Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

mChip™ Microchip Registry ("we," "us," "our," or "mChip") is committed to protecting your privacy and the privacy of your pet's information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you use our pet microchip registry service and related services (collectively, the "Service").

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We collect the following types of personal information:

• Contact Information: Name, address, phone numbers, email address
• Emergency Contact Information: Names, phone numbers, and addresses of alternate contacts
• Account Information: Username, encrypted password, account preferences
• Payment Information: Billing address and payment method details (processed securely through third-party payment processors)

2.2 Pet Information

• Identification Data: Microchip identification number, pet name, species, breed, color, size, age
• Medical Information: Veterinary contact information, medical conditions, special needs
• Photos: Pet photos for identification purposes
• Registration Data: Registration date, veterinary clinic or facility where microchip was implanted

2.3 Usage and Technical Information

• Log Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, access times, pages viewed
• Search Data: Microchip ID lookup queries and results
• Device Information: Device type, unique device identifiers, mobile network information
• Cookies and Tracking: Information collected through cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Collect Information

• Direct Collection: Information you provide when registering, updating profiles, or contacting us
• Veterinary Partners: Information provided by veterinarians, animal shelters, and rescue organizations
• Automatic Collection: Information collected automatically through your use of our Service
• Third-Party Sources: Information from microchip manufacturers and authorized distributors

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

• Pet Identification and Recovery: To facilitate the identification and return of lost pets to their owners
• Service Provision: To provide, maintain, and improve our microchip registry services
• Account Management: To create and manage user accounts, process registrations, and handle billing
• Communication: To send important notifications, updates, and respond to inquiries
• Emergency Response: To contact you or emergency contacts when your pet is found
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes
• Service Improvement: To analyze usage patterns and improve our services
• Security: To protect against fraud, unauthorized access, and other security threats

5. Messaging Terms and Conditions

By providing your phone number and agreeing to receive texts, you consent to receive text messages from mChip regarding a lost pet. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message frequency varies. Message & data rates may apply. You can reply STOP to unsubscribe at any time or HELP for assistance. You can also contact us at support@mchip.org. Mobile opt-in information is never shared with third parties.

6. Information Sharing and Disclosure

6.1 Authorized Disclosures

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Pet Recovery Services: With veterinarians, animal shelters, rescue organizations, and animal control facilities to facilitate pet identification and return
• Emergency Situations: When necessary to protect the health, safety, or welfare of pets or individuals
• Veterinary Care: With veterinarians providing care to your pet (with appropriate authorization)
• Law Enforcement: When required by law or in response to valid legal requests

6.2 Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:

• Payment processing and billing services
• Data hosting and cloud storage services
• Email and communication services
• Customer support and technical assistance
• Security and fraud prevention services

These service providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.

6.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, or bankruptcy, your information may be transferred to the successor entity, subject to the same privacy protections outlined in this policy.

7. Data Security

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption: Data is encrypted in transit and at rest using industry-standard encryption protocols
• Access Controls: Strict access controls limit who can view and modify your information
• Authentication: Secure login procedures
• Regular Audits: Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Staff Training: Comprehensive privacy and security training for all personnel
• Incident Response: Established procedures for responding to security incidents

While we strive to protect your information using industry-best practices, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but commit to promptly addressing any security incidents.

8. Data Retention

We retain your information as follows:

• Active Accounts: Information is retained while your account remains active
• Inactive Accounts: Information may be retained for up to 7 years after account inactivity
• Pet Registry Data: Microchip registration data is retained indefinitely to facilitate pet recovery
• Legal Requirements: Some information may be retained longer to comply with legal obligations
• Legitimate Interests: Information may be retained for legitimate business purposes such as fraud prevention

You may request deletion of your account and associated information, subject to our legitimate business needs and legal requirements.

9. Your Privacy Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to limitations)
• Portability: Request a copy of your information in a portable format
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing under certain circumstances
• Objection: Object to certain types of processing
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for processing based on consent

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 14. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

10. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Maintain user sessions and authentication
• Remember user preferences and settings
• Analyze website usage and performance
• Improve user experience and service functionality

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our Service.

11. Third-Party Links and Services

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites or integrate with third-party services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to third-party websites or services. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

12. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not directed to children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information.

13. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information during international transfers.

14. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:

15. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of material changes by email or through a prominent notice on our Service. The updated policy will be effective as of the date posted. Your continued use of our Service after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

16. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information is collected, used, shared, or sold
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising CCPA rights

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@mchip.org with "California Privacy Rights" in the subject line.

17. European Union Privacy Rights

If you are located in the European Union, you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including those outlined in Section 8 of this policy. Our lawful basis for processing your information includes consent, contract performance, legitimate interests, and legal compliance. You have the right to lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority.