Privacy Policy – Paws & Relax

Last updated: 15/02/2026

Paws & Relax (“we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data responsibly. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, your rights, and how you can contact us.

1. Who We Are (Data Controller)

Business name: Paws & Relax
Email: hello@paws-relax.co.uk
Website: paws-relax.co.uk
Data Controller: Paws & Relax

We are responsible for the personal data collected through our website and services.

2. How We Collect Your Data

We collect data when you:

Visit or browse our website
Submit a contact form
Sign up to our newsletter
Make a service enquiry or booking
Communicate with us by email or phone
Consent to cookies or analytics tracking
Leave reviews or testimonials

3. Information We Collect

A) Personal Data You Provide

This includes:

Name
Email address
Phone number
Address (for pet-sitting visits)
Pet details (name, routine, behaviour, care notes, medication if required)
Emergency contacts
Messages, enquiries, reviews or feedback
Newsletter preferences

B) Automatically Collected Data

Via cookies and analytics (with your consent):

IP address
Browser type/version
Device type
Time zone
Pages viewed
Time spent on pages
Referring sites/search terms
Interaction data

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our site.

4. Why We Process Your Data (Legal Bases)

We only use your personal data when we have a lawful basis to do so under the UK GDPR. The reasons we process your information include:

• To deliver our services
We use the information you provide—such as your name, contact details, address, and pet-care instructions—to manage bookings, carry out pop‑in visits and pet sits, and send updates. This processing is necessary to enter into and fulfil a contract with you.

• To respond to enquiries
When you contact us with a question or request, we process your details so we can reply effectively. This is done under our legitimate interest in providing good customer service.

• To send newsletters or marketing updates
If you sign up for our newsletter, we process your email address based on your explicit consent. You can withdraw consent at any time by unsubscribing.

• To improve our website
If you consent to cookies or analytics tools (such as Google Analytics), we process technical information about how you use our website to help us understand performance and improve user experience.

• To comply with legal obligations
We may need to retain certain information for tax, accounting, regulatory, or insurance purposes.

• To publish testimonials
If you choose to provide a review or testimonial, we will only publish this with your consent.

• To protect our business and prevent misuse
We may process data where necessary to detect misuse, maintain security, and protect our rights. This is done under our legitimate interests.

5. Cookies & Analytics

We use cookies to:

Run essential website functions
Improve performance
Understand visitor usage through Google Analytics (only if you consent)

You can manage or withdraw cookie consent at any time via your browser settings or cookie banner.

A detailed Cookie Policy can be provided separately.

6. Contact Forms & Enquiries

When you submit a form or send an email, we use the data solely to respond to your query and manage potential bookings. Messages may be stored for a reasonable period for customer service purposes.

7. Newsletter Sign-Ups

If you opt in:

We will send occasional updates or news
You can unsubscribe at any time
We do not share your email with third parties for marketing

8. How We Use Service-Related Data

Because we provide pet-care services, we may collect:

Addresses for pop‑in visits
Entry instructions (kept securely and separately)
Pet behaviour/routine notes
Medication instructions (only when required)
Photos/updates sent during visits (only to you)

This information is used only to safely deliver services you request.

9. Sharing Your Data

We only share data with trusted service providers, such as:

Website hosting
Email service providers
Analytics providers (Google)
Scheduling/booking tools (if used)
Insurance/legal bodies when required

We do not sell your personal data.

10. International Transfers

Some providers (such as Google) may process data outside the UK.
We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as:

Standard Contractual Clauses
UK Addendum
Adequacy regulations

11. Data Retention

We store data only for as long as necessary:

Client service records: up to 6 years (legal requirement)
Enquiries (non‑clients): usually up to 12 months
Newsletter data: until you unsubscribe
Analytics data: based on Google retention settings (usually 14–26 months)
Key/entry details: only while required for active clients

When no longer needed, data is securely deleted or anonymised.

12. Data Security

We use technical and organisational measures to protect your data, including:

Secure hosting
Encrypted connections (HTTPS)
Restricted access
Password protection
Secure handling of any address or entry details

However, no online system is completely secure.

13. Your Rights (UK GDPR)

You have the right to:

Access your personal data
Correct inaccurate data
Request deletion
Restrict processing
Object to processing
Withdraw consent (e.g., newsletter, analytics)
Data portability
Complain to the ICO

To exercise any of these rights, email us at:
📧 hello@paws-relax.co.uk

14. Complaints

You can raise concerns directly with us or with the ICO:

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
https://ico.org.uk
0303 123 1113

15. Links to Other Websites

Our website may contain external links. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third‑party sites.

16. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically. The latest version will always be available on our website.

17. Contact Us

For questions about this policy or your personal data rights, please contact:

📧 hello@paws-relax.co.uk