Privacy policy

Thistle Paws Rescue 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.

1. Introduction

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.

We may ask for your consent to use 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:

Application data

When you apply to adopt or foster a dog, 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.

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 financial records.

Enquiry data

If you contact us by email, website form, or social media, we collect the information you provide so we can respond to your query.

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.

Communication data

If you subscribe to updates or newsletters, we use your contact details to send you the information you requested. You can unsubscribe at any time.

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.

We may share your data only when necessary for rescue operations or legal compliance, such as:

• 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:

• 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. Blocking cookies may affect website performanc

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 policy applies only to Thistle Paws Rescue. Please 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