Privacy Policy

Last updated: September 29, 2025

Your privacy matters to us. This Privacy Policy describes how we handle personal information when you use PetChip.

1) Who we are

This Privacy Policy explains how 2835524 Ontario Inc. d/b/a “PetChip” (“PetChip”, “we”, “us”) collects, uses, discloses, and protects personal information when you use petchip.ca and our related services (the “Services”). We operate in Canada and handle personal information in accordance with Canadian privacy laws, including PIPEDA.

2) What this policy covers

This policy applies to pet owners, breeders/sellers, veterinary partners, and finders who use Chip Lookup, create accounts, receive alerts, or otherwise interact with our Services.

3) Information we collect

We collect the following categories of information:

• Account & contact details (name, email, phone, postal address, emergency contact)

• Pet profile (name, species, breed, sex, colour/marks, photo, microchip ID)

• Registration & status (chip registration, ownership, transfer, Lost/Found flags)

• Finder-submitted details (name, phone/email) when a chip is looked up

• Transaction & subscription info (plan, renewal, billing metadata via Shopify/Stripe)

• Communications (emails, SMS preferences, support messages)

• Technical data (IP address, device/browser info, cookies/analytics events)

4) How we use information

We use personal information to:

• Provide and maintain the Services (register chips, display pet profiles, enable ownership updates)

• Send Instant Finder Alerts (SMS/email) when a chip is looked up, and share finder contact with the owner

• Display a Lost status to shelters/vets/partners for reunification

• Operate the Digital Vet Passport and reminders

• Process payments and manage subscriptions

• Communicate with you about your account, changes, and support

• Improve the Services (troubleshooting, analytics, preventing fraud/abuse)

5) When we share information

We share personal information only as needed to operate the Services and with your consent where required:

• With finders: when a chip is looked up, we send the owner an Instant Finder Alert including the finder’s contact; we may display limited owner contact to the finder for reunification.

• With shelters, veterinary clinics, and partner databases: we may flag chips as Lost and make limited registration details visible to assist reunification. Partner compatibility varies by system.

• With pet insurance partners (optional): if you request a quote, redeem a promotion, or opt in to receive pet‑insurance offers, we may share only the information needed to provide that service (e.g., your name, email, postal code, and relevant pet profile details such as species, breed, sex, and age). Partners may contact you to complete your request. We do not share payment credentials or veterinary records without your explicit consent.

• With service providers: hosting, email/SMS delivery, analytics, customer support, storefront and payments (e.g., Shopify, Stripe). Providers may process data outside Canada.

• With authorities or as required by law: to comply with legal requests, enforce our terms, or protect people, pets, and property.

We do not sell personal information.

6) SMS, email, and notifications

If you opt in, we send Instant Finder Alerts and essential account messages. Message and data rates may apply; frequency varies. You can opt out of SMS by replying STOP; you will still receive essential emails.

With your consent, we may also send promotional communications from PetChip or selected partners (e.g., pet‑insurance offers). You can opt out of marketing emails at any time via the unsubscribe link or by emailing info@petchip.ca.

7) Cookies and analytics

We use cookies and similar technologies to keep you signed in, remember preferences, and measure usage (e.g., aggregated analytics). You can control cookies via your browser settings. Blocking some cookies may affect site functionality.

8) Legal basis and consent (Canada)

We collect, use, and disclose personal information with your consent (express or implied) and for purposes a reasonable person would consider appropriate in the circumstances (e.g., to enable reunification of lost pets). You can withdraw consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions and reasonable notice.

9) Data retention

• Account & registration records: retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period afterward for audit, dispute resolution, and legal compliance.

• Finder alerts & lookup logs: generally retained up to 24 months, unless needed longer for safety, fraud prevention, or legal reasons.

• Transaction records: retained as required by tax and financial laws (often 7 years).

We delete or de‑identify data when it is no longer needed.

10) International transfers

Our service providers (e.g., hosting, payments, email/SMS) may process data outside your province or outside Canada (e.g., the United States). We take steps to protect personal information subject to applicable law, but it may be available to foreign authorities under local laws.

11) Security

We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information (e.g., encryption in transit, access controls). No system is completely secure; please keep your login safe and notify us promptly of any suspected compromise.

12) Your choices and rights

Subject to Canadian law, you have rights to access and request correction of your personal information in our custody or control, and to withdraw consent where applicable. You can update most information in your account at any time (including owner, address, and emergency contacts). To make an access/correction request, contact us at the email below.

13) Children

Our Services are intended for adults. If you are under the age of majority in your province, please use the Services only with a parent or guardian. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16 without appropriate consent.

14) Third‑party links & partner tools

Our Services may link to or embed third‑party sites and tools (e.g., partner databases, Shopify checkout). Their privacy practices are governed by their own policies.

15) Changes to this Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. Material changes will be posted on our site and/or sent to the email associated with your account. If you continue to use the Services after changes take effect, you agree to the updated Policy.

16) Contact us

For questions or to exercise your privacy rights, contact: 2835524 Ontario Inc. d/b/a “PetChip”

Email: info@petchip.ca

You may also contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada regarding concerns about our handling of personal information.