This policy explains what personal data Nearpaw collects when you use our website and app, why we collect it, and the rights you have over it. It is written in plain English. If anything is unclear, email support@nearpaw.co.uk.

Who we are

Nearpaw (“we”, “us”) operates a local pet-care marketplace in the United Kingdom, based in Milton Keynes. We are the data controller for the personal data described in this policy. Our contact details for privacy matters are at the end of this page.

What we collect

• Account details: name, email address, password (stored hashed), postcode and the approximate coordinates we derive from it for matching within your chosen radius.
• Sign-in with Google or Apple: when you choose this, the provider sends us your name, email address and (for Google) profile photo. We do not receive your provider password.
• Profile content: bio, profile photo, role (owner, sitter or both), matching radius and, for sitters, an intro video and availability.
• Pet profiles: the details you choose to add, which may include medical notes, medications, vaccinations and vet contact details.
• Marketplace activity: jobs, bids, bookings, messages, reviews and the care feed (photos, videos, notes, walk routes and report cards posted during a booking).
• Verification: the outcome of identity and DBS checks carried out by our verification partner. We store the result and a reference, not your identity document.
• Payments: processed by Stripe. We receive a payment reference and payout status; we never see or store full card numbers.
• Technical data: standard server logs (IP address, browser type, pages requested) kept for security and troubleshooting. We do not use advertising trackers or third-party analytics cookies.

Why we use it and our lawful bases

• To run the marketplace — creating your account, matching nearby owners and sitters, enabling bids, bookings, messaging and the care feed (performance of a contract).
• To keep pets and people safe — verification, reviews, dispute handling and fraud prevention (legitimate interests, and legal obligation where applicable).
• To take and pay out money — payments, platform fees and records required by UK tax law (contract and legal obligation).
• To tell you what is happening — service emails and push notifications about your bookings, bids and messages (contract). We only send marketing emails if you opt in, and you can opt out at any time.
• Pet-swap and location features — only when you opt in (consent, which you can withdraw in Settings).

Who can see your data

Other users see your first name, profile photo, bio, reviews, verification badges and your approximate distance from them — never your full address or exact coordinates. Once a booking is agreed, the owner and sitter can see each other’s full name and the pet’s care details, and may exchange contact details for the meet & greet.

We share data with service providers who act on our instructions and are bound by contract: our hosting and database providers, Stripe (payments and payouts), our identity-verification partner, email and push-notification providers, and our insurer when a claim is made. We may also disclose data where the law requires it.

International transfers

Some providers process data outside the UK. Where they do, we rely on the UK International Data Transfer Agreement, UK adequacy regulations or the provider’s equivalent safeguards.

How long we keep it

• Account and profile data: for as long as your account is open.
• Booking records, invoices and payout data: up to 6 years after the booking, as required by UK tax rules and for insurance claims.
• Messages and care-feed content: for the life of your account, then deleted within 30 days of closure unless needed for an open dispute or claim.
• Server logs: up to 90 days.

Your rights

Under UK GDPR you can ask us to access, correct, export or delete your personal data, to restrict or object to certain processing, and to withdraw consent where we rely on it. You can request account deletion from Settings → Delete your account in the app, or by emailing us. We respond within one month. You can also complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk.

Children

Nearpaw is for adults aged 18 and over. We do not knowingly collect data from children.

Changes

If we make material changes to this policy we will update the date above and notify you by email or in the app.

Contact

Nearpaw, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom · support@nearpaw.co.uk · Support