Last Updated: January 2, 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to e-PetVet ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application ("App").

If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy notice, or our practices with regards to your personal information, please contact us at tech.gurunath@gmail.com.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information that you provide directly to us and information that is automatically collected when you use our App:

2.1 Personal Information You Provide:

• Account Information: Name, phone number, email address (if provided), user type (farmer/veterinarian), role
• Profile Information: Profile photo, address (farm address, city, sub-district, state, zip code, country), type of farming, education, experience, government ID, qualification documents
• Animal Information: Animal photos, animal details (name, breed, date of birth, medical history, treatments, AI records)
• Appointment Information: Appointment details, location data, service requests
• Content: Comments, reviews, inquiries, and other content you submit

2.2 Automatically Collected Information:

• Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers, mobile network information
• Location Data: Precise location data when you grant permission, used to show nearby veterinarians and animal sales
• Usage Data: App usage patterns, features accessed, time spent on the App
• Push Notification Tokens: Device tokens for sending push notifications

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To create and manage your account
• To provide, maintain, and improve our services
• To process transactions and send related information
• To send you push notifications about appointments, messages, and important updates
• To show you nearby veterinarians and animal sales based on your location
• To facilitate communication between farmers and veterinarians
• To respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
• To detect, prevent, and address technical issues and security threats
• To comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms

4. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services that may collect information:

• Google Firebase: We use Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) for push notifications. Firebase may collect device identifiers and usage data. For more information, see Google's Privacy Policy.
• Google Cloud Storage: We use Google Cloud Storage to store user-uploaded photos and documents. Data is stored securely and accessed only for app functionality.
• Expo Services: We use Expo's services for app development and deployment. Expo may collect certain technical information.

These third-party services have their own privacy policies. We encourage you to review them.

5. Device Permissions

Our App requests the following permissions:

• Location: To show nearby veterinarians and animal sales. Location is only accessed when you grant permission and when the App is in use (not in background).
• Camera: To take photos of animals and documents for your profile.
• Photo Library: To select and upload photos from your device.
• Storage: To save photos and documents locally on your device.
• Audio Recording: To record audio if needed for app functionality (currently not actively used, but permission is declared for future features).
• Notifications: To send you push notifications about appointments and important updates.

You can revoke these permissions at any time through your device settings. However, revoking certain permissions may limit app functionality.

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• With Your Consent: We share information when you explicitly consent to sharing
• Service Providers: We share data with third-party service providers (Firebase, Google Cloud) who perform services on our behalf
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or to protect our rights
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale, your information may be transferred
• Public Information: Information you choose to make public (such as animal listings) will be visible to other users

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit using HTTPS/TLS
• Secure storage of data on Google Cloud Platform
• Authentication and authorization controls
• Regular security assessments

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services to you
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements

When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information, except where we are required to retain it for legal purposes.

9. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: You can access and review your personal information through the App
• Correction: You can update your profile information at any time through the App settings
• Deletion: You can request deletion of your account and data by contacting us at tech.gurunath@gmail.com
• Opt-Out: You can opt-out of push notifications through your device settings
• Location: You can disable location services through your device settings

To exercise these rights, please contact us at tech.gurunath@gmail.com.

10. Children's Privacy

Our App is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately at tech.gurunath@gmail.com, and we will delete such information.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from those in your country. By using our App, you consent to the transfer of your information to these countries.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:

• Posting the new Privacy Policy on this page
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending you a notification through the App (for material changes)

You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Changes are effective when posted on this page.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

• Email: tech.gurunath@gmail.com
• Address: 4th Floor, Orchid Residency, Lane 4, Gulenagar, Pune, Maharashtra, India

We will respond to your inquiry within a reasonable timeframe.

14. Terms of Service

By using e-PetVet, you agree to the following terms:

• You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account
• You will not use the App for any illegal or unauthorized purpose
• You will not upload malicious content or violate others' rights
• We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms
• The App is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind