Privacy & Cookie Policy – BuyAPet.co.uk (BuyAPet UK)
Last updated: 2 September 2025
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.
Contact: info@buyapet.co.uk
2) Scope & Your Consent
This Policy explains how we collect, use, share and protect your information when you use our website or app. By using the Service, you consent to this Policy and the use of cookies and similar technologies as described below.
3) Information We Collect
- Identity & Contact: name, email address, phone number, address.
- Account & Payment: login details, advert details, billing and payment info (processed by our payment provider).
- 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, uploaded photos/videos.
4) How We Collect It
- Directly from you (registration, posting adverts, enquiries, support).
- Automatically via our website/app (cookies, SDKs, log files).
- From trusted third parties (e.g., analytics and payment providers).
5) How We Use Your Information
- Provide & operate the Service and your account.
- Process payments and manage orders/adverts.
- Improve & personalise the website/app and user experience.
- Communicate with you (support, service updates, marketing where permitted).
- Safety & fraud prevention, misuse detection, and enforcement of our Terms.
- Legal compliance and record keeping.
6) Legal Bases (UK GDPR)
We rely on one or more of the following legal bases: (a) performance of a contract (to create/manage your account and adverts); (b) legitimate interests (to operate and improve the Service, prevent fraud, keep our platform safe); (c) consent (for certain cookies/marketing); (d) legal obligation (tax, accounting, regulatory).
7) Sharing Your Information
- Service providers: hosting, payment processing, analytics, customer support.
- Advertising partners: e.g., Google Ads for personalised/non-personalised ads where applicable.
- Affiliates/marketing partners for campaigns you opt into.
- Legal/regulatory: where required by law, court order, or to enforce our rights.
- Business transfers: if we undergo a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.
Third parties are required to protect your data and use it only for agreed purposes.
8) Cookies & Similar Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to make the Service work, remember preferences, analyse performance, and deliver/measure advertising.
- Essential cookies: required for core functionality (e.g., login, security).
- Analytics cookies: to understand usage and improve the Service (e.g., Google Analytics).
- Advertising cookies: to show ads and measure their effectiveness (e.g., Google Ads/DoubleClick).
Google cookies (including DoubleClick/DART): Google may use cookies to serve ads based on your visits to this and other sites. You can opt out or adjust preferences at Google Ads Settings. For details, see Google’s Privacy & Terms.
Managing cookies: You can refuse or delete cookies via your browser settings. Blocking some cookies may impact site/app functionality.
9) Log Files
We collect standard log data (IP address, browser type, ISP, timestamps, referring/exit pages, click counts). This data isn’t directly identifiable and is used for security, analytics, and administration.
10) Mobile App (BuyAPet App)
- User-provided: optional registration details and content you submit.
- Automatically collected: device model, OS, device ID, IP address, app interactions, crash logs.
- Location: we do not collect precise real-time location.
- Third-party SDKs: the app may use services such as Google Play Services; their privacy terms apply.
- Opt-out: uninstall the app to stop data collection by the app.
11) Data Retention
We keep personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes stated in this Policy, to comply with law, prevent fraud, and resolve disputes. After that, we delete or anonymise data. Some residual aggregated or anonymised information may be retained.
12) International Transfers
Where data is transferred outside the UK/EEA (e.g., to service providers), we use appropriate safeguards such as UK adequacy decisions and/or the UK International Data Transfer Agreement/Standard Contractual Clauses.
13) Your Rights (UK GDPR)
- Access – request a copy of your personal data.
- Rectification – correct inaccurate/incomplete data.
- Erasure – request deletion in certain circumstances.
- Restriction – request we limit processing in certain cases.
- Object – object to processing based on legitimate interests or direct marketing.
- Portability – request we transfer your data to you or another provider.
We aim to respond within one month. To exercise these rights, email info@buyapet.co.uk. You also have the right to complain to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
14) Children’s Privacy
Our Service is for users aged 18+. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided personal data, contact us and we will delete it.
15) Security
We use reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal data. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure; use of the Service is at your own risk.
16) Third-Party Links
Our Service may contain links to third-party sites. Their privacy practices are not controlled by us; 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 posted here with an updated “Last updated” date. Continued use of the Service means you accept the updated Policy.
18) Contact Us
Questions or requests about this Policy or your data rights: info@buyapet.co.uk
