Data Retention Policy

At Paws Source, we are committed to protecting the privacy and security of our users and their pets. This Data Retention Policy outlines how long we retain different types of personal data, the reasons for retention, and how we securely dispose of data when it is no longer needed.

This policy is designed to comply with applicable data protection regulations, including the GDPR, CCPA, and industry-specific requirements for veterinary and pet care data. By using our services, you acknowledge and agree to the practices described herein.

Types of Data We Collect & Retain

We collect and retain various categories of data to provide our services effectively. These include:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, password, and payment details.
• Pet Profiles: Pet names, species, breed, age, weight, medical history, vaccination records, and dietary preferences.
• Transaction Data: Order history, billing addresses, invoices, and subscription details.
• Communication Records: Email correspondence, chat logs with support agents, and veterinary consultation transcripts.
• Usage Data: IP addresses, browser type, device information, and interaction logs.
• Health & Veterinary Records: Diagnoses, prescriptions, treatment plans, and clinical notes (stored with enhanced security).

Data Retention Periods

The table below summarizes the retention periods for different categories of data. Retention periods may be extended where required by law or for legitimate business interests.

Storage & Security Measures

All retained data is stored securely on encrypted servers located in certified data centers. We implement industry-standard security controls, including:

• Encryption: AES-256 encryption for data at rest and TLS 1.3 for data in transit.
• Access Controls: Role-based access with multi-factor authentication (MFA) for sensitive data.
• Regular Audits: Quarterly security assessments and penetration testing.
• Backup Policies: Automated daily backups with 30-day retention for disaster recovery.

Veterinary and health-related data are stored in segregated, HIPAA-compliant systems to ensure maximum protection.

Your Rights & Data Deletion

You have the right to access, correct, export, or request deletion of your personal data at any time. To exercise these rights:

1. Log in to your Paws Source account and navigate to Settings > Privacy.
2. Use the self-service tools to export your data or request account deletion.
3. Contact our Data Protection Officer for complex requests.

Note: Certain data may be retained even after account deletion if required by law or for legitimate business purposes (e.g., financial records, veterinary liability). In such cases, the data will be anonymized or pseudonymized where possible.

Legal & Regulatory Compliance

Paws Source may retain data beyond the periods stated above if necessary to:

• Comply with applicable laws, regulations, or legal processes.
• Respond to government or law enforcement requests.
• Protect the rights, property, or safety of Paws Source, our users, or the public.
• Investigate fraud, security incidents, or violations of our Terms of Service.