1. Purpose of this Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how the Provider collects, uses, discloses, stores, and protects personal information in connection with the MyPet.Dog Network (“the Platform”).

By accessing or using the Platform, you consent to the handling of your personal information in accordance with this Policy.

2. Definitions

• Personal Information — Information or opinion about an identified individual or an individual who is reasonably identifiable.
• Sensitive Information — Information relating to health, disability, criminal history, or other categories defined under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
• Platform Data — All information submitted, uploaded, generated, or stored on the Platform, including Dog-related data.
• User — Any person accessing or using the Platform.
• Registered Owner — The legal owner of a Dog under NSW law.
• Next-of-Kin (NOK) — A person nominated by a Registered Owner to act in specified circumstances.

3. Information We Collect

We may collect the following categories of information:

3.1 Personal Information

• Name, date of birth, contact details;
• Identity verification information;
• NOK details and contact information;
• Communications sent through the Platform.

3.2 Dog-Related Information

• Dog name, breed, microchip number, registration details;
• Ownership records;
• Guardianship and NOK nominations;
• Welfare-related information.

3.3 Technical Information

• IP address, device identifiers, browser type;
• Usage analytics and interaction logs;
• Cookies and similar technologies.

3.4 Sensitive Information

We may collect sensitive information only where necessary for Platform functions, including:

• welfare alerts;
• incapacity notifications;
• detention or custodial status (where voluntarily disclosed by the User).

Sensitive information is handled strictly in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

4. How We Collect Information

We collect information through:

• direct User submissions;
• NOK acceptance or declination;
• automated Platform processes;
• communications with rehoming organisations;
• lawful requests from regulatory or enforcement authorities.

5. How We Use Personal Information

We use personal information for the following purposes:

• providing Platform services;
• verifying ownership and NOK nominations;
• facilitating communication between Users, NOKs, and organisations;
• issuing welfare alerts;
• maintaining Platform security and integrity;
• complying with legal obligations;
• improving Platform functionality and user experience.

We do not use personal information for automated decision-making that affects legal rights.

6. Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose personal information to:

6.1 Next-of-Kin and Guardians

Where necessary to fulfil the Registered Owner’s nominated arrangements.

6.2 Rehoming Organisations

Where the Registered Owner has nominated such organisations or where welfare concerns arise.

6.3 Regulatory and Enforcement Authorities

Where required by law, including under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 and the Companion Animals Act 1998.

6.4 Service Providers

Including hosting, security, analytics, and communication providers.

6.5 Other Users

Only where expressly authorised by the Registered Owner.

We do not sell personal information.

7. Cross-Border Disclosure

Personal information may be stored or processed outside Australia.

Where this occurs, we take reasonable steps to ensure compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles.

8. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information from:

• misuse;
• interference;
• loss;
• unauthorised access;
• modification;
• disclosure.

However, no system is entirely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute protection.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this Policy or as required by law.

Upon account deletion:

• Platform Data may be archived for compliance purposes;
• welfare-related records may be retained where legally required;
• backups may persist for a limited period.

10. Access and Correction

Users may request:

• access to personal information;
• correction of inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated information.

Requests must be made in writing.

We may refuse access where permitted under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

11. Anonymity and Pseudonymity

Where lawful and practicable, Users may interact with the Platform anonymously or under a pseudonym.

However, ownership-related functions require identification.

12. Children’s Privacy

The Platform is not intended for persons under 18 years of age.

We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors.

13. Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may amend this Policy at any time.

Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of the amended Policy.

14. Complaints and Contact Information

Users may lodge privacy complaints by contacting us at:

Please contact the platform support team.

We will respond within a reasonable timeframe.

If unresolved, Users may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).