Privacy Policy

Effective: October 21, 2021

Last updated: October 21, 2025

1. Introduction

Alpha Paws Academy (“we”, “us”, “our”) respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect personal information of customers, website visitors, and others who interact with our services and site. This policy applies to visitors and users in the State of Maryland and to the operation of our business in Prince George’s County, MD.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information you give us and information collected automatically:

a. Information you provide: name, email, phone, billing & shipping address, pet’s name/age/breed, vaccination and vet records, photos you upload, referral codes, and payment information (partial/payment token).
b. Information we collect automatically: IP address, device/browser info, cookies and analytics about your visit and bookings.
c. Sensitive info: health or vaccination records for pets (collected only to provide services) and limited personal health details you supply about yourself only if needed for medical accommodations.

3. How We Use Information

We use personal data to: provide and manage bookings/boarding/training; process payments and refunds; communicate appointment confirmations, reminders, and marketing (with opt-out); comply with animal licensing and public-safety rules; and to detect and prevent fraud. We may also use data to improve services and perform analytics.

4. Legal Basis & Compliance

We process personal data to perform our contract with you (booking, boarding, treatments), to comply with legal obligations (e.g., health/vaccine checks, county kennel licensing rules), and for our legitimate business interests (service improvement and fraud prevention). For marketing communications we rely on consent where required.

Local compliance note: If we operate a kennel, holding facility, or boarding service in Prince George’s County, we must maintain applicable kennel/holding facility licenses and provide proof of pet vaccinations and meet county standards for animal care. We may collect pet vaccination records to satisfy those requirements. Prince George's County Animal Licensing

5. Data Sharing & Third Parties

We share personal information only as needed: payment processors (for charges/refunds), third-party booking platforms (when you book through them), veterinary providers (with your authorization or in an emergency), analytics providers, and legal authorities if required. We do not sell your personal information.

6. Data Security & Retention

We take commercially reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to safeguard personal data. We retain personal data for as long as necessary to provide services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.

7. Data Breach Procedures & Notice (Maryland)

If we discover a breach of security affecting personal information of Maryland residents, we will follow Maryland law for notification: we will notify affected individuals and, where required, notify the Maryland Attorney General as required by Maryland’s breach-notification statutes and guidance. Notification will be made as soon as practicable after discovery, consistent with our legal obligations. Maryland General Assembly Commercial Law

8. Your Rights

Subject to applicable law, Maryland residents may have rights to access, correct, delete, or obtain a copy of their personal data. Where required by law, we will honor requests to opt out of targeted marketing. (Note: new Maryland Online Data Privacy Act (MODPA) provisions effective Oct 1, 2025 may create additional rights for Maryland residents; we will update this policy as required.) White & Case+1

9. Children

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. If you are a parent or guardian and believe we have collected personal data from a child under 13, contact us to request deletion.

10. Cookies & Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies for site functionality and analytics. You can control cookie preferences through your browser; disabling certain cookies may limit website features.

11. How to Contact Us

For privacy questions, data-access requests, or to report concerns:
Alpha Paws Academy
Email: info@alphapawsacademy.com
Phone: (301) 327-4267

12. Updates to This Policy

We will post changes here with an updated “Last updated” date. If material changes affect your rights, we will provide more prominent notice as required by law.