Privacy Policy
1. Introduction
Thistle Paws Rescue (TPR) is committed to safeguarding the privacy of our website visitors, adopters, foster carers, donors, volunteers, and supporters. This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
We take your privacy seriously and handle all personal information lawfully, fairly, and transparently. By using our website, submitting a form, or engaging with our rescue services, you agree to the terms of this policy.
You may be asked to consent to the use of cookies when you first visit our website.
2. How We Use Your Personal Data
We collect and process personal data only when necessary for our rescue, rehoming, volunteer, and fundraising activities. The types of data we may process include:
2.1 Application Data
When you apply to adopt or foster, we collect your name, address, contact details, household information, lifestyle details, and any other information you provide. This is used to assess suitability and communicate with you throughout the process.
2.2 Donation and Transaction Data
If you donate or pay adoption fees, we collect your name, contact details, and payment information. This is used to process payments, issue receipts, and maintain accurate financial records.
2.3 Enquiry Data
If you contact us via email, website form, or social media, we collect the information you provide so we can respond to your query.
2.4 Website Usage Data
We may collect information such as your IP address, browser type, device information, and pages visited. This helps us understand how visitors use our website and improve its performance.
2.5 Communication Data
If you subscribe to newsletters or updates, we use your contact details to send you the information you requested. You can unsubscribe at any time.
2.6 Legal Bases for Processing
We process your data under one or more of the following lawful bases:
- Consent – for newsletters or optional communications
- Contract – for adoption or fostering agreements
- Legal obligation – for maintaining financial and administrative records
- Legitimate interests – for responding to enquiries, improving services, and ensuring dog welfare
3. Providing Your Personal Data to Others
We do not sell or share your data with third parties for marketing purposes.
We may share your data only when necessary for rescue operations or legal compliance, such as with:
- Veterinary practices involved in the care of dogs
- Home check volunteers assessing applications
- Payment processors handling donations or adoption fees
- Regulatory or legal authorities where required by law
All third parties are required to handle your data securely and in accordance with UK GDPR.
4. Retaining and Deleting Personal Data
We keep personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law.
Typical retention periods include:
- Adoption and fostering applications: up to 7 years
- Financial records (including donations): 7 years for accounting compliance
- General enquiries: up to 12 months
After these periods, data is securely deleted or anonymised.
5. Cookies
Our website uses cookies to improve functionality and analyse performance.
Types of cookies we may use include:
- Essential cookies: required for basic website operation
- Analytics cookies: help us understand how visitors use the site
You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings. Please note that blocking cookies may affect website performance.
6. Your Rights
Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
- Request deletion of your data where legally possible
- Restrict or object to certain types of processing
- Withdraw consent at any time (where processing is based on consent)
- Request data portability
To exercise these rights, contact us at: info@thistlepawsrescue.org We aim to respond within one calendar month.
7. Third‑Party Websites
Our website may contain links to external sites such as social media or fundraising platforms. This Privacy Policy applies only to Thistle Paws Rescue. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third‑party sites before providing personal data.
8. Children’s Data
Our website and services are intended for individuals aged 16 and over. If you are under 16, please obtain permission from a parent or guardian before submitting personal information.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The most recent version will always be available on our website. Significant changes may be communicated via email or website notice.
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this policy or how we handle your data, please contact:
📧 Email: info@thistlepawsrescue.org / Supervisory authority: Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) – www.ico.org.uk