage data, crash logs.
• Location: we do not collect precise real-time location data.
• Third-party SDKs: may include services such as Google Play Services, subject to their own privacy policies.
• Opt-out: uninstalling the app will stop further data collection via the app.

11) Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes described in this Policy, including to comply with legal, accounting, or reporting obligations. For example, account and transaction data may be retained for up to 6 years. After this period, data is securely deleted or anonymised. Some aggregated or anonymised data may be retained indefinitely.

12) International Transfers

Where your data is transferred outside the UK or EEA, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as adequacy decisions or the use of the UK International Data Transfer Agreement or Standard Contractual Clauses.

13) Your Rights (UK GDPR)

• Access – request a copy of your data.
• Rectification – correct inaccurate data.
• Erasure – request deletion where applicable.
• Restriction – limit processing in certain cases.
• Object – object to processing based on legitimate interests or marketing.
• Portability – request transfer of your data.

To exercise your rights, contact info@buyapet.co.uk. We aim to respond within one month.

You also have the right to complain to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): www.ico.org.uk.

14) Children’s Privacy

Our Service is intended for users aged 18 and over. We do not knowingly collect personal data from anyone under 18. If we become aware that such data has been collected, we will take steps to delete it.

15) Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data. However, no system is completely secure, and you use the Service at your own risk.

16) Third-Party Links

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices. Please review their policies before providing personal data.

17) Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be published on this page with the updated date. You are responsible for reviewing this Policy periodically. Continued use of the Service after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Policy.

18) Contact Us

For questions, requests, or concerns about this Policy or your personal data, contact us at info@buyapet.co.uk.